The present study aimed to develop monitoring methods for shallow water sessile and mobile epifauna with the main focus on enhancing the chance of early detection for new non-indigenous species (NIS) invasions. The field sampling was conducted between June and September in 2012, in the Archipelago Sea (Finland). The tested monitoring methods included baited traps that capture organisms and habitat collectors that provide habitat and refuges for organisms, as well as fouling plates. Catch efficiency of a trap/collector was defined as the number of NIS and all species caught, including their abundances. The American collector with oyster shells (habitat collector) caught the highest number of NIS, and their use is recommended in all places, where oyster shells are easily accessible. Sampling of all habitats of interest between 1 and 2 m depth is recommended with at least three habitat collectors per site.

The present study aimed to develop monitoring methods for shallow water sessile and mobile epifauna with the main focus on enhancing the chance of early detection for new non-indigenous species (NIS) invasions. The field sampling was conducted between June and September in 2012, in the Archipelago Sea (Finland). The tested monitoring methods included baited traps that capture organisms and habitat collectors that provide habitat and refuges for organisms, as well as fouling plates. Catch efficiency of a trap/collector was defined as the number of NIS and all species caught, including their abundances. The American collector with oyster shells (habitat collector) caught the highest number of NIS, and their use is recommended in all places, where oyster shells are easily accessible. Sampling of all habitats of interest between 1 and 2 m depth is recommended with at least three habitat collectors per site. Highlights • Sampling of mobile and sessile epifauna with habitat collectors is recommended. • Habitat traps should provide attachment surfaces, habitats and refuges to organisms. • Sampling of all habitats present between 1 and 2 m depth is recommended. • Deployment of 3 collectors per site is suggested for routine coastal monitoring. • Timing and duration of sampling may differ significantly between geographical areas.

This study evaluated -for the first time- the occurrence and distribution of total Hg in abiotic (dissolved and particulate water fractions) and biotic (gills and muscle tissues of six commercial fish species) compartments within a South American coastal environment with anthropogenic pressure. This study dealt with environmental issues on developing countries which, as they are in continuous growth, face the highest rate of coastal transformation.Total Hg content was determined by acid digestion and measured using a cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results revealed that dissolved Hg exceeded the recommended levels for superficial saline waters in 67% of the cases. Hg concentrations varied among fish species and its tissues. The results suggested that metal burden in fishes achieved a mean maximum accumulation towards the muscle, with concentrations below the international maximum permitted values. The estimated daily intakes calculated suggest that people would not experience significant health risks through fish consumption.

This study evaluated -for the first time- the occurrence and distribution of total Hg in abiotic (dissolved and particulate water fractions) and biotic (gills and muscle tissues of six commercial fish species) compartments within a South American coastal environment with anthropogenic pressure. This study dealt with environmental issues on developing countries which, as they are in continuous growth, face the highest rate of coastal transformation. Total Hg content was determined by acid digestion and measured using a cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results revealed that dissolved Hg exceeded the recommended levels for superficial saline waters in 67% of the cases. Hg concentrations varied among fish species and its tissues. The results suggested that metal burden in fishes achieved a mean maximum accumulation towards the muscle, with concentrations below the international maximum permitted values. The estimated daily intakes calculated suggest that people would not experience significant health risks through fish consumption. | Fil: la Colla, Noelia Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina | Fil: Botté, Sandra Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina | Fil: Marcovecchio, Jorge Eduardo. Universidad FASTA "Santo Tomas de Aquino"; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía; Argentina

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, naphthalene and n-hexane evaporating from a thin oil film was measured for 30 min in a small-scale test system at 2 and 13 °C and the impact of physicochemical properties on airborne benzene with time after bulk oil release was studied. Linear mixed-effects models for airborne benzene in three time periods; first 5, first 15 and last 15 min of sampling, indicated that benzene content in fresh oil, oil group (condensate/light crude oil) and pour point were significant determinants explaining 63–73% of the total variance in the outcome variables. Oils with a high pour point evaporated considerably slower than oils with a low pour point. The mean air concentration of total volatile organic compounds was significatly higher at 13 °C (735 ppm) compared to 2 °C (386 ppm) immediately after release of oil, but at both temperatures the concentration rapidly declined.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, naphthalene and n-hexane evaporating from a thin oil film was measured for 30 min in a small-scale test system at 2 and 13 °C and the impact of physicochemical properties on airborne benzene with time after bulk oil release was studied. Linear mixed-effects models for airborne benzene in three time periods; first 5, first 15 and last 15 min of sampling, indicated that benzene content in fresh oil, oil group (condensate/light crude oil) and pour point were significant determinants explaining 63–73% of the total variance in the outcome variables. Oils with a high pour point evaporated considerably slower than oils with a low pour point. The mean air concentration of total volatile organic compounds was significatly higher at 13 °C (735 ppm) compared to 2 °C (386 ppm) immediately after release of oil, but at both temperatures the concentration rapidly declined. | acceptedVersion

This research takes a holistic approach to considering the consequences of marine plastic pollution. A semi-systematic literature review of 1191 data points provides the basis to determine the global ecological, social and economic impacts. An ecosystem impact analysis demonstrates that there is global evidence of impact with medium to high frequency on all subjects, with a medium to high degree of irreversibility. A novel translation of these ecological impacts into ecosystem service impacts provides evidence that all ecosystem services are impacted to some extent by the presence of marine plastic, with a reduction in provision predicted for all except one. This reduction in ecosystem service provision is evidenced to have implications for human health and wellbeing, linked particularly to fisheries, heritage and charismatic species, and recreation.

This research takes a holistic approach to considering the consequences of marine plastic pollution. A semi-systematic literature review of 1191 data points provides the basis to determine the global ecological, social and economic impacts. An ecosystem impact analysis demonstrates that there is global evidence of impact with medium to high frequency on all subjects, with a medium to high degree of irreversibility. A novel translation of these ecological impacts into ecosystem service impacts provides evidence that all ecosystem services are impacted to some extent by the presence of marine plastic, with a reduction in provision predicted for all except one. This reduction in ecosystem service provision is evidenced to have implications for human health and wellbeing, linked particularly to fisheries, heritage and charismatic species, and recreation.

Metal history in a natural system was described since the early Holocene by analysing the preserved subsurface sediment record and present-day surface sediments. Normalized geochemical data from six sediment cores (129 samples) was compared with 28 surface samples. Pre-anthropic sedimentary environments allowed the definition of local natural Background Values. Enrichment Factors were then used for elements discrimination in terms of natural and anthropogenic inputs to the system. While subsurface results displayed a similar behaviour in all cores, pointing to largely undisturbed system, surface sediments show significant contamination, with high enrichment factors for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Other metal pollutants have generally low enrichment values, suggesting natural conditions. Surface results were reproduced as metal enrichment maps which evidenced anthropogenic sources in specific locations. This work reveals the importance of combining subsurface and surface geochemical data with mapping techniques in order to better evaluate the environmental quality of a natural system.

Metal history in a natural system was described since the early Holocene by analysing the preserved subsurface sediment record and present-day surface sediments. Normalized geochemical data from six sediment cores (129 samples) was compared with 28 surface samples. Pre-anthropic sedimentary environments allowed the definition of local natural Background Values. Enrichment Factors were then used for elements discrimination in terms of natural and anthropogenic inputs to the system. While subsurface results displayed a similar behaviour in all cores, pointing to largely undisturbed system, surface sediments show significant contamination, with high enrichment factors for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Other metal pollutants have generally low enrichment values, suggesting natural conditions. Surface results were reproduced as metal enrichment maps which evidenced anthropogenic sources in specific locations. This work reveals the importance of combining subsurface and surface geochemical data with mapping techniques in order to better evaluate the environmental quality of a natural system. | SIHER project [PTDC/CTE-GIX112236/2009] | EU Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate in Marine and Coastal Management (MACOMA) fellowship grant, under University of Algarve | EU Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate in Marine and Coastal Management (MACOMA) fellowship grant, under University of Cadiz | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Trace metal contamination in the European sardine and anchovy food web was investigated in the Gulf of Lions, NW Mediterranean Sea, including seawater and size fractions of plankton. The results highlighted: i) higher and more variable concentrations in the smaller plankton size classes for all metals except cadmium; ii) higher concentrations in anchovy versus sardine for all elements except lead; iii) different patterns of metal bioaccumulation through the food web: cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, lead and zinc displayed continuously decreasing concentrations (with the exception of increased zinc in fish only), while mercury concentrations dropped considerably in larger plankton size classes and rose significantly in fish. Lastly, cadmium concentrations were found to be highest in intermediate plankton size classes, with very low levels in fish. The need to efficiently characterize the biological composition of plankton in order to fully identify its role in the mobilization and transfer of metals was highlighted.

Trace metal contamination in the European sardine and anchovy food web was investigated in the Gulf of Lions, NW Mediterranean Sea, including seawater and size fractions of plankton. The results highlighted: i) higher and more variable concentrations in the smaller plankton size classes for all metals except cadmium; ii) higher concentrations in anchovy versus sardine for all elements except lead; iii) different patterns of metal bioaccumulation through the food web: cobalt, nickel, copper, silver, lead and zinc displayed continuously decreasing concentrations (with the exception of increased zinc in fish only), while mercury concentrations dropped considerably in larger plankton size classes and rose significantly in fish. Lastly, cadmium concentrations were found to be highest in intermediate plankton size classes, with very low levels in fish. The need to efficiently characterize the biological composition of plankton in order to fully identify its role in the mobilization and transfer of metals was highlighted.

Between 2012 and 2015, 13 grey seals were recovered from trammel nets targeting monkfish and rays off the south coast of Ireland. Incidence and distribution of microplastics were investigated along the intestines of bycaught seals. No macrodebris items were found, whereas microplastics were detected in all seals. A total of 363 microplastics items were identified (85% fibers, 14% fragments, 1% films). Estimation of microplastic ingestion based on prey ingestion (245 particles) was lower than the observed data. Acantocephala parasites (n = 1543) were found in 12 seals, with an average of 74.5 ± 67.7 parasites per seal. Distribution of microplastics varied between seals, although microplastics tended to accumulate in areas where more parasites were aggregated; however, there was no significant relationship between the number of parasites and microplastics was found. Seals recovered from nets appear to be a good source to monitor the incidence of microplastic pollution within the coastal food webs.

Embargo until 28 June 2021 | Between 2012 and 2015, 13 grey seals were recovered from trammel nets targeting monkfish and rays off the south coast of Ireland. Incidence and distribution of microplastics were investigated along the intestines of bycaught seals. No macrodebris items were found, whereas microplastics were detected in all seals. A total of 363 microplastics items were identified (85% fibers, 14% fragments, 1% films). Estimation of microplastic ingestion based on prey ingestion (245 particles) was lower than the observed data. Acantocephala parasites (n = 1543) were found in 12 seals, with an average of 74.5 ± 67.7 parasites per seal. Distribution of microplastics varied between seals, although microplastics tended to accumulate in areas where more parasites were aggregated; however, there was no significant relationship between the number of parasites and microplastics was found. Seals recovered from nets appear to be a good source to monitor the incidence of microplastic pollution within the coastal food webs. | acceptedVersion

This study aims at quantifying and characterising microplastics (MP) distribution in the water column of the NW Mediterranean Sea as well as MP ingestion by the 2 main planktivorous fish of the area, sardine and anchovy.Debris of similar sizes were found in all water column samples and in all but 2 fish guts (out of 169). MP were found in 93% of water column samples with an average concentration of 0.23 ± 0.20 MP·m⁻³, but in only 12% of sardines (0.20 ± 0.69 MP·ind⁻¹) and 11% of anchovies (0.11 ± 0.31 MP·ind⁻¹). Fibres were the only shape of MP encountered and polyethylene terephthalate was the main polymer identified in water columns (61%), sardines (71%) and anchovies (89%).This study confirms the ubiquity of MP in the Mediterranean Sea and imparts low occurrence in fish digestive tracts.

This study aims at quantifying and characterising microplastics (MP) distribution in the water column of the NW Mediterranean Sea as well as MP ingestion by the 2 main planktivorous fish of the area, sardine and anchovy. Debris of similar sizes were found in all water column samples and in all but 2 fish guts (out of 169). MP were found in 93% of water column samples with an average concentration of 0.23 ± 0.20 MP·m−3, but in only 12% of sardines (0.20 ± 0.69 MP·ind−1) and 11% of anchovies (0.11 ± 0.31 MP·ind−1). Fibres were the only shape of MP encountered and polyethylene terephthalate was the main polymer identified in water columns (61%), sardines (71%) and anchovies (89%). This study confirms the ubiquity of MP in the Mediterranean Sea and imparts low occurrence in fish digestive tracts.

Pollution threats Antarctica and scientists blame xenobiotics and anthropic activities. Yet little is known about their effect on Antarctic ichthyofauna. Accordingly, we investigated the endocrine system of male fish Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps (Perciformes, Nototheniidae) collected during Austral summer. For N. rossii, hormone levels of estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone were higher in fish collected during March than those of January; whereas for N. coriiceps estradiol and androgens levels were higher and lower in March, respectively. Histological analysis of the testes showed an unrestricted lobular type with no pathological alterations. However, detection of vitellogenin-like in plasma and skin mucus were seen in 75% of N. coriiceps males and 7% of N. rossii males. This is the first report of mucus vitellogenin-like detection as a non-invasive biomarker of endocrine disruption in notothenioid males and settles a baseline for future studies of reproductive biology and endocrine disruption in Antarctic fishes.

Pollution threats Antarctica and scientists blame xenobiotics and anthropic activities. Yet little is known about their effect on Antarctic ichthyofauna. Accordingly, we investigated the endocrine system of male fish Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps (Perciformes, Nototheniidae) collected during Austral summer. For N. rossii, hormone levels of estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone were higher in fish collected during March than those of January; whereas for N. coriiceps estradiol and androgens levels were higher and lower in March, respectively. Histological analysis of the testes showed an unrestricted lobular type with no pathological alterations. However, detection of vitellogenin-like in plasma and skin mucus were seen in 75% of N. coriiceps males and 7% of N. rossii males. This is the first report of mucus vitellogenin-like detection as a non-invasive biomarker of endocrine disruption in notothenioid males and settles a baseline for future studies of reproductive biology and endocrine disruption in Antarctic fishes. | Fil: Ferreira, María Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática; Argentina | Fil: Lo Nostro, Fabiana Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática; Argentina | Fil: Honji, Renato Massaaki. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina | Fil: Ansaldo, Martin. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; Argentina | Fil: Genovese, Griselda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología Acuática; Argentina