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Frapiccini E, De Marco R, Grilli F, Marini M, Annibaldi A, Prezioso E, Tramontana M, Spagnoli F. Anthropogenic contribution, transport, and accumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in sediments of the continental shelf and slope in the Mediterranean Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141285. [PMID: 38286310 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach, involving geochemical, sedimentological and oceanographic analyses, was employed to examine the distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a strongly anthropized area of the marginal Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean basin). The investigation into PAH distribution considered the grain size and biogeochemical properties of the sediments, as well as in relation to the main oceanographic processes and river inputs. Both biogeochemical and hydrographical inputs regulated the sedimentation of organic particles, influencing the distribution of PAHs. The results indicated PAH levels in 116 marine surface sediments ranging from 4 to 235 ng g-1 (average 55 ng g-1). The distribution of PAHs in Adriatic Sea surface sediments aligned with a higher clayey sedimentation in the deeper basin areas of the Middle Adriatic Depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Frapiccini
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Rocco De Marco
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Grilli
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mauro Marini
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125, Ancona, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies (FMC), 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Anna Annibaldi
- Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies (FMC), 61032, Fano, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Emanuela Prezioso
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mario Tramontana
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences (DiSPeA), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Campus Scientifico E. Mattei, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Federico Spagnoli
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125, Ancona, Italy; University of Camerino, School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, Via Gentile III da Varano, Camerino, Italy
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2
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Girolametti F, Annibaldi A, Illuminati S, Carnevali O, Varola M, Truzzi C. Determination of Hg and Se in swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from Mediterranean Sea: Implications for nutritional recommendations during pregnancy and childhood. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115741. [PMID: 37948870 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115741] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are important marine predators facing potential mercury (Hg) contamination. This study analyzed Hg levels in swordfish muscle tissue from two Mediterranean Sea stocks. Italian specimens showed significantly higher Hg concentrations (1.4 ± 0.8 mg kg-1 ww) than Spanish ones (0.8 ± 0.5 mg kg-1 ww), with many samples exceeding EU's safety limit (1 mg kg-1 ww). Selenium (Se) content and Se:Hg ratios were examined, along with the maximum safe fish meals per month for vulnerable consumers. These results highlight the urgent need for monitoring and mitigation strategies to reduce health risks, especially for susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Girolametti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Annibaldi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Illuminati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mila Varola
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Truzzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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3
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Girolametti F, Illuminati S, Annibaldi A, Ajdini B, Fanelli M, Truzzi C. Mercury in honey from the Marche region (central Italy). Risk assessment from human consumption and its use as bioindicator of environmental pollution. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20502. [PMID: 37790959 PMCID: PMC10543224 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey is a natural product made by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from nectar or honeydew. It is a very popular and appreciated product all over the world as it represents a rapidly available energy source and exerts several beneficial properties for humans. However, it has been demonstrated that honey can be contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) of natural or anthropogenic origin. Among them, mercury (Hg) represents one of the most dangerous for its toxicity and its capacity to biomagnify along the trophic web. In the present study, 100 honey samples from the Marche Region (Central Italy) produced in the year 2021, were analyzed by thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry to determine the Hg content. The overall mean concentration was 0.2 ± 0.2 μg kg-1. The results showed that no statistically significant differences were found in Hg content among honey from different pollen origin, but honeydew had a significantly higher Hg content with respect to all other honey samples (0.6 ± 0.3 μg kg-1). The Hg content in honey depends mainly on local pollution, while geographical origin did not play a key role. Furthermore, considering the regulatory limits and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWIs) identified by FAO/WHO, the Hg Hazard Quotient (HQ) measurement revealed that this product is safe for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Girolametti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Illuminati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Annibaldi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Behixhe Ajdini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Fanelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Truzzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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4
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Lipizer M, Berto D, Cermelj B, Fafandjel M, Formalewicz M, Hatzianestis I, Ilijanić N, Kaberi H, Kralj M, Matijevic S, Molina Jack ME, Parinos C, Tronczynski J, Giani M. Trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean sediments: Concentration ranges as a tool for quality control of large data collections. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114181. [PMID: 36308819 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the status of marine pollution at regional and sub-regional scales requires the use of comparable and harmonized data provided by multiple institutions, located in several countries. Standardized data management and quality control are crucial for supporting a coherent evaluation of marine pollution. Taking the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as a case study, we propose an approach to improve the quality control procedures used for sediment pollution data, thus supporting a harmonized environmental assessment. The regional ranges of contaminant concentrations in sediments were identified based on an in-depth literature review, and the lowest measured concentrations were evaluated to determine the "background concentrations" of chemical substances not yet targeted in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, to verify the suitability of the approach for validating large data collections provided by multiple sources, the determined ranges were used to validate a regional dataset available through EMODnet data infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lipizer
- OGS, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy.
