Article
Fisheries
Angela Sardo, Rachele Rossi, Vittorio Soprano, Patrizia Ciminiello, Ernesto Fattorusso, Paola Cirino, Adriana Zingone
Summary: Blooms of the toxic dinoflagellates Ostreopsis are common along rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea, causing health concerns for beach-goers and benthic marine animals used for human consumption. Research indicates that the relationships between Ostreopsis and benthic invertebrates are complex, with the balance between toxicity and animal health depending on the mode and intensity of exposure. Different responses of benthic populations to O. cf. ovata blooms were observed in affected areas, and detoxification of naturally toxic populations took more than two weeks.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Vladimir Dobal, Pilar Suarez, Yolanda Ruiz, Oscar Garcia-Martin, Fuencisla San Juan
Summary: This study analyzed the antioxidant enzymes response of Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to a tar mixture, revealing tissue-specific differences in response to oxidative species. The study found that gills have high affinity for reactive species, while digestive gland and mantle tissue have high antioxidant efficiency. Most enzymes showed dose-and time dependent response to tar exposure, with influence of dose-time interaction. The results suggest that the integrated antioxidant response of different organs from bioindicator species is important in toxicological studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuaishuai Wei, Bingyan Sun, Chunhua Liu, Inna Sokolova, Khor Waiho, James K. H. Fang, Hanting Song, Jianhang Shi, Yueyong Shang, Zhe Xie, Menghong Hu, Youji Wang
Summary: Nano-TiO2 can act as a carrier for organic compounds, posing a potential threat to marine ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of n-TiO2 and PCP on mussels in the presence of their natural predator. The results showed interactive effects on antioxidant and immune parameters, indicating an imbalance in the antioxidant system and immune stress induced by the exposure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. M. Goncalves, M. Benedetti, G. d'Errico, F. Regoli, M. J. Bebianno
Summary: Concerns about plastic pollution and toxicity towards animals and people are increasing. Polystyrene (PS), a commonly used plastic polymer, ends up in the marine environment through illegal dumping, improper waste management, and lack of treatment. Nanoplastics (<1000 nm) have gained interest due to their small size that allows them to cross cellular boundaries and cause toxic effects. This study examined the cellular viability and acute toxicity of PS nano-plastics (PS-NPs) on Mytilus galloprovincialis haemocytes and Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria, as well as the neurotoxic effects and uptake of PS-NPs in mussel tissues. The results showed decreased cellular viability and significant neurotoxic effects, with PS-NPs being ingested primarily through the gills and then translocated throughout the mussel's body. The ingestion of PS-NPs compromised digestive gland function and reproductive success. The study provides a synthetic assessment of cellular hazard from PS-NPs based on weighted criteria and previous data on cellular biomarkers.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
A. Panebianco, M. Rey-Campos, A. Romero, A. P. Diz, B. Novoa, A. Figueras
Summary: Haemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis are the main component of the internal self-defence system. The haemocytes in the intervalvar liquid share common characteristics with haemolymph haemocytes but also show significant differences in size, mobility, ROS production, and gene expression. These free intervalvar haemocytes could constitute the first line of defence as external sentinels.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. G. Parisi, A. Giacoletti, C. Mandaglio, M. Cammarata, G. Sara
Summary: Anthropogenic pressure interacts with climate change effects and other stressors on marine biota, causing negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Impairment of individual functional traits can lead to ecological consequences, and a multiscale approach is necessary to monitor the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on ecosystem functioning.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Lucemberg Sales Faustino, Fernando Ramos Queiroga, Helene Hegaret, Luis Fernando Marques-Santos, Raquel A. F. Neves, Silvia Nascimento, Patricia Mirella da Silva
Summary: Oyster production in Brazil is directly impacted by the quality of the environment, with harmful algal blooms, particularly O. cf. ovata, affecting oyster physiology and defense mechanisms. The study shows that C. gasar oysters are resilient to P. lima exposure but more susceptible to O. cf. ovata, which impairs oyster physiology and defense mechanisms, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to parasite infections.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Xiaochen Zhu, Penny Miller-Ezzy, Mark Gluis, Jianguang Qin, Youhong Tang, Yibing Liu, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoxu Li
