Marine sponges are a reservoir of microbial diversity and host many species-specific bacterial symbionts that may be of great biotechnological interest. This research constitutes the first characterization of the growth dynamics of the bacterial community associated with the marine sponge Raspaciona aculeata, to evaluate the effects of incubation temperature on its biotechnological potential. Fifty-two strains were isolated from R. aculeata homogenate and five potential morphological strains were identified based on different morphological features of the colonies (shape, color, margins and size) and subsequent confirmation by rRNA analysis. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that all bacterial isolates belonged to the Pseudomonadaceae and Pseudoalteromonadaceae families. The bacterial strains were grown in Marine Broth medium at different growth temperatures (4, 15, 25, and 37 ± 1 °C) for up to 50 days. Changes in cell hydrophobicity (polystyrene adhesion assay) and surfactant production (emulsion activity, %, E24) were correlated with growth measurements (optical density, OD600nm). The results highlight that although temperature represents an important natural factor in adhesion processes, this did not generally influence growth dynamics. The highest emulsification activity values were recorded with average values of approximately 29 % (%, E24) among all strains studied at a temperature of 15 °C and values of approximately 30 % (%, E24) at a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C. The ability of the bacterial strains to degrade crude oil, tetradecane and phenanthrene at the different temperatures under study was also analyzed, with the average values among all strains under study being higher (by approximately 49 %, 46 %, and 50 %, respectively) at a temperature of 25 ± 1 °C. These findings suggest that the sponge-associated bacterial strains isolated in this study are actively involved in surfactant production and hydrocarbon degradation, and could be further investigated for their possible application in bioremediation processes.

Species distribution data are essential for understanding biodiversity patterns, supporting conservation planning and assessing the impacts of environmental change. Amphipods represent one of the most abundant and diverse groups of marine macroinvertebrates, encompassing over 10,900 species worldwide and exhibiting a wide range of trophic and ecological roles. Owing to their sensitivity to environmental changes, amphipods are widely used as bioindicators and are of considerable interest in both basic and applied research. However, incomplete or outdated information on species distributions has often led to misidentifications and inconsistencies in literature, highlighting the need for updated and reliable checklists.This study presents an inventory of unpublished records comprising more than 300 species collected from the Italian maritime zones of the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian and Ionian areas. The Tyrrhenian Sea exhibited the highest taxonomic richness, whereas the Adriatic Sea accounted for the greatest number of records, likely reflecting differences in sampling effort. Eleven non-indigenous species (NIS), representing 3.6% of the total, were recorded, primarily in ports, lagoons and aquaculture facilities, while 6.6% of the species were classified as cryptogenic or of uncertain origin. Sandy and mixed substrates supported the highest species richness, consistent with their greater sampling effort. Overall, this study provides an updated overview of amphipod biodiversity and distribution in Italian seas and underscores the need for systematic and continuous monitoring. According to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, the dataset was published on the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) platform.

Lake sediments can act as reservoirs for contaminants and host microbial communities with potential roles in natural ecosystem functioning. This study explored the occurrence of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, including "silent" hydrocarbon-responsive populations detectable after selective enrichment, in interfacial sediments of Lake Faro, a brackish meromictic basin in Messina, Italy. Sediment samples collected from five stations were chemically characterized and incubated in microcosms enriched with tetradecane, phenanthrene, or crude oil as the sole carbon and energy source. Chemical analyses revealed that hydrocarbons HCs > 12 were below the quantification limit at all stations, while PAHs were detectable at low concentrations. After 80 days of enrichment, microbial abundance increased, especially in tetradecane and crude oil-amended microcosms, and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were selectively enriched. Overall, 25 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 16 were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and assigned to taxa with reported hydrocarbon-degrading potential, including Isoalcanivorax pacificus, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, Pseudoalteromonas sp., Vibirio alginolyticus, and Stappia indica. Several strains showed emulsifying activity, with E24 values up to 60%. These findings suggest that Lake Faro sediments host a latent hydrocarbon-responsive bacterial fraction, with intrinsic bioremediation potential and ecological relevance for natural attenuation processes in transitional aquatic ecosystems.

