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In order to assess the impact of nanoplastics on marine species, polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) have been largely used as model particles. Here we studied the effects of 50 nm amino-modified PS-NH2 on Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus immune system cells (coelomocytes) in the presence of celomic fluid (CF) and at different NP concentrations (1, 5, 10, and 25 μg mL−1) and experimental conditions (absence or presence of EDTA). PS-NH2 acquired a protein corona once incubated with CF, dominated by the toposome precursor protein (TPP). In short-term cultures, a significant concentration- and time-dependent decrease in lysosomal membrane stability and apoptotic-like nuclear alterations were observed in phagocytes upon exposure to PS-NH2 (10 and 25 µg mL−1) in CF but they resulted abolished in the presence of EDTA confirming the role of TPP in triggering PS-NH2-coelomocytes interaction and toxicity. PS-NH2 did not alter MXR phenotype but the observed dose-dependent decrease in calcein accumulation suggests the ability of PS-NH2 to affect pump's efflux activity. Overall results encourage additional studies on positively charged nanoplastics, since the observed effects on sea urchin coelomocytes as well as the TPP corona formation might represent a first step for addressing their impact on sensitive marine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) for environmental remediation, known as nanoremediation, represents a challenging and innovative solution, ensuring a quick and efficient removal of pollutants from contaminated sites. Although the growing interest in nanotechnological solutions for pollution remediation, with significant economic investment worldwide, environmental and human risk assessment associated with the use of ENMs is still a matter of debate and nanoremediation is seen yet as an emerging technology. Innovative nanotechnologies applied to water and soil remediation suffer for a proper environmental impact scenario which is limiting the development of specific regulatory measures and the exploitation at European level. The present paper summarizes the findings from the workshop: “Ecofriendly Nanotechnology: state of the art, future perspectives and ecotoxicological evaluation of nanoremediation applied to contaminated sediments and soils” convened during the Biannual ECOtoxicology Meeting 2016 (BECOME) held in Livorno (Italy). Several topics have been discussed and, starting from current state of the art of nanoremediation, which represents a breakthrough in pollution control, the following recommendations have been proposed: (i) ecosafety has to be a priority feature of ENMs intended for nanoremediation; ii) predictive safety assessment of ENMs for environmental remediation is mandatory; (iii) greener, sustainable and innovative nano-structured materials should be further supported; (iii) those ENMs that meet the highest standards of environmental safety will support industrial competitiveness, innovation and sustainability. The workshop aims to favour environmental safety and industrial competitiveness by providing tools and modus operandi for the valorization of public and private investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uptake of Cd and some biomarkers of exposure and effects have been investigated in specimens of land snail Cornu aspersum exposed to vaporized CdCl 2 (10 mg/L) for 7 days. The Cd levels quantified in snail's whole bodies confirmed Cd bioavailability trough vaporization and an higher accumulation in the midgut gland compared to the foot. Biological responses investigated showed a reduction of destabilization time of lysosomal membranes (NRRT) in hemocytes and an induction of catalase activities (CAT) in midgut gland. A further evidence of CdCl 2 vaporized exposure was given by an increase in MT protein content as well as induction of Cd-MT gene expression, highlighting the central role of the midgut gland in Cd detoxification. These biomarkers can thus be considered as sensitive tools for the assessment of Cd contamination in the air using land snails as bioindicators. No changes in of GST activity and MDA were observed. From the overall results, the land snail, C. aspersum , could be used as good bioindicator of air quality for pollution monitoring purposes having shown clear signs of exposure and effects due Cd exposure by air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments on environmental fate models indicate that as nano waste , engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) could reach terrestrial ecosystems thus potentially affecting environmental and human health. Plants can be therefore exposed to ENMs but controversial data in terms of fate and toxicity are currently available. Furthermore, there is a current lack of information on complex interactions/transformations to which ENMs undergo in the natural environment as for instance interacting with existing toxic compounds. The aim of the present study was to assess the behavior and biological effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO 2 ) (Aeroxide P25, Degussa Evonik) and its interaction with