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Ivanić M, Mikac N, Lučić M, Durn G, Sondi I. Size-dependent distribution of metal(loid)s in recent marine sediments of the Adriatic sea. Chemosphere 2023; 345:140461. [PMID: 37865202 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates occurrence of metal(loid)s, and size-dependent changes in their concentration in recent marine sediments from coastal and open-sea environments in the eastern Adriatic. Size fractionation of sediments was performed after removal of organic matter (OM), and the individual fractions, comprising particles below 8 μm, 4 μm, 2 μm, 1 μm and 0.45 μm, were analysed using HR ICP-MS. The concentrations of most elements increased with decreasing particle size, as a result of accumulation of clay minerals and Fe and Mn (oxyhydr)oxides. A decrease in concentrations was observed for Ba, Sr, Ti and U, due to lowering of the carbonate content and presence in the coarse-grained and heavy mineral fraction. The highest element concentrations were determined in the fraction comprising particles below 1 μm. Occasionally, depending on the sedimentological environment and/or the element in question, the peak concentrations occurred in the <2 μm or <0.45 μm fraction. The lowest size-dependent enrichment was observed for elements associated with aluminosilicates (Al, Be, Cs, Co, Fe, K, Li, Rb). A different size-dependent behaviour of the elements was observed between deep-sea areas and shallow environments under greater coastal influence, mainly due to differences in sediment sorting, and between the northern and central vs. southern Adriatic due to the different catchment geologies. The Fe and Mn (oxyhydr)oxides, abundant in the deep-sea sediments, played an important role in the geochemical cycle of As, Cd, Co, Mo, Sb and V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Ivanić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Nevenka Mikac
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mavro Lučić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Durn
- Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Sondi
- Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Antonelli P, Peruzzo A, Mancin M, Boscolo Anzoletti A, Dall'Ara S, Orsini M, Bordin P, Arcangeli G, Zanolin B, Barco L, Losasso C. Tetrodotoxin in bivalve mollusks: An integrated study towards the comprehension of the influencing factors of a newly native phenomenon. Chemosphere 2023; 339:139682. [PMID: 37527741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Tetrodotoxins (TTXs) are potent neurotoxins named after the Tetraodontidae fish family. The ingestion of TTX-contaminated flesh can cause neurotoxic symptoms and can lead to death. In 2017 symptoms the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognized the threat to food safety resulting from TTX exposure via food consumption and, thus, proposed a safety limit of 44 μg/kg of TTX in marine gastropods and bivalves. To date, however, TTXs have not yet been included in the list of biotoxins to be monitored within the European Union, even though, in a few cases, levels of TTX found were higher than the EFSA limit. The origin of TTX production is debated and the roles of both biotic and abiotic factors on TTX-mediated toxic events remain unclear. In order to meet these knowledge requests the present study was aimed to investigate the role of seawater temperature, pH, water conductivity, and oxygen saturation, along with the marine phytoplankton community and the bacterial community of mussels and oysters on the accumulation of TTX and analogues in the bivalves. Abiotic parameters were measured by means of a multi-parametric probe, phytoplankton community was analyzed by optic microscopy while microbial community was described by amplicon metataxonomic sequencing, TTXs concentration in the collected matrices were measured by HILIC-MS/MS. A possible role of seawater pH and temperature, among the investigated abiotic factors, in regulating the occurrence of TTXs was found. Regarding biotic variables, a possible influence of Vibrio, Shewanella and Flavobacteriaceae in the occurrence of TTXs was found. Concurrently, Prorocentrum cordatum cell numbers were correlated to the incidence of TTX in mussels. The results herein collected suggest that environmental variables play a consistent part in the occurrence of TTX in the edible bivalve habitats, and there are also indications of a potential role played by specific bacteria taxa in association with phytoplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Antonelli
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Arianna Peruzzo
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marzia Mancin
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Aurora Boscolo Anzoletti
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sonia Dall'Ara
- National Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins, Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, Viale A. Vespucci 2, 47042, Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paola Bordin
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Arcangeli
- Specialistic Aquatic Animal Health Centre, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Bruno Zanolin
- Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia, ARPA FVG, Via Cairoli 14, 33057, Palmanova, UD, Italy
| | - Lisa Barco
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Carmen Losasso
- Microbial Ecology and Microorganisms Genomics Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, PD, Viale Dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.
