Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Luz Maia, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Conceicao Calhau, Valentina Fernandes Domingues
Summary: The study found bioaccumulation of synthetic musks in shrimp samples along the northwest Portuguese coast, but the concentrations of these compounds do not pose a health risk to the adult Portuguese population.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hui Chen, Xu Han, Bowen Liang, Man Deng, Bibai Du, Lixi Zeng
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution, homologue patterns, and ecological risks of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) in sediments from sixteen mangrove wetlands along the South China Coast. The results showed that the concentrations of CPs were influenced by local population scale and CP industries. Risk assessments indicated medium ecological risks of CPs to sediment dwelling organisms in nearly one-third of the sampling sites. This is the first comprehensive report on SCCPs and MCCPs in sediment from mangrove wetlands along the South China Coast.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara D. Lima, Laercio L. Martins, Vinicius B. Pereira, Danielle M. M. Franco, Ignes R. dos Santos, Jandyson M. Santos, Boniek G. Vaz, Debora A. Azevedo, Georgiana F. da Cruz
Summary: Through multiple analytical techniques on two samples collected in Pernambuco in 2019 and 2021, it was found that they have similar saturated biomarkers and triaromatic steroid ratios, indicating they are from the same spilled source. The degradation of n-alkanes, isoprenoids, and cycloalkanes was extensive due to evaporation, photooxidation, and/or biodegradation processes, while less alkylated PAHs were more biodegraded than the more alkylated ones. This was supported by the formation of mono and dicarboxylic acids assessed by GC x GC-TOFMS ESI(-) FT-ICR MS techniques. Three ratios were proposed based on ESI(-) FT-ICR MS results to evaluate the progress of the biodegradation process over time: Ox>2/O, SOx/SO, SOx/N.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia Bi Asanga Fai, Daniel Brice Nkontcheu Kenko, Norbert Ngameni Tchamadeu, Mpoame Mbida, Krystof Korejs, Jan Riegert
Summary: This study aimed to determine suitable phytoplankton bioindicators for freshwater stream biomonitoring in the monomodal agroecological zone of Cameroon. The results showed that the Benoe Stream was a clean to mildly polluted stream with a diverse phytoplankton community dominated by Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, and Cyanophyta. The abundance of dominant phytoplankton genera was influenced by total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, stream water velocity, and discharge. Seasonal variations and spatial distribution along an urban-small-scale farming - large-scale farming gradient were observed.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Martins, Diana Dias da Silva, Renata Silva, Felix Carvalho, Lucia Guilhermino
Summary: This study investigated the long-term toxicity of lithium (Li) and lithium microplastics (Li-MPs mixtures) under high light intensity and warmer water temperature. The results showed that both high light intensity and warmer temperature increased the toxicity of Li and Li-MPs mixtures, with higher concentrations leading to population extinction.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Jesus, Filipa Mesquita, Elisa Virumbrales Aldama, Ana Marques, Ana M. M. Goncalves, Luisa Magalhaes, Antonio J. A. Nogueira, Ana Re, Isabel Campos, Joana Luisa Pereira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Nelson Abrantes, Dalila Serpa
Summary: This study compared the antioxidant defense response of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea and the marine cockle Cerastoderma edule to wildfire ash exposure and metal body burden. Both species exhibited significant changes in certain parameters after exposure to aqueous extracts of Eucalypt ash, although the effects differed between the species. Clams showed higher Cd content while cockles showed higher Cu content, indicating different responses to wildfire ash exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Eduardo Alves de Almeida, Afonso Celso Dias Bainy, Lucia Guilhermino
Article
Environmental Sciences
Susana P. P. Pereira, David Boyle, Antonio Nogueira, Richard D. Handy
Summary: In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to copper sulphate (CuSO4) and copper oxide (CuO) engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), and it was found that the ENMs were less toxic to early life stages of zebrafish compared to the dissolved metals. The chorion of the embryos acted as an effective barrier to protect them from the ENMs.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helena Barbosa, Carla Leite, Joao Pinto, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: Lithium (Li) is widely used in green energies/clean technologies but inefficient recycling and treatment have made it an emerging contaminant in aquatic systems. We evaluated the biochemical effects of Li in the clam Venerupis corrugata, observing activated antioxidant and detoxification defenses and a loss of redox balance at higher Li concentrations. This study emphasizes the importance of preventing and regulating Li discharges to avoid adverse consequences to aquatic ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Freitas, Federica Arrigo, Francesca Coppola, Valentina Meucci, Federica Battaglia, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlo Pretti, Caterina Faggio
Summary: The present study investigated the influence of temperature on the effects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis. Higher biochemical alterations were observed in SLS-exposed mussels and warming enhanced the impacts. These results highlight the potential harm of SLS pollution to mussels and the importance of considering climate changes.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao A. Rodrigues, Daniela S. C. Bispo, Monica G. Silva, Rita Araujo, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Rosa Freitas, Ana M. Gil