Summary: This study investigated the effect of adding lipids and antioxidants on the survival rate of frozen mussel oocytes. The results showed that supplementing phospholipids or antioxidants in the base cryoprotectant agent significantly increased the survival rate of mussel larvae. Additionally, adding salmon lipid extract resulted in the highest survival rate and increased the number of mussel spat.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manon Auguste, Teresa Balbi, Angelica Miglioli, Stefano Alberti, Sonja Prandi, Riccardo Narizzano, Annalisa Salis, Gianluca Damonte, Laura Canesi
Summary: In the absence of standard methods for detecting/quantifying nanoplastics in environmental samples, commercial nanopolymers are used as substitutes in toxicity testing and environmental risk assessment. Different amino modified PS-NH2 showed distinct behavior and biological responses in exposure media, with smaller sized PS-NH2 generally exhibiting stronger effects due to less agglomeration and higher positive charge.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eva Ternon, Olivier P. Thomas, Rodolphe Lemee, William H. Gerwick
Summary: This study assessed the stability of toxic polyketides produced by the dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata in seawater. The results revealed rapid biotic transformation and photolysis of these compounds. The identification and characterization of the transformation products require further investigation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sabrine Afsa, Giuseppe De Marco, Antonio Cristaldi, Alessia Giannetto, Mariachiara Galati, Barbara Bille, Gea Oliveri Conti, Hedi ben Mansour, Margherita Ferrante, Tiziana Cappello
Summary: This study assessed the effects of caffeine and salicylic acid on mussels. Caffeine increased oxidative stress while salicylic acid reduced ROS production. The combined exposure of caffeine and salicylic acid resulted in different responses, with salicylic acid showing more pronounced effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rodrigo Alvarez-Ruiz, Yolanda Pico, Julian Campo
Summary: This study assessed the bioaccumulation of 20 chemical substances catalogued as ECs in Mytilus galloprovincialis, showing the accumulation of certain substances in the visceral mass and haemolymph of mussels, with MPs acting as a vector for the accumulation of PFASs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riccardo Frizzo, Enrico Bortoletto, Tobia Riello, Luigi Leanza, Elisabetta Schievano, Paola Venier, Stefano Mammi
Summary: The hemolymph metabolome of Mytilus galloprovincialis injected with live Vibrio splendidus bacteria showed significant changes in metabolites related to osmoregulation and aerobic respiration. Injection of Vibrio splendidus caused a decrease in amino acids and sugars in mussels acclimated at 18 degrees C, with dynamic metabolic adjustments observed in response to stressful stimuli. NMR-based metabolomics is confirmed as a feasible analytical approach complementary to other omics techniques for studying mussel responses to environmental challenges.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deliang Yu, Zheng Peng, Huifeng Wu, Xiaoying Zhang, Chenglong Ji, Xiao Peng
Summary: In this study, differentially expressed miRNAs in blue mussels exposed to cadmium were identified through small RNA sequencing. The research revealed significant changes in the expression of known and novel miRNAs, as well as target genes related to immune defense, apoptosis, lipid and xenobiotic metabolism under Cd stress. This study provides insights into the role of miRNAs in mollusk species under environmental stress, particularly in response to heavy metal exposure.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Stefano Accoroni, Marika Ubaldi, Simone Bacchiocchi, Francesca Neri, Melania Siracusa, Maria Giovanna Buonomo, Alessandra Campanelli, Cecilia Totti
Summary: The bioaccumulation of OVTX toxins in mussels was found to be correlated with the abundance of Ostreopsis during blooms. The study suggests that the Italian guidelines for managing Ostreopsis blooms are effective in preventing human intoxication through mussel contamination.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Marica Mezzelani, Francesco Regoli
Summary: Environmental pharmaceuticals pose a growing threat to marine ecosystems, as the complex mixtures of these substances can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. This review summarizes the main pathways affected by common environmental pharmaceuticals and highlights the complex interactions between these substances and cellular targets and metabolic pathways.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linda Y. Tseng, ChanJu You, Cecilia Vu, Matthew K. Chistolini, Catherine Y. Wang, Kristen Mast, Florence Luo, Pitiporn Asvapathanagul, Phillip B. Gedalanga, Anna Laura Eusebi, Stefania Gorbi, Lucia Pittura, Francesco Fatone