Understanding the impacts of suspended sediments and microplastics (MPs) on aquatic organisms is critical, particularly for filter-feeding bivalves such as mussels and clams. Despite their ecological and economic significance, the differential effects of MPs and natural particles on bivalves remain insufficiently studied. This research investigates the impacts of polyethylene (PE) MPs, silt, and their combination on mortality and oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase-SOD and malondialdehyde-MDA) in Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussels) and Ruditapes philippinarum (clams). PE exposure caused significant mortality, with clams showing greater sensitivity compared to mussels. In contrast, silt exposure resulted in minimal mortality, reflecting clams' higher tolerance to natural particulate matter. However, combined PE and silt exposure exacerbated mortality in both species, highlighting synergistic effects. Combined exposure also led to a pronounced increase in SOD activity in the digestive glands of mussels and elevated MDA levels in both digestive glands and gills, indicating oxidative damage. Notably, single treatments with PE or silt also caused significant increases in MDA levels in mussels. Species interactions also significantly influenced the biochemical responses of mussels and clams. Overall, mussels showed the higher MP retention capacities, while clams appeared to modulate MP accumulation dynamics. This study advances our understanding of the ecological risks posed by particulate pollutants, particularly MPs, and highlights the importance of investigating the combined effects of multiple stressors in aquatic ecosystems.

When developing a climate change scenario, it is essential to carefully consider its impacts on both marine ecosystems and transitional environments, such as coastal lagoons, with the aim to promote their conservation and sustainable management. This study analyzes temporal and spatial trends in the water physico-chemical properties and nutrient dynamics of the Lesina lagoon (south-western Adriatic coast, Italy), based on monthly (from April to September) monitoring data collected between 2010 and 2023. Linear regression and multivariate analyses (SIMPER and PCA) were used to assess variations and inter-variable correlations. Over the 14-year period, a significant temperature increase of 1.45 degrees C and a salinity rise of 16.95 PSU were observed. Nutrient trends included a marked increase in silicates (3.342 +/- 0.011 mu M/year, p<0.001) and significant decreases in ammonia (-0.168 +/- 0.002 mu M/year, p<0.001) and oxidized nitrogen (-1.42 +/- 0.01 mu M/year, p<0.001). Spatial analysis revealed that silicate concentrations were significantly higher in the western area, while oxidized nitrogen levels were consistently lower in the western area compared to the central-eastern region. It is important to emphasize that, since the data used in this study were collected exclusively during the April-September period, all findings apply specifically to the warmer part of the year - namely, the spring and summer seasons. Therefore, the observed trends may not fully represent conditions during the colder months.

Microplastic pollution poses an escalating concern, particularly in coastal lagoons rich in biodiversity. This study delved into the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Magallana gigas (formerly Crassostrea gigas) from the Orbetello and Varano coastal lagoons (Italy), also investigating the response of these filter-feeding organisms to various colors (P = pink; B = blue; W = white) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MP fragments. Oysters were exposed for 7 days under controlled conditions. Subsequently, the oysters underwent analysis for both MP presence and biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Diverse ingestion rates of HDPE were noted among oysters from the two lagoons, eliciting antioxidant responses and modifying baseline activity. The two-way ANOVA revealed the significant effects of treatment (control; HDPE_B; HDPE_P; HDPE_W), site, and the interaction between treatment and site on all biomarkers. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed a divergent effect of HDPE color on biomarkers. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the influence of MP color, dose-dependent effects, and the long-term impacts of exposure. Comprehending these intricacies is imperative for devising effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution and safeguard marine health.

Transitional water ecosystems have low water exchanges and can trap chemicals and microplastics (MPs). In this study, MPs, trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-PHAs levels and the oxidative stress response were assessed in Mytilus galloprovincialis from two Italian lagoon ecosystems (Orbetello and Varano). In addition, the ecotoxicological effects induced by the exposure of M. galloprovincialis to high-density polyethylene-HDPE MPs were also determined. Levels of trace elements were almost always comparable among the sites, whereas MPs were found only in mussels from Orbetello. PAHs were always under the limit of quantification. Glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in mussels from Varano. As regard the exposure test, it was found a significant effect of treatment, site and their interaction on mortality and biochemical biomarkers in both fed and unfed mussels. However, principal component analysis suggests similar effects of both color and nourishment condition on biochemical biomarkers. These findings warrant further investigation.