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Baldrighi E, Pizzini S, Punzo E, Santelli A, Strafella P, Scirocco T, Manini E, Fattorini D, Vasapollo C. Multi-benthic size approach to unveil different environmental conditions in a Mediterranean harbor area (Ancona, Adriatic Sea, Italy). PeerJ 2023; 11:e15541. [PMID: 37397025 PMCID: PMC10314744 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Harbors are hubs of human activity and are subject to the continuous discharge and release of industrial, agricultural, and municipal waste and contaminants. Benthic organisms are largely known to reflect environmental conditions they live in. Despite meio- and macrofauna interacting within the benthic system, they are ecologically distinct components of the benthos and as such may not necessarily respond to environmental conditions and/or disturbances in the same way. However, in a few field studies the spatial patterns of meio- and macrofauna have been simultaneously compared. In the present study, we assess the response and patterns in the abundance, diversity, and distribution of the two benthic size classes to the different environmental conditions they live in (i.e., sediment concentrations of selected trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); organic matter contents and grain size) characterizing the Ancona Harbor (Adriatic Sea). Meio- and macrofauna provided partially similar types of information depending on the indices used (univariate measures or community structure/species composition) and the different 'response-to-stress'. The community structure (i.e., taxa composition) of both benthic size components clearly showed differences among sampling stations located from inside to outside the harbor, reflecting the marked environmental heterogeneity and disturbance typically characterizing these systems. Notwithstanding, the univariate measures (i.e., meio- and macrofauna total abundance, diversity indices and equitability) didn't show similar spatial patterns. Meiofauna were likely to be more sensitive to the effects of environmental features and contaminants than macrofauna. Overall, trace metals and PAHs affected the community composition of the two benthic components, but only the meiofauna abundance and diversity were related to the environmental variables considered (i.e., quantity and quality of organic matter). Our results pinpoint the importance of studying both meio- and macrofauna communities, which could provide greater insight into the processes affecting the investigated area and reveal different aspects of the benthic ecosystems in response to harbor conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Baldrighi
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Sarah Pizzini
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
| | - Elisa Punzo
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Angela Santelli
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Strafella
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Tommaso Scirocco
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Lesina, Italy
| | - Elena Manini
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Daniele Fattorini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente (Disva), Università Politecnica delle Marche (Univpm), Ancona, Italy
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (Conisma), Unità di Ricerca di Ancona (Italy), Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Claudio Vasapollo
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies—IRBIM, National Research Council—CNR, Italy, Ancona, Marche, Italy
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Cocci P, Gabrielli S, Pastore G, Minicucci M, Mosconi G, Palermo FA. Microplastics accumulation in gastrointestinal tracts of Mullus barbatus and Merluccius merluccius is associated with increased cytokine production and signaling. Chemosphere 2022; 307:135813. [PMID: 35931257 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is clear evidence that different marine species can be impacted by microplastic (MP) ingestion accumulating such MPs mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. However, there is still limited knowledge on the consequences of MPs' accumulation in the gut. The present study aims to assess MPs and their potential immunotoxic effects in the digestive tract of two species showing different ecological traits: the red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and the European hake (Merluccius merluccius). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), micro-Raman and electron scanning microscope (SEM) were used to accurately identify the main plastic polymers detected in gut contents. In addition, we investigated the association between MP uptake and intestinal inflammation by evaluating expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. MP abundance ranged from 1 to 20 items/individual in red mullet and from 2 to 15 items/individual in European hake. The majority of ingested MPs were fibers, while the dominant colors were black and blue in both species. Chemical characterization indicated polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common polymer types. Moreover, it was observed that MP abundance was highly positive correlated to cytokines (i.e. interleukin-1β, 10, and interferon) and antioxidant enzyme (i.e. catalase and superoxide dismutase) transcript levels suggesting ROS generation and an infiltration of immune cells in the gut. Our findings provide evidence that the induction of cytokine-dependent signaling pathways is one aspect of the complex mechanism by which MPs affect the gut system in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cocci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy.
| | - Serena Gabrielli
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP), School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Genny Pastore
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP), School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Marco Minicucci
- Physics Division, School of Science and Technology, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gilberto Mosconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandro Palermo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy.
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Palazzo Q, Stagioni M, Raaijmakers S, Belleman RG, Prada F, Hammel JU, Fermani S, Kaandorp J, Goffredo S, Falini G. Multiscale analysis on otolith structural features reveals differences in ontogenesis and sex in Merluccius merluccius in the western Adriatic Sea. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:211943. [PMID: 35620014 PMCID: PMC9114930 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Otolith biomineralization results from biochemical processes regulated by the interaction of internal (physiological) and external (environmental) factors which lead to morphological and ultrastructural variability at intra- and interspecific levels. The aim of this study was to conduct a multi-scale analysis of the sagittal otoliths of the Merlucius merlucius (European hake) from the western Adriatic Sea in order to correlate otolith features with fish ontogeny and sex. We show that otoliths of sexually undifferentiated (non-sexed) individuals having a fish body total length (TL) less than 15 cm had faster growth in length, width, area, perimeter, volume and weight and a higher amount of organic matrix compared with otoliths of sexually differentiated individuals (females and males) having a fish size range of 15-50 cm. Most importantly, with increasing fish TL, female saccular otoliths contained a higher number of protuberances and rougher surface compared with male specimens, which showed more uniform mean curvature density. The differences between females and males discovered in this study could be associated with fish hearing adaptation to reproductive behavioural strategies during the spawning season. The outcomes of this research provide insights on how size and sex-related variations in otolith features may be affected by fish ecological and behavioural patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinzia Palazzo