Summary: This study investigated the impact of plastic size and type on the adsorption of commonly found contaminants, finding that macro-PS had the fastest adsorption rate for ACE. The adsorption equilibrium and mass fraction of CECs were found to be independent of plastic size and chemical hydrophobicity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giulia Lucia, Maria Elisa Giuliani, Giuseppe d'Errico, Emily Booms, Maura Benedetti, Marta Di Carlo, Daniele Fattorini, Stefania Gorbi, Francesco Regoli
Summary: Cigarette butts (CBs) are a common form of litter on beaches and represent an unexplored environmental threat. This study investigated the toxicological risks of CBs on marine organisms through chemical analyses and a variety of biological responses. The results showed that CBs released trace metals, hydrocarbons, nicotine, and cotinine, which significantly impacted bacterial bioluminescence, oyster embryo development, and algal growth. Laboratory experiments on mussels exposed to CBs also revealed accumulation of chemicals and significant alterations in immune, antioxidant, and neurotoxic responses.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Simone Bacchiocchi, Debora Campacci, Melania Siracusa, Alessandra Dubbini, Stefano Accoroni, Tiziana Romagnoli, Alessandra Campanelli, Francesco Griffoni, Tamara Tavoloni, Stefania Gorbi, Cecilia Totti, Arianna Piersanti
Summary: Wild mussels in the Adriatic Sea of Italy are contaminated with Tetrodotoxins (TTXs), possibly due to the presence of Vibrio alginolyticus strain and phytoplankton. Further investigation is needed to determine the role of these factors as sources of contamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martina Cecchetto, Luca Peruzza, Elisa Giubilato, Ilaria Bernardini, Giulia Dalla Rovere, Antonio Marcomini, Francesco Regoli, Luca Bargelloni, Tomaso Patarnello, Elena Semenzin, Massimo Milan
Summary: The cost of RNA-sequencing has decreased, allowing for new insights into the adverse effects of chemicals on aquatic organisms. However, the qualitative application of transcriptomics in environmental risk assessments limits its effectiveness. In this study, a quantitative methodology is proposed to elaborate transcriptional data in support of environmental risk assessment. The methodology uses Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to calculate a hazard index based on changes in gene sets and physiological reactions. This approach has proven to effectively discriminate different levels of altered transcriptomic responses and can be applied to other aquatic species.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maj Arnberg, Gro Harlaug Refseth, Ian John Allan, Maura Benedetti, Francesco Regoli, Luca Tassara, Kjetil Sagerup, Magnus Drivdal, Ole Anders Nost, Anita Evenset, Pernilla Carlsson
Summary: A study investigated the potential negative impacts of the delousing treatment used in aquaculture on the marine environment. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the acute and sublethal effects of exposure on northern shrimp. Environmental concentrations were determined by water sampling and sediment analysis. Ecotoxicological analyses revealed high sensitivity of the shrimp to the delousing treatment, and field measurements and modeling predicted concentrations that could cause negative effects on the shrimp up to a certain distance from the point of release.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Francesca Neri, Tiziana Romagnoli, Stefano Accoroni, Marika Ubaldi, Angela Garzia, Andrea Pizzuti, Alessandra Campanelli, Federica Grilli, Mauro Marini, Cecilia Totti
Summary: This study compared two long-term phytoplankton time series in the Northern Adriatic Sea and found that the coastal station was more variable and influenced by the Western Adriatic Current and riverine inputs. The offshore phytoplankton community showed higher biodiversity due to its more oligotrophic condition. Graph-network analysis was a useful tool to study the phytoplankton community. Evaluating the Good Environmental Status should consider oceanographic differences and use multiple statistical approaches.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Cau, Pankaj A. Gorule, Andrea Bellodi, Ester Carreras-Colom, Davide Moccia, Lucia Pittura, Francesco Regoli, Maria Cristina Follesa
