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Zhao W, Zheng X, Liu J, Sui Y, Wang Y, Luo P, Zhu X, Wu W, Gu W, Liu X. Ceratophyllum demersum alleviates microplastics uptake and physiological stress responses in aquatic organisms, an overlooked ability. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134573. [PMID: 38824779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that microplastics (MPs) may be inadvertently ingested by aquatic animals, causing harm to their physiological functions and potentially entering the food chain, thereby posing risks to human food safety. To achieve an environmentally friendly and efficient reduction of MPs in freshwater environments, this experiment investigates the depuration effect of C. demersum on MPs using three common aquatic animals: Macrobrachium nipponense, Corbicula fluminea, and Bellamya aeruginosa as research subjects. The amounts of MPs, digestive enzyme activity, oxidative stress index, and energy metabolism enzyme activity in the digestive and non-digestive systems of three aquatic animals were measured on exposure days 1, 3, and 7 and on depuration days 1 and 3. The results indicated that the depuration effect of C. demersum and the species interaction were significant for the whole individual. Concerning digestive tissue, C. demersum was the most effective in purifying B. aeruginosa. When subjected to short-term exposure to MPs, C. demersum displayed a superior depuration effect. Among non-digestive tissues, C. demersum exhibited the earliest purifying effect on C. fluminea. Additionally, C. demersum alleviated physiological responses caused by MPs. In conclusion, this study underscores C. demersum as a promising new method for removing MPs from aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhao
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Xirui Zheng
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jintao Liu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Yanming Sui
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China.
| | - Yuning Wang
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China; Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Pan Luo
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China; Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Xi Zhu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Wenjing Wu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Wen Gu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- College of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224000, China
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Limonta G, Panti C, Fossi MC, Nardi F, Baini M. Exposure to virgin and marine incubated microparticles of biodegradable and conventional polymers modulates the hepatopancreas transcriptome of Mytilus galloprovincialis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133819. [PMID: 38402680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have been proposed as an alternative to conventional plastics to mitigate the impact of marine litter, but the research investigating their toxicity is still in its infancy. This study evaluates the potential ecotoxicological effects of both virgin and marine-incubated microparticles (MPs), at environmentally relevant concentration (0.1 mg/l), made of different biodegradable polymers (Polycaprolactone, Mater-Bi, cellulose) and conventional polymers (Polyethylene) on Mytilus galloprovincialis by using transcriptomics. This approach is increasingly being used to assess the effects of pollutants on organisms, obtaining data on numerous biological pathways simultaneously. Whole hepatopancreas de novo transcriptome sequencing was performed, individuating 972 genes differentially expressed across experimental groups compared to the control. Through the comparative transcriptomic profiling emerges that the preponderant effect is attributable to the marine incubation of MPs, especially for incubated polycaprolactone (731 DEGs). Mater-Bi and cellulose alter the smallest number of genes and biological processes in the mussel hepatopancreas. All microparticles, regardless of their polymeric composition, dysregulated innate immunity, and fatty acid metabolism biological processes. These findings highlight the necessity of considering the interactions of MPs with the environmental factors in the marine ecosystem when performing ecotoxicological evaluations. The results obtained contribute to fill current knowledge gaps regarding the potential environmental impacts of biodegradable polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Limonta
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Nardi
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
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Li Z, Li M, Li D, Chen Y, Feng W, Zhao T, Yang L, Mao G, Wu X. A review of cumulative toxic effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on the zebrafish immune system: Characterization methods, toxic effects and mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118010. [PMID: 38157964 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are a type of exogenous organic pollutants, are ubiquitous in natural aquatic environments. Currently, in addition to neurological, endocrine, developmental and reproductive toxicity, ecotoxicology studies on immunotoxicity are receiving increasing attention. In this review, the composition of immune system of zebrafish, the common indicators of immunotoxicity, the immunotoxicity of EDCs and their molecular mechanism were summarized. We reviewed the immunotoxicity of EDCs on zebrafish mainly in terms of immune organs, immunocytes, immune molecules and immune functions, meanwhile, the possible molecular mechanisms driving these effects were elucidated in terms of endocrine disruption, dysregulation of signaling pathways, and oxidative damage. Hopefully, this review will provide a reference for further investigation of the immunotoxicity of EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixu Li
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Muge Li
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Dan Li
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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Santoro A, Marino M, Vandenberg LN, Szychlinska MA, Lamparelli EP, Scalia F, Rocca ND, D'Auria R, Giovanna Pastorino GM, Porta GD, Operto FF, Viggiano A, Cappello F, Meccariello R. PLASTAMINATION: Outcomes on the Central Nervous System and Reproduction. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1870-1898. [PMID: 38549522 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240216085947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures to non-biodegradable and biodegradable plastics are unavoidable. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) from the manufacturing of plastics (primary sources) and the degradation of plastic waste (secondary sources) can enter the food chain directly or indirectly and, passing biological barriers, could target both the brain and the gonads. Hence, the worldwide diffusion of environmental plastic contamination (PLASTAMINATION) in daily life may represent a possible and potentially serious risk to human health. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the effects of non-biodegradable and the more recently introduced biodegradable MPs and NPs on the brain and brain-dependent reproductive functions, summarizing the molecular mechanisms and outcomes on nervous and reproductive organs. Data from in vitro, ex vivo, non-mammalian and mammalian animal models and epidemiological studies have been reviewed and discussed. RESULTS MPs and NPs from non-biodegradable plastics affect organs, tissues and cells from sensitive systems such as the brain and reproductive organs. Both MPs and NPs induce oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, energy metabolism disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction and cytotoxicity, which in turn are responsible for neuroinflammation, dysregulation of synaptic functions, metabolic dysbiosis, poor gamete quality, and neuronal and reproductive toxicity. In spite of this mechanistic knowledge gained from studies of non-biodegradable plastics, relatively little is known about the adverse effects or molecular mechanisms of MPs and NPs from biodegradable plastics. CONCLUSION The neurological and reproductive health risks of MPs/NPs exposure warrant serious consideration, and further studies on biodegradable plastics are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria 94100 Enna (EN), Italy