- Department of Chemistry ‘Giacomo Ciamician’, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Marco Stagioni
- Laboratory of Fisheries and Marine Biology at Fano, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Steven Raaijmakers
- Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert G. Belleman
- Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fiorella Prada
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Geesthacht, D-21502, Germany
| | - Simona Fermani
- Department of Chemistry ‘Giacomo Ciamician’, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- CIRI Health Sciences and Technologies (HST), University of Bologna, I-40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jaap Kaandorp
- Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Goffredo
- Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Falini
- Department of Chemistry ‘Giacomo Ciamician’, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N 61032 Fano, Italy
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Sciancalepore G, Pietroluongo G, Centelleghe C, Milan M, Bonato M, Corazzola G, Mazzariol S. Evaluation of per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in livers of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) found stranded along the northern Adriatic Sea. Environ Pollut 2021; 291:118186. [PMID: 34560576 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Per-and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used in a wide variety of commercial products and industrial applications. These chemicals are persistent, can accumulate in humans' and animals' tissues and in the environment, representing an increasing concern due to their moderate to highly toxicity. Their global distribution, persistence and toxicity led to an urgent need to investigate bioaccumulation also in marine species. In 2013 PFAS contamination was detected in a vast area in Veneto region, mainly in Adige and Brenta rivers. In order to investigate any relevant presence of these substances in marine vertebrates constantly living in the area, PFAS were measured in hepatic tissue samples of 20 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded along the northern Adriatic Sea coastline between 2008 and 2020. Using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, 17 target PFAS (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFDoA, PFTrDA, PFTeDA, PFBS, PFHxS, PFOS, PFDS, PFHpS, PFPeS), were quantified in the samples. PFAS profiles were generally composed of the same five dominant PFAS (PFOS > PFUnA > PFDA ≈ PFDoA ≈ PFTrDA). The greatest PFOS concentration found was 629,73 ng/g wet weight, and PFOS accounted until 71% in the PFAS profiles. No significant differences between sexes were found, while calves showing higher mean values than adults, possibly indicating an increasing ability in the elimination of PFAS with age. Finally, a temporal analysis was carried out considering three different periods of time, but no temporal differences in concentrations were found. The results suggest that long-chain PFAS are widespread in bottlenose dolphins along the North Adriatic Sea. Furthermore, they represent a baseline to investigate the impact of PFAS on marine mammals' conservation and health. Filling an important gap in the knowledge of PFAS accumulation in bottlenose dolphins, this study highlights the relevant role of Environmental and Tissue Banks for retrospective analyses on emergent contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Sciancalepore
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science BCA, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale Dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Guido Pietroluongo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science BCA, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale Dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science BCA, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale Dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Massimo Milan
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science BCA, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale Dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Marco Bonato
- Department of Biology, Via Ugo Bassi 58/b, 35135, Padova, PD, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corazzola
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science BCA, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale Dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science BCA, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale Dell'Università, 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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Penezić A, Milinković A, Bakija Alempijević S, Žužul S, Frka S. Atmospheric deposition of biologically relevant trace metals in the eastern Adriatic coastal area. Chemosphere 2021; 283:131178. [PMID: 34153912 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol (PM10), bulk deposition, sea surface microlayer (SML) and underlying water (ULW) samples were collected simultaneously during a field campaign at the middle Adriatic coastal site between February and July 2019, to assess the impact of atmospheric deposition (AD) of biologically relevant trace metals (TM) (Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cd and Pb) on the sea surface responses in an oligotrophic coastal region. Anthropogenic emissions from continental Europe, alongside local/regional domestic heating, likely affected the concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb in aerosols during winter-early spring, while traffic emissions during the tourist season impacted Ni, Co and Cu aerosol concentrations. Additionally, open-fire biomass burning (BB) episodes caused considerable TM concentration increases, while Saharan dust intrusion in spring led to a 10-fold increase in Co concentrations in PM10 samples. These intensive episodes significantly affected the bulk deposition fluxes of TMs, showing that a small number of such extreme events, common to Mediterranean coastal areas, could be responsible for most of the AD. Enrichments and concentrations of total TMs in SML samples collected following BB events indicated that such events, along with high precipitation, influenced TM partitioning in surface water layers. We estimated that AD represents a significant source of TM to the shallow middle Adriatic coastal area, highlighting the need to further explore the atmosphere-sea surface links, to expand our understanding of the biogeochemistry of these important micronutrients and pollutants, including their impact on the aquatic community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abra Penezić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Andrea Milinković
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Silva Žužul
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Frka
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Penna P, Baldrighi E, Betti M, Bolognini L, Campanelli A, Capellacci S, Casabianca S, Ferrarin C, Giuliani G, Grilli F, Intoccia M, Manini E, Moro F, Penna A, Ricci F, Marini M. Water quality integrated system: A strategic approach to improve bathing water management. J Environ Manage 2021; 295:113099. [PMID: 34175506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the Adriatic Sea, massive rainfall events are causing flooding of rivers and streams, with severe consequences on the environment. The consequent bacterial contamination of bathing water poses public health risks besides damaging tourism and the economy. This study was conducted in the framework of WATERCARE, an EU Interreg Italy-Croatia Project, which aims at reducing the impact of microbial contamination on Adriatic bathing water due to heavy rainfall events drained in the local sewage network and; enhancing the quality of local waters; and providing support for the decision-making processes regarding the management of bathing water in line with EU regulations. The study involved the development of an innovative water quality integrated system that helps meet these objectives. It consists of four components: a real time hydro-meteorological monitoring system; an autosampler to collect freshwater samples during and after significant rainfall events; a forecast system to simulate the dispersion of pollutants in seawater; and a real-time alert system that can predict the potential ecological risk from the microbial contamination of seawater. The system was developed and tested at a pilot site (Fano, Italy). These preliminary results will be used to develop guidelines for urban wastewater and coastal system quality assessments to contribute to develop policy actions and final governance decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Penna