An efficient and adaptive strategy within the EU Marine Spatial Planning Directive has to manage the existing and increasing conflicts between human uses and habitat conservation in coastal-marine areas. Among the different human activities developed along the coasts, aquaculture occupies a primary role. In this context, the aims of this research have been: (1) to propose a conceptual model suitable for aquaculture marine spatial planning; (2) to collect and integrate indicators useful for the characterization of the study area in terms of socio-ecological-economic sensitivities and pressures; and (3) to identify and map the most suitable areas for the development of new fish and shellfish farms. The study area is the Apulia Region (Southern Italy) with a coastline of about 1,000 km, in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and characterized by several economic activities within a high value natural context. The evaluation of area’s suitability for fish and shellfish farms have been carried out through the ecological characterization of the coastal areas, the identification of the socio-economic, ecological, cultural, and legal-military constraints and the estimate of the “Suitability Index” that, through a Weighted Linear Combination, integrates environmental variables and allows to classify areas as “Highly Suitable”, “Suitable” or “Unsuitable”. The “highly suitable areas” for new fish and shellfish farms are mainly located in northernmost of the Southern Adriatic Sea along the Gargano coast and in the Gulf of Manfredonia, whilst concerning the Northern Ionian Sea they are at a mean distance of 5 Km from the shoreline. The suitability maps have shown that existing fish farms are in line with their suitable areas but, surprisingly, this has seemed not to be true for shellfish farms. This can be explained by the fact that these aquaculture activities have traditionally been present in some areas (e.g., Taranto Seas), currently strongly impacted by human activities. This research has highlighted that despite aquaculture is generally conceived as an environmental impacting activity, it could be also impacted by other environmental and/or anthropic stressors (i.e., industrial ports, sewage discharges). Considering all these elements, the present research addresses decision-makers, providing information and tools necessary to plan in a more aware way, and also stakeholders interested in investing in the aquaculture sector, who could benefit from the proposed suitability maps for fish and shellfish farms for a sustainable development of this sector.

Lagoon environments, like all the marine-coastal areas, offer a wide variety of ecosystem services, but at the same time are affected by pressing human activities that lead to deterioration of the environmental quality, loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction and pollution. Since the well-being of population and local economy depend on the environmental status of these ecosystems, it is essential to adopt long-term management tools to achieve the Good Environmental Status sensu European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Water Framework Directive. A Nature 2000 site (Lesina lagoon, south Italy) was assessed within a project aimed at protecting and restoring biodiversity and lagoon habitat through integrated monitoring, suitable management, and good practices. Here we provide an assessment of the lagoon integrity based on a multi-metrics approach, highlighting match/mismatch among environmental quality indicators and microplastics (MP) pollution. Some environmental quality indices based on ecosystem components as vegetation, macroinvertebrates and water trophic variables were applied together with an accurate evaluation of MPs abundance, distribution, and composition to assess the ecological status of Lesina lagoon before and after cleaning actions with litter removal. Overall, all the ecological descriptors outlined a clear lagoon spatial gradient, with a western saltier and organic-enriched area characterized by the absence of vegetation, macrozoobenthos with lower diversity and richness and high MPs occurrence. The focus on macrozoobenthos, considered as a key component of the lagoon ecosystem, identified much more sites in “poor” status than the other indicators here considered. Moreover, it was found a negative relationship between the Multivariate Marine Biotic Index and MPs items in sediment, suggesting that MP pollution has a negative impact on macrobenthic fauna, concurring to the deterioration of the benthic ecological status.

Environmental diagnostics are commonly used to identify anthropogenic influences in various environmental settings. However, the use of a single survey technique is limiting and leads to an incomplete and often inaccurate picture of reality. In this study, three real cases analyzing impacts on marine ecosystems have been presented to prove how the integration of different diagnostic techniques can be very beneficial to better understand the phenomena that occur as well as the impacts and associated damages. Studies combining classical diagnostics based on the determination of contaminant levels by chemical analysis, ecotoxicological tests and stress biomarkers with diagnostics by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-FESEM and X-ray diffraction-XRD microscopy are reported. Findings suggest that the embedding of chemical analyses, ecotoxicology and microchemical FESEM and XRD analyses allow us to hit the mark and give precise and effective responses in environmental management.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants that have also been detected in the aquatic ecosystems at high concentrations. The use of shellfish as bioindicators is widespread for assessing and monitoring the environmental quality in both freshwater and marine environments. On this path, biomarkers represent an effective tool in monitoring programs. This minireview would broaden the existing knowledge on biomarkers of MPs in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. This species was selected as it is widely distributed across the Mediterranean Sea and used as a bioindicator to monitor the presence of MPs in the marine environment. The literature search returned only 11 studies, mainly related to oxidative stress biomarkers. Although certain biomarkers were explored to estimate the effects of MPs on M. galloprovincialis, a battery of standardized and validated biomarkers as well as the inclusion of new ones are needed in future studies to obtain more comparable and robust findings across the Mediterranean Sea.