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Federica Scalia
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Raffaella D'Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of 84100 Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Department of Science of Health School of Medicine, University Magna Graecia 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Yang X, Zhang X, Shu X, Gong J, Yang J, Li B, Lin J, Chai Y, Liu J. The effects of polyethylene microplastics on the growth, reproduction, metabolic enzymes, and metabolomics of earthworms Eisenia fetida. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115390. [PMID: 37619398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The existing data regarding the effects of polyethylene (PE) microplastics (MPs) smaller than 5 mm in size on earthworms are insufficient to fully comprehend their toxicity. In this study, earthworms Eisenia fetida were exposed to artificially added PE at a concentration ranging from 0.05 to 20 g/kg soil (0.005%-2%) for 60 days to determine the concentration range causing negative effects on earthworms and to uncover the potential toxic mechanisms. The individual growth, reproduction, and metabolic enzyme activities, including phase I enzymes (cytochrome P450 [CYP] 1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 3A4), and phase II metabolic enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione sulfotransferase (GST)), and metabolomics were measured. The observed variations in responses of multiple cross-scale endpoints indicated that individual indices are less responsive to PE MPs than metabolic enzymes or metabolomics. Despite the absence of significant alterations in growth inhibition based on body weight, PE MPs at concentrations equal to or exceeding 2.5 g/kg were found to exert a toxic effect on earthworms, which was evidenced by significant changes in metabolic enzyme activities (CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, and 3A4, SOD, CAT, and GST) and important small molecule metabolites screened based on metabolomics, likely due to the bioaccumulation of PE. The toxicity of PE MPs to earthworms is inferred to be associated with neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, decreased detoxification capacity, energy metabolism imbalance, and impaired amino acid and purine metabolism due to bioaccumulation. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of the molecular toxicity mechanisms of PE MPs and contribute to a more accurate assessment of the ecological risks posed by PE MPs in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Yang
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Shu
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiuping Gong
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
| | - Junying Yang
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
| | - Biquan Li
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Lin
- Key Laboratory of Water, Environment, Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Chai
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfei Liu
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chongqing 401329, People's Republic of China
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Khan D, Ali SA. On the Novel Process of Pristine Microplastic Bio-fragmentation by Zebrafish (Danio rerio). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:299-306. [PMID: 36929014 PMCID: PMC10019436 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are highly persistent particles that deliberately contaminate our ecosystem. These small-sized particles can pass through filtering systems into the water bodies, affecting various forms of aquatic and terrestrial life. However, little is known about their fragmentation process within the organism's body. In previous studies, commercially available microplastics were used that are rarely found in the environment naturally, hence they cannot mimic the effects on our surroundings. Therefore, using the zebrafish, Danio rerio we have evaluated the process of bio-fragmentation of ingested pristine polyethene microplastics which are widely used in our daily life. We have also examined their faecal pellets through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our results show that zebrafish can potentially bio-fragment the pristine microplastic particles into nano-plastic within a short period of 24 h. Additionally, zebrafish cannot recognize the pristine microplastic particles and can ingest them as food. No mortality occurred during the experiment. Thus, we have identified a natural pathway of microplastic bio-fragmentation, introducing an emerging role of zebrafish in biogeochemical cycling and the fate of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darakhshan Khan
- Postgraduate Department of Biotechnology, Saifia College of Science, Bhopal, 462001, India
| | - Sharique A Ali
- Postgraduate Department of Biotechnology, Saifia College of Science, Bhopal, 462001, India.
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Santos D, Perez M, Perez E, Cabecinha E, Luzio A, Félix L, Monteiro SM, Bellas J. Toxicity of microplastics and copper, alone or combined, in blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 91:103835. [PMID: 35227885 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics pose serious risks for fish productivity and a potential constraint for food security. Newly hatched blackspot seabream larvae were exposed to microplastics (MPs), copper (Cu, 10-810 µg/L) and their mixtures (Cu+MPs), during 3 and 9 days. Biochemical biomarkers and the expression of antioxidant and neurotoxicity-related genes were evaluated. In the 3-day exposure, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities decreased in MPs, Cu and Cu+MPs groups, followed by an increase of lipid peroxidation in the Cu270 and Cu270 +MPs exposed larvae. In the 9-day exposure, ROS levels increased in MPs and Cu30 groups, but no significant oxidative damage was observed, suggesting that the antioxidant system overcome the induced oxidative stress. However, the acetylcholinesterase transcript was downregulated in MPs, Cu and Cu10+MPs groups, indicating that MPs effects in cholinergic neurotransmission may arise after longer exposures. Overall, MPs and Cu can reduce survival, induce oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, neurotoxicity, and impact negatively fish larvae fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dércia Santos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Montse Perez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Evaristo Perez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Edna Cabecinha
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Luzio
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Félix
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Monteiro
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Inov4Agro, Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, Portugal
| | - Juan Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
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