cadmium (CdCl 2 ) in plants using radish seeds ( Raphanus sativus L. Parvus) as model species. Radish seeds were exposed to n-TiO 2 (1–1000 mg/L) and CdCl 2 (1–250 mg/L) alone and in combination using a seed germination and seedling growth toxicity test OECD 208. Percentage of seed germination, germination index (GI) and root elongation were calculated. Cell morphology and oxidative stress parameters as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase activities (CAT) were measured in radish seeds after 5 days of exposure. Z-Average, PdI and Z-potential of n-TiO 2 in Milli-Q water as exposure medium were also determined. DLS analysis showed small aggregates of n-TiO 2 , negative Z-potential and stable PdI in seed's exposure media. Germination percentage, GI and root length resulted affected by n-TiO 2 exposure compared to controls. In particular, n-TiO 2 at 1 mg/L and 100 mg/L did not affect radish seeds germination (100%) while at concentration of 10 mg/L, 200 mg/L, 500 mg/L, and 1000 mg/L a slight but not significant decrease of germination % was observed. Similarly root length and GI resulted significantly higher in seeds exposed to 10 mg/L and 200 mg/L compared to 1 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 500 mg/L, 1000 mg/L and control (p < 0.05). On the opposite, CdCl 2 significantly abolished germination % and GI compared to control seeds and a concentration dependent decrease on root elongation was observed against controls (p < 0.05). As well, significant decrease of germination %, GI and root elongation was observed in seeds co-exposed to n-TiO 2 and CdCl 2 at the highest concentrations (1000 mg/L n-TiO 2 and 250 mg/L CdCl 2 ) compared to co-exposed seeds at low concentration (1 mg/L n-TiO 2 and 1 mg/L CdCl 2 ) and controls (p < 0.05). Root elongation significantly increase compared to control at the lowest co-exposure concentration (p < 0.05). Similarly at intermediate concentrations of 10 and 100 mg/L in co-exposure conditions, n-TiO 2 did not affect CdCl 2 toxicity. Concerning antioxidant enzymes, a significant increase of CAT activity in seeds exposed to single high n-TiO 2 concentration (1000 mg/L) was observed while n-TiO 2 (1 mg/L), CdCl 2 (1 and 250 mg/L) and co-exposure resulted significantly decreased compared to controls (p < 0.05). Regarding GST activity, a slight increase in seeds exposed to 1000 mg/L n-TiO 2 but no significantly was observed, however both n-TiO 2 and CdCl 2 alone (1 and 250 mg/L, respectively) or in combinations caused a significant decrease in GST activity (p < 0.05). Therefore, overall data support the hypothesis that the presence of n-TiO 2 do not affect the toxicity of CdCl 2 at least at the highest concentration (100 and 250 mg/L) in radish seeds. Morphological alterations in nuclei, vacuoles and shape of radish root cells were observed upon single Cd exposure and not abolished in the presence of n-TiO 2 . Nevertheless, although n-TiO 2 seems not to reduce Cd toxicity at high concentration (up to 250 mg/L), interactions cannot be excluded based on obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of nanoplastics using model polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs), anionic (PS-COOH) and cationic (PS-NH 2 ), has been investigated on the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, a major component of marine zooplanktonic species. The role of different surface charges in affecting PS NP behaviour and toxicity has been considered in high ionic strength media. To this aim, the selected media were standardized reconstituted seawater (RSW) and natural sea water (NSW), the latter resembling more natural exposure scenarios. Hatched rotifer larvae were exposed for 24 h and 48 h to both PS NPs in the range of 0.5–50 μg/ml using PS NP suspensions made in RSW and NSW. No effects on lethality upon exposure to anionic NPs were observed despite a clear gut retention was evident in all exposed rotifers. On the contrary, cationic NPs caused lethality to rotifer larvae but LC 50 values resulted lower in rotifers exposed in RSW (LC 50 =2.75±0.67 µg/ml) compared to those exposed in NSW (LC 50 =6.62±0.87 µg/ml). PS NPs showed similar pattern of aggregation in both high ionic strength media (RSW and NSW) but while anionic NPs resulted in large microscale aggregates (Z-average 1109 ± 128 nm and 998±67 nm respectively), cationic NP aggregates were still in nano-size forms (93.99 ± 11.22 nm and 108.3 ± 12.79 nm). Both PDI and Z-potential of PS NPs slightly differed in the two media suggesting a role of their different surface charges in affecting their behaviour and stability. Our findings confirm the role of surface charges in nanoplastic behaviour in salt water media and provide a first evidence of a different toxicity in rotifers using artificial media (RSW) compared to natural one (NSW). Such evidence poses the question on how to select the best medium in standardized ecotoxicity assays in order to properly assess their hazard to marine life in natural environmental scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic hydrogels based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were prepared using magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) as