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The spatial distribution and temporal trends of trace metals (i.e. Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) and a metalloid (i.e. As) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast from 1993 to 2013 are presented with a new estimation of their background levels monitored using wild mussels. Over a 20 years period, yearly mussel monitoring was undertaken with a rigorous field sampling protocol using 3 pooled samples strategy (3 x n = 80, with 8 mussels in the 3.0 to 3.9 size categories at each site), obtained in the pre-spawning period (May–June) to minimize biological factors and seasonal variability, which is a fundamental element of the international programme. Spatial distribution was characterized every 5 years and temporal trends were determined in 11 locations. The main aims of the present long term study are to evaluate the environmental status of different coastal locations regarding trace metal levels and follow the evolution of these levels over time after the implementation of regulatory measures. Regarding spatial distribution, the highest values for Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb were found close to known highly anthopogenic cities or shipyard areas. However, As and Zn did not strictly follow this pattern, showing natural increased concentrations in the Levantine Balearic and Strait of Gibraltar-Alboran Sea demarcations respectively. These distributions are associated with the conjunction of two geological formation inputs (Massif Central in France and Iberian Pyritic Belt in Spain) and the oceanographic conditions in the adjacent coastal area. In the case of temporal trends, metal concentrations decreased significantly over time in most stations, confirming the effectiveness of the regulatory measures and prohibitions established under European legislation. Concentrations of Pb were above the established thresholds for human consumption in only 12–14% of the sampling areas. With the information obtained for this study, we estimate background concentrations and propose new Background Assesment Criteria (BAC) for the Spanish Mediterranean coast as a threshold criterion: 1.62 mg/kg d.w. for Cd, 8.75 mg/kg d.w. for Cu, 0.202 mg/kg d.w. for Hg and 2.83 mg/kg d.w. for Pb. Exceptions should exist for As and Zn, for which there should be different levels in each demarcation, due to the geological, hydrological and oceanographic peculiarities of the Spanish coast. For the Levantine-Balearic demarcation, the proposed background concentrations are 117 mg/kg d.w. for As and 200 mg/kg d.w. for Zn., whereas in the Strait of Gibraltar-Alboran Sea demarcation, they are 27.5 mg/kg d.w. for As, and 471 mg/kg d.w. for Zn. This work demonstrates the vital importance of defining the background levels of metal(loid)s at a regional or subregional level because, for areas not affected by anthropogenic causes which have high values as the result of natural processes, this would avoid the risk of constantly surpassing the levels proposed in directives., This study was carried out within the MEDPOLIEO Projects (2-ESMARME and 2,2-ESMARME) supported by the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography

The effects of climate change are global, but small islands are among the most vulnerable places. Local populations on small islands might have a ground-based perspective of the impacts that threaten them. This study was undertaken on Corvo (Azores), where 34% of the residents of both genders and different education levels were surveyed. Here, their understanding of climate change and their perception of its local impacts, the sense of risk, the local areas at risk, the willingness to propose mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the knowledge of regional procedures was analysed. Education played a crucial role in local understanding. The general perception was that the regional policies were insufficient to address climate change issues at the local level. This fact points out that the efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, and the public participation procedures for supporting policy-making, must be significantly increased and improved, in order to reach a real impact on local island communities. Overtourism in Spanish Coastal Destinations, Tourism Degrowth Strategies project (RTI2018094844-B-C31); 'Agencia Canaria de Investigacion, Innovacion y Sociedad de la Informacion' (ACIISI) (IPI2017010110) info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Islands face similar challenges for sustainability as continental areas, but their geographic situation conditions their options for development. However, thanks to their clear geographic boundarie...