Microbeads and fragments have been widely studied, while glitter remains neglected by the literature although found in a variety product (e.g., body paints, nail polish, cosmetics, craft products). The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of different types and concentrations of glitter particles on Mytilus galloprovincialis after 7 days of exposure. The experiment was divided into a preliminary test and a confirmatory test. Our findings support the hypothesis for a link between concentration and type of glitter particles, percentage of recovery and oxidative stress in M. galloprovincialis. There was a significant correlation between particle length and percentage of particles recovered in water, suggesting that the digestive tract of M. galloprovincialis retains smaller particles more. In addition, we noted an increase in antioxidant defense induced by smaller particles. Moreover, certain types of glitter crumbled and shortened in length, resulting in higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers. Finally, the star-shaped glitter particles had a different effect on oxidative stress biomarkers. Further studies are needed to clarify the toxic effects of glitter on aquatic organisms and to quantify its proportion to other microplastics in the environment.

Macrophytes represent interesting matrices for oil extraction with biodiesel production purposes, particularly in eutrophic coastal lagoons. This short note reported results on bio-oil extraction efficiency in two different species of macrophytes in a Mediterranean lagoon (Lesina lagoon, south-eastern Italy), by testing effects of different factors (year, season, species of macrophytes) on oil production and oil quality. Extracted total oils values ranged from 0.65 % (Chara spp.) to 2.35 % (Chaetomorpha linum) and a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the two species was reported in relation to the variability of diene production with seasons. Compared to the available literature, higher oil extraction efficiencies are reported in this paper for the species C. linum, mainly due to the pressure optimization before extractions. (C) 2022 L&H Scientific Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.

The occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis was molecularly investigated in the hemolymph, gills, stomach, hepatopancreas and gonads of the eleven invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (Mediterranean Sea). Out of 11 blue crabs, 6 (54.5%) and 4 (36.4%) were found positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanenis, respectively; parasites were found only in the six females analysed, while the remaining five males resulted negative. Moreover, out of 55 tissues samples, 7 (12.7%) and 8 (14.5%) were positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanensis, respectively with hemolymph and gills being the most infected tissues. This is the first report of the presence of protozoan pathogens in wild crab species collected from a Mediterranean lagoon. The present results may provide a baseline reference on microbial infection in the species for invaded Mediterranean waters, and on the potential health risks related with its consumption if eaten raw.

In open regions of the Ross Sea, the role of the microbial community in the turnover of organic matter has scarcely been investigated; indeed, very little is known on how microbial distribution and functional diversity respond to environmental conditions and hydrographic structures. During the austral summer of 2017, two pelagic areas of the Ross Sea [the Drygalski Ice Tongue and the nearby Terra Nova Bay polynya (A area), and the continental Shelf Break area near Cape Adare (C area)] were studied at selected depths [surface, Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM), Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), deep waters]. Trophic properties [nutrient concentrations, particulate (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and its optically significant fraction (CDOM) were measured, together with the main hydrological variables. Microbial community abundance [total prokaryotes, living, dead, and actively respiring fraction, high- and low nucleic acid cells (HNA and LNA), pico- and nano-eukaryotes, culturable heterotrophic bacteria], composition, and metabolism (as whole community and as isolated bacteria) were also assessed. Through a multidisciplinary dataset, this study highlighted the variable response of microbial abundance, diversity, and metabolism of the microbial community to the changing local environmental conditions of the Ross Sea. Different forces, such as organic matter inputs (mostly of detrital nature) released from the Drygalski glacier in the A area, and a coastal-to-offshore gradient in the C area, coexisted within this extreme ecosystem. This resulted in a significant spatial segregation of the edaphic parameters, and of the microbial community distribution and metabolic activity patterns.