| | - D Berto
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Chioggia, Italy.
| | - B Cermelj
- NIB, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia.
| | - M Fafandjel
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Center for Marine Research, Rovinj, Croatia.
| | - M Formalewicz
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Chioggia, Italy.
| | - I Hatzianestis
- HCMR, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece.
| | - N Ilijanić
- Croatian Geological Survey, Sachsova 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - H Kaberi
- HCMR, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece
| | - M Kralj
- OGS, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy.
| | - S Matijevic
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia.
| | - M E Molina Jack
- OGS, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy.
| | - C Parinos
- HCMR, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Anavyssos, Attiki, Greece.
| | - J Tronczynski
- Ifremer, CCEM Contamination Chimique des Écosystèmes Marins, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - M Giani
- OGS, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Trieste, Italy.
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5
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Transport, Persistence, and Toxicity of Pollutants in the Sea. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12147017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Eight research articles and two reviews are included in this Special Issue focused on the transport, persistence, and toxicity of pollutants in different seas: the Western and Central Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the South China Sea [...]
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6
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Girolametti F, Panfili M, Colella S, Frapiccini E, Annibaldi A, Illuminati S, Marini M, Truzzi C. Mercury levels in Merluccius merluccius muscle tissue in the central Mediterranean Sea: Seasonal variation and human health risk. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113461. [PMID: 35193004 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study we analysed total mercury (THg) levels in European hake (Merluccius merluccius) - an ecologically and commercially important species throughout the Mediterranean - caught in the northern and central Adriatic Sea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating THg levels in hake fillets in relation to ecological (season) and biological (body size, sex, sexual maturity, lipid content) parameters. THg levels in muscle showed no sex-related differences; in contrast, significant season-related differences were found in females, with higher levels in spring-summer compared with autumn-winter. No season-related differences were seen in males. A significant sex effect was found for body size and sexual maturity. Females showed a correlation between THg level and length, THg being significantly higher in mature compared with immature specimens. No significant sex effect was found for muscle lipid content, because a correlation between THg concentration and tissue lipids was found in both sexes. Since the mean THg concentration found in M. merluccius fillets (0.64 ± 0.29 mg kg-1 dry weight; range, 0.20-1.53) was consistently under the level set by EU regulations, this study demonstrates that European hake caught in the northern and central Adriatic is safe for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Girolametti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Panfili
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Colella
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frapiccini
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Anna Annibaldi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies (FMC), 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Silvia Illuminati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Mauro Marini
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), 60125 Ancona, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies (FMC), 61032 Fano, Italy
| | - Cristina Truzzi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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7
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Dissolved Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Relation to Depuration Plant Outflows in Adriatic Coastal Waters: A Two Year Monitoring Survey. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14040569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Adriatic Sea is vulnerable to pollution due to its low bathymetry, intense industrial activity, and tourism. In this context, a good depuration plant activity could play a key role for the maintenance of a good environmental quality. In the framework of the AdSWiM project, “Managed use of treated urban wastewater for the quality of the Adriatic Sea”, a study on dissolved potentially toxic element (PTE) levels was carried out to assess the impact of treated urban wastewaters on the quality of the bathing waters in the Adriatic Sea during the 2019 and 2020 summer period. In the present study, three areas along the Italian–Croatian coastline (Gulf of Trieste, Zadar, and Split) were identified for the monitoring of five depuration plant (DP) outflows. Water samples were collected after the treatment inside the DPs, and coastal seawater was sampled in the proximity of the discharging pipelines. Dissolved Hg, Cd, and As levels were determined with an atomic fluorescence spectrometer. Results did not show statistically significant differences between treated wastewater and seawater samples (Hg 10 ± 6 and 10 ± 4, Cd 14 ± 6 and 21 ± 8, As 610 ± 176 and 687 ± 140 ng L−1, respectively), while the geographical area and the seasonality affected the PTE concentration. Furthermore, the levels detected were lower than the European and national limits, indicating a good environmental status of the northern Adriatic Sea waters. The determination of further parameters (nutrients, microbiological indicators) must be investigated to identify possible synergistic effects. However, our results demonstrate the efficiency of DPs investigated, underlining the importance of the wastewater treatment for the protection of the Adriatic Sea.