cross-linker. In this hybrid organic-inorganic hydrogel, magnetite NPs are covalently bonded to the polymer chains. The CMC-Fe 3 O 4 hydrogel was characterized by means of Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The equilibrium swelling degree of the CMC-Fe 3 O 4 hydrogels was measured in deionized water as well as in artificial and natural sea water. Bioassays were performed in order to assess the ecosafety of these magnetic hydrogels by testing any potential effect on the growth rate of marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta . The capability of the CMC-Fe 3 O 4 hydrogel to adsorb organic and inorganic pollutants was tested on solutions of methylene blue (MB) and CdCl 2 in deionized and sea water as model systems. The CMC-Fe 3 O 4 hydrogel is capable to adsorb both MB and Cd(II) in deionized water. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity is strongly reduced in sea water, due to the ions in solution which decrease the electrostatic attraction between the carboxylate groups of CMC and the positive charge of MB and Cd(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of a common polycyclic musk fragrance, namely tonalide (AHTN), with the detoxification gene family CYP1A, by looking at both gene transcription (cyp1a) and enzyme activity (7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase; EROD) in the PLHC-1 fish cell line. Time-dependent (6 and 24 h) exposure experiments with three doses of AHTN (1 nM, 10 nM and 2 μM) were performed. Co-exposure with known CYP1A inducers such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and 3,3′-4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) was also investigated. A slight induction of cyp1a gene transcription was observed after 6 h, but not at 24 h. At 6 h, 40–45% of reduction of cyp1a transcription was observed in co-exposure with B[a]P and PCB 126 compared with single inducers. Complete recovery was observed after 24 h. No effect on EROD activity by AHTN was observed in either single exposure and co-exposure. AHTN seemed not to affect CYP1A at the gene or enzyme level, but in co-exposure with inducers ATHN seems able to reduce detoxification capability within a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ) is a euryaline fish suitable for investigating exposure, accumulation patterns and biological effects of lipophilic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Eels were collected from the Orbetello Lagoon (Tyrrhenian coast of Italy) and injected with increasing doses of Aroclor 1254 to better characterise EROD activity as biomarker in eels from Mediterranean brackish environments. Fish muscle was analysed for PCB content and EROD activity was measured in liver microsomial fraction. Significant differences of PCB levels were observed in exposed fish ( p  < 0.05) while EROD activity increased significantly reaching the highest values at the maximum dose of 50 mg/Kg ( p  < 0.001). Highly positive correlation ( r  = 0.82; p  < 0.01) was found between PCB content and EROD activity. Isomer profiles showed decreases in hexa-CBs. The European eel is confirmed to be a useful sentinel species for assessing pollution in brackish environments whereas EROD activity is characterised as a sensitive biomarker of exposure for PCB mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Southern Ocean (SO), plastic debris has already been found in waters and sediments. Nanoplastics (<1 μm) are expected to be as pervasive as their larger counterparts, but more harmful to biological systems, being able to enter cells and provoke toxicity. In the SO, (nano)plastic pollution occurs concomitantly with other environmental threats such as ocean acidification (OA), but the potential cumulative impact of these two challenges on SO marine ecosystems is still overlooked. Here the single and combined effects of nanoplastics and OA on the sub-Antarctic pteropod Limacina retroversa are investigated under laboratory conditions, using two surface charged polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) as a proxy for nanoplastics. Sub-Antarctic pteropods are threatened by OA due to the sensitivity of their shells to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry. Short-term exposure (48 h) to PS NPs compromised the ability of pteropods to counteract OA stress, resulting in a negative effect on their survival. Our results highlights the importance of addressing plastic pollution in the context of climate change to identify realistic critical thresholds of SO pteropods. • We studied the combined impact of nanoplastics and ocean acidification on pteropods. • Co-exposure to both stressors led to an increase in pteropod mortality. • Plastic pollution need to be addressed in the context of global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to investigate the endocrine disrupting potential of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) on marine organisms using the European eel (Anguilla anguilla Linnaeus, 1758) as model fish species. Crucial brain steroidogenic parameters such as the estrogen receptors (ERs), P450 aromatase (CYP19), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and P450-mediated cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme were selected as potential biomarkers for the assessment of TNT endocrine disrupting potential. Juvenile European eels were exposed for 6 and 24 h to 0.5, 1 and 2.5 mg/l nominal concentration of TNT dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). ERα, CYP19, StAR protein and P450scc genes expression were quantified using real-time PCR. Exposure to TNT altered the expression of ER gene at the lowest TNT concentration after 6 h of exposure, while after 24 h gene expression levels increased respect to controls only in eels at the maximum TNT dose (2.5 mg/l). A significant increase of CYP19 gene expression occurred after 6 h in all eels exposed to TNT compared to controls. On the opposite at 24 h, CYP19 expression seems reduced in eels exposed to 0.5 and 1mg TNT/l compared to 6 h, while no changes were observed at the highest dose (2.5 mg/l). Both StAR and P450scc gene expression were decreased at 6 h in eels exposed to 0.5 and 1mg TNT/l, while at 2.5 mg TNT/l, the gene expression levels were restored to background level. No further modulation was evident after 24 h for both genes. The overall results indicate the ability of TNT to affect neurosteroidogenic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochemical characterization of cholinesterase activity (ChE) was carried out on the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki collected in winter 2000 from Campo Icaro (Ross Sea, Antarctica) in order to increase its suitability as a sentinel organism for monitoring the Antarctic environment. The digestive gland, gills and adductor muscle were investigated for substrate specificity and inhibitors sensitivity using acetylthiocholine iodide (ASCh) and butyrylthiocholine iodide (BSCh) as substrates and tetra (monoisopropyl)pyrophosphor-tetramide (Iso-OMPA), 1,5-bis(4-allyldimethylammoniumphenyl)-penthan-3-one dibromide (BW284c51) and the insecticide chlorpyrifos as inhibitors. Effect of in vivo exposure to ZnCl2 was also investigated. All the tissues expressed ChE activity (gill > adductor muscle > digestive gland) and low substrates specificity throughout the hydrolysis of both ASCh and BSCh substrates. Partial (25–29%) and total inhibition (100%) of ChE activity in gills was demonstrated following in vitro incubation with Iso-OMPA and BW284c51 (3 mM), respectively. Concentration-dependent inhibition was also evident with chlorpyrifos in the range 10-4–10-10 M (IC50 10-6) while in vivo exposure to ZnCl2 did not seem to affect ChE activity in the scallop. The potential use of ChE in the A. colbecki as biomarker for monitoring water contamination in the marine Antarctic environment is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The induction of liver ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was investigated in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla, collected from a Mediterranean brackish environment and experimentally exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF). Eels were injected intraperitoneally at increasing doses (0.1, 1, 10, and 50 mg/kg wet body weight) using corn oil as a carrier and sacrificed after 7 days. The main objectives of the present study are: (1) to assess of the sensitivity of EROD induction as a biomarker to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure; (2) to determine an EROD dose–response relationship of the contaminants used; and (3) to compare the efficiency of B[a]P and BNF as inducers of EROD activity. Results showed that both chemicals resulted in a dose-dependent EROD induction, but increases were not linear. EROD activity seemed to reach a plateau at the exposure of 10 mg/kg in both treatment groups; B[a]P was a more potent inducer than BNF was at the higher doses (10 and 50 mg/kg), while the opposite result was observed at the lower ones (0.1 and 1 mg/kg). The greatest induction occurred in eels treated with 10 mg/kg B[a]P, in which a 261-fold increase in EROD activity was observed. Results showed that EROD activity in A. anguilla is significantly induced by B[a]P and BNF exposure, responding to a wide range of concentrations of these contaminants. We infer that this tool may be suited as a diagnostic biomarker for biomonitoring PAHs pollution in Mediterranean brackish environments and further field research is suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Textile industries utilize a variety of dyes and chemicals, resulting in wastewater that contains numerous hazardous components. The release of these dyes into aquatic systems poses a serious environmental and harms human health due to their persistence, recalcitrance, and nonbiodegradability. To address this, microbial bioremediation and nano‐photocatalysts are commonly employed for the effective removal of dyes and toxic compounds from textile effluents. This review explores the ecofriendly and efficient use of microbes, such as fungi, yeast, bacteria, and algae, in dye treatment, emphasizing their role in decolorization and degradation. Additionally, microbial remediation is highlighted as a clean, effective, and safe technology for detoxifying azo dyes in wastewater. The review also compares microbial and nanoparticle methods for dye removal from textile wastewater, examining the environmental impact of each approach. Furthermore, we have highlighted challenges and prospects for the development direction and future of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst increasing concerns about plastic pollution's impacts on ecology and health, nanoplastics are gaining global recognition as emerging environmental hazards. This review aimed to examine the complex molecular consequences and underlying fundamental toxicity mechanisms reported from the exposure of diverse aquatic organisms to nanoplastics. Through the comprehensive examination of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics studies, we explored the intricate toxicodynamics of nanoplastics in aquatic species. The review raised essential questions about the consistency of findings across different omics approaches, the value of combining these omics tools to understand better and predict ecotoxicity, and the potential differences in molecular responses between species. By amalgamating insights from 37 omics studies (transcriptome 22, proteome six, and metabolome nine) published from 2013 to 2023, the review uncovered both shared and distinct toxic effects and mechanisms in which nanoplastics can affect aquatic life, and recommendations were provided for advancing omics-based research on nanoplastic pollution. This comprehensive review illuminates the nuanced connections between nanoplastic exposure and aquatic ecosystems, offering crucial insights into the complex mechanisms that may drive toxicity in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green nanotechnology offers several possibilities to bridge the nano and sustainability domains and help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address major global concerns. In this review, we detail the fundamentals and applications of GNT toward SDGs goals. This includes energy production, pollution abatement, water treatment, and eco-friendly agricultural practices. The discussion includes challenges related to legal, ethical and safety aspects as well as limits of the technology. Prospects call for collaborative efforts across various disciplines and policy guidelines in bridging eco-friendly nanotechnology with UN SDGs. We hope that the insights provided in this review can help guide future research and policies toward more environmentally responsible practices, improving global environmental stewardship with a special emphasis on nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era when ecological and environmental needs and responsibilities apply pressure on the world's countries and sustainability takes centre stage, ecologic/environmental (E/E) laboratories stand as beacons of scientific inquiry, innovating, optimising, and applying various tests for a better knowledge of our natural resources and the quality status of ecosystems. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the use of flow cytometry (FC) as a tool for assessing environmental quality, mainly using living organisms and their biological changes as bioindicators. Cytometric approaches applied to both marine and terrestrial ecosystems ensure the detection of biochemical and functional status of the cells composing either an organ thereof or the organism itself. In addition to cytometric evaluations of the biotic matrix, a brief overview of the techniques for the environmental assessment of biotic and abiotic matrices using mass spectrometry is given. The technique involving the continuous monitoring of the chemical and physical parameters of water, sediment, and soil is basically incapable of detecting any additive and synergetic effects of toxicants on living organisms. Therefore, techniques employing bioindicators provide valuable information for environmental diagnosis, and several studies have demonstrated the strong relationship between specific environmental data and cell/organ behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics have emerged as a significant global environmental concern in the recent decade. The aim of this study was to elucidate microplastic contamination of commercial fish species in a natural lagoon environment. Microplastic contamination was examined in the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of 157 commercial fish from 18 species with varying feeding habits in a vital and sensitive lagoon ecosystem, which connects to the Indian ocean. Microplastics were extracted using digestion, followed by stereomicroscopic inspection using Nile Red stain, and identified via μ-FTIR analysis. Over half of studied fishes ingested microplastics (54.14%). Filaments (50%) and blue items (43%) were the most commonly ingested. Of all the fish species, Eubleekeria splendens had the highest average concentration of microplastics in GIT (1.41 ± 2.52 items/g w.w. tissues), although no statistically significant difference in amount of ingested microplastics (items/g w.w. tissues) was observed among species. The highest concentrations of inhaled microplastics were recorded in Sillago vincenti (1.38 ± 1.30 items/g w.w. tissues). The majority of the extracted microplastics (33%) belonged in the size class 500–1500 μm with rayon, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene as the primary polymers. This study found no correlation between microplastic ingestion and fish species and feeding habits, but a positive correlation with fish size was observed. These findings reveal widespread microplastic contamination in edible fish, posing potential risks to commercially important species due to increasing pollution in lagoon ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquaculture industry is growing rapidly and plays a huge role in bridging the global demand gap for fish and other aquatic foods. It is a vital contributor of valuable nutrients and economic benefits. Aquaculture and fisheries provide a means of livelihood to an estimated 58.5 million people globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. However, the sector is impacted by the ubiquity of microplastics and toxic chemicals. Although many studies have reported plastic pollution in the aquaculture environment, less attention has been paid to the coexistence of toxic chemicals with plastic particles and the role of climate change in aquaculture food contamination. This review evaluates the occurrence of microplastics in organisms, feeds, water, and sediment in the aquaculture ecosystem and the detection and hazardous effects of toxic chemical contaminants. We also highlight novel insights into the role of climate change in plastic and chemical contamination of aquaculture organisms and ecosystems. We report that the extent of aquaculture's contribution to global climate change and global plastic pollution is yet to be adequately quantified and requires further investigation for appropriate risk assessment and prevention of food safety crisis. Possible mitigation strategies for the highlighted pollution problems were suggested, and some identified gaps for future research were indicated. Overall, this work is one of the first efforts to assess the influence of climate change on aquaculture food contamination, emphasising its effects on food safety and ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic life; however, in excess, they can result in a decline in water quality, posing serious risks to both human and aquatic organisms. Human activities, such as urbanisation, industry, and farming, can increase the amount of nutrients and other elements that reach receiving waterbodies like Lake Victoria in Uganda, which can be problematic at elevated levels. There is therefore a strong need to evaluate recent changes in pollutant concentrations and their potential negative effects. To contribute to this gap and to explore the pollutant changes in Lake Victoria, a series of water chemistry data (phosphate, nitrate, potassium, ammonium, sodium, sulphate, silica and chlorine) was collected between 2016 and 2023 in Uganda's Napoleon Gulf (NG) and Murchison Bay (MB), primarily by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). These locations were chosen based on their vicinity to expanding urban centres and agriculture, and they are also areas where fishing frequently occurs. The datasets were collected at different water depths (0.5–24 m). Data were analysed with the use of IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 28.0) software and confirmed the excessive concentrations of pollutants within MB compared to NG. The analysis identified the different nutrient types that exceeded internationally recognised thresholds relating to acceptable water quality during the data collection period. Seasonal variations were observed, during the dry season; nutrient levels, however, in NG showed higher nutrient concentrations during the wet season. The study's capacity to inform local authorities and policymakers about such potential major sources of pollution is of crucial importance for beginning to address the potential impacts on human health and aquatic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of acute toxicity of magnetic nanogel (MNG) is crucial to conclude the safe applicable dose and to warrant its application in aquaculture. Therefore, the current study is a novel step to assess behavior, neuro-stress response, hepato-renal, oxidative, and histopathological variations produced by MNG' acute toxicity in Clarias gariepinus. Two experiments were conducted: the first was a determination of the 96-h lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of MNG in C. gariepinus. Meanwhile, the second was an assessment of the toxicological impacts of three different concentrations of MNG in C. gariepinus following a 10-day exposure period and a subsequent 10-day depuration trial. One hundred and eighty fish were allotted to four groups exposed to 0, 1/10, 1/8, or 1/5 96-h LC50 of MNG. The outcomes exhibited that 96-h LC50 of MNG for C. gariepinus was 44 mg/L. The subjected group to MNG induced a concentration-dependent elevation in the serum values of cortisol, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, and creatinine following MNG exposure. Marked elevation in the oxidative stress indicators (catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) was also evident. Meanwhile, the value of the neurological biomarker, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was markedly reduced in a concentration-dependent way. These biochemical changes were complemented by pathological alterations in the hepato-renal architecture. Interestingly, in response to the 10-day depuration period, most of the tested parameters were eliminated in C. gariepinus exposed to 1/10 of LC50. Conclusively, MNG can induce numerous adverse effects only at higher doses (1/5 and 1/8 of LC50). Meanwhile, the lowest tested concentration of MNG (1/10 of LC50) was safe for application in aquaculture practices with only mild disruptions in the bio-indices. In addition, a retrieval period of 10 days was sufficient to renovate these alterations only in fish exposed to the same concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectoparasites Dactylogyrus spp. mainly infest fish gills and severely damage the host's gill tissues. Correspondingly, the explanation of the interaction of fish with Dactylogyrus spp. infection is still insufficient. The present study describes the changes in hemato-biochemical, immune, antioxidant, genotoxic, and pathological indices response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) severely (n > 50), mildly infected (n = 1–50), and uninfected with Dactylogyrus spp. Data showed the adverse effect of hemato-biochemical indices in infected fish compared to uninfected, notably in severely infected O. niloticus. Compared to uninfected fish, there is a significantly decreased serum lysozyme and complement C3 and increased IgM and phagocytic activity along with significant upregulation of (COX-2), (IL-1β), (TNF-α), and (IL-10) genes in infected fish partially, in severely infected fish. Concisely, indices of antioxidants in the liver and gills marked an increased level of MDA in the infected fish compared to the uninfected fish. Conversely, levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH were decreased significantly with damaged DNA in the gills and liver of infected groups, particularly in severely infected (P < 0.05). Histopathologically investigating livers and gills in infected Nile tilapia indicated damaging and degenerative alterations, particularly with severe infection. Findings showed that Dactylogyrus spp.–infected Nile tilapia were effective in improving our knowledge of fish-pathogen interactions, which may be essential for fish defense against parasite infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, synthetic polymer (plastic) particles are ubiquitous in the environment. It is known that for several decades microplastics (MPs) have been accumulating in the World Ocean, becoming available to a large variety of marine organisms. Particularly alarming is the accumulation of aging plastic particles, as the degradation processes of such particles increase their toxicity. The diverse display of negative properties of aging MPs and its effect on biota are still poorly understood. In this study, in vitro experiments modeling the interaction of pristine and UV-irradiated aging polypropylene (PP) fragments with hemocytes and mitochondria of bivalve mollusks Mytilus sp. were performed. The appearance of free radicals in the environment was recorded by spectral characteristics of indicator dyes—methylene blue (MB) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT). It was found that due to photooxidation, aging PP fragments sorbed more than threefold MB on their modified surface compared to pristine samples of this polymer. Using NBT, the formation of reactive oxygen species in seawater in the presence of pristine and photoactivated PP was recorded. It was also found that photodegraded PP fragments largely stimulated the development of lipid peroxidation processes in mitochondrial membranes and reduced the stability of hemocyte lysosome membranes compared to pristine PP fragments. In general, the results obtained concretize and supplement with experimental data the previously stated hypothesis of toxicity of aging MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibers, with their high surface area-to-volume ratio and unique physical properties, hold significant promise for a wide range of applications, including medical devices, filtration systems, packaging, electronics, and advanced textiles. However, their development and commercialization are hindered by several key challenges and hazards. The main issues are production cost and yield, high voltage, clogging, and toxic materials driven by complex production techniques, which limit their adoption. Additionally, there are environmental and health concerns associated with nanofiber production and disposal, necessitating the development of safer and more sustainable processes and materials. Addressing these challenges requires continued innovation in materials science and industrial practices, as well as a concerted effort to balance production, material, and surrounding condition parameters. This study emphasizes the challenges and hazards associated with nanofiber materials and their production techniques, including electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, solution blow spinning, electro-blown spinning, wet spinning, and melt spinning. It also emphasizes biopolymers and recycling as sustainable and eco-friendly practices to avoid harming the environment and human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An invasive assemblage refers to a group of invasive species that coexist and interact within an ecosystem, significantly altering its dynamics, biodiversity, functions, and ecosystem services. Their presence in lakes can severely affect these ecosystems. The objective of this article is to present an assessment using indexes of socioecological resilience to the impact of an assemblage of two invasive species (P. clarkii and E. crassipes) in a lake ecosystem, the Fúquene Lagoon in Colombia. Socioecological resilience indexes (rating scale: 0.0–100%) are developed based on community perception within the area of influence of the lake ecosystem under study. Indexes are developed for each dimension of analysis (ecological, social, and economic) and include a global resilience index. Community perception is obtained through a survey according to the dimensions of analysis. The results of the comprehensive assessment using the developed indexes suggest significant vulnerability of the ecological (index = 37.7%) and social (index = 40.9%) resilience of the lake ecosystem to the invasive species assemblage. The low-risk perception and limited implementation of preventive measures accentuate this fragility. Although the economic dimension shows greater robustness (index = 56.9%), it is imperative to strengthen the adaptive capacity of the socioecological system to mitigate the adverse impacts of biological invasions and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem (global resilience index = 45%). Assessing lake ecosystems' recovery from invasive species requires a multidimensional approach, focusing on ecological, economic, and social factors to develop integrated management strategies for resilience and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial colonization of plastic polymers in Antarctic environments is an under-investigated issue. While several studies are documenting the spread of plastic pollution in the Ross Sea, whether the formation of a plastisphere (namely the complex microbial assemblage colonizing plastics) may favor the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in this marine environment is unknown yet. A colonization experiment was performed in this ecosystem, aiming at exploring the potential role of plastic polymers as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance. To this end, the biofilm-producing activity and the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacterial strains isolated from biofilms colonizing submerged polyvinylchloride and polyethylene panels were screened. The colonization experiment was carried out at two different sites of the Ross Sea, namely Road Bay and Tethys Bay. Most of bacterial isolates were able to produce biofilm; several multidrug resistances were detected in the bacterial members of biofilms associated to PVC and PE (also named as the plastisphere), as well as in the bacterial strains isolated from the surrounding water. The lowest percentage of ARB was found in the PE-associated plastisphere from the not-impacted (control) Punta Stocchino station, whereas the highest one was detected in the PVC-associated plastisphere from the Tethys Bay station. However, no selective enrichment of ARB in relation to the study sites or to either type of plastic material was observed, suggesting that resistance to antibiotics was a generalized widespread phenomenon. Resistance against to all the three classes of antibiotics assayed in this study (i.e., cell wall antibiotics, nucleic acids, and protein synthesis inhibitors) was observed. The high percentage of bacterial isolates showing resistance in remote environments like Antarctic ones, suffering increasing anthropic pressure, points out an emerging threat with a potential pathogenic risk that needs further deepening studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity, 180 healthy grass carp were separated into three groups and fed diets containing 0.147 (control group), 0.562, and 1.044 mg/kg of selenium Yeast throughout 60 days. In grass carp livers, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and apoptosis-related gene expression were examined. As a result of acute exposure to cadmium, MDA content decreased significantly. With time, catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities changed. The relative transcript levels of heavy metal scavenging genes abcc2 and mt2 were significantly reduced. The relative levels of expression of jnk, bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in apoptosis-associated factors were significantly elevated after cadmium exposure. Selenium-supplementation downregulated the expression of apoptosis-related factors. As compared to the control group, liver cells supplemented with selenium had a significantly lower apoptotic index. Comprehensive analysis showed that dietary selenium supplementation significantly attenuated cadmium-induced peroxidative damage and apoptosis in liver by increasing GSH-Px activity, and that cadmium toxicity could be alleviated by the addition of yeast selenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]