Livestock production has been highly relevant in the Azores, boosted by European agricultural policies, increasing the demand for pasture and competing for space with other land uses. Therefore, it is important to understand the spatial evolution of pasture and related LULC trade-offs. This study describes a GIS-based LULC change detection approach to identify, map and assess pasture-related land use changes and respective trade-offs in Pico Island in the period between 1998 and 2013 (15 years). Pasture in 1998 occupied a total area of 17131 ha (about 39% of Pico Island surface), while in 2013 this same area was of 17621 ha (about 40% of Pico Island surface). During this period, about 16316 ha of pasture remained unchanged, while 2110 ha (about 5% of Pico Island surface) of land use have changed from pasture to another land use (810 ha), or from a previous land use to pasture (1300 ha). The whole pasture spatial dynamics and its net increase of 3% from 1998 to 2013 (490 ha, about 1% of Pico Island surface) were analyzed through the identification, mapping and assessment of LULC trade-offs, and interpreted according to several physical (elevation) and socioeconomic/policy drivers. Pasture and livestock grazing activity with adequate management may not constitute per se threats to nature conservation and biodiversity protection in Pico Island, as the identified issues have been shown to be mostly related to the pasture dynamics (changes and respective trade-offs).

Enrique Pérez Arbeláez (1896-1972), sacerdote jesuita formado en el campo de las ciencias naturales, cuya labor científica y de denuncia sobre la problemática ambiental del país desde las primeras décadas del siglo XX, lo convierten en pionero del ambientalismo en Colombia. Pérez Arbeláez defendió la propuesta de un nacionalismo ambiental a partir de la construcción de una tropicalidad positiva y de la búsqueda de alternativas de superación de la estructura de dependencia económica del país con base en el conocimiento, aprovechamiento y conservación de los recursos naturales. Desde la teoría histórico-genética el análisis del pensamiento de Enrique Pérez Arbeláez evidencia el desplazamiento de la convergencia del mundo en el sujeto que surgió con la modernidad, hacia la convergencia en las interrelaciones naturaleza y cultura. Este desplazamiento trajo como consecuencia la devolución del hombre a la naturaleza. Devolución que se dio en el marco de una lógica subjetivista de pensamiento que explica los fenómenos a partir de un absoluto o determinante último de los eventos Abstract: Enrique Pérez Arbeláez (1896-1972) was Jesuit priest trained in the field of natural sciences, whose scientific work and complaints on environmental issues in the country from the early twentieth century made him a pioneer of environmentalism in Colombia. Arbeláez Perez defended an environmental nationalism from the construction of a positive topicality, and the search for alternatives to overcome the Estructure of economic dependence structure of the country from the knowledge, use and conservation of natural resources. From the historical-genetic theory, the analysis of the thought of Enrique Pérez Arbeláez evidences a shift from the convergence of the world on the subject that came with the modernity, towards convergence on the nature and culture relationships. This displacement resulted in the return of man to nature. Returning that occurred within a logical subjectivist thinking, thinking given with the boundaries of a subjective logic that explains phenomena with an ultimate determinant of events or absolute. Doctorado

Using the Safe Islands for Seabirds LIFE project as a case study, we assessed the socio-economic impact of a nature conservation project on the local community, focusing on the wealth created and the jobs supported directly and indirectly by the project. The Safe Islands for Seabirds project took place during 2009-2012, mainly on Corvo Island, the smallest and least populated island of Portugal's Azores Archipelago. To assess the impact of the project we used a combination of methods to analyse the project expenditure, the jobs created directly as a result of it, and, by means of multipliers, the incomes and jobs it supported indirectly. We estimate that during 2009-2012 direct expenditure of EUR 344,212.50 from the project increased the gross domestic product of the Azorean region by EUR 206,527.50. Apart from the 4.5 jobs created directly by the project, it also supported indirectly the equivalent of 1.5-2.5 full-time jobs. The project also provided the opportunity to preserve and promote natural amenities important for the quality of life of the local community. Our findings show that a nature conservation project can have positive economic impacts, and we recommend the creation of a standardized tool to calculate in a straightforward but accurate manner the socio-economic impacts of conservation projects. We also highlight the need to design projects that support local economies., We also thank Brunel University for funding JBR's PhD, and Professors Susan Buckingham and Malcolm Eames, José Dumange, the Kranz family, Rudi Hammad, the LIFE project (LIFE07NAT/P/000649) team and the people of Corvo Island. AG's participation in this study was supported by the Post-Doctoral Research Project #SFRH/BPD/100017/2014 of the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, funded by Portugal's Ministry of Education and Science, and by the European Social Fund.