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8
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Rostami MA, Frontalini F, Giordano P, Francescangeli F, Alves Martins MV, Dyer L, Spagnoli F. Testing the applicability of random forest modeling to examine benthic foraminiferal responses to multiple environmental parameters. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 172:105502. [PMID: 34638002 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The main environmental variables controlling benthic foraminiferal distributions were identified and used to assess their influence on ecological indices developed as predictors of Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) in marine ecosystems. Gradient forest and random forest models were applied to assess the predictive value of a selection of abiotic (environmental) and biotic (foraminifera) variables in a costal marine area in the central Adriatic Sea (Italy). This approach yields evidence that the predictor variables sand, silt, Pollution Load Index, and TN have the greatest influence on the distribution of benthic foraminifera in this area. In addition, we identify thresholds for the most important environmental variables that influence ecological indices. These findings contribute to efforts to determine how to best improve sediment quality and environmental stability for marine conservation. Further application of these approaches represents a useful tool for policymakers to survey the diversity of marine organisms and to improve the ability to protect and restore marine ecosystems by identifying predictors of diversity and identifying key thresholds in these predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud A Rostami
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
| | - Fabrizio Frontalini
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Patrizia Giordano
- Istituto di Scienze Polari, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Francescangeli
- University of Hamburg, Institute for Geology, Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability, Bundesstraße, 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Virginia Alves Martins
- Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), R. São Francisco Xavier, 524, LabMicro 4037F, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, 20550-900, Brazil; Aveiro University, Department of Geosciences, GeoBioTec, Campus de Santiago, 3810-197, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lee Dyer
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Federico Spagnoli
- Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 60125, Ancona, Italy; School of Science and Technology, Geology division, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
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9
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Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112311179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both of anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise to concerns related to their possible effects on human biology. In the present review, we summarize the results of epidemiological investigations on the genetic component of individual susceptibility to methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in humans, and on the effects that these two pollutants have on human epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, we provide evidence that Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study to investigate the potential impact of methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the human genome and epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local seafood consumption, and given the characteristics that render the Mediterranean Sea particularly polluted. Finally, we discuss the challenges of a molecular anthropological approach to this topic.
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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. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 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] [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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Fossile E, Sabbatini A, Spagnoli F, Caridi F, Dell'Anno A, De Marco R, Dinelli E, Droghini E, Tramontana M, Negri A. Sensitivity of foraminiferal-based indices to evaluate the ecological quality status of marine coastal benthic systems: A case study of the Gulf of Manfredonia (southern Adriatic Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111933. [PMID: 33484989 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to compare two foraminiferal based biotic indices generally used to evaluate the ecological quality status (EcoQS): the Foram-AMBI and the Foram Stress Index (FSI). For this purpose, we report the distribution and diversity of living foraminiferal assemblages and the environmental variables from a bathymetric transect in the Southern Adriatic Sea. The two indices agree well with the detected organic enrichment but indicate conflicting EcoQS as the Foram-AMBI detects good environmental conditions, whereas the FSI describes a poor-moderate quality. Many species not assigned (including soft-shelled foraminifera) are to blame for the different results. Also, both foraminiferal-based indices neglect the heavy metal increase encountered in the deepest stations. These findings suggest the need for a more in-depth analysis to improve the ecological status evaluation of marine benthic systems, including other descriptors as chemical pollutants in combination with biotic indices sensitive to organic matter enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Fossile
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Sabbatini
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Federico Spagnoli
- Institute of Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca, 2, 60125 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Francesca Caridi
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Dell'Anno
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rocco De Marco
- Institute of Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council (CNR), Largo Fiera della Pesca, 2, 60125 Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Dinelli
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S.Donato 1, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Droghini
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences (DiSPeA), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Campus Scientifico E. Mattei, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Mario Tramontana
- Department of Pure and Applied Sciences (DiSPeA), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Campus Scientifico E. Mattei, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Negri
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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12
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Sources and Metal Pollution of Sediments from a Coastal Area of the Central Western Adriatic Sea (Southern Marche Region, Italy). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11031118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sediments represent a critical compartment of marine coastal ecosystems due to the toxic and long-lasting effects of the contaminants buried therein. Here, we investigated the properties of surficial sediments in front of the Southern Marche Region coast (Central Adriatic Sea, Italy). The grain size of the surficial sediments was determined by X-ray sedigraphy. TN and OC contents were determined by elemental analysis. The concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, K, S, Ca, Ti, P, Na, Mn, Mg, Li, As, Ba, Ga, Pb, Sr, and Zn were determined by ICP-OES to evaluate their spatial patterns and temporal trends. A Q-mode Factor Analyses was applied and resulted in the identification of three compositional facies (Padanic, Coastal, and Residual) characterized by common biogeochemical, mineralogical, sedimentological properties, transport pathway, and source. Some pollution indicators, such as the enrichment factor, the geoaccumulation index, and the pollution load index were calculated to assess the deviation from the natural background levels. The results showed a pollution by As and Ba due to the human activities in the 20th century. Furthermore, a general decreasing of Al, Ti, P, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ni, Pb, Sc, V, and Y concentrations from the background levels suggested a change in the sedimentation processes during the last decades.