Marine litter levels were measured in the stomach contents, hepatopancreas, and gonad tissues of crustacea decapod (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896; n = 6), a widespread alien species affecting the Lesina lagoon. Results highlight a mean of 2.5 (SD = 1.6) items/animal and indicate the presence of metals fragments (13%) and plastics (13% PE; 6.7% PET) in the stomach contents of collected individuals. No microplastic particles were detected in the hepatopancreas or in muscle tissue, while microplastic fibres (nylon, rayon, polyester) were found present in female specimen gonads. The presence of synthetic fibres in the investigated species reflects the relative contamination level in this habitat type and suggests that the blue crab could be considered a model organism for evaluating the contamination status of the study area.

The occurrence of the Chinese pond mussel Sinanodonta woodiana is reported for the first time in the Molise region (Southeast Italy). Details of the mussel's invasion history in Italy are also given. A total of 24 S. woodiana specimens were collected after a long drought period in October 2017 from an emerged beach on the southwest side of the Guardialfiera artificial lake and their main morphometric features were quantified. No young individuals were found, only large adults, whose survival could ensure population subsistence in more suitable environmental conditions. The present study provides evidence of a massive die-off affecting invasive bivalves during an extreme climatic event, producing decaying biomass with negative impacts on the water quality of the lake. Further investigations of the population dynamics of this species and the environmental quality of the water body are needed to develop an appropriate management plan in relation to the ecosystem services it delivers.

Transitional water ecosystems are targeted by the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD, CE 2000/60) monitoring programs in coastal zones. Concerning sediments, activities performed for the WFD focus on a few variables concerning the biochemical composition of organic matter. Our research reports the effects of oxygen availability on the biochemical composition of organic matter in sediments to highlight levels of targeted variables in time and, according to the depth of sediment layer, both under oxygenated and anoxic conditions in a mesocosm study on sediment cores. Results provide evidence that tested factors of interest (i.e., disturbance type, oxygenic versus anoxic conditions; persistence time of disturbance, 0-14 days; penetration through sedimentary layers, 0-10 cm depth) are able to significantly affect the biochemical composition of organic matter in sediments. Large part of the variables considered in this study (total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorous (TP), total sulphur (TS), Fe, carbohydrates (CHO), total proteins (PRT), biopolymeric carbon (BPC), chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) are significantly affected and correlated to the oxygenation levels and could be good early indicators of important changes of environmental conditions. Monitoring activities performed under WFD guidelines and management strategies of Mediterranean coastal lagoon ecosystems shall include the biochemical composition of organic matter in sediment to provide an exhaustive picture of such dynamic ecosystems.

Shellfish culture, based on ecological and market assessment, is considered a driving force for socio-economic change in ecologically complex coastal systems such as lagoons throughout the Mediterranean area. To diversify fish production, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was cultured at commercial farms in the Varano Lagoon (SE Italy). The aims of this study were to evaluate through four condition indices (CI, CICG, CIE and AFNOR index), the Polydora index (PI), lipid content, quality and market aspects of oysters reared at two different sites (FO and LA) of the Varano Lagoon, which are characterized by different hydrodynamic conditions. The results of this study highlighted the potential economic benefits associated with sustainable aquaculture development in the Varano Lagoon, proving that the area surrounding the LA site was more suitable for oyster culture, reaching commercial size (60 mm) in a shorter time (6–8 months). Higher growth performance of oysters was observed in the spring, when the nutrient availability positively affected the feeding response of suspension feeders. The opposite was found in winter and in summer, when the decrease in growth could be due to the reduction of nutrient and to the increase of salinity, TSM and ISM. The presence of the mud blister worm (Polydora sp.) during rearing could be a real problem, as it damages oyster market value and threatens serious financial loss to the local farmers.

Vessels, specifically ballast water and hull fouling, are a major vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) in European seas. The Mediterranean is one of the world's marine regions where their invasion is heaviest. The shallow Adriatic basin is a highly sensitive area that is already experiencing its consequences. The secondary spread of NIS over a wider area through natural dispersion is a complex process that depends on a wide range of oceanographic factors. This work analysed the dataset of the BALMAS project, in whose framework twelve ports in the Adriatic Sea were subjected to a Port Baseline Survey (PBS), to estimate the natural spread of NIS organisms from their port of arrival to the wider Adriatic basin. Its findings indicate that the prevailing water circulation patterns facilitate the natural dispersal of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP).