Characterizing the nature and effects of oil released into the marine environment is very challenging. It is generally recognized that “environmentally relevant” conditions for exposure involve a range of temporal and spatial conditions, a range of exposure pathways (e.g., dissolved, emulsions, sorbed onto particulates matter), and a multitude of organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Various exposure methodologies have been used to study the effects of oil on aquatic organisms, and uniform protocols and exposure methods have been developed for the purposes of regulatory toxicological assessments. Ultimately, all exposure methods have drawbacks, it is impossible to totally mimic field conditions, and the choice of exposure methodology depends on the specific regulatory, toxicological, or other research questions to be addressed. The aim of this paper is to provide a concise review of the state of knowledge to identify gaps in that knowledge and summarize challenges for the future.

We assessed microplastics (MPs) contamination in water, sediments, and tissues (gills, digestive tract, and muscle) of two intertidal crab species with different ecological traits and commercial importance (Menippe mercenaria and Callinectes sapidus), from a coastal lagoon in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. There were significant differences between MP abundances in the abiotic matrices and between crab species. The burrower, sedentary and carnivorous M. mercenaria bioaccumulates 50 % more MPs than the free-swimming, omnivorous C. sapidus. However, no differences were observed between species' tissues. Fragments were the predominant shape in the tissues of both species, with the exception in the digestive tract of M. mercenaria. We identified polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate in water samples and Silopren® in sediment. In both crab species, Silopren and polyethylene predominated. Differences in ecological traits resulted in different bioaccumulation patterns in intertidal crabs.

The establishment of water quality criteria (WQC) for copper (Cu) was used as the basis for an ecological risk assessment of marine Cu pollution in Liaodong Bay, China. Published ecotoxicity data for Cu were obtained and supplemented with the results of acute Cu toxicity tests. The marine WQC for Cu in Liaodong Bay was developed using a species sensitivity distribution method with a safety factor of 2.0 and the USEPA acute-to-chronic ratio method. The ecological risk of Cu in Liaodong Bay was assessed by comparing the seawater Cu concentrations with the developed WQC. The results of this study showed that the acute and chronic Cu concentrations in Liaodong Bay were 3.31 and 2.18 μg/L, respectively. Comparison of the WQC to Cu concentrations in the bay resulted in risk quotients slightly >1.0 and typically ≤2.0. These data suggest that certain organisms in Liaodong Bay are at risk. These results can assist in the development of a pollution control management approach for the bay.

Blue swimming crab (BSC) Portunus pelagicus from the Bali Strait had the lowest Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations compared to those from the Java Sea and the Madura Strait. The order of metal concentrations in BSC was Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd > Hg. The levels of six metals in BSC from all stations were less than the maximum allowable limits. However, Cr levels in BSC from the Java Sea and the Madura Strait exceeded the provisional tolerable weekly intake. All of the hazardous index values reported were greater than one, indicating that consumption of this crab from these locations appears to be hazardous to human health. Furthermore, because the Cr and Cd target cancer risk values were higher than 10⁻⁴, people who consume this crab from these locations may develop cancer after a lifespan of consumption.

Trace elements are pollutants of both natural and anthropogenic origin which can influence negatively on ecosystem and wildlife health. We evaluated trace element in blood samples of gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) stranded in the Gulf of Riga and their influence on their health status through hematological and biochemical profiles. Zn showed the highest levels followed by Cu > Se > Pb > THg > As. Cr and Cd were not detected. Most trace element levels were generally comparable to those reported in seal species; however, high Pb values were observed in those sample showing detectable concentrations (<0.046–257.6 μg/kg ww). Significant positive correlations were found between trace elements concentrations and various biochemical parameters, including Se-ASAT, Se:Hg-ASAT, Cu-TP, Cu-ALB, CuCa, Zn-ALAT, ZN-LDH, ZnP, Zn-Segment neutrophils, and Pb-CK. Nevertheless, most relationships were not strong enough (p > 0.04) to assume a toxicological implication. Despite its limitations, this information could serve as the baseline for future research.