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Elisa Baldrighi
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mattia Betti
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Campanelli
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Samuela Capellacci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, DISB, University of Urbino, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
| | - Silvia Casabianca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, DISB, University of Urbino, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
| | - Christian Ferrarin
- Institute of Marine Sciences - ISMAR, National Research Council - CNR, Venice, Italy
| | - Giordano Giuliani
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Grilli
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michele Intoccia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Manini
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Moro
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonella Penna
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, DISB, University of Urbino, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
| | - Fabio Ricci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, DISB, University of Urbino, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
| | - Mauro Marini
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies - CNR IRBIM, Ancona, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Fano, Italy
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9
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Basili M, Campanelli A, Frapiccini E, Luna GM, Quero GM. Occurrence and distribution of microbial pollutants in coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea influenced by river discharge. Environ Pollut 2021; 285:117672. [PMID: 34380232 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The transport of a variety of pollutants from agricultural, industrial and urbanised areas makes rivers major contributors to the contamination of coastal marine environments. Too little is known of their role in carrying pathogens to the coast. We used DNA-based metabarcoding data to describe the microbial community composition in seawater and sediment collected in front of the estuary of the Tronto, the Chienti and the Esino, three Italian rivers with different pollution levels that empty into the north-central Adriatic Sea, and to detect and measure within these communities the relative abundance of microbial pollutants, including traditional faecal indicators and alternative faecal and sewage-associated pollutants. We then applied the FORENSIC algorithm to distinguish human from non-human sources of microbial pollution and FAPROTAX to map prokaryotic clades to established metabolic or other ecologically relevant functions. Finally, we searched the dataset for other common pathogenic taxa. Seawater and sediment contained numerous potentially pathogenic bacteria, mainly faecal and sewage-associated. The samples collected in front of the Tronto estuary showed the highest level of contamination, likely sewage-associated. The pathogenic signature showed a weak but positive correlation with some nutrients and strong correlations with some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This study confirms that rivers transport pathogenic bacteria to the coastal sea and highlights the value of expanding the use of HTS data, source tracking and functional identification tools to detect microbial pollutants and identify their sources with a view to gaining a better understanding of the pathways of sewage-associated discharges to the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Basili
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Campanelli
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frapiccini
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Luna
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Grazia Marina Quero
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, National Research Council (CNR-IRBIM), Ancona, Italy.
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10
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Martinelli M, Gomiero A, Guicciardi S, Frapiccini E, Strafella P, Angelini S, Domenichetti F, Belardinelli A, Colella S. Preliminary results on the occurrence and anatomical distribution of microplastics in wild populations of Nephrops norvegicus from the Adriatic Sea. Environ Pollut 2021; 278:116872. [PMID: 33740599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the shapes, dimensional classes, types and counts of microplastics (MPs) found in 23 individuals of N. norvegicus collected from two wild populations of the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean basin). The focus was on three different anatomical compartments (gut, hepatopancreas and tail), which were analysed separately. MPs were found in all the investigated individuals with an average of about 17 MPs/individual. Fragments were predominant over fibers with a ratio of about 3:1. The majority of MPs were in the dimensional range 50-100 μm. The predominant polymers were polyester, polyamide 6, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene, which together constitute about 61% of all the MPs found. Fragments were more concentrated in the hepatopancreas, with no significant difference between gut and tail, while fibers were more concentrated in the gut than in the tail with hepatopancreas somehow in between. The dimensional class of the MPs influences their anatomical distribution. There were no statistical differences among individuals from the two sampling sites. Sex of the individual did not influence the level of retained MPs, while length had a very marginal effect. The information reported here contributes to understanding of the possible risks linked to human consumption of different tissues from contaminated Norway lobsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Martinelli
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
| | - Alessio Gomiero
- Norwegian Research Centre, Environment Dep, Mekjarvik 12, 4070, Randaberg, Norway.
| | - Stefano Guicciardi
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frapiccini
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Strafella
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
| | - Silvia Angelini
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032, Fano, Pesaro Urbino, Italy
| | - Filippo Domenichetti
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
| | - Andrea Belardinelli
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
| | - Sabrina Colella
- National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR IRBIM), Largo Fiera Della Pesca, Ancona, 60125, Italy
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11