The levels and trends of organochlorine contaminants were determined along the Spanish Mediterranean coast from 2000 to 2013 using mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, as bioindicator species. The highest levels of PCBs and DDTs were found at industrial and urban locations, and at areas under the influence of the mouth of major rivers. Dieldrin and t-NNC were commonly detected, while HCHs, aldrin, isodrin, endrin and HCB were at levels not detectable at many areas. Significant declines on the levels of DDTs were observed at most of the areas studied. Conversely, no trends or weak downtrends for PCBs were observed in the areas more polluted by local sources, and in most areas less polluted, where PCBs inputs may be primarily from the atmosphere. Upward trends for PCBs were found in some areas from the Albor an Sea, probably related to the inputs of PCBs through the Strait of Gibraltar. Background concentrations for PCBs and p,p’-DDE have been calculated for this Mediterranean region., SI

This article focuses on the analysis of how identity and sense of place identified on small islands can be an opportunity to informlocal population about tra...

Cartagena coastal zone (W Mediterranean) was chosen for a practical case study to investigate the suitability of an integrated indicator framework for marine monitoring and assessment of chemicals and their effects, which was developed by ICES and OSPAR. Red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were selected as target species. Concentrations of contaminants in sediment and biota, and contaminant-related biomarkers were analysed. To assess environmental quality in the Cartagena coastal zone with respect to chemical pollution, data were assessed using available assessment criteria, and then integrated for different environmental matrices. A qualitative scoring method was used to rank the overall assessments into selected categories and to evaluate the confidence level of the final integrated assessment. The ICES/OSPAR integrated assessment framework, originally designed for the North Atlantic, was found to be applicable for Mediterranean species and environmental matrices. Further development of assessment criteria of chemical and biological parameters in sediments and target species from the Mediterranean will, however, be required before this framework can be fully applied for determining Good Environmental Status (GES) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in these regions., SI

The potential for structural changes in time trend concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, was examined in Mussel Watch (MW) databases of metal pollution at eighteen coastal stations over a decadal period, from 1992 to 2007. Simultaneously, by using two statistical methods representing both the classical hypothesis-testing and the Bayesian approaches, we found single and multiple trend breaks for Hg (28% of the stations), Cd (17%), and Pb (11%) within trends in connection with anthropogenic and subtle natural environmental changes. Also called change point problems, if not accounted for, these could bias time trend investigations and interpretations. We calculated trend rate differences of 39% and switches up to 1 order of magnitude from classical linear trend assessments. We discuss sampling, analytical, and environmental (both natural and anthropogenic) sources of data set variabilities, showing that, in practice, the overall 16-year analytical performance could be as elevated as the yearly sampling reproducibility. We demonstrate that environmental time trend interpretations benefit from undertaking prior structural change analysis. After decades of MW marine chemical pollution assessments these have proven extremely useful, although the occurrence of trend breaks directly affects the long-term marine environmental monitoring strategies. Our results suggest a broader concept to design monitoring programs in agreement with rapid global anthropogenic and environmental changes.

In this study the effects of the main marine pollutants (metals, PAHs, PCBs and DDTs) were assessed in native mussels from the Mediterranean coast of Spain. For this purpose several biomarkers such as benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase (BPH), DT-diaphorase (DTD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPs), glutathione reductase (GR), metallothionein (MT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in the digestive gland. Results showed increased LPO levels in mussels which accumulated high loads of organic compounds and arsenic in their tissues. BPH levels correlated to the concentrations of organic compounds in mussel tissues, though the range of BPH response was low in relation to the high gradient of accumulation of organic pollutants. Increased BPH levels, concomitant to low DTD and GST activities, were detected in mussels which presented high levels of organic pollutants in their tissues. This suggests that signs of LPO present in these organisms are related to the imbalance between phase I and phase II biotransformation processes. Furthermore, the increased levels of MT and CAT detected in mussels which showed high levels of Cd in their tissues appear to reflect a coordinated response which protects against the toxicity of this metal. The application of these biomarkers in environmental assessment is discussed., Sí

A suite of general physiological indicators and hepatic biomarker responses were determined in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from priority pollution areas of W Mediterranean Sea, including the highly metal polluted area of Portmán (Cartagena, SE Spain). Concentrations of metals and persistent organic pollutants in fish muscle tissue and sediment samples were also analysed. Our results showed that fish from Portmán accumulated the highest concentrations of mercury, lead and arsenic and also of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls congeners. In addition, they had significantly lower condition factor, muscle lipid content and gonadosomatic index, as well as the lowest levels of DNA integrity and the highest ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in liver of the areas investigated. Contaminant body burden in fish only partly corresponded to chemical characteristics of the sediments in the areas in which they were collected. Our findings indicate that red mullets from Portmán had suboptimal health status that warrant further study., Sí