Microplastic abundance and characteristics were assessed in five decapod crustaceans purchased from seafood markets and collected in coastal waters around Australia (South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia). Three species of prawns (king, banana and tiger prawns) and two species of crabs (blue-swimmer and mud crabs) were analysed. Muscle tissues and gastro-intestinal tracts in prawns, and gastro-intestinal tracts in crabs, were chemically digested, with microplastic identification verified using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Forty-eight percent of crustaceans contained microplastics. Prawns and crabs had 0.8 ± 0.1 and 1.6 ± 0.1 pieces per individual, respectively, with spatial patterns evident. Microplastics were predominantly fibres (98%) of blue (58%) and black (24%) colours with polyolefin including polyester the most prevalent polymers. Overall, compared to a systematic review we performed of microplastics in decapod crustaceans worldwide, microplastic loads in crustaceans from Australia were in the lower range of plastic contamination.

The world production of farmed Whiteleg shrimp was 5,812,180 t in 2020. Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil produced 1,012,830 in that year according to data FishStatJ. Environmental impact studies were scarce given the rapid growth of this activity, mainly on cummulative impacts, loss of ecosystems services or resilience of wetlands and mangroves. Aspects of the management of environmental impacts published on American studies during 1986–2020 are analyzed. The main impacts included the loss of mangroves and their transformation of these ecosystems and their water bodies by receiving enriched effluents from shrimp farms. Different management measures are discussed between Ecuador, which contributes 63.76 % of American production of white leg shrimp; Brazil which published 46.2 % of the environmental studies of the analyzed period, and Mexico, in an intermediate situation. Finally, alternatives are discussed to improve the management of shrimp aquaculture with emphasis on the Ecuadorian context.

Possible access routes of macro and mesoplastics, acting as the main sources of pollution in the coastal ecosystem, are examined as a case study on four beaches along the Istanbul coast. A total number of 3787 items belonging to 12 categories of debris types were collected as follows: macroplastics 47.8%; mesoplastics 9.2%; and others 43.0% such as paper pieces, glass pieces and metal beverage cans. Clean-coast and carbonyl indexes were also used to identify the level of cleanliness of the sampling sites. The clean-coast index revealed that all of the sample sites were categorized as extremely dirty. Moreover, carbonyl index results indicate that 35.7% of the samples were at a high oxidation level indicating that some of the particles relatively spend more time on beaches. The litter concentration and surface oxidation results were addressing issues that should be taken into consideration to improve litter management strategies of the beaches.

The world has witnessed the circumstances shaped by the oil spill for many decades that cause serious environmental problems and adverse effects on human health. Many techniques and remediation methods are followed for efficient oil spill cleanups but with the limitations and environmental issues, these procedures were not completely efficient. The “nanotechnology” word itself has fascinated not only the researchers but also many industries and the global race is on to tap its potential and to derive benefit from it. Their small size and exceptional properties have proven their potential in providing technological solutions to engineering problems. This study focuses on the scope of nanotechnology in oil spill cleanups and shows how the limitations presented by conventional methodologies can be overcome. This paper categorizes and thoroughly reviews the application of nanotechnology in oil spill cleanups in different forms and also focuses on the environmental aspects of it.

The construction of world-class Bay makes the marine ecology in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area in risk. Based on the DPSIR index framework, Lotka-Volterra symbiosis model is applied to calculate symbiosis degree between coastal socio-economic system and marine ecosystem in 9 coastal cities. It is found that the marine ecological pressure in this area have not been reversed in recent 20 years. Most cities are in the stage that socio-economic development and marine ecological damage coexist. In Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan and Zhongshan, the damaged marine ecology has begun to restrain the further expansion of economy and society. The massive population agglomeration in Hong Kong, Macao and other places has caused serious marine ecological stress. It is urgent to improve the marine ecological security by cultivating ecological industrial system and industrial clusters, establishing a land-sea ecological restoration, promoting joint-protection and co-governance across different administrative regions.