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Schmid C, Cozzarini L, Zambello E. A critical review on marine litter in the Adriatic Sea: Focus on plastic pollution. Environ Pollut 2021; 273:116430. [PMID: 33497942 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter affects various habitats across the world. This review focuses on the Adriatic region, considering the presence of marine litter as well as microplastics (mPs) and macroplastics (MPs) in different environments (water, beach, seabed and biota). Data from 53 scientific papers were critically analysed, providing a snapshot of this type of contamination, and evidencing critical issues. The final part of the review provides considerations on spatial and temporal trends, comparing data with the available information provided by transport forecasting models. It emerges that the most investigated areas are those most subjected to the contribution of rivers, tourism or have the greatest relevance to nature conservation. Our analysis also reveals that, even though many international research projects have played a fundamental role in the creation of shared methods and protocols, currently available data are difficult to compare. Nevertheless, our results enhance knowledge of the state of the art in the research carried out so far, and on the situation regarding pollution due to the marine litter in the Adriatic Sea, as well as highlighting avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Schmid
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Cozzarini
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elena Zambello
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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12
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Capriotti M, Cocci P, Bracchetti L, Cottone E, Scandiffio R, Caprioli G, Sagratini G, Mosconi G, Bovolin P, Palermo FA. Microplastics and their associated organic pollutants from the coastal waters of the central Adriatic Sea (Italy): Investigation of adipogenic effects in vitro. Chemosphere 2021; 263:128090. [PMID: 33140724 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Even though microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environment is nowadays widely studied, a huge gap of knowledge exists on their actual biological effects. In this study we first reported environmental baseline data on the occurrence and characterization of floating MPs in Italian coastal waters of the Central Adriatic Sea by using a standardized monitoring protocol. Further, we analyzed the concentrations of MP-associated chemicals and evaluated their potential adipogenic effects using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. MPs were found in each sampling stations showing the highest abundance (1.88 ± 1.78 items/m3) in the sites more distant from the coast with fragments as the most common shape category. All targeted organic pollutants (i.e. polychlorinated biphenyls - PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -PAHs, organophosphorus - OP, and organochlorine - OC pesticides) have been detected on the surface of the collected MPs. The highest concentrations of PAHs were found on MPs from inshore (i.e. <1.5 NM) surface waters with low-ring PAHs as dominant components. Similarly, MPs from inshore waters had higher ΣPCB concentrations (64.72 ng/g plastic) than those found in offshore (i.e. >6 NM) waters (10.37 ng/g plastic). Among pesticides, all measured OPs were detected in each sample analyzed with pirimiphos-methyl as the most representative compound. For OCs, the sum of all concentrations of congeners was higher in coastal with respect to offshore waters. Moreover, in vitro 3T3-L1 screening of MP extracts indicated potential metabolic effects resulting in both adipogenesis and lipid uptake/storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Capriotti
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT, USA; School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Paolo Cocci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Luca Bracchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Erika Cottone
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, TO, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scandiffio
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, TO, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caprioli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gianni Sagratini
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gilberto Mosconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bovolin
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandro Palermo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy.
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13
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Tassetti AN, Minelli A, Ferrà C, Guicciardi S, Gaetani A, Fabi G. An integrated approach to assess fish spatial pattern around offshore gas platforms: A pilot study in the Adriatic Sea. Mar Environ Res 2020; 162:105100. [PMID: 32841916 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Research on abundance and composition of fish assemblages surrounding offshore extraction platforms is essential to evaluate their impact as well as to understand relationships between natural and artificial habitats. Also decommissioning practice, which belongs to the lifecycle of these structures, can be encouraged or discouraged if fish school behaviour in the close proximity of the platform is well understood. With thousands of platforms to be decommissioned around the world in coming decades, understanding such dynamic interactions is key to improve spatial management of marine ecosystems. In this context, this study drafts a work plan that can be used to investigate fish presence and abundance, school movement and qualitative species composition around a platform over long time periods. It integrates fishing captures, multibeam echosounder (MBES) investigations, and drop camera shootings to overcome the limitations of the individual methods. Monthly samplings were conducted at a three-leg gas extraction platform placed at ~80 m depth in the central Adriatic Sea, for one year after its installation. MBES completely insonified the studied area, providing data on school shape, volume, surface area and position throughout the water column. Fishing captures were useful for MBES targets' identification by measuring the presence/abundance of nekto-benthic and pelagic species both in the nearby of the structure and in the open sea, while drop camera shootings added evidence of a few species in close proximity to the poles, which were not censused by the other methods. Results underlined the strong attraction exerted by the platform and the significant influence of the explanatory variable distance on the schools' nominal volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nora Tassetti
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Minelli
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona, Italy.
| | - Carmen Ferrà
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Guicciardi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Gaetani
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianna Fabi
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (IRBIM), Ancona, Italy
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14
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Droghini E, Annibaldi A, Prezioso E, Tramontana M, Frapiccini E, De Marco R, Illuminati S, Truzzi C, Spagnoli F. Mercury Content in Central and Southern Adriatic Sea Sediments in Relation to Seafloor Geochemistry and Sedimentology. Molecules 2019; 24:E4467. [PMID: 31817525 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury contents were determined in surface sediments from the Central and Southern Adriatic Sea to gain insight into the processes, factors, and variables affecting its distribution. Mercury concentration was measured by thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry in samples collected by box-corer from Ancona to Santa Maria di Leuca during the CNR-PERTRE cruise (16/9-4/10/2016). Sediments were also evaluated for chemical-physical parameters (pH, Eh), biogeochemical composition (total carbon, inorganic carbon, total organic carbon, organic matter) and grain size. The average mercury concentration in the Adriatic Sea sediment was 0.053 mg/Kg (d.w.), range 0.011–0.12 mg/Kg (d.w.). Mercury content was mainly affected by grain size and organic matter (OM) distribution, whereas anthropic factors exerted a limited influence. Concentrations followed the distribution of sediment types (clay > silt > sand) due to Adriatic Sea hydrodynamics and were well below the regulatory limits in all samples.
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15
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Gomiero A, Strafella P, Øysæd KB, Fabi G. First occurrence and composition assessment of microplastics in native mussels collected from coastal and offshore areas of the northern and central Adriatic Sea. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2019; 26:24407-24416. [PMID: 31230239 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the occurrence of microplastics in the aquatic environment has gathered increasing scientific interest. Several studies have shown that the ingestion of microplastics may negatively influence the physiology of marine organisms having different feeding strategies, particularly in those species which cannot discriminate between food sources. Recent studies highlighted the potential for such particles to accumulate in the food web, posing risks to human health via the consumption of seafood. Furthermore, early findings also indicated the role of microplastics as vectors of chemical pollutants either used as additives during synthesis of the plastics or adsorbed directly from seawater, i.e., PAHs, PCB, and surfactants. Despite the importance of microplastics in adsorption and transport of hydrophobic pollutants, little is known about their distribution and accumulation in marine food webs, or their direct and indirect harmful effects. The Adriatic Sea represents a semi-enclosed basin with a low water recirculation rate and high anthropogenic pressures associated with unsustainable fishing and inputs of contaminants. The body burden, accumulation rates, polymer composition, and recurring morphotypes of microplastics in native blue mussels (M. galloprovincialis) were examined. Organisms collected offshore were compared to those collected in coastal areas. Microplastics were recovered from the soft tissues of all analyzed mussels. Coastal organisms showed a load of 1.06-1.33 fragments g-1 (wet weight) and 0.62-0.63 fibers g-1 (wet weight) while offshore organisms showed an accumulation of 0.65-0.66 fragments g-1 (wet weight) and 0.24-0.35 fibers g-1 (wet weight). The size class distribution revealed a marked prevalence of smaller particles (20 μm to 40 μm range) and the most recurring polymer type in analyzed organisms was PE followed by PP, PET, and equal amounts of PS, PLY, and PVC. A significant site-, time-, and oceanographic-related distribution trend was observed. Based on the findings presented here, there is a clear need to implement a seafood safety monitoring program to better understand actual human health-related risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gianna Fabi
- CNR-IRBIM, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 1, 60125, Ancona, Italy
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16
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Cordier T, Frontalini F, Cermakova K, Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil L, Treglia M, Scantamburlo E, Bonamin V, Pawlowski J. Multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding survey to assess the environmental impact of three offshore gas platforms in the North Adriatic Sea (Italy). Mar Environ Res 2019; 146:24-34. [PMID: 30890270 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding represents a new promising tool for biomonitoring and environmental impact assessment. One of the main advantages of eDNA metabarcoding, compared to the traditional morphotaxonomy-based methods, is to provide a more holistic biodiversity information that includes inconspicuous morphologically non-identifiable taxa. Here, we use eDNA metabarcoding to survey marine biodiversity in the vicinity of the three offshore gas platforms in North Adriatic Sea (Italy). We isolated eDNA from 576 water and sediment samples collected at 32 sampling sites situated along four axes at increasing distances from the gas platforms. We obtained about 46 million eDNA sequences for 5 markers from nuclear 18S V1V2, 18S V4, 18S 37F and mitochondrial 16S and COI genes that cover a wide diversity of benthic and planktonic eukaryotes. Our results showed some impact of platform activities on benthic and pelagic communities at very close distance (<50 m), while communities for intermediate (125 m, 250 m, 500 m) and reference (1000 m, 2000 m) sites did not show any particular biodiversity changes that could be related to platforms activities. The most significant community change along the distance gradient was obtained with the 18S V1V2 marker targeting benthic eukaryotes, even though other markers showed similar trends, but to a lesser extent. These results were congruent with the AMBI index inferred from the eDNA sequences assigned to benthic macrofauna. We finally explored the relation between various physicochemical parameters, including hydrocarbons, on benthic community in the case of one of the platforms. Our results showed that these communities were not significantly impacted by most of hydrocarbons, but rather by macro-elements and sediment texture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Cordier
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Fabrizio Frontalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate (DiSPeA), Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Kristina Cermakova
- ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laure Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Treglia
- SGS Italia S.p.A., 35010, Villafranca Padovana, Italy
| | | | | | - Jan Pawlowski
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland; ID-Gene ecodiagnostics, Campus Biotech Innovation Park, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Purroy A, Najdek M, Isla E, Župan I, Thébault J, Peharda M. Bivalve trophic ecology in the Mediterranean: Spatio-temporal variations and feeding behavior. Mar Environ Res 2018; 142:234-249. [PMID: 30376996 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The trophic ecology of two bivalves, the clam Callista chione and the cockle Glycymeris bimaculata was studied using environmental and biochemical variables of the suspended particulate matter and the sediment. Samples were collected from two shallow sites, Pag and Cetina, in the coastal oligotrophic Mediterranean Sea, during a 17 month period. The temporal variation of the particulate matter reflected a mixture between marine and terrestrial sources throughout the year, with a clear marine influence during summer and fall, and predominance of terrestrial inputs during spring and winter. The digestive gland was a useful rapid turnover tissue, where the carbon isotope signal was species-specific and the nitrogen isotope one was site-specific. FA markers in the digestive gland revealed a mixed diet where Callista chione fed more upon fresh material than G. bimaculata which relied largely on bacteria-derived detritus. Overall, little feeding niche overlap was observed between the two species during the year, indicating resource partitioning, expected for a food-limited system. The present trophic ecology study in co-occurring species allowed identifying species-specific feeding adaptations to environmental variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Purroy
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 63, 21000, Split, Croatia.
| | - Mirjana Najdek
- Institute Ruđer Bošković, Center for Marine Research, 52210, Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Enrique Isla
- Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivan Župan
- Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Trg Kneza Višeslava 9, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
| | - Julien Thébault
- Université de Brest, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Laboratoire des sciences de l'environnement marin (LEMAR UMR6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD/Ifremer), 29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Melita Peharda
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 63, 21000, Split, Croatia
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18
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Cocci P, Mosconi G, Palermo FA. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) signaling in seabream primary hepatocytes exposed to extracts of seawater samples collected from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-contaminated coastal areas. Mar Environ Res 2017; 130:181-186. [PMID: 28760623 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants damaging to the marine environment and the wildlife. Herein, we investigated the effects of extracts from coastal seawaters (central Adriatic sea, Italy), showing high concentrations of PAHs, on pregnane X receptor (PXR)-transcriptional regulation of the cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) gene using seabream primary hepatocytes. The results show that concentrated extracts of seawater with original ΣPAH concentrations above the putative threshold of 30 ng L-1 increased expression of PXR and its main target gene, CYP3A. Similar results were observed for LXR and its target gene SREBP-1c suggesting pathway cross-talk. These data are further supported by the finding of multiple PXR and LXR response elements in the putative promoters of their target genes. Overall, our data indicate the capacity of seawater extracts, containing environmentally relevant levels of PAHs, to affect multiple pathways, including lipid and cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cocci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gilberto Mosconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandro Palermo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy.
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19
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Šantić D, Šestanović S, Vrdoljak A, Šolić M, Kušpilić G, Ninčević Gladan Ž, Koblížek M. Distribution of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs in the Eastern Adriatic Sea. Mar Environ Res 2017; 130:134-141. [PMID: 28760621 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The spatial patterns of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs abundances were investigated, for the first time, in the Adriatic Sea. Also, the spatial patterns of the whole picoplankton community as well as the environmental factors that potentially influence these patterns were highlighted. AAP abundances was in average 66.9 ± 66.8 × 103 cell mL-1, and their proportion in total bacteria was 7.3 ± 4.3%. These values are in the upper range of AAP abundances observed in marine environments. Multivariate analyses proved that environmental factors influenced the picoplankton community interdependently. Chl a was the main driving factor for the picoplankton community, accounting for 33.3% of picoplankton community variance, followed by NO2- (17.9% of variance explained) and temperature (14.2% of variance explained). Chl a showed stronger correlation with AAPs, non-pigmented bacteria and Picoeucaryotes than with cyanobacteria. Abundance of cyanobacteria was stronger correlated to salinity and the N:P ratio than to nutrient concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Šantić
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, Split, Croatia.
| | - Stefanija Šestanović
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, Split, Croatia.
| | - Ana Vrdoljak
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, Split, Croatia.
| | - Mladen Šolić
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, Split, Croatia.
| | - Grozdan Kušpilić
- Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Sedimentology of the Sea, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, Split, Croatia.
| | - Živana Ninčević Gladan
- Laboratory of Plankton and Shellfish Toxicity, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, Split, Croatia.
| | - Michal Koblížek
- Laboratory of Anoxygenic Phototrophs, Institute of Microbiology CAS, 379 81 Trebon, Czech Republic.
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20
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Lovrenčić Mikelić I, Oreščanin V, Škaro K. Variation of sedimentation rate in the semi-enclosed bay determined by 137Cs distribution in sediment (Kaštela Bay, Croatia). J Environ Radioact 2017; 166:112-125. [PMID: 27157297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of this research was to study the rate at which the semi-enclosed bay such as the Kaštela Bay reacts to the coastal processes of industrialization and urbanization, the extent of the influence of human activities on the bay, and the sediment distribution affected by anthropogenic influence. Temporal and spatial sedimentation rate variations were observed between three studied periods: 1954-2005, 1963-2005/2006, and 1986-2005/2006. Sedimentation rates were in the following ranges: 0.29-0.49 cm/yr for the 1954-2005 period, 0.58-0.95 cm/yr for the 1963-2005/2006 period, and 0.50-1.32 cm/yr for the 1986-2005/2006 period. The average total sedimentation rates for three periods were 0.41 cm/yr, 0.81 cm/yr, and 0.61 cm/yr, respectively. Sedimentation rate for the individual 1963-1986 period marked with two 137Cs marker peaks was in the 0.65-1.30 cm/yr range, while the mean value was 1.06 cm/yr. Long-term sedimentation rate increase in the whole Kaštela Bay was observed and clearly connected to the industrialization and urbanization processes in the coastal area. These processes reflect very quickly, in terms of years, in the sedimentation rates. Intensive anthropogenic activities in the coastal area are reflected in the whole bay depending on the amount of the discharged sediment material, topography of the sea bottom, and water currents. Some localized areas of sediment accumulation may form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanka Lovrenčić Mikelić
- Laboratory for Low-Level Radioactivities, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Mezzelani M, Gorbi S, Da Ros Z, Fattorini D, d'Errico G, Milan M, Bargelloni L, Regoli F. Ecotoxicological potential of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in marine organisms: Bioavailability, biomarkers and natural occurrence in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mar Environ Res 2016; 121:31-39. [PMID: 27036085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals represent a major environmental concern since the knowledge on their occurrence, distribution and ecotoxicological potential is still limited particularly in coastal areas. In this study, bioaccumulation and cellular effects of various non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were investigated in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to reveal whether common molecules belonging to the same therapeutic class might cause different effects on non target organisms. Organisms exposed to environmental concentrations of acetaminophen (AMP), diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU), ketoprofen (KET) and nimesulide (NIM) revealed a significant accumulation of DIC, IBU and NIM, while AMP and KET were always below detection limit. Nonetheless, for all tested NSAIDs, measurement of a large panel of ecotoxicological biomarkers highlighted impairment of immunological parameters, onset of genotoxicity and modulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative and neurotoxic effects. Laboratory results were integrated with a field study which provided the first evidence on the occurrence of DIC, IBU and NIM in tissues of wild mussels sampled during summer months from an unpolluted, touristic area of Central Adriatic Sea. Overall results demonstrated M. galloprovincialis as a good sentinel species for monitoring presence and ecotoxicological hazard of pharmaceuticals in the Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mezzelani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - S Gorbi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Z Da Ros
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - D Fattorini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - G d'Errico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M Milan
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA), Universita di Padova, Italy
| | - L Bargelloni
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA), Universita di Padova, Italy
| | - F Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DiSVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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Ansanelli G, Parrella L, Di Landa G, Massanisso P, Schiavo S, Manzo S. Risk assessment of selected priority pollutants coming from boating activities. Environ Monit Assess 2016; 188:435. [PMID: 27344560 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5419-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we evaluated the risk posed to aquatic organisms in the coastal waters of Albania and Apulia (Italy) by two priority pollutants (PPs), Irgarol 1051 and Diuron, used as biocides in antifouling paints on boat hulls. With this aim, we carried out an extensive 3-year monitoring in ports and marinas along the coasts of both countries, which showed a widespread occurrence of both PPs, with Irgarol 1051 concentrations usually being lower than the Diuron ones. The measured concentrations were compared with regulatory Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) (Directive 2008/105/EC) and used to perform a probabilistic Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA), for a thorough evaluation of the potential adverse effects upon marine ecosystem. Irgarol 1051 amounts above the Annual Average Concentration (AA-EQS, 2.5 ng/L) were often detected in Apulia and, less frequently, in Albania. Moreover, in Apulia, sometimes the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC-EQS, 16 ng/L) was exceeded. In Apulia, where levels exceeded MAC/AA-EQS, ERA found not negligible probabilities of exceeding the toxicity level (6-18 %). A less critical situation was observed for Diuron whose levels were always below the MAC-EQS (1800 ng/L) in both countries and, in Albania, also below the AA-EQS (200 ng/L). On the other hand, in Apulia, this limit was exceeded in some locations. Correspondingly, ERA determined a not negligible risk in these sites (probability of exceedance 4-7 %).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luisa Parrella
- Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II"-CRIAcq, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Schiavo
- ENEA C.R. Portici, P. le E. Fermi, 1, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Manzo
- ENEA C.R. Portici, P. le E. Fermi, 1, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
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Milun V, Lušić J, Despalatović M. Polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and trace metals in cultured and harvested bivalves from the eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia). Chemosphere 2016; 153:18-27. [PMID: 27010163 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and trace metals were determined in tissues of bivalve molluscs (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Ostrea edulis, Venus verrucosa, Arca noae and Callista chione), collected from 11 harvesting and 2 cultured locations along the eastern Adriatic coast, in May and November 2012. Concentrations (ng g(-1) dry weight) of organochlorines ranged from 1.53 to 21.1 for PCBs and 0.68 to 5.21 for p,p'-DDTs. HCB, lindane, heptachlor and aldrin-like compounds were found in lower levels or were not detected. Metal concentrations (mg kg(-1) dry weight) ranged from 0.23 to 4.03 for Cd, 0.87-3.43 for Cr, 3.69-202.3 for Cu, 0.06-0.26 for HgT, 0.62-9.42 for Ni, 0.95-4.64 for Pb, and 55.76-4010.3 for Zn. Established organochlorine and trace metal levels were lower than the maximum allowable levels in seafood set by the European Commission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Milun
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, 21000, Split, P.O. Box 500, Croatia
| | - Jelena Lušić
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, 21000, Split, P.O. Box 500, Croatia.
| | - Marija Despalatović
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, 21000, Split, P.O. Box 500, Croatia
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Taffi M, Paoletti N, Angione C, Pucciarelli S, Marini M, Liò P. Bioremediation in marine ecosystems: a computational study combining ecological modeling and flux balance analysis. Front Genet 2014; 5:319. [PMID: 25309577 PMCID: PMC4162388 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pressure to search effective bioremediation methodologies for contaminated ecosystems has led to the large-scale identification of microbial species and metabolic degradation pathways. However, minor attention has been paid to the study of bioremediation in marine food webs and to the definition of integrated strategies for reducing bioaccumulation in species. We propose a novel computational framework for analysing the multiscale effects of bioremediation at the ecosystem level, based on coupling food web bioaccumulation models and metabolic models of degrading bacteria. The combination of techniques from synthetic biology and ecological network analysis allows the specification of arbitrary scenarios of contaminant removal and the evaluation of strategies based on natural or synthetic microbial strains. In this study, we derive a bioaccumulation model of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Adriatic food web, and we extend a metabolic reconstruction of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 (iJN746) with the aerobic pathway of PCBs degradation. We assess the effectiveness of different bioremediation scenarios in reducing PCBs concentration in species and we study indices of species centrality to measure their importance in the contaminant diffusion via feeding links. The analysis of the Adriatic sea case study suggests that our framework could represent a practical tool in the design of effective remediation strategies, providing at the same time insights into the ecological role of microbial communities within food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Taffi
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of CamerinoCamerino, Italy
| | - Nicola Paoletti
- Department of Computer Science, University of OxfordOxford, UK
| | | | - Sandra Pucciarelli
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of CamerinoCamerino, Italy
| | - Mauro Marini
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR)Ancona, Italy
| | - Pietro Liò
- Computer Laboratory, University of CambridgeCambridge, UK
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