The MYTILOS project aimed at drawing up a preliminary report on coastal chemical contamination at the scale of the Western Mediterranean (continental coasts of the Balearic Islands, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Maghreb) based on a transplanted mussels methodology validated along the French coasts since 1996 by Ifremer and the Rhône Méditerranée & Corsica water board. MYTILOS is backed up by the INTERREG III B/MEDOC programme, the PNUE/PAM-MEDPOL and Rhône Méditerranée & Corsica water board. Three cruises (2004, 2005, 2006) have taken place to assess the first state of chemical contamination along the Western Mediterranean shores with the same methodology. Approximately 120 days were spent at sea deploying and retrieving 123 mussel bags. The results obtained for all studied contaminants were equivalent to those obtained along the French coast according the RINBIO network. These similarities relate to both the highest measured levels and background levels throughout the 123 stations. The areas of greatest impact were mainly urban and industrial centers and the outlets of major rivers, with a far higher midsea impact on the dilution of organic compounds than on metals. Metal levels measured in midsea zones were found to be similar to those in natural shellfish populations living along the coast. On a global scale we can observe that the contaminants levels in the Mediterranean Sea are in the same range as in other areas worldwide. Overall, the research demonstrates the reliability of this methodology for marine pollution monitoring, especially in the Mediterranean sea. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Antioxidant response was used to assess the effects of the main pollutants in wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) along the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Antioxidant enzyme activities – those of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase – as well as lipid peroxidation and metallothionein concentrations were measured in gills of mussels from 16 selected sites. Furthermore, concentrations of the main contaminants (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, As, PAH, PCB, and DDT) were quantified in mussel tissue, and environmental parameters were measured in water samples collected at each site. Results showed that the glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzymes offered an increased and coordinated response against metal (Hg, Pb and Cd) contamination. These enzymatic activities correlated positively to temperature, suggesting the influence of this environmental parameter on antioxidant responses in gill tissues. Furthermore, although temperature did not reach stressful levels in the study area, it seemed to add a synergistic effect to that produced by metals to induce antioxidant enzymes in the most metal-polluted sites. Catalase activity appeared to be involved in a different antioxidant pathway, more related to organic pollutant bioaccumulation, offering an efficient protection mechanism against reactive oxygen species generation due both to organic exposure and high physiological activity, reflected by high condition indices. In general terms, increased levels of antioxidant enzymes at some sites suffering from metal and organic pollution indicated a situation of oxidative stress that nevertheless did not appear to be harmful, since lipid peroxidation levels showed no peroxidative damage in gill tissues of mussels collected from even the most heavily polluted sites. On the other hand, metallothionein and DT-diaphorase did not reflect pollutant exposure and seemed to be more influenced by environmental variables than by the pollutants., Sí

The Mytilos project was carried during the last 3 years (2004-2006) in order to evaluate the level of chemical contamination along the coasts of the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea. Active mussel watch consisted of caged (12 weeks) Mytilus galloprovincialis at 123 stations along the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, France, Italy, North Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Results indicated total PAHs levels in the range 22-106 μg/kg dry weight. All large towns or industrial areas from all countries of the basin were affected. Analysis of the origin of contamination demonstrated mainly a pyrolytic origin except in some areas such as Maddalena, Napoli, Alger, and Cornigliano (Genova). Statistical analysis of the PAHs accumulation data enabled the characterisation and ranking of each coastal area. The overall results give scientific and technical basis for large-scale monitoring of the PAH contamination in the entire western Mediterranean basin. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V., This research was supported by EEC (Interreg/medoccIIIC/MYTILOS). INRH (Morocco), ISMAL (Algeria) and INSTM (Tunisia) were supported by UNEP MEDPOL.