Summary: This study investigates the effects of exposure to 17-α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on lipophilic extracts of Ruditapes philippinarum clams at 17 degrees C and 21 degrees C. The results show that EE2 exposure at 17 degrees C leads to a slight increase in membrane rigidity at low concentrations, while at higher concentrations, lipid metabolism stabilizes. In contrast, at 21 degrees C, lipid metabolism responds to EE2 at 125 ng/L, with the antioxidant docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) helping to mitigate oxidative stress. The study also identifies new potential markers of stress mitigation, such as high levels of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and linoleic acid, as well as low PUFA/glycine ratios.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Melissa Mariana, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Amadeu M. Soares, Elisa Cairrao
Summary: Phthalates, essential components in the plastics industry, are widely present in the environment and everyday life. They are classified as endocrine-disrupting compounds and are easily absorbed by the human body, interfering with hormonal homeostasis and potentially leading to the development of various diseases in different age groups.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fabio Campos, Patricia V. Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Roberto Martins, Susana Loureiro
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of different exposure methodologies on the ecotoxicological profile of different powder grain sizes of Zn-Al LDH-NO3 and Cu-Al LDH-NO3. The results showed that the serial dilutions methodology was preferable for Zn-Al LDH-NO3, while both methodologies were suitable for Cu-Al LDH-NO3. Thus, the serial dilutions methodology was selected to assess the ecotoxicity of different grain sizes for both LDHs. All Zn-Al LDH-NO3 grain sizes yielded similar toxicity, while smaller grain sizes of Cu-Al LDH-NO3 had a greater effect on microalgae growth.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tania Russo, Francesca Coppola, Carla Leite, Marianna Carbone, Debora Paris, Andrea Motta, Anna Di Cosmo, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Ernesto Mollo, Rosa Freitas, Gianluca Polese
Summary: Bioactive natural products from marine invasive species and synthetic pharmaceutical drugs released into the marine environment may have similar ecotoxicological impacts. In this study, the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU) from the invasive green algae Caulerpa cylindracea and the synthetic lipid-lowering drug fenofibrate (FFB) were compared for their effects on Mytilus galloprovincialis. The results showed that FFB had harmful effects on the mussels, causing metabolic impairments, cellular damage, and changes in enzyme activity. In contrast, CAU did not produce any significant alterations. These findings highlight the importance of avoiding the release of synthetic drugs into the environment and suggest the potential use of CAU as a natural product in drug discovery.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Sofia Quina, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Maria da Luz Mathias, Carlos Gravato
Summary: The greater white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula has been used as a sentinel species to assess environmental risks to human populations. Previous studies focused on the liver as the main target of physiological and metabolic changes due to heavy metal pollution, but the shrews still persisted despite liver damage. This study investigates the skeletal muscle tissue of C. russula as an alternative site for detoxification and survival in polluted areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiago Morais, Pedro Moleiro, Carla Leite, Francesca Coppola, Joao Pinto, Bruno Henriques, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: This study evaluates the responses of mussels exposed to individual and mixed cobalt, nickel, and mercury and found negative effects on energy reserves, activation of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes, and cellular damage in the mixture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diana Campos, Rui G. Morgado, Ana Rita R. Silva, Ana L. Machado, Katerina Grabicova, Vladimir Zlabek, Susana Loureiro, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Joao L. T. Pestana
Summary: Personal care products containing organic ultraviolet filters (UV filters) and insect repellents can introduce anthropogenic contaminants into freshwater ecosystems, impacting aquatic organisms. This study evaluated the combined effects of two commonly detected UV filters (Benzophenone-3 (BP3) and Enzacamene (4-MBC)) and BP3 combined with an insect repellent (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide - DEET) on the life-history traits of Chironomus riparius. The results showed synergistic effects between BP3 and 4-MBC on emergence rate, whereas the effects of BP3 and DEET mixture differed for males and females. The study highlights the complexity of chemical mixtures in sediments and the importance of assessing their combined effects for accurate risk assessment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rone S. Barbosa, Fabianne Ribeiro, Eliane Aparecida Rotili, Rosaina de Sousa Venega, Aline Silvestre Pereira Dornelas, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Carlos Gravato, Renato Almeida Sarmento
Summary: This study evaluated the biological effects of the commercial formulation Actara on the aquatic non-target and non-biting larvae of Chironomus xanthus. The results showed that Actara was non-toxic to C. xanthus at environmentally relevant concentrations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)