Summary: This study compares microplastic contamination in two crustaceans, the European spiny lobster and the langoustine. Samples were collected from four sites in west Sardinia, Italy. The results show that both species are 100% contaminated with microplastics, with the spiny lobster being significantly more contaminated. The scavenging-based feeding strategy of these species could explain their exposure to microplastics, which are mostly derived from single-use plastic.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marica Mezzelani, Luca Peruzza, Giuseppe d'Errico, Massimo Milan, Stefania Gorbi, Francesco Regoli
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between two commonly detected pharmaceuticals in marine species: carbamazepine (CBZ) and valsartan (VAL). The results revealed complex mechanisms that modulate bioaccumulation, excretion, and toxicity. The gene expression, neurotransmission, cell cycle, immune responses, and redox homeostasis were affected by the drugs. The Weight of Evidence model showed a higher reactivity of CBZ compared to VAL and antagonistic interactions between the compounds, resulting in reduced effectiveness when combined with valsartan. Overall, this study provides new perspectives for the comprehensive risk assessment of environmental pharmaceutical mixtures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lorenzo Morroni, Arnold Rakaj, Luca Grosso, Gaia Flori, Alessandra Fianchini, David Pellegrini, Francesco Regoli
Summary: Echinoderms, particularly sea urchins and sea cucumbers, are important in marine ecosystems and are widely used as biological indicators due to their sensitivity to stressors. However, there is limited knowledge about the comparative responsiveness of sea cucumbers. This study aimed to investigate the responsiveness of different echinoderm species to environmental pollution and found species-specific sensitivities to pollutants. Sea cucumbers were found to be more sensitive than sea urchins when exposed to contaminated sediments. These findings suggest that using different echinoderm species in bioassays can provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of contaminants in ecotoxicological studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Reboa, Giovanni Besio, Laura Cutroneo, Irene Geneselli, Stefania Gorbi, Alessandro Nardi, Maria Elena Piccione, Francesco Regoli, Marco Capello
Summary: The EU Interreg Project GEREMIA compared the Port of Genoa and the S'Ena Arrubia fishpond, finding higher levels of contamination in the port area in terms of trace metals, organic compound exposure, and tissue damage. The study highlights the importance of using multidisciplinary approaches and different types of analyses to understand both the presence and effects of contaminants in marine environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Silvana Manske Nunes, Marcelo Estrella Josende, Daniele Fattorini, Francesco Regoli, Jose Maria Monserrat, Juliane Ventura-Lima
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of exposure to microplastics and arsenic on the accumulation, metabolism, and oxidative stress parameters in freshwater clams. The results showed that microplastics disrupted the redox state and increased the accumulation of toxic compounds in the clams, while also inducing a pro-oxidant effect.
TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federica Cacciatore, Ginevra Moltedo, Valentina Bernarello, Malgorzata Formalewicz, Barbara Catalano, Giacomo Martuccio, Maura Benedetti, Maria Teresa Berducci, Giulio Sesta, Gianluca Franceschini, Daniela Berto, Chiara Maggi, Francesco Regoli, Massimo Gabellini, Claudia Virno Lamberti
Summary: This study conducted a three-year environmental monitoring in Vallona lagoon in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy), investigating the bioaccumulation of metals and chemicals in Manila clams and their impact on the biological responses. The results showed that the contamination problems in the area worsened during the pipeline burial, mainly attributed to the works rather than the general condition of the area.
Article
Water Resources
Lucia Pittura, Tamara Tavoloni, Lucia Ventura, Arianna Stramenga, Giuseppe d'Errico, Giovanni Lo Vaglio, Francesco Regoli, Arianna Piersanti, Stefania Gorbi
Summary: Microplastics and brominated flame retardants pose a synergic threat to aquatic environments and organisms' health, particularly impacting food quality and safety for commercial species. This study assessed the ingestion of microplastics, levels of PBDEs and HBCDs in organisms from two lakes in Central Italy, finding a relationship between microplastic ingestion and bioaccumulation of flame retardants.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2022)
Article
Biology
Maura Benedetti, Maria Elisa Giuliani, Marica Mezzelani, Alessandro Nardi, Lucia Pittura, Stefania Gorbi, Francesco Regoli
Summary: This review summarizes the challenges of oxidative stress posed by emerging environmental stressors to marine organisms. By discussing oxidative pathways, signaling proteins, and transcription factors involved, it highlights the questions that need to be addressed in future marine ecotoxicology research.
