Coastal ecosystems are characterized by strong diel fluctuations in dissolved oxygen driven by primary producers, generating dynamic 'oxyscapes' that can modulate organism physiology. While oxygen supersaturation can buffer climate-related stressors, its role in mediating contaminant effects remains poorly understood. We investigated whether oxygen supersaturation influences physiological impact of mercury (HgCl₂) in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Clams were exposed for 7 days to a fully factorial combination of two oxygen regimes (normoxia: ~90% saturation; diel hyperoxia: >150% for 5 h day-1) and two Hg concentrations (0 and 1 μg L-1). Haemocyte traits (count, diameter, volume) and a battery of biomarkers were measured in gills and digestive gland. Bioaccumulation of mercury was also investigated. Hyperoxia did not buffer mercury toxicity but modulated organism responses across multiple biological levels. Mercury and hyperoxia reduced haemocyte size, but not cell abundance. Mercury increased lipid peroxidation, while antioxidant responses were tissue-specific and inconsistently regulated. Hyperoxia independently increased oxidative stress, whereas combined mercury and hyperoxia exposure affected gill CAT activity. Oxygen regime influenced baseline mercury levels but did not reduce bioaccumulation under exposure conditions. These findings demonstrated that oxygen supersaturation reshapes rather than mitigates contaminant effects, highlighting a decoupling between metabolic support and physiological stress. Within dynamic oxyscapes, oxygen availability emerges as a key driver of both exposure and response pathways, with implications for organism vulnerability under multi-stressor scenarios. Our results challenge the assumption that biogenic oxygen production can buffer chemical pollution and emphasise the need to integrate oxygen dynamics into ecophysiological and risk assessment frameworks.

Monitoring is an essential tool to understand the environment, periodically check processes in place, and highlight the occurrence of natural or human-induced changes, especially in case of anthropic environments, such as ports and their water bodies. To ensure that as much information as possible is collected, monitoring plans need to be implemented analyzing multiple matrices and parameters simultaneously. This study presents a comprehensive monitoring approach targeting physical water parameters and traditional and emerging contaminants (metals, hydrocarbons, asbestos fibers, organic micro-contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides), along with their ecotoxicological impacts in port marine environments, applied to the Port of Genoa (NW Italy). Two monitoring sites with differing characteristics regarding marine hydrodynamics, port activities, freshwater inflows, and vessel traffic were selected and compared. Organic contaminants and metals were analyzed through direct seawater measurements and passive samplers; sediments were chemically and mineralogically characterized; and ecotoxicological tests were conducted. Hydrodynamic conditions and water physical parameters were measured and correlated with chemical results. Detailed characterization of the two port sites was performed. Hydrodynamic activity was higher at Site 2, whereas higher concentrations of Fe were observed in seawater (Site 1 > Site 2), sediments (Site 1 ≫ Site 2), and DGT samplers (Site 1 > Site 2). Caffeine, cocaine, and anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals were detected at both sites, but with higher concentration in Site 2. Slight differences in toxicity levels were observed between the two sites. The proposed monitoring approach proved effective for characterizing the port basin and revealing significative differences between the two sites.

One predominant source of microplastics emitted into the atmosphere is tyre-and road wear particles (TRWPs). Only a handful of studies have quantified atmospheric TRWP concentrations. Our objective was to study variations in TRWPs, compared to other primary traffic pollutants, at locations with different traffic conditions. In 2022-2023, three locations with different traffic-flow and speed (a stop-and-go busy road, highway and urban park), were repeatedly visited for 4-hrs resulting in 23 measurement days. Particles were collected on quartz filters using a high-volume sampler with PM10-inlet and analyzed using double-shot pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the mass of synthetic-and natural rubbers (NR). Concentrations of combustion and brake-wear-related traffic air pollutants were measured, including PM10, black carbon (BC), ultrafine particles (UFP) and trace elements. We calculated spatial contrasts and correlations. We observed relatively low levels of sampling-and analysis rubber marker contamination. Synthetic-and NR levels ranged between 2.9 to 42.5 ng/m3 and 1.6 to 26.8 ng/m3, respectively. Compared to the park, rubber markers were 2.8 to 4.6 times higher at the stop-and-go and 2.0 to 2.7 times higher at the highway. These contrasts were larger than for UFP and PM10, but similar to BC and brake-wear related components. Park synthetic rubber levels were modestly higher than field blanks. Rubber markers were highly correlated (r = 0.66 to 0.98) and weakly correlated with most other air pollutants, except for BC and brake wear-related trace elements (r = 0.36 to 0.77). We found substantially increased atmospheric TRWP levels near major roads compared to a park. The measurements from this study will be used for testing associations with health effects.

Plastic polymers were largely added with chemical substances to be utilized in the items and product manufacturing. The leachability of these substances is a matter of concern given the wide amount of plastic waste, particularly in terrestrial environments, where soil represents a sink for these novel contaminants and a possible pathway of human health risk. In this study, we integrated genetic, molecular, and behavioral approaches to comparatively evaluate toxicological effects of plastic leachates, virgin and oxodegradable polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), in Drosophila melanogaster, a novel in vivo model organism for environmental monitoring studies and (eco)toxicological research. The results of this study revealed that while conventional toxicological endpoints such as developmental times and longevity remain largely unaffected, exposure to plastic leachates induces chromosomal abnormalities and transposable element (TE) activation in neural tissues. The combined effects of DNA damage and TE mobilization contribute to genome instability and increase the likelihood of LOH events, thus potentiating tumor growth and metastatic behavior of RasV12 clones. Collectively, these findings indicate that plastic leachates exert genotoxic effects in Drosophila thus highlighting potential risks associated with leachate-related plastic pollution and their implications for ecosystems and human health.

Marine (blue) biotechnology is an emerging field enabling the valorization of new products and processes with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. In the Mediterranean region, this innovation potential is not exploited as well as in other European regions due to a lack of a clear identification of the different value chains and the high fragmentation of business innovation initiatives. As a result, several opportunities to create an innovative society are being missed. To address this problem, eight Northern Mediterranean countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) established five national blue biotechnology hubs to identify and address the bottlenecks that prevent the development of marine biotechnology in the region. Following a three-step approach (1. Analysis: setting the scene; 2. Transfer: identification of promising value chains; 3. Capitalization: community creation), we identified the three value chains that are most promising for the Northern Mediterranean region: algae production for added-value compounds, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and valorization aquaculture/fisheries/processing by-products, unavoidable/unwanted catches and discards. The potential for the development and the technical and non-technical skills that are necessary to advance in this exciting field were identified through several stakeholder events which provided valuable insight and feedback that should be addressed for marine biotechnology in the Northern Mediterranean region to reach its full potential.

Nowadays, the use of multi-functional mortars has increased significantly, with interesting applications in the sustainable construction. In the environment, the cement-based materials are subjected to leaching, so the assessment of potential adverse effects upon aquatic ecosystem is necessary. This study focuses on the evaluation of the ecotoxicological threat and of a new type of cement-based mortar (CPM-D) and its raw materials leachates. A screening risk assessment were performed by Hazard Quotient methods. The ecotoxicological effects were investigated by a test battery with bacteria, crustacean, and algae. Two different procedures, Toxicity test Battery Index (TBI) and Toxicity Classification System (TCS), to obtain a single value for toxicity rank were used. Raw materials showed the highest metal mobility and in particular, for Cu, Cd and V potential hazard was evidenced. Leachate toxicity assessment evidenced the highest effects linked to cement and glass while the mortar showed the lowest ecotoxicological risk. TBI procedure allows a finer classification of effect linked to materials with respect to TCS which is based on worst case approach. A safe by design approach taking into account the potential and the effective hazard of the raw materials and of their combinations could allow to achieve sustainable formulations for building materials.

Ocean acidification and microplastic pollution are two of the major ecological concerns. The distribution of large quantities of plastic debris and microplastics all across the oceans emphasises the need to determine the influence of microplastics in ocean acidification and to evaluate its concomitant toxicological effects on aquatic life forms. Studies on the combined impact of both the stressors are very limited, but much needed in the current scenario. Where most of the present-day research use purchased microplastics of defined size and morphology (microspheres, fibres, rods, etc.), the present study employs prepared "true to life microplastics" that resemble the environmental microplastic pollutants in morphology and size heterogeneity. The present study focusses on evaluating the fate and impact of oceanic microplastics on the physiology and development of Artemia salina (Brine shrimp), one among the most ecologically significant zooplankton species. Natural sea water was acidified by controlled perturbation of carbon dioxide using a valve system. The hatching rate of A. salina cysts receded significantly (p < 0.05) upon singular exposures to microplastics and low pH (7.80), whereas combined effect was insignificant. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevated as a result of individual exposures to microplastics and low pH. However, only in 0.5 mg mL-1 PE treatments at pH 7.80, an additive impact was reported for ROS activity (p < 0.05). The SOD activities increased significantly but it can be attributed as the individual responses towards exposure to both the stressors. A significant additive impact was not observed for SOD activity (p > 0.05). But during the development, significant morphological anomalies were observed. Changes in the appendages of nauplii and juveniles as a result of combined exposure to microplastics and low pH treatments are significant findings. Our observations suggest that coupled exposure to microplastics and low pH could induce significant oxidative stress in the marine zooplanktons and also adversely affect their normal development. Findings from the current study emphasise the need for further research to understand the coupled toxicological impacts of ocean acidification and predominant pollutants such as microplastics to other marine animals as well.

Although the biodegradability of compostable bioplastic bags (CBBs) is well ascertained, concerns arise about the possibility of treating a massive quantity of compostable materials in composting facilities of all sizes and configurations. These concerns are even greater in small-scale composting where the biodegrading conditions may be milder that those in industrial composting. In this work, 7–15 lightweight CBBs were disposed of, together with organic food waste, in an electromechanical composter (EMC), every day for about 2 months. For the bulking agent, fragments and twigs of golden wattle wood were used instead of the recommended wood pellets. The composting process was carried out for 3 months in the EMC, and for further 4 months in a heap, in order to complete the maturation. During the process, critical issues in general, and any due to the presence of the CBBs, were reported: high temperatures, up to 72 °C, were constantly reached both in the ECM and in the heap, while critical anaerobic pockets were not detected. After 7 months, when the temperature and pH of the heap were equal to the ambient temperature and to 7.4, respectively, and were constant over time, the process was stopped and the compost produced underwent chemical, physical and biological analysis, in order to evaluate its quality. The CBBs did not produce any visual contamination of the final compost with bioplastic residues. Finally, all the stability, environmental and agronomic parameters were in compliance with the reference values established by law. This work shows how lightweight CBBs are perfectly managed by the EMC, at least with a CBB/organic waste mass ratio that is consistent with a normal use of CBBs as the collector of organic waste.

In this study we propose, a multi-step strategy of selection and characterization of long-term dataset of contaminant concentrations in different environmental matrices (i.e., water and sediment). Starting from a high quality and homogeneous dataset of chemical parameters, a selection of a usable refined dataset followed by statistical characterization and hazard assessment was performed. The database of chemical contamination data from monitoring activities in the coastal marine water area of the Campania Region (Italy) produced by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Campania (ARPAC) between 2013 and 2019 was utilized. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were applied to the extracted data subset to describe spatial variability and to investigate the relationships between matrices and contaminants. In addition, the impact on the sediment matrix was considered using the contamination factor (Cf), the sediment quality guidelines (SQG), and the probability of exceedance (PoE) of given thresholds for metals and organic compounds. The results highlighted the main anthropogenic pressures between the Gulf of Pozzuoli and the Gulf of Napoli, and the potential hazard posed in particular by metals (i.e., Pb, C, and Hg), TBT, and PAHs. A wide range of As concentration along the Campania coastline and Ni occurrence in the southern part of the region, mainly attributable to geogenic origin, was also evidenced. This approach allows extracting new knowledge from large dataset systematically collected by ARPAC monitoring activity, to support possible actions of contamination control and mitigation.

In the aquatic environment, plastics may release several hazardous substances of severe ecotoxicological concern not covalently bound to the polymers. The aim of this study was to examine the adverse effects of leachates of different virgin polymers, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) on marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta. The tests carried out on D. tertiolecta included: growth inhibition, oxidative stress (DCFH-DA), and DNA damage (COMET assay). Polypropylene and PS leachates produced growth inhibition at the lowest concentration (3.1% of leachate). In contrast, a hormesis phenomenon was observed with PE leachates. An algae inhibition growth ranking (PP>PS>PE) was noted, based upon EC50 values. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated were increased with leachates concentrations with PS exhibiting the highest ROS levels, while a marked genotoxic effect (30%) was found only with PP. All leachates were free from detectable quantities of organic compounds (GC/MS) but showed the presence of transition, post-transition and alkaline earth metals, metalloids, and nonmetals (<limit of quantification (LOQ) to 83.5 mu g/L). Therefore, the observed toxic action might reasonably be attributable to the presence of metals and in conjunction with polymeric actions. This investigation underlines the need to better characterize the potential impact of virgin polymers.

The awareness of the plastic issue is rising in recent years. Our seas and coastal seawaters are investigated with the aim to evaluate the possible fate, behavior and the impact of these novel contaminants upon marine biota. In particular, benthic organisms are exposed to micro(nano)plastics that sink and accumulated on the seabed. Sea urchins can be prone to the plastic impact for all their lifespan with effect that can be extended upon the trophic cascade since their key role as grazer organisms. Moreover, they are largely used in the assessment of contaminant impact both as adult individuals and as early larval stages. This review analyzes the recent literature about the chemical and physical hazards posed by diverse polymers to sea urchins, in relation to their peculiar characteristics and to their size. The search was based on a query of the keyword terms: microplastic _ OR nanoplastic_AND Sea urchins in Web of Science and Google Scholar. The effects provoked by exposure of different sea urchin biological form are highlighted, considering both laboratory exposure and collection in real world. Additional focus has also been given upon the exposure methods utilized in laboratory test and in the existing limitations in the testing procedures. In conclusion, the micro(nano)plastics major impact seemed to be attributable to leaching compounds, however variability and lacking of realisms in the procedures do not allow a full understanding of the hazard posed by micro(nano)plastics for sea urchins. Finally, the work provides insights into the future research strategies to better characterize the actual risk for sea urchins.

The production of biodegradable plastics is considered to be a way to reduce plastic waste issue. Among others, oxo-degradant additives enable a faster degradation of plastics in the environment. However, the introduction of these new materials could provoke the release of substances potentially toxic in the environment. This work determined and compared the toxicity of leachates from various additivated polymers (polyethylene, PE; polypropylene, PP; polystyrene, PS) upon different test organisms: plants ( Sorghum saccharatum , Lepidium sativum , Sinapis alba , and Vicia faba ), crustacean ( Daphnia magna ), and luminescent bacteria ( Vibrio fischeri ). Daphnia magna survival was mainly affected by PS and PP leachates (72% and 61% effect, respectively) while PS notably reduced the reproduction rate. On plants, only PP exerted a negative effect ( S. saccharatum IG% 32.4), while V. fischeri always showed values around 50%. The data integration, through the Toxicity Test Battery Integrated Index (TBI) approach, allowed to rank the leachates toxicity as PE > PS > PP. This result could be mainly ascribable to the highest metals content in PE since no difference with organic compounds analysis was evidenced. In conclusion, since the polymers exerted dissimilar toxicity, the additive could not be considered the sole responsible of the measured toxicity, but its role in the enhancement of the virgin polymers leachates effects can be solidly hypothesized.

Microplastics are defined as plastic fragments <5 mm, and they are found in the ocean where they can impact on the ecosystem. Once released in seawater, microplastics can be internalized by organisms due to their small size, moreover they can also leach out several additives used in plastic manufacturing, such as plasticizers, flame retardants, etc., resulting toxic for biota. The aim of this study was to test the toxicity of micronized PVC products with three different colors, upon Paracentrotus lividus embryos. In particular, we assessed the effects of micronized plastics and microplastic leachates. Results showed a decrease of larval length in plutei exposed to low concentrations of micronized plastics, and a block of larval development in sea urchin embryos exposed to the highest dose. Virgin PVC polymer did not result toxic on P. lividus embryos, while an evident toxic effect due to leached substances in the medium was observed. In particular, the exposure to leachates induced a development arrest immediately after fertilization or morphological alterations in plutei. Finally, PVC products with different colors showed different toxicity, probably due to a different content and/or combination of heavy metals present in coloring agents.

The environmental contamination caused by the widespread diffusion of plastic material all over the world is a topic of high concern. Virgin plastic pellets of different polymers are often used in particle toxicity studies as reference materials. In this study we exposed organisms of different trophic levels, spanning form prokaryotes to eukaryotes, to leachate of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) pellets in acute and chronic ecotoxicological tests. A toxicity test battery integrated index (TBI) was used to rank the relative toxicity of studied polymers and to define their possible ecotoxicological risk in freshwater environment. Daphnia magna showed the highest susceptibility in the chronic exposure tests (around 50% of effect) while Aliivibrio fischeri (around 25 % of effect) in the acute one. No relevant toxic effects were observed on Sorghum saccharatum, Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba seeds, while significant toxicity for Vicia faba along 21 days of exposure was reported. TBI allowed us to rank the toxicity risk associated to the studied materials as follows: PP>PS>PE. PP toxicity could be related to the presence of solvents (methanol, oil, cyclohexane) employed for its production, whereas PS toxicity was probably due to the depolymerization, occurring in water, followed by styrene release, while the mild toxic effects of PE and its temporary bio stimulation could be attributable to the thermoregulatory additives present in the polyethylene resins. Our results highlighted that also the virgin plastic pellets could be responsible of toxic effects that should not be neglected. (c) 2018 L&H Scientific Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.

The recent advances in nanotechnology lead to a potential increase of the release of nanoparticles (NPs) into marine environment through different routes, with possible toxic effects upon the living part of this ecosystem. One of the ways of NPs marine contamination gaining today increasing concern stems from the widespread use cosmetics containing ZnO NPs as UV-filter. Although the possible adverse effects on marine organisms have been already ascertained, the information about the possible genotoxicity of ZnO NPs is still scant. In this work the spermiotoxicity of ZnO particles of different sizes (ZnO Bulk > 200 nm, ZnO NPs 100 nm and ZnO NPs 14 nm) was assessed, using Paracentrotus lividus spermatozoa, by evaluating the DNA damage of the exposed sperm, fertilization capability and DNA damage transmission to progeny. Our results showed that ZnO NPs induced DNA damages in spermatozoa after 30 min of exposure. While the sperm fertilization capability was not affected, morphological alterations (skeletal alterations) in offspring were observed and a positive correlation between sperm DNA damage and offspring quality was reported. This study underlines that a possible spermiotoxic action of ZnO NPs at concentration close to those reported in marine coastal water could occur.

As a response to increasing human pressures on marine ecosystems, the legislation aimed at improving the conservation and management of marine coastal areas in European and Contiguous Seas (ECS) underwent crucial advances. ECS, however, still remain largely affected by increasing threats leading to biodiversity loss. Here, by using emblematic case studies and expert knowledge, we review current conservation tools, comparing their application in different areas to assess their effectiveness, potential for synergies, and contradictions. Despite regional differences in their application, the existing legislative frameworks have the potential to regulate human activities and to protect marine biodiversity. However, four challenges remain to be addressed to fully achieve environmental policy goals: (1) Lack of shared vision representing a limitation in transboundary collaboration. Although all EU countries are committed to fulfil EU Directives and other binding international legislative acts, a remarkable heterogeneity exists among countries in the compliance with the common legislation on conservation and in their degree of implementation. (2) Lack of systematic procedures for the selection of protected marine sites. Regional and national approaches in designating Natura 2000 sites and nationally designated marine protected areas (MPAs) reflect varying conservation targets and importance of conservation issues in political agendas. (3) Lack of coherent ecological networks. Natura 2000 sites and other MPAs are still far from reaching the status of effective networks in all considered case studies. (4) Hotspot of conflicts with private economic interests prevailing over conservation aims. Recommendations are given to overcome the fragmented approach still characterizing the conservation and management of coastal marine environments. Holistic, integrated, ecosystem-based, cross-cutting approaches can avoid conflicts among institutions so as to provide effective and timely solutions to current and future challenges concerning the conservation and management of marine ecosystems and associated goods and services.

Recently, China became one of the largest nanomaterial markets in the world. The wide use of ZnO nanoparticles in a number of products implies an increasing release in marine environment and consequently the evaluation of the potential effects upon marine organisms largely cultured in China for commercial purposes, such as invertebrate bivalves is a current need. To this aim, survival, bioaccumulation, and transcription pattern of key genes, p53, PDRP, SOD, CAT, and GST, involved in DNA damage/repair and antioxidation, in Mytilus galloprovincialis digestive gland, exposed to ZnO NPs (<100 nm) and ZnO bulk (150–200 nm) for 4 weeks, were evaluated. ZnSO4 was also assessed to appraise the role of zinc ions. Starting from 72 h, increasing mortality values along the exposure time were observed for all ZnO compounds. The highest difference was evident after 28 d when NPs resulted three times more toxic than bulk, (LC50) = 0.78 mg Zn/L (confidence limits: 0.64, 1.00) and 2.62 mg Zn/L (confidence limits: 1.00, 4.00), respectively. For ZnSO4 the (LC50) was always the lowest reaching the minimum value at 28 d 0.25 mg Zn/L (confidence limits: 0.10–0.40). Digestive gland showed higher uptake rate of ionic Zn respect to ZnO NPs and bulk during the first three days of exposure. In particular at the end of the exposure time (28 d) at 1 mg Zn/L the rank of Zn uptake rate was Zinc ion > ZnO NPs > ZnO bulk. The relative expression of investigated genes evidenced that distinct actions of apoptosis and antioxidation occurred in M. galloprovincialis exposed to ZnO NPs with a peculiar pattern dependent on exposure time and concentration. Application of the qRT-PCR technique revealed evidence of sensitivity to the nanomaterial since the first time of exposure.