Nanoparticles (NP) are potentially reprotoxic, which may compromise the success of populations. However, the reprotoxicity of NP is still scarcely addressed in marine fish. Therefore, we evaluated the impacts of environmentally relevant and supra environmental concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO₂: 10 to 10,000 μg·L⁻¹) and silver NP (Ag: 0.25 to 250 μg·L⁻¹) on the sperm of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). We performed short-term direct exposures (ex vivo) and evaluated sperm motility, head morphometry, mitochondrial function, antioxidant responses and DNA integrity. No alteration in sperm motility (except for supra environmental Ag NP concentration), head morphometry, mitochondrial function, and DNA integrity occurred. However, depletion of all antioxidants occurred after exposure to TiO₂ NP, whereas SOD decreased after exposure to Ag NP (lowest and intermediate concentration). Considering our results, the decrease in antioxidants did not indicate vulnerability towards oxidative stress. TiO₂ NP and Ag NP induced low spermiotoxicity, without proven relevant ecological impacts.

Nanoparticles (NP) are potentially repmtoxic, which may compromise the success of populations. However, the reprotoxicity of NP is still scarcely addressed in marine fish. Therefore, we evaluated the impacts of environmentally relevant and supra environmental concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2: 10 to 10,000 mu g.L-1) and silver NP (Ag: 0.25 to 250 mu g.L-1) on the sperm of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). We performed short-term direct exposures (ex vivo) and evaluated sperm motility, head morphometry, mitochondrial function, antioxidant responses and DNA integrity. No alteration in sperm motility (except for supra environmental Ag NP concentration), head morphometry, mitochondrial function, and DNA integrity occurred. However, depletion of all antioxidants occurred after exposure to TiO2 NP, whereas SOD decreased after exposure to Ag NP (lowest and intermediate concentration). Considering our results, the decrease in antioxidants did not indicate vulnerability towards oxidative stress. TiO2 NP and Ag NP induced low spermiotoxicity, without proven relevant ecological impacts. | CCMAR/BI/0007/2019; UIDB/04326/2022 | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Wear and tear on fishing gear is a sparsely investigated source of microplastic pollution in the sea. In Norway, Danish seine ropes and trawls are the fishing gears that contribute most to this pollution. The main reason for this pollution is that the seine ropes are dragged along the seabed over a considerable distance, creating a friction force that results in high ropes wear. This note reports the findings after examining the wear of Danish seine ropes used in Norwegian fisheries. The results show that, in Norway alone, an average of 77 to 97 tons of plastic will be added to the sea annually due to this specific fishing gear. Aggregated to include all fly dragging, anchor seining, and pair seining globally, this number is estimated to be about 311 tons per year.

Wear and tear on fishing gear is a sparsely investigated source of microplastic pollution in the sea. In Norway, Danish seine ropes and trawls are the fishing gears that contribute most to this pollution. The main reason for this pollution is that the seine ropes are dragged along the seabed over a considerable distance, creating a friction force that results in high ropes wear. This note reports the findings after examining the wear of Danish seine ropes used in Norwegian fisheries. The results show that, in Norway alone, an average of 77 to 97 tons of plastic will be added to the sea annually due to this specific fishing gear. Aggregated to include all fly dragging, anchor seining, and pair seining globally, this number is estimated to be about 311 tons per year.

Wear and tear on fishing gear is a sparsely investigated source of microplastic pollution in the sea. In Norway, Danish seine ropes and trawls are the fishing gears that contribute most to this pollution. The main reason for this pollution is that the seine ropes are dragged along the seabed over a considerable distance, creating a friction force that results in high ropes wear. This note reports the findings after examining the wear of Danish seine ropes used in Norwegian fisheries. The results show that, in Norway alone, an average of 77 to 97 tons of plastic will be added to the sea annually due to this specific fishing gear. Aggregated to include all fly dragging, anchor seining, and pair seining globally, this number is estimated to be about 311 tons per year. | publishedVersion

Time series of temperature, salinity and nutrients in the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG) were researched to analyze which factors explain the invasive success of Rugulopteryx okamurare, which has colonized wide coastal areas at the Spanish and Moroccan coasts since 2016. Temperature and salinity were higher in the SoG compared to its native habitat, implying that the alga is active during the whole seasonal cycle and grows optimally at the high salinities occurring in the SoG. Nitrate removal experiments indicate that the alga is able to linearly increase its N uptake rates following boost in nitrate concentration. Furthermore, R. okamurae N content ranged from 1.4% to 4.5% suggesting that this species has high N storage capacity potentially usable when the external N concentration decreases. These physiological characteristics would explain sharp growth of the alga in the SoG where high N concentrations are registered occasionally.

Time series of temperature, salinity and nutrients in the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG) were researched to analyze which factors explain the invasive success of Rugulopteryx okamurare, which has colonized wide coastal areas at the Spanish and Moroccan coasts since 2016. Temperature and salinity were higher in the SoG compared to its native habitat, implying that the alga is active during the whole seasonal cycle and grows optimally at the high salinities occurring in the SoG. Nitrate removal experiments indicate that the alga is able to linearly increase its N uptake rates following boost in nitrate concentration. Furthermore, R. okamurae N content ranged from 1.4% to 4.5% suggesting that this species has high N storage capacity potentially usable when the external N concentration decreases. These physiological characteristics would explain sharp growth of the alga in the SoG where high N concentrations are registered occasionally. | The analyses were supported by the project 10-ESMARES2-C4A2 (financed by Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge), the project UMA18-FEDERJA162 (financed by FEDER Andalucía 2014–2020), Project Blue Maro PID2020-116136RB-I00 financed by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spanish Government and the research groups RNM295 and RNM338 (Junta de Andalucía). BB acknowledges funding from a fellowship of CAPES/PRINT Program, Process n. 88887.374403/2019-00. We thank the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) for providing data. | Peer reviewed

We aimed to describe how debris originated from coastal cities and fisheries circulates and accumulates along the Argentine continental shelf and its potential interaction with southern giant petrels (SGP, Macronectes giganteus). We used tracking data of 31 SGPs (adults and juveniles) from Patagonian colonies. Lagrangian simulations of particles were released from coastal cities and fisheries. Oceanographic features together with plastic input generated a corridor of debris through the Argentine shelf with areas of high debris accumulation, exposing SGP to plastic consumption. During chick provisioning trips 93.9% of petrel's locations overlapped with areas of plastic accumulation. Although early developmental stages were more exposed to particles from cities, the exposure of petrels (all classes) to debris from fisheries was 10% higher than from cities. Measures to reduce debris from fisheries, would reduce plastic ingestion by giant petrels. Proper management of open sky dumpsters would reduce plastic consumption by chicks and juveniles.

We aimed to describe how debris originated from coastal cities and fisheries circulates and accumulates along the Argentine continental shelf and its potential interaction with southern giant petrels (SGP, Macronectes giganteus). We used tracking data of 31 SGPs (adults and juveniles) from Patagonian colonies. Lagrangian simulations of particles were released from coastal cities and fisheries. Oceanographic features together with plastic input generated a corridor of debris through the Argentine shelf with areas of high debris accumulation, exposing SGP to plastic consumption. During chick provisioning trips 93.9% of petrel's locations overlapped with areas of plastic accumulation. Although early developmental stages were more exposed to particles from cities, the exposure of petrels (all classes) to debris from fisheries was 10% higher than from cities. Measures to reduce debris from fisheries, would reduce plastic ingestion by giant petrels. Proper management of open sky dumpsters would reduce plastic consumption by chicks and juveniles. | Fil: Blanco, Gabriela Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina | Fil: Tonini, Mariano Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto Andino Patagónico de Tecnologías Biológicas y Geoambientales; Argentina | Fil: Gallo, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimento. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria; Argentina | Fil: Dell'Omo, Giacomo. Ornis Italica; Italia | Fil: Quintana, Flavio Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina

Bioindicator species are increasingly valuable in environmental pollution monitoring, and elasmobranch species include many suitable candidates for that role. By measuring contaminants and employing biomarkers of effect in relevant elasmobranch species, scientists may gain important insights about the impacts of pollution in marine ecosystems. This review compiles biomarkers applied in elasmobranchs to assess the effect of pollutants (e.g., metals, persistent organic pollutants, and plastics), and the environmental changes induced by anthropogenic activities (e.g., shifts in marine temperature, pH, and oxygenation). Over 30 biomarkers measured in more than 12 species were examined, including biotransformation biomarkers (e.g., cytochrome P450 1A), oxidative stress-related biomarkers (e.g., superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and vitamins), stress proteins (e.g., heat shock protein 70), reproductive and endocrine biomarkers (e.g., vitellogenin), osmoregulation biomarkers (e.g., trimethylamine N-oxide, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and plasma ions), energetic and neurotoxic biomarkers (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase, lactate, and cholinesterases), and histopathological and morphologic biomarkers (e.g., tissue lesions and gross indices).

International audience | Bioindicator species are increasingly valuable in environmental pollution monitoring, and elasmobranch species include many suitable candidates for that role. By measuring contaminants and employing biomarkers of effect inrelevant elasmobranch species, scientists may gain important insights about the impacts of pollution in marine ecosystems. This review compiles biomarkers applied in elasmobranchs to assess the effect of pollutants (e.g.,metals, persistent organic pollutants, and plastics), and the environmental changes induced by anthropogenic activities (e.g., shifts in marine temperature, pH, and oxygenation). Over 30 biomarkers measured in more than12 species were examined, including biotransformation biomarkers (e.g., cytochrome P450 1A), oxidative stress-related biomarkers (e.g., superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and vitamins), stress proteins (e.g., heatshock protein 70), reproductive and endocrine biomarkers (e.g., vitellogenin), osmoregulation biomarkers (e.g., trimethylamine N-oxide, Na+/K+-ATPase, and plasma ions), energetic and neurotoxic biomarkers (e.g., lactatedehydrogenase, lactate, and cholinesterases), and histopathological and morphologic biomarkers (e.g., tissue lesions and gross indices).

In order to evaluate suitable remediation strategies for Cu-polluted soils, the growth, tolerance, and Cu accumulation of Sarcocornia perennis and Limonium brasiliense were studied in hydroponic culture using different Cu concentrations, with and without Undaria pinnatifida compost. Most measured variables (e.g., water content, aboveground dry weight, malondialdehyde, pigments concentrations, tolerance index) showed a negative effect of high Cu levels in plants without compost but not in plants with compost. Plants accumulated high Cu levels in belowground tissues (bioaccumulation factor > 1) showing low translocation to aboveground parts. Based on the results, we suggest two remediation strategies: a short-term strategy: root absorption of Cu by halophytes, and a long-term strategy: using halophytes and U. pinnatifida compost, involving absorption of Cu by the plants together with metal immobilization in the substrate. This last strategy offers an additional advantage: it provides a use for seaweed waste, considered a problem for several coastal cities.

In order to evaluate suitable remediation strategies for Cu-polluted soils, the growth, tolerance, and Cu accumulation of Sarcocornia perennis and Limonium brasiliense were studied in hydroponic culture using different Cu concentrations, with and without Undaria pinnatifida compost. Most measured variables (e.g., water content, aboveground dry weight, malondialdehyde, pigments concentrations, tolerance index) showed a negative effect of high Cu levels in plants without compost but not in plants with compost. Plants accumulated high Cu levels in belowground tissues (bioaccumulation factor > 1) showing low translocation to aboveground parts. Based on the results, we suggest two remediation strategies: a short-term strategy: root absorption of Cu by halophytes, and a long-term strategy: using halophytes and U. pinnatifida compost, involving absorption of Cu by the plants together with metal immobilization in the substrate. This last strategy offers an additional advantage: it provides a use for seaweed waste, considered a problem for several coastal cities. | Fil: Gibilisco, Pablo Ezequiel. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina | Fil: Negrin, Vanesa Lorena. 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. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina | Fil: Idaszkin, Yanina Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most studied regions in the world in terms of microplastic (MP) contamination. However, only a few studies have analysed the chemical composition of MPs at the Mediterranean Sea surface. In this context, this study aims to describe the chemical composition as a function of particle size, mass and number concentrations of MPs collected in the surface waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The chemical composition showed a certain homogeneity at the Mediterranean Sea scale. The main polymers identified by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy were poly(ethylene) (67.3 ± 2.4%), poly(propylene) (20.8 ± 2.1%) and poly(styrene) (3.0 ± 0.9%). Nevertheless, discrepancies, confirmed by the literature, were observed at a mesoscale level. Thus, in the North Tyrrhenian Sea, the proportion of poly(ethylene) was significantly lower than the average value of the Mediterranean Sea (57.9 ± 10.5%). Anthropic sources, rivers, or polymer ageing are assumed to be responsible for the variations observed.

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most studied regions in the world in terms of microplastic (MP) contamination. However, only a few studies have analysed the chemical composition of MPs at the Mediterranean Sea surface. In this context, this study aims to describe the chemical composition as a function of particle size, mass and number concentrations of MPs collected in the surface waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The chemical composition showed a certain homogeneity at the Mediterranean Sea scale. The main polymers identified by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy were poly(ethylene) (67.3 ± 2.4%), poly(propylene) (20.8 ± 2.1%) and poly(styrene) (3.0 ± 0.9%). Nevertheless, discrepancies, confirmed by the literature, were observed at a mesoscale level. Thus, in the North Tyrrhenian Sea, the proportion of poly(ethylene) was significantly lower than the average value of the Mediterranean Sea (57.9 ± 10.5%). Anthropic sources, rivers, or polymer ageing are assumed to be responsible for the variations observed.

Mercury pollution is a serious global environmental issue and the characterization of its distribution and its driving forces should be urgently included in research agendas. We report unusually high mercury (Hg) concentrations (>5 μg/g) along with stable isotopes values in feathers of southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) from colonies in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. We found a highly heterogenous prevalence of Hg throughout the study area and over a three-fold higher mean Hg concentration in southernmost colonies. Variation in Hg concentrations among colonies is primarily explained by site, rather than by trophic position. We provide further support to the existence of a Hg hotspot in the food web of the Patagonian Shelf and spatially restrict it to the southern tip of South America. Our findings highlight the need for regional and colony-based seabird conservation management when high local variability and plasticity in foraging habits is evident.

Mercury pollution is a serious global environmental issue and the characterization of its distribution and its driving forces should be urgently included in research agendas. We report unusually high mercury (Hg) concentrations (>5 μg/g) along with stable isotopes values in feathers of southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) from colonies in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. We found a highly heterogenous prevalence of Hg throughout the study area and over a three-fold higher mean Hg concentration in southernmost colonies. Variation in Hg concentrations among colonies is primarily explained by site, rather than by trophic position. We provide further support to the existence of a Hg hotspot in the food web of the Patagonian Shelf and spatially restrict it to the southern tip of South America. Our findings highlight the need for regional and colony-based seabird conservation management when high local variability and plasticity in foraging habits is evident. | Fil: Lois, Nicolás Alejandro. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina | Fil: Balza, Ulises. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina | Fil: Brasso, Rebecka. Weber State University; Estados Unidos | Fil: Dodino, Samanta Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina | Fil: Pütz, Klemens. Antarctic Research Trust; Islas Malvinas | Fil: Polito, Michael J.. Louisiana State University ; Estados Unidos | Fil: Riccialdelli, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina | Fil: Ciancio Blanc, Javier Ernesto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina | Fil: Quillfeldt, Petra. Justus Liebig Universitat Giessen; Alemania | Fil: Mahler, Bettina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina | Fil: Raya Rey, Andrea Nélida. Wildlife Conservation Society; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur. Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambientales y Recursos Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina

The potential release of metals, especially copper (Cu) during mining of seafloor massive sulphides (SMS), represents a potential toxicological threat to cold-water coral (CWC) habitats. Herein, we evaluated for the first time the response of the whip coral Viminella flagellum to short-term acute Cu exposure. Nubbins of V. flagellum were exposed to Cu concentrations of 0 (control); 60; 150; 250; 450 and 600 μg/L for 96 h. After exposure, V. flagellum nubbins were transferred to a continuous flow-through aquarium and feed once a day for 3 weeks. No immediate mortality was detected during the short-term Cu exposure. However, a delayed mortality, which was concentration dependent was observed. The first signs of tissue loss occurred after 1 week of recovery in non-contaminated conditions in V. flagellum nubbins previously exposed to Cu concentrations of 60 and 150 μg/L followed by nubbins exposed to Cu concentrations of 250, 450 μg/L after 2 weeks and 600 μg/L after 3 weeks. A delayed mortality impact should be considered in future Cu tolerance experiments and scenarios of deep-sea mining exploitation.

Herein we report the respiration rates (O2 consumption) of the cold-water coral Viminella flagellum exposed to acute Cu concentrations. In a lab experiment, sixty nubbins of V. flagellum were distributed in six aquaria of 8 L (ten nubbins per aquarium) of each Cu solution (0 (control); 60; 150; 250; 450 and 600 μg/L) for 96 h. After this period, four nubbins from each Cu treatment, selected randomly, were incubated individually for 6 h in glass chambers filled with ca. 110 mL of 0.2 μm pre-filtered seawater, with the respective Cu dilutions (4 chambers per Cu concentration). The incubation period was set to 6 h to record changes in O2 consumption without exposing corals to oxygen levels below 80 % (air saturation, a.s.). During the incubation period, dissolved O2 (μmol/L) depletion rates were recorded every 30 min and corrected by the corresponding rates/variations in chambers without corals. Coral respiration rates were normalized to the coral surface area and time. Results are presented by µmol of O2 consumption per m2 per h.