New implications in the use of imposex as a suitable tool for tributyltin contamination: experimental induction in Hexaplex trunculus (Gastropoda, Muricidae) with different stressors

Pollution status of marine protected areas worldwide and the consequent toxic effects are unknown

Chemical pollution is considered a factor that may threaten marine protected areas (MPAs), and recent studies have found contamination and associated biological effects in some MPAs. However, organized data on this topic are lacking. This study reviewed the literature on pollution in MPAs in order to compile data, determine whether MPAs are influenced by pollution and, whenever possible, describe how they are being affected by contaminants. The results show that the pollution status is unknown in most MPAs worldwide. When any information is available, it is often insufficient to diagnose the threats to biodiversity or to support further actions. More robust and extensive information is available on a small number of MPAs, and much less information is available regarding the negative effects of pollution. More than 80% of the areas studied exhibited evidence of contamination at potentially toxic concentrations or were found to have a status that produced toxic effects on the biota. The scientific community is encouraged to study pollution in MPAs worldwide.

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in Hexaplex trunculus: spatial and temporal trends from 2004 to 2011 along the Tunisian coast

Cd, Zn, Cu, As, Fe, Cr, Ni, Al, and Pb were analyzed in the edible and inedible parts of the muricid gastropod Hexaplex trunculus sampled along the Tunisian coast in 2004, 2007, and 2011. The concentration ranges (μg/g dry weight) in the whole soft tissue were 0.1-19.2 for Cd, 198.7-564.6 for Zn, 31.9-363.1 for Cu, 12.8-177.8 for As, 35.4-179.0 for Fe, 0.0-5.8 for Cr, 0.1-4.6 for Ni, 1.0-41.4 for Al, and 0.0-0.6 for Pb. The highest concentrations were recorded in Gabès for Cd, Menzel Jemil for Zn and Cu, Bizerte channel for As, Zarat for Cr and Pb, and Tunis North Lake for Fe, Al, and Ni. The European standards compiled by FAO for mollusks were exceeded in several localities. The temporal trends revealed a decreasing metal contamination in most sampling stations from 2004 to 2011. The calculated intake of metals (μg/week/kg body weight) through human consumption of the snail edible portion varied from 0.0 to 4.4 of Cd, 55.9 to 172.1 of Zn, 8.7 to 92.7 of Cu, 3.0 to 42.6 of As, 9.5 to 49.1 of Fe, 0.0 to 1.52 of Cr, 0.0 to 1.4 of Ni, and 0.3 to 11.4 of Al. Comparison of these metal intakes with those of the standard provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values stipulated by the WHO recommends precaution in terms of human consumption of this marine snail.

Copper, zinc, and cadmium body concentrations in Hexaplex trunculus collected from the Tunisian coast

Copper, Zn, and Cd were analyzed in the soft tissues of the edible gastropod Hexaplex trunculus collected from seven localities along the Tunisian coast. The body concentration of these metals was significantly different depending on the gender and site. Copper and Zn varied, respectively, from 47.70 to 343.64 μg/g dry weight (dw) and 149.46 to 530.44 μg/g dw, being higher in males. Cadmium varied from 0.22 to 18.95 μg/g dw and was always higher in females. Overall, the highest concentrations of the three metals were all recorded in Gabès fishing harbor. Comparison of metal concentrations with the European standards compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization showed that values exceeded standards in several localities. Imposex had been previously recorded in H. trunculus along the Tunisian coast; however, it does not seem to be related with Cu, Zn, and Cd pollution because the body concentration of these metals is not correlated with imposex degree. Nevertheless, interactive effects resulting from the combination of different pollutants and other stressors cannot be disregarded.

Antifouling strategies: history and regulation, ecological impacts and mitigation

Biofouling increases drag on marine vessels resulting in higher fuel consumption and can also facilitate the transport of harmful non-indigenous species (NIS). Antifouling technologies incorporating biocides (e.g., copper and tributyltin) have been developed to prevent settlement of organisms on vessels, but their widespread use has introduced high levels of contamination into the environment and raised concerns about their toxic effects on marine communities. The recent global ban on tributyltin (1 January 2008) and increasing regulation of copper have prompted research and development of non-toxic paints. This review synthesises existing information regarding the ecological impact of biocides in a wide range of organisms and highlights directions for the management of antifouling paints. We focus particularly on representatives of the recent past (copper and tributyltin) and present (copper and 'booster') biocides. We identify knowledge gaps in antifouling research and provide recommendations relating to the regulation and phasing-out of copper.