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Tea is grown around the world under extremely diverse geographic and climatic conditions, namely, in China, India, the Far East and Africa. However, recently, growing tea also appears to be feasible in many regions of Europe, from where high-quality, chemical-free, organic, single-estate teas have been obtained. Hence, the aim of this study was to characterize the health-promoting properties in terms of the antioxidant capacity of traditional hot brews as well as cold brews of black, green and white teas produced across the European territory using a panel of antioxidant assays. Total polyphenol/flavonoid contents and metal chelating activity were also determined. For differentiating the characteristics of the different tea brews, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry were employed. Overall, our findings demonstrate for the first time that teas grown in Europe are good quality teas that are endowed with levels of health-promoting polyphenols and flavonoids and that have an antioxidant capacity similar to those grown in other parts of the world. This research is a vital contribution to the characterization of European teas, providing essential and important information for both European tea growers and consumers, and could be of guidance and support for the selection of teas grown in the old continent, along with having the best brewing conditions for maximizing the health benefits of tea.

Atmospheric aerosol samples were collected at Faraglione Camp, 3 km away from the Italian Mario Zucchelli Station (Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea), from 1 December 2013 to 2 February 2014. A two-step extraction procedure was applied to characterize the soluble and insoluble components of PM10-bound metals. Samples were analyzed for Al, Fe, Cd, Cu, and Pb by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS). The mean atmospheric concentrations were (reported as means ± SD) Al 24 ± 3 ng m−3, Fe 23 ± 4 ng m−3, Cd 0.92 ± 0.53 pg m−3, Cu 43 ± 9 pg m−3, and Pb 16 ± 5 pg m−3. The fractionation pattern was metal-specific, with Al, Fe, and Pb mainly present in the insoluble fractions, Cd in the soluble one, and Cu equally distributed between the two fractions. The summer evolution showed overall constant behavior of both fractions for Al and Fe, while a bell-shaped trend was observed for the three trace metals. Cd and Cu showed a bell-shaped evolution involving both fractions. A seasonal increase in Pb occurred only for the insoluble fraction, while the soluble fraction remained almost constant. Sequential extraction and enrichment factors indicated a crustal origin for Al, Fe, and Pb, and additional (marine or anthropogenic) contributions for Cd and Cu. Back trajectory analysis showed a strong contribution of air masses derived from the Antarctic plateau. A potential low contribution from anthropized areas cannot be excluded. Further studies are necessary to better characterize the chemical composition of the aerosol, to discriminate between natural and anthropogenic sources, and to evaluate a quantitative source apportionment.

Antarctic fish (Trematomus bernacchii) are an ideal group for studying the effect of ocean warming on vital physiological and biochemical mechanisms of adaptation, including changes in the fatty acid composition to higher heat tolerance in the sub-zero waters of the Southern Ocean. Despite the awareness of the impact of ocean warming on marine life, bioclimatic models describing the effect of temperature and time on fatty acid levels in marine species have not been considered yet. The objective of the present study was to investigate changes in the concentrations of fatty acids in liver fromT. bernacchiiin response to an increase in temperature in the Antarctic region. Changes in the concentrations of fatty acids in liver fromT. bernacchiiwere observed after varying simultaneously and systematically the temperature and time. The fatty acid profiles were determined by gas chromatography prior to acclimation (− 1.8 °C) and after acclimation (0.0, 1.0, and 2.0 °C) at different times (1, 5, and 10 days). The observed changes were graphically visualized by expressing the fatty acid concentration in absolute units (mg g−1) as a function of the temperature and time using polynomial models. Major changes in fatty acid composition were observed at day 1 of exposition at all temperatures. At day 5, the fish seem to tolerate the new temperature condition. The concentrations of saturated fatty acids were almost constant throughout the various conditions. The concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids (in particular 18:1n− 9) decrease at day 1 for all temperatures. In contrast, there was an increase in the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (in particular 20:5n− 3 and 22:6n− 3) with increasing temperatures after 1, 5, and 10 days of exposure. The proposed models were in agreement with reported studies on polar and temperate fish, indicating possibly similar adaptation mechanisms for teleost to cope with global warming.

Basic nutrition for tropical fish is undeniably lacking, mainly due to the concentration of research efforts on and funding for food fish species. However, as the marine ornamental aquaculture industry continues to grow and expand, it is now essential to direct nutritional research to mitigate the current lack of information related to feeds specifically formulated for ornamental fish. Due to a minimal environmental impact, compared to most conventional feed commodities, insects deserve a growing attention as candidate ingredient for aquafeeds and Hermetia illucens, the black soldier fly, is presently one of the most promising insect species. The aim of the present study was to formulate new insect based diets and to evaluate, through a multidisciplinary approach including morphological, biochemical, spectroscopic and molecular analysis, the major biological responses of Amphiprion ocellaris juveniles fed on these diets over a 106 days experimental period. Biometry did not reveal differences in survival and growth; fish fatty acid composition was influenced by the diets. Real-Time PCR analyses on genes involved in fish growth (igf1, igf2 and mstn), lipid metabolism (pparα and pparβ) and stress response (gr and hsp70), did not show significant differences among groups. Histology showed a normal intestinal mucosa and liver parenchyma in all experimental groups. Lower amounts of lipids and proteins, together with a higher amount of glycogen, were detected by FTIR in the liver of clownfish fed on diets including higher insect meal amounts.

This study extends our knowledge of the bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine organisms and investigates its possible determinants. PAH levels were measured in Solea solea tissue and in marine sediments collected from three areas of the northern Adriatic Sea characterized by different anthropic impacts (Venetian Lagoon, Po Delta, and fishing grounds off Chioggia). The possibility of differential PAH bioaccumulation in different tissues (muscle, liver and gills) was investigated by seeking relationships between mean individual and total PAH concentrations in tissue and sediment samples, the physicochemical properties of PAHs (rings and Kow), and some key biological variables (lipid content of tissues, body size, habitat). The present study demonstrated that the lipid content might not be the only determinant of PAH bioaccumulation in common sole tissues. The habitat characteristics, the tissue types and some physicochemical properties of compounds were closely related to PAH bioaccumulation.

Insects represent a valuable and sustainable alternative ingredient for aquafeed formulation. However, insect-based diets have often highlighted controversial results in different fish species, especially when high inclusion levels were used. Several studies have demonstrated that nutritional programming through parental feeding may allow the production of fish better adapted to use sub-optimal aquafeed ingredients. To date, this approach has never been explored on insect-based diets. In the present study, five experimental diets characterized by increasing fish meal substitution levels with full-fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) prepupae meal (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were used to investigate the effects of programming via broodstock nutrition on F1 zebrafish larvae development. The responses of offspring were assayed through biometric, gas chromatographic, histological, and molecular analyses. The results evidenced that the same BSF-based diets provided to adults were able to affect F1 zebrafish larvae fatty acid composition without impairing growth performances, hepatic lipid accumulation and gut health. Groups challenged with higher BSF inclusion with respect to fish meal (50%, 75% and 100%) showed a significant downregulation of stress response markers and a positive modulation of inflammatory cytokines gene expression. The present study evidences that nutritional programming through parental feeding may make it possible to extend the fish meal substitution level with BSF prepupae meal in the diet up to almost 100% without incurring the well-known negative side effects of BSF-based diets.

There is a growing interest in exploiting Antarctic fisheries for human consumption. However, information on how the nutritional qualities of these resources will respond to the predicted seawater warming in the region for the next century is poor. The present research investigates changes in various nutritional indices of dietary importance (e.g. the ratio polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids, the atherogenicity index, the thrombogenicity index, the hypo-cholesterolemic to hyper-cholesterolemic index, the health-promoting index, the flesh lipid quality and the ratio omega-3 to omega-6 index) by determining the fatty acid composition in muscle of Trematomus bernacchii (an Antarctic fish species) in its natural habitat (-1.87 °C) and warmer temperatures (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 °C). Comparison of the estimated nutritional indices at -1.87 °C with those at warmer temperatures revealed that seawater warming caused changes in the nutritional indices in the range of -12%

Trace heavy metals Cd, Pb, and Cu were determined (by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry) in aerosol samples collected at Dome C (the Italo-French Station Concordia), a remote site of the Central East Antarctic plateau, for which no data are available until now. During the Austral Summer 2005–2006, three PM10 high-volume impactors were installed in two locations nearby of Concordia station: the first one very close and downwind of the station (about 50 m north), the other two (very close to each other) in a ‘distant’ site, upwind of the station and close to the astrophysics tent (not used in that expedition) at ~800 m south of Station Concordia. For each sample, the availability of the mass of the aerosol collected (obtained by differential weighing carried out on site), in addition to the volume of the filtered air, allowed us to express results both in terms of metal mass fractions in the aerosol and in the usual way of metal atmospheric concentrations. Metal contents increased in the order Cd &lt, Pb &lt, Cu with the following ranges of values: Cd 1.0–8.4 µg g−1 (0.09–3.1 pg m−3), Pb 96–470 µg g−1 (12–62 pg m−3), and Cu 0.17–20 mg g−1 (0.027–2.4 ng m−3). From the metal temporal profiles obtained we estimated the following background values for the area of Dome C, expressed both in mass fractions and in atmospheric concentrations: Cd 1.2 ± 0.2 µg g−1 (0.24 ± 0.13 pg m−3), Pb (here fixed as upper limit) 113 ± 13 µg g−1 (21 ± 8 pg m−3), and Cu 0.91 ± 0.48 mg g−1 (0.12 ± 0.07 ng m−3). The highest values were observed in the first part of the season, and particularly for the site close to the station, possibly related to sample contamination linked to intense activity at the Concordia station connected with the beginning of the expedition, including aircraft arrivals/departures. Increments of up to 10 times (and even 20 times for Cu) were recorded with respect to the background values. The metal excesses of the contaminated over background samples were found approximately, except for Cu, in the same proportion of the metal contents of the special Antarctic blend (SAB) diesel fuel, which is used almost exclusively at Concordia Station. The effect of the wind direction was also observed. Thus in the intermediate period of the campaign, when the wind direction reversed for several days with respect to the prevailing one, Cd and Pb metal contents decreased at the sampling point installed close to the station, now upwind of Concordia station, and increased at the ‘clean’ site astrophysics tent, turned downwind at the main station. No simple and easily interpretable effect of the wind direction was observed for Cu, which suggests that some other extemporaneous and not clearly identified factor may have intervened in this case. These results suggest that the human impact at Dome C influences mainly the zone very close to the station, but also the area in the neighborhood, including the supposed clean site of the astrophysics tent (about 800 m far from the station), when the wind direction reverses with respect to the prevailing one, leaving the site downwind of the station Concordia. Since no other data are reported for the Dome C area, our results are compared with literature data referred to the South Pole Station (the only other plateau site for which data are available) and several other coastal Antarctic sites, observing that our results (excluding Cu) are the lowest ever observed for Antarctic aerosol.

In this study we analysed total mercury (THg) levels in European hake (Merluccius merluccius) - an ecologically and commercially important species throughout the Mediterranean - caught in the northern and central Adriatic Sea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating THg levels in hake fillets in relation to ecological (season) and biological (body size, sex, sexual maturity, lipid content) parameters. THg levels in muscle showed no sex-related differences; in contrast, significant season-related differences were found in females, with higher levels in spring-summer compared with autumn-winter. No season-related differences were seen in males. A significant sex effect was found for body size and sexual maturity. Females showed a correlation between THg level and length, THg being significantly higher in mature compared with immature specimens. No significant sex effect was found for muscle lipid content, because a correlation between THg concentration and tissue lipids was found in both sexes. Since the mean THg concentration found in M. merluccius fillets (0.64 ± 0.29 mg kg

Over the last years, the potential use of Black Soldier Fly meal (BSF) as a new and sustainable aquafeed ingredient has been largely explored in several fish species. However, only fragmentary information is available about the use of BSF meal-based diets in sturgeon nutrition. In consideration of a circular economy concept and a more sustainable aquaculture development, the present research represents the first comprehensive multidisciplinary study on the physiological effects of a BSF diet during sturgeon culture in an aquaponic system. Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) juveniles were fed over a 60-days feeding trial on a control diet (Hi0) and a diet containing 50% of full-fat BSF meal respect to fish meal (Hi50). Physiological responses of fish were investigated using several analytical approaches, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, histology, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), microbiome sequencing and Real-time PCR. While aquaponic systems performed optimally during the trial, Hi50 group fish showed lower diet acceptance that resulted in growth and survival reduction, a decrease in hepatic lipids and glycogen content (FTIR), a higher hepatic hsp70.1 gene expression and a worsening in gut histological morphometric parameters. The low feed acceptance showed by Hi50 group sturgeon highlighted the necessity to improve the palatability of BSF-based diet designed for sturgeon culture.

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal is considered an alternative, emerging, and sustainable ingredient for aquafeed formulation. However, results on fish physiological responses are still fragmentary and often controversial, and no data are available on the effect of insect meal-based diets on fish reproduction. On this regard, zebrafish, with its relatively short life cycle, represents an ideal experimental model to explore this topic. In this study, female zebrafish were fed for 12 months on a control diet based on fish meal (FM) and fish oil and two experimental diets with full-fat BSF (

Porifera are filter-feeding organisms known to bioaccumulate different contaminants in their tissues. The presence of mercury (Hg) has been reported in different Mediterranean species, mainly collected in the southern coast of France. In the present study, mercury concentrations in the tissue of the sponges of Montecristo and Giglio, two islands of Tuscany Archipelago National Park (TANP), are presented for the first time. Analyses of total mercury content were performed by Direct Mercury Analyzer. Statistical differences have been reported in the Hg concentrations of species collected in both islands, but they do not appear related to the anthropic impacts of the islands. Among the collected species, a high intra- and inter-variability have been recorded, with Cliona viridis showing the lowest concentration (0.0167&ndash, 0.033 mg&middot, kg&minus, 1 dry weight), and Chondrosia reniformis and Sarcotragus spinosulus the highest (0.57 &plusmn, 0.15 and 0.64 &plusmn, 0.01 mg&middot, 1 dry weight, respectively). The variability of Hg measured did not allow us to identify sponges as bioindicators of toxic elements. Anyway, these results improve knowledge on the ecosystem of the TANP, underlining the species-specificity of metal concentrations for Porifera, and providing additional data to address the main input of the Marine Strategy guidelines to protect coasts, seas and oceans.

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal is considered as an alternative, emerging and sustainable ingredient for aquafeed production. However, results on fish physiological responses are still fragmentary and often controversial, while no studies are available on fish behavior in response to these new diets. The present work represents the first comprehensive multidisciplinary study aimed to investigate zebrafish physiological and behavioural responses to BSF-based diets. Five experimental diets characterized by increasing inclusion levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respect to fish meal) of full fat BSF prepupae meal were tested during a 2-months feeding trial. Prepupae were cultured on coffee silverskin growth substrate enriched with a 10% Schizochytrium sp. to improve insects’ fatty acids profile. The responses of zebrafish were assayed through biometric, histological, gas chromatographic, microbiological, spectroscopic, molecular and behavioural analyses. Results evidenced that BSF-based diets affected fish fatty acid composition, while behavioural tests did not show differences among groups. Specifically, a 50% BSF inclusion level diet represented the best compromise between ingredient sustainability and proper fish growth and welfare. Fish fed with higher BSF inclusions (75 and 100%) showed hepatic steatosis, microbiota modification, higher lipid content, fatty acid modification and higher expression of immune response markers.

Size-fractionated particulate mercury (PHg) measurements were performed from November 2017 to January 2018 at Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica) for the first time. Samples were collected every 10 days by a six-stage high-volume cascade impactor with size classes between 10 &mu, m and 0.49 &mu, m. Total PHg concentrations were maxima (87 &plusmn, 8 pg m&minus, 3) in November, then decreased to values ~40% lower and remained almost constant until the end of the sampling period (~30 pg m&minus, 3). The trimodal aerosol mass distribution reveals that from 30% to 90% of the total PHg came in the size &gt, 1.0 &mu, m. Hg in the two coarse fractions was probably produced by the adsorption of oxidized Hg species transported by air masses from the Antarctic plateau or produced locally by sea ice edges. PHg in accumulation mode seemed to be related to gas&ndash, particle partitioning with sea salt aerosol. Finally, average dry deposition fluxes of PHg were calculated to be 0.36 &plusmn, 0.21 ng m&minus, 2 d&minus, 1 in the accumulation mode, 47 &plusmn, 44 ng m&minus, 1 in the first coarse mode, and 37 &plusmn, 31 ng m&minus, 1 in the second coarse mode. The present work contributed to the comprehension of the Hg biogeochemical cycle, but further research studies are needed.

Presently, ingredients with the best nutritional values which do not affect the dietary and health attributes of the final products, remain a priority both for feed and food production. As regards aquafeeds, the advancement of knowledge on fish nutritional and feeding requirements and the expansion of the number of well-characterized and sustainable raw materials which can be used and that can solve strategic problems in fish nutrition, are of primary importance. This will allow an increase in flexibility in formulating highly nutritious feeds, ensure biological efficiency, reduce stress response and improve animal’s welfare and nutritional value. Furthermore, this will ensure safe and nutritious products for human consumption. In fact, is well-known that food choices have a significant impact on our health. Several studies have demonstrated that diet is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for several common chronic diseases. A correct diet should be nutritionally adequate, safe, and healthy, while having low environmental impact. Therefore, a key issue of research in human nutrition is to improve the healthy quality of food and to reduce damaging environmental impact. Alternative foods and ingredients (vegetable and marine sources) represent promising sources of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. This research is directing new product development towards the area of functional foods and functional food ingredients.

The northern Adriatic Sea is a particular water system, in which the levels of nutrients are commonly low or unbalanced. In general, phosphate detection can be done with the classical molybdenum-blue method. However, the method cannot be used in oligotrophic seawater samples due to its low sensitivity and high interference problems. In this study, we present a new electrochemical method, based on the application of a plastic conductive electrode containing a molybdenum reagent embedded. The sensitivity for phosphate was high enough to detect this nutrient in oligotrophic seawater.

Promoting circularity in the aquaculture sector through the conversion of great amount of organic by-products produced on land is a valuable strategy for a further development of the aquaculture sector. In this regard, insects represent a very promising example of bio-converting organisms; their application in aquafeeds, however, still faces possible limitations because of their lack in polyunsaturated fatty acids and the presence of chitin. The aim of the present study was to apply circularity to Black Soldier Fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) culture and to improve the insect's biomass fatty acid composition by culturing them on a land-produced by-product (coffee silverskin) enriched with a 10% Schizochytrium sp. The insect biomass was then used to formulate five fish diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of insect meal respect to fish meal, respectively. Diets were used for a feeding trial during zebrafish (Danio rerio) larval development (21 days) and a multidisciplinary approach including biometry, histology, gas chromatography, spectroscopy (FTIR), microbiota analyses and molecular biology was applied to better understand fish responses to the new diets. Results showed that the 50% substitution of fish meal with insect meal represented the best compromise between ingredient sustainability and proper fish growth and welfare. Fish fed with higher BSF inclusions (75 and 100%) showed a severe degree of hepatic steatosis, microbiota modification, a higher lipid content (FTIR), fatty acid modification and higher expression of both stress and immune response markers.

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal is considered an alternative, emerging, and sustainable ingredient for aquafeed formulation. However, results on fish physiological responses are still fragmentary and often controversial, and no data are available on the effect of insect meal-based diets on fish reproduction. On this regard, zebrafish, with its relatively short life cycle, represents an ideal experimental model to explore this topic. In this study, female zebrafish were fed for 12 months on a control diet based on fish meal (FM) and fish oil and two experimental diets with full-fat BSF (Hermetia illucens) prepupae meal inclusion, to replace 25% and 50% of FM (BSF25 and BSF50). All diets were isonitrogenous, isolipidic, and isoenergetic. The effects of these two experimental diets on female's reproduction were investigated through a multidisciplinary approach, including the evaluation of growth, gonadosomatic index, spawned/fertilized eggs and hatching rate, adult female carcass and fertilized egg fatty acid composition, histological analysis of the ovary, spectroscopic macromolecular composition of class IV oocytes, and expression of genes involved in fish lipid metabolism in the liver. Results showed that while fish were perfectly able to cope with a 25% insect meal dietary inclusion, a 50% inclusion level caused the overexpression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, a general reduction in the number of spawned eggs, and differences in the frequency rate of previtellogenic oocytes, class III, IV, oocytes and postovulatory follicles and atretic oocytes, in the macromolecular composition of class IV oocytes, and in the fatty acid composition of the fertilized eggs, respect to control and 25% group.

Mercury contents were determined in surface sediments from the Central and Southern Adriatic Sea to gain insight into the processes, factors, and variables affecting its distribution. Mercury concentration was measured by thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry in samples collected by box-corer from Ancona to Santa Maria di Leuca during the CNR-PERTRE cruise (16/9-4/10/2016). Sediments were also evaluated for chemical-physical parameters (pH, Eh), biogeochemical composition (total carbon, inorganic carbon, total organic carbon, organic matter) and grain size. The average mercury concentration in the Adriatic Sea sediment was 0.053 mg/Kg (d.w.), range 0.011&ndash, 0.12 mg/Kg (d.w.). Mercury content was mainly affected by grain size and organic matter (OM) distribution, whereas anthropic factors exerted a limited influence. Concentrations followed the distribution of sediment types (clay &gt, silt &gt, sand) due to Adriatic Sea hydrodynamics and were well below the regulatory limits in all samples.

During the austral summer 2011-2012, the metal quotas of Cd, Pb and Cu in the phytoplankton of Terra Nova Bay (TNB, Antarctica) were measured for the first time. Evolution of all the three metal distributions between dissolved and particulate fractions during the season was also evaluated. Metal concentrations were mainly affected by the dynamic of the pack ice melting and phytoplankton activity. In mid-December when TNB area was covered by a thick pack ice layer and phytoplankton activity was very low, all the three metals were present mainly in their dissolved species. When the pack ice started to melt and the water column characteristics became ideal (i.e. moderate stratification, ice free area), the phytoplankton bloom occurred. Cd showed a nutrient-type behaviour with dissolved and particulate fractions mainly influenced by phytoplankton activity. Cd quota showed a mean value of 0.12 ± 0.07 nmol L-1 (30-100% of the total particulate). Also Cu showed a nutrient-type behaviour, with its quota in phytoplankton varying between 0.08 and 2.1 nmol L-1 (20-100% of the total particulate). Pb features the typical distribution of a scavenged element with very low algal content (0.03 ± 0.02 nmol L-1, representing 20-50% of the total particulate). The vertical distribution of this element was influenced by several factors (e.g. pack ice melting, atmospheric inputs), the phytoplankton activity affecting Pb behaviour only partially. Metal:C ratios provide valuable information on the biological requirements for Cd, Pb and Cu, leading us to better understand their biogeochemical cycles.

Being on the top of the food chain, tunas are subjected to significative phenomena of bioaccumulation of conservative contaminants such as Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs). In this study, Cd, Pb and Fe levels in muscle of Mediterranean bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), both in wild and farmed groups, to investigate the safety and the quality of this fish as seafood. A total of 68 samples were collected, wild samples (n = 30) from Sardinia island (Italy) and farmed samples (n = 38) from an aquaculture fish farm in Malta. Mean values, expressed as mg kg−1 wet weight, were found as 0.014 (wild) and 0.02 (farmed) for Cd; 0.11 (wild) and 0.03 (farmed) for Pb and 13 (wild) and 7 (farmed) for Fe. Relationships between metal concentrations and biometric parameters were evaluated and a comparison between the levels of metals of wild and farmed groups has also been conducted. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was found for Cd, with 99% of samples below the EU limit. The difference for Pb levels were statistically significant, with wild samples showing concentrations more than four times higher than the farmed ones, but with 98% of samples below the EU limit. The levels of Fe were significantly lower in the farmed group with respect to wild specimens, although samples of both groups could be considered good products for the intake of this element. On the base of the recommended tolerable weekly intakes, samples of this study can be considered a safe seafood.

Insights in the knowledge of the Antarctic atmospheric composition of Cd, Pb, and Cu are obtained by chemical fractionation of metals in the aerosol to obtain water-soluble (soluble), dilute HCl-extractable (extractable), and inert fractions. The aim is to correlate chemical fractions to metal sources. A three-step sequential extraction and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry were applied to analyze aerosol samples (PM10) collected during summer near the “M. Zucchelli” Italian Station (Victoria Land). Metal mass fractions varied as follows (min–max, average, in μg g−1): Cd 1.4–38 (11), Pb 26–83 (47), and Cu 150–840 (490). In terms of atmospheric concentrations, the values were as follows (pg m−3): Cd 0.93–39 (9.5), Pb 17–60 (33), and Cu 88–480 (340). The soluble fraction relates to the marine contribution. The extractable fraction refers mainly to local human activity. The inert fraction is associated with the crustal dust. Soluble, extractable, and inert metal fractions changed very much during the Austral summer according to changes of source types and strengths. The observations on the temporal trends, the relationships with wind direction and speed, and the correlations between the same fractions of different metals, together with results of principal component analysis, agreed with the stated associations between chemical fractions and major sources. Fractionated data are among the first even published in Antarctic research.

May sponge spicules represent a "tank" to accumulate heavy metals? In this study we test this hypothesis determining the distribution of Cd, Pb and Cu concentrations between organic and siliceous tissues in Antarctic Demospongia (Sphaerotylus antarcticus, Kirkpatrikia coulmani and Haliclona sp.) and in the Mediterranean species Petrosia ficiformis. Results show that although, in these sponges, spicules represent about 80% of the mass content, the accumulation of pollutant is lower in the spicules than in the corresponding organic fraction. The contribution of tissues to the total sponge content of Cd, Pb and Cu is respectively 99%, 82% and 97% for Antarctic sponges and 96%, 95% and 96% for P. ficiformis, similar in polar and temperate organisms. These results pave the way to a better understanding of the role of marine sponges in uptaking heavy metals and to their possible use as monitor of marine ecosystems, recommend by the Water Framework Directive.

Larvae of Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are particularly suitable as novel food for the human consumption; nevertheless, there are some potential safety risks linked with insect consumption. In this study we investigated the presence of Cd, Pb, Ni, As, Hg in new feeding substrates coming from solid residues generated by olive fruits processing, called olive-pomace, and their influence on the metal content in larvae of T. molitor. Morover, bioaccumulation factor and the mercury-selenium balance were evaluated. Analyses were carried out via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cd, Pb, Ni, As and Se, and via Direct Mercury Analyzer for Hg. All metal concentrations found in feeding substrates were below the legal limit of undesirable substances in animal feed (2002/32/EC). Concentrations in larvae were in the range (mg kg−1 wet weight): Cd 0.008–0.016, Pb 0.063–0.079, Ni 0.03–0.63, As 0.021–0.023, Hg 0.12 × 10−3–0.49 × 10−3, and Se 0.057–0.085. Statistically significant correlation between metal content in feeding substrates and in larvae was evidenced only for Hg, which bioaccumulates. Se protects from mercury toxicity, with a Selenium Health Benefit Value (HVBSe) of > 0. Overall, our results indicate that the risk of exposure to metals from consumption of mealworm larvae is relatively low and in compliance with European Union regulations.

This study evaluates the effects of biological factors of fish and seasonality on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) accumulation in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) tissue. Specimens were collected monthly with a bottom trawl net in an offshore fishing ground in the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea (Geographical Sub Area 17) throughout 2016. The edible fillets of 380 individuals were analyzed for the concentrations of individual PAH, total PAH, and low, medium and high molecular weight (MW) PAHs. PAH bioaccumulation was related to their physicochemical characteristics (MW, and logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient, log Kow), some biological parameters of fish (body size, age, sex, reproductive stage and total lipid content), and catch season. The PAH bioaccumulation pattern and the effects of the different factors varied according to PAH MW. The heavier (medium and high MW) PAHs showed higher levels in winter-autumn and in pre-spawners compared with spawners and post-spawners. Our findings suggest that an important detoxification mechanism, albeit limited to the heavier PAHs, acts in the spawning and post-spawning stage. Low MW PAHs appeared to be unaffected by reproductive stage, lipid content and seasonality. Reproductive stage and seasonality seem to play an important role in the accumulation of heavier PAH, whereas total lipid content and age seem to exert a limited influence, and body size no effect at all.

Highlights • In-situ trace metal speciation in the Adriatic Sea by submersible voltammetric sensors • Metal species distribution mainly affected by Po River outflow. • Metal dynamic concentrations below legal limits • Cu dynamic concentrations toxic to sensitive phytoplankton Abstract Information on the distribution and speciation of trace metals is of critical importance for our ability to interpret the links between the bioavailability and uptake of an element, and its biogeochemical cycle in coastal environments. Within the framework of the European Project “In-situ automated Monitoring of Trace metal speciation in Estuaries and Coastal zones in relation with the biogeochemical processes (IMTEC)”, the chemical speciation of Cd, Pb and Cu was carried out along the Po River plume in the period 27 October – 2 November 2002. During the cruise, five Voltammetric In-situ Profiling systems and one Multi Physical Chemical Profiler, as well as conventional voltammetric instruments, were successfully applied in order to evaluate the distribution of Cd, Pb and Cu between different fractions (free ion, dynamic, colloidal, dissolved and particulate fractions) and to assess the evolution of these fractions during estuarine mixing and in the water column. Dynamic concentrations were 0.05–0.2 nmol L−1 Cd, 0.02–0.2 nmol L−1 Pb, and 0.15–4.0 nmol L−1Cu. Cd was mainly present as dynamic fraction (40–100% of the dissolved Cd). High proportions of Pb (~70%) and Cu (~80%) were present as colloids probably of biogenic origin. Principal components analysis reveals a strong influence of the Po River discharge on the spatial and vertical distributions of metal species. Almost all the metal fractions globally decreased following the salinity gradient. Metal concentrations are far below (at least one order of magnitude lower) the Environmental Quality Standard established by the Italian law. However, the Cu dynamic fraction showed concentrations likely to be toxic to sensitive phytoplankton community and to have negative effects on larva development of coastal macroinvertebrate species (toxicity data extracted from literature).