The Portuguese government has awarded islands with more protection statutes than continental ecosystems, so it seems to recognise the exceptional biodiversity of the insular regions. However, the effectiveness of these protection statutes is questionable since, in most cases, no measures are taken to guarantee the protection against invasive alien species (IAS). This study reviews the current legislative framework addressing IAS at national, regional and local levels. Information on ecological and socio-economic impacts of IAS was used to analyse whether regional laws covering island ecosystems are ensuring the protection of their biodiversity. We detected some weakness in the Portuguese legislation: IAS are not the main focus, inconsistent terminology, vectors not targeted, a few diversity of ecosystems covered, no coordination of actions and no enforcement of management plans. In addition, the uniqueness of biodiversity on Macaronesian islands is not protected by the regional legislation. Although some non-indigenous species introduced on islands are currently threatening the integrity of their fragile ecosystems and the socio-economic spheres, they are not considered as IAS. A stronger strategic framework to address the overall impacts of IAS is required mainly in these Macaronesian islands whose one of the most imposing threat is the presence of these introduced species., We are grateful to the Regional Direction of Agriculture Services of the Azores for providing us data on the costs of rodenticides used on Corvo. The authors thank all the Islanders, especially Pedro Domingos, for the information on damages caused by invasive mammals. The authors also thank the LIFE project (LIFE07NAT/P/000649) team, principally Ana Henriques, Nuno Oliveira, Tânia Pipa and Carlos Silva, for contributing with some data used in this manuscript.

Biological indicators have the capacity to integrate the temporal changes of contaminants, concentrations or fluxes over various time-scales, and are thus considered as interesting tools for water quality biomonitoring. Since the mid-70ies, French programs have developed water monitoring approaches based on the use of bivalve molluscs; and recently the natural background and the extent of water contamination were bioassessed at the scale of the whole western Mediterranean. But even if bivalve molluscs are viewed as reliable bioindicators, their use is not always made easy as a result of their absence in numerous coastal regions that force their transplantation (cages) during several months before their sampling and analysis. This weakness led several scientists to evaluate the bioindicator abilities of other marine organisms. Seagrasses, whose ability to bioaccumulate contaminants proportionally to environmental contamination levels has been clearly demonstrated, have thus been proposed as an appropriate alternative tool for coastal water quality assessment. Very little studies have however so far considered the combined utilization of these two groups of bioindicator organisms, i.e. caged bivalve molluscs and seagrasses. In the framework of the STARECAPMED project, we therefore compared and discussed the bioaccumulation of trace elements in the Neptune grass Posidonia oceanica and in caged Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis. The sampling was performed at the scale of the western Mediterranean. The two species told two contamination stories which, although sometimes different, showed to be complementary. P. oceanica and M. galloprovincialis bioaccumulated dissolved trace elements from the water column and thus provided information regarding trace element contamination severity integrated over several days to a few months. Seagrasses, strongly rooted in the sediments, reflected the long-term exposure to trace elements since sediments offer a degree of time integration over several years to decades. Caged mussels, as filter feeder artificially maintained in the water column, bioaccumulated trace elements from their particulate phase, and therefore gave valuable information regarding continental-terrigenous inputs to coastal waters. In conclusion, seagrasses and mussels should neither supplant, nor substitute, but rather complement each other in order to provide the full time- and space-integrated coastal contamination story of the Mediterranean.

The spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations was characterised in surface sediments and red mullet from eleven Iberian Mediterranean coastal areas. Mean PAH concentrations ranged from 28 to 1,006 and from 3 to 40 µg•kg-1 d.w. in sediment and red mullet muscle, respectively. The highest PAH concentrations in sediments were detected close to main ports and urban nuclei. However, concentrations of PAHs in red mullet showed little correspondence with PAH concentrations of the sediments due to its metabolic capacity. Phenantrene was the predominant homologue in red mullet, whereas fluoranthene, pyrene and benzo(b)fluoranthene were the most abundant ones in sediments. Significant correlations between PAHs and organic carbon or fine fraction in sediments were only found in some areas. PAH concentrations in sediments were lower than environmental criteria in the majority of cases, except for benzo(g,h,i)perylene in 25% of samples from the Barcelona coastal area and for several homologues close to the port of Sagunto., SI

The enzyme delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) has been investigated as biomarker of lead (Pb) exposure in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from the Spanish continental shelf. Concentrations of Pb and Zn in muscle and organosomatic indices were also measured to explore causality. Blood ALA-D assay