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Rabieh S, Bayaraa O, Romeo E, Amosa P, Calnek K, Idaghdour Y, Ochsenkühn MA, Amin SA, Goldstein G, Bromage TG. MH-ICP-MS Analysis of the Freshwater and Saltwater Environmental Resources of Upolu Island, Samoa. Molecules 2020; 25:E4871. [PMID: 33105583 PMCID: PMC7659969 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The elemental composition of freshwater and saltwater samples around the South Pacific island of Upolu, Samoa has been investigated together with other indicators of water quality. Up to 69 elements from Li (3) to U (92) are measured in each sample, analyzed by Mattauch-Herzog-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MH-ICP-MS). One hundred and seventy-six samples were collected from surface freshwater sources (24 rivers, two volcanic lakes, one dam) and from seawater sources from the surface to 30 m depth (45 inner reef, reef, and outer reef locations) around Upolu Island, including river mouths and estuaries. Principal component and hierarchical clustering correlation analyses were performed on quantile normalized log transformed elemental composition data to identify groups of samples with similar characteristics and to improve the visualization of the full spectrum of elements. Human activities, such as the use of herbicides and pesticides, may relate to observed elevated concentrations of some elements contained in chemicals known to have deleterious obesogenic effects on humans that may also cause coral reef decline. Furthermore, the salinity of some saltwater samples tested were very high, possibly due to climate variability, which may additionally harm the health and biodiversity of coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Rabieh
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Odmaa Bayaraa
- Environmental Genomics Lab, Biology Program, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi 51133, UAE; (O.B.); (Y.I.)
| | - Emarosa Romeo
- Hydrology Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Level 3, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Building (TATTE), Sogi., P.O. Private Bag, Apia 95564, Samoa;
| | - Patila Amosa
- Faculty of Science, National University of Samoa, P.O. Box 1622, Apia 95564, Samoa;
| | - Khemet Calnek
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Environmental Genomics Lab, Biology Program, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi 51133, UAE; (O.B.); (Y.I.)
| | - Michael A. Ochsenkühn
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi 51133, UAE; (M.A.O.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Shady A. Amin
- Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi 51133, UAE; (M.A.O.); (S.A.A.)
| | - Gary Goldstein
- College of Dentistry, New York University, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Timothy G. Bromage
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA;
- Department of Biomaterials, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
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Hg Levels in Marine Porifera of Montecristo and Giglio Islands (Tuscan Archipelago, Italy). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10124342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Porifera are filter-feeding organisms known to bioaccumulate different contaminants in their tissues. The presence of mercury (Hg) has been reported in different Mediterranean species, mainly collected in the southern coast of France. In the present study, mercury concentrations in the tissue of the sponges of Montecristo and Giglio, two islands of Tuscany Archipelago National Park (TANP), are presented for the first time. Analyses of total mercury content were performed by Direct Mercury Analyzer. Statistical differences have been reported in the Hg concentrations of species collected in both islands, but they do not appear related to the anthropic impacts of the islands. Among the collected species, a high intra- and inter-variability have been recorded, with Cliona viridis showing the lowest concentration (0.0167–0.033 mg·kg−1 dry weight), and Chondrosia reniformis and Sarcotragus spinosulus the highest (0.57 ± 0.15 and 0.64 ± 0.01 mg·kg−1 dry weight, respectively). The variability of Hg measured did not allow us to identify sponges as bioindicators of toxic elements. Anyway, these results improve knowledge on the ecosystem of the TANP, underlining the species-specificity of metal concentrations for Porifera, and providing additional data to address the main input of the Marine Strategy guidelines to protect coasts, seas and oceans.
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