Article
Environmental Sciences
Pere Monras-Riera, Carlos Angulo-Preckler, Conxita Avila
Summary: Microdebris are present in the Southern Ocean, and this study assessed the distribution and composition of microdebris in two bays of Livingston Island. The results indicate that nearshore waters of Livingston Island are susceptible to the accumulation and retention of microdebris, with local activities being the main source of contamination.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Ioannis Rallis, Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou, Marta Florido, Francisco Sedano, Avgi Procopiou, Melina Chertz-Bynichaki, Emmanouela Vernadou, Wanda Plaiti, Panayota Koulouri, Costas Dounas, Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Thanos Dailianis
Summary: This study aims to provide quantitative data on the early settlement progress of macrofaunal benthic assemblages developing on artificial reefs. The results show that macroalgae consistently dominate in terms of coverage, while sessile invertebrates display different patterns over the years. Ecological succession is ongoing, and further improvement in monitoring methodology is needed for a more accurate assessment of community composition.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. G. Dimov, T. Strateva
Summary: This study investigated the spread of antimicrobial resistance determinants (ARD) in a gentoo penguin and an Antarctic fur seal on Livingston Island. The results showed the presence of glycopeptide resistance genes in both samples, and additional resistance genes in the penguin's sample. These findings suggest a potential ocean pollution with antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB).
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Vodopivez, A. Curtosi, E. Pelletier, R. Saint-Louis, L. U. Spairani, E. A. Hernandez, A. Zakrajsek, A. Genez, W. P. Mac Cormack
Summary: The Northern region of the Antarctic Peninsula has the highest human presence in West Antarctica, which poses a potential risk of chemical pollution. This study conducted monitoring of POPs in surface sediment to evaluate the environmental status of this ecologically relevant and sensitive area. Although some evidence of pollution was found in certain areas, a clear pollution pattern was not identified.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ivan R. A. Laurino, Thiago Z. Serafini, Tania M. Costa, Ronaldo A. Christofoletti
Summary: The study evaluated the distribution of estuarine macrofauna in Marine Protected Areas in southeastern Brazil, exploring the effects of salinity and sediment properties on taxa richness. Through discussions with stakeholders, management proposals were made to address the threats posed by predicted rainfall increase to ecosystem services.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose E. Celis, Winfred Espejo, Gustavo Chiang, Daiki Kitamura, Elvira Vergara, Shosaku Kashiwada, Nelson J. O'Driscoll
Summary: Pinnipeds are found to act as biovector organisms of trace elements and rare earth elements through feces in remote environments. Further studies are needed to explore their actual impacts and long-term fate in the environment.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Klaas Fiete Krutein, Jennifer McGowan, Anne Goodchild
Summary: This paper focuses on the understudied problem of island evacuation, particularly for islands without permanent road connections to the mainland. It presents a collaborative approach that optimizes the evacuation plan for Bowen Island in Canada and involves a broad range of stakeholders. The results show that the evacuation time depends on various factors and can be accelerated by temporary staging areas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cataixa Lopez, Maria Bas-Silvestre, Adriana Rodriguez, Alberto Brito, Sabrina Clemente
Summary: In a subtropical region, Palythoa colonies of different habitation affinities were significantly affected by predicted temperature and pH conditions for the year 2100, with growth rates being most affected by lowered pH. Despite exhibiting bleaching symptoms under high temperature, a decrease in chlorophyll content was also observed at low pH conditions. Predation rates by Platypodiella picta crabs decreased on P. aff. clavata colonies exposed to acidic conditions, compensating for the species' lowered ecological performance, while P. picta continued to actively feed on P. caribaeorum colonies regardless of the experimental conditions. This study demonstrated that Palythoa species' survival is negatively impacted by low pH, suggesting potential changes in their populations if they are unable to acclimatize to new conditions, although decreased predation rates could help mitigate these effects.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Graciele C. A. De Menezes, Barbara A. Porto, Gerusa A. Radicchi, Fernanda C. Soares, Andres Zarankin, Luiz H. Rosa
Summary: This study identified fungi on archaeological sealers' artifacts from the 19th century on Livingston Island in Antarctica. Various types of fungi were found, some likely contaminated during laboratory processes, while others were cold-tolerant and could continue growing on the objects at low temperatures. Preventive measures should be taken to avoid microbial contamination and preserve the Antarctic archaeological heritage.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dimitrios Damalas, Caterina Stamouli, Nikolaos Fotiadis, Maria Kikeri, Vasiliki Kousteni, Danai Mantopoulou-Palouka
Summary: Gyaros island has a partial Marine Protected Area (MPA) status that allows small-scale fishing with restrictions. An experimental fishing survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the MPA, and the results show higher species diversity and abundance within the protected area. However, there are concerns about the size of key predator species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christina Braun, Jan Esefeld, Larisa Savelieva, Hans-Ulrich Peter
Summary: The Antarctic and Southern Ocean are experiencing rapid environmental changes and increasing anthropogenic impacts, with seabird populations serving as indicators of these changes. Long-term monitoring data on cape petrel populations from 1985 to 2020 on the Fildes Peninsula in the Maritime Antarctic suggest a significant decrease in population beginning in 2008, mainly attributed to reduced food availability rather than anthropogenic disturbance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ralitsa Zidarova, Plamen Ivanov, Nina Dzhembekova, Myriam de Haan, Bart van de Vijver
Summary: During a survey in the Maritime Antarctic Region, two new marine benthic diatom species were discovered. Through detailed observation and comparison with existing literature, it was determined that these species were previously unidentified. The findings contribute to a better understanding of diatom diversity in the region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
John L. Smellie, Richard J. Hunt, William C. Mcintosh, Richard P. Esser
Summary: The volcanic outcrops on the east coast of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, are mainly Eocene in age, with compositional contrasts between calc-alkaline and tholeiitic groups. These formations are mainly composed of lavas, interbedded with sedimentary rocks possibly linked to explosive hydrovolcanic eruptions, highlighting evidence of contemporary inundation by water and flooding events. The presence of juvenile volcanic detritus suggests a potential connection to eruptive activities, but the existence of Eocene ice on King George Island remains uncertain.
Article
Ecology
Paulo Eduardo Aguiar Saraiva Camara, Micheline Carvalho-Silva, Otavio H. B. Pinto, Eduardo T. Amorim, Diego Knop Henriques, Thamar Holanda da Silva, Franciane Pellizzari, Peter Convey, Luiz Henrique Rosa
Summary: This study used DNA metabarcoding to assess uncultured algal diversity at two sites on Deception Island, Antarctica, finding significant differences in algal diversity, richness, and abundance between a protected site and a site heavily impacted by human activities. The presence of DNA from non-native species raises concerns about how human impacts may affect future biological colonization processes in Antarctica.
Article
Oceanography
O. S. Mekhova, D. A. Smirnova, E. G. Morozov, S. A. Ostroumova, D. I. Frey
Summary: This article analyzes internal waves based on measurements on cruise 87 of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in the Bransfield Strait near Half Moon Island and calculations using a numerical model. The measurements were conducted on January 25, 2022 over 4 hours using sensors for temperature and pressure, along with CTD probe measurements. The results show that the amplitude of the internal waves was around 5 meters, reaching up to 15 meters at times, as indicated by temperature fluctuations observed from the sensors. Numerical calculations reveal that the baroclinic tide generated on a steep slope breaks up into higher frequency waves.
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Di Giglio, A. Aguera, Ph Pernet, S. M'Zoudi, C. Angulo-Preckler, C. Avila, Ph Dubois
Summary: Antarctic surface waters are expected to be the first to experience severe ocean acidification, with marine organisms in this region hypothesized as highly vulnerable to these environmental shifts. The natural pH gradient generated by vent activities in Deception Island caldera was used to investigate acid-base physiologies and impacts on the sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri for the first time.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Kathrin Busch, Sergi Taboada, Ana Riesgo, Vasiliki Koutsouveli, Pilar Rios, Javier Cristobo, Andre Franke, Klaus Getzlaff, Christina Schmidt, Arne Biastoch, Ute Hentschel
Summary: This study analysed the population genetics of deep-sea sponge clades and assessed their host microbiomes by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It found overall genetic uniformity in the sponge clades, but subtle genetic differences between them on small spatial scales. The Lagrangian model suggested strong larval retention in the study area with varying inter-annual connectivity via currents.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Sergi Taboada, Ana Serra Silva, Cristina Diez-Vives, Lenka Neal, Javier Cristobo, Pilar Rios, Jon Thomassen Hestetun, Brett Clark, Maria Eleonora Rossi, Juan Junoy, Joan Navarro, Ana Riesgo
Summary: The North Atlantic deep-water polynoid worm Neopolynoe chondrocladiae has a unique symbiotic relationship with two sponge hosts, and it is suggested that the worm may use bioluminescence to attract prey, potentially benefiting both the sponge and the polynoid in a mutualistic relationship.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Alex Cranston, Sergi Taboada, Vasiliki Koutsouveli, Astrid Schuster, Ana Riesgo
Summary: Self-splicing mitochondrial introns are rare in animals, with this study describing one found in only certain populations of the sponge Phakellia robusta in the North-east Atlantic. The intron was only present in shallow populations spanning from Ireland to Norway, possibly linked to past hybridization events. Further analysis is needed to determine the evolutionary significance and potential adaptive advantages of this intron for the species.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura Llorach-Pares, Alfons Nonell-Canals, Conxita Avila, Melchor Sanchez-Martinez
Summary: Computer-aided drug design techniques can be applied to the study of marine natural products, unlocking their therapeutic potential, reducing the amount of natural products required, and simplifying the research process.
Article
Oceanography
Sergi Taboada, Pilar Rios, Alex Mitchell, Alex Cranston, Kathrin Busch, Vanina Tonzo, Paco Cardenas, Francisco Sanchez, Carlos Leiva, Vasiliki Koutsouveli, Javier Cristobo, Joana R. Xavier, Ute Hentschel, Hans-Tore Rapp, Christine Morrow, Jim Drewery, Pedro E. Romero, Connie Whiting, Ana Riesgo, Maria Belen Arias
Summary: Deep-sea North Atlantic sponge grounds play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. A study on two congeneric sponge species revealed their genetic diversity, molecular connectivity patterns, and the occurrence of hybridization, highlighting the importance of next-generation techniques for conservation efforts.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rafael P. Martin-Martin, Marta Carcedo-Fores, Pablo Camacho-Bolos, Cristina Garcia-Aljaro, Carlos Angulo-Preckler, Conxita Avila, Jordi Rull Lluch, Amelia Gomez Garreta
Summary: Seaweeds contain secondary metabolites with multiple functions. The chemical ecology of Antarctic seaweeds is less understood, so we conducted a screening of antibiotic activity using extracts from 22 Antarctic macroalgae species. The results showed that red seaweeds inhibited more microorganisms compared to brown seaweeds, with lipophilic fractions being more active. The study contributes to understanding the chemical interactions between Antarctic seaweeds and microorganisms, as well as the potential pharmacological applications of seaweed extracts.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ened Rodriguez-Urgelles, Anna Sancho-Balsells, Wanqi Chen, Laura Lopez-Molina, Ivan Ballasch, Ignacio del Castillo, Conxita Avila, Jordi Alberch, Albert Giralt
Summary: In this study, we found that meridianins can inhibit neural GSK3 beta in the 5xFAD mouse model and such inhibition leads to improvements in cognitive function and neuroinflammation.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carlos Leiva, Ana Riesgo, David Combosch, Maria Belen Arias, Gonzalo Giribet, Rachel Downey, Nathan James Kenny, Sergi Taboada
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of using a multispecies and multilocus approach in the design of marine protected areas (MPAs), specifically in the Southern Ocean. The results highlight the role of the South Orkney Islands in connecting the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands MPA with the Western Antarctic Peninsula, emphasizing the need for the implementation of the proposed MPA.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Belen Arias, Katherine Hartle-Mougiou, Sergi Taboada, Alfried Vogler, Ana Riesgo, Samia Elfekih
Summary: Invasive species, such as the Mediterranean medfly, pose significant threats to food security and agriculture. Using DNA sequencing and microbiome analysis, this study identified distinct genetic clusters in the introduced range of the medfly, with unique microbiome composition in Brazilian specimens. These findings improve our understanding of medfly invasions and their adaptation to new environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manuel Dall'Osto, Ana Sotomayor-Garcia, Miguel Cabrera-Brufau, Elisa Berdalet, Dolors Vaque, Sebastian Zeppenfeld, Manuela van Pinxteren, Hartmut Herrmann, Heike Wex, Matteo Rinaldi, Marco Paglione, David Beddows, Roy Harrison, Conxita Avila, Rafael P. Martin-Martin, Jiyeon Park, Andres Barbosa
Summary: The warming in the Antarctic Peninsula is causing significant impacts on the cryosphere and ecosystems. The coastal systems are highly diverse and influenced by Antarctic seaweeds and bird colonies. Laboratory experiments showed that different leachates from seaweeds and penguin guano had either suppressing or enhancing effects on aerosol particle production, with the guano leachate resulting in high ice nucleating particles. Further studies on ocean-atmosphere coupling are needed to understand the poorly understood climate feedback processes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Conxita Avila, Xavier Bunuel, Francesc Carmona, Albert Cotado, Oriol Sacristan-Soriano, Carlos Angulo-Preckler
Summary: Many Antarctic marine benthic macroinvertebrates are chemically protected against predation, but the arrival of alien species poses a significant threat to these communities. Research suggests that the chemical defenses of Antarctic species are effective against local amphipod predators but not against non-native crab species. This could potentially alter the fundamental nature of these communities and pose a huge threat to Antarctic marine benthos.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eva C. D. Stewart, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Sergi Taboada, Helena Wiklund, Ascensao Ravara, Ellen Pape, Bart De Smet, Lenka Neal, Marina R. R. Cunha, Daniel O. B. Jones, Craig R. R. Smith, Adrian G. G. Glover, Thomas G. G. Dahlgren
Summary: This study used a DNA taxonomy approach to investigate regional-scale patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity and genetic connectivity of the dominant macrofaunal group (annelids) in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The results showed that species diversity of polychaetes in the CCZ is high relative to other deep-sea regions, and environmental filtering may play a significant role in regulating spatial patterns of biodiversity in this area.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jennifer Vazquez, Ana Maria Mislata, Victor Vendrell, Carlos Moro, Sergi de Lamo, Raul Ferrer-Gallego, Imma Andorra
Summary: The use of indigenous yeasts improves the aroma and flavor of wines, contributing to the unique typicity of the wine region. This study identified and characterized autochthonous yeasts from Verdejo grape juice and found that wines inoculated with these indigenous yeasts had higher sensory scores for fruit aromas and overall rating.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicolas Pala, Begona Jimenez, Jose L. Roscales, Marco Bertolino, Davide Baroni, Blanca Figuerola, Conxita Avila, Simonetta Corsolini
Summary: Antarctic benthic organisms, especially sponges, have been found to bioaccumulate persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, the role and contamination levels of sponges in Antarctica have been largely overlooked. This study evaluated the bioaccumulation of legacy chlorinated POPs in 35 sponge samples from different locations in Antarctica. The results showed that the overall contamination levels were comparable to other Antarctic benthic organisms, and the predominant contaminants were lower chlorinated organochlorines, indicating long-range atmospheric transportation as the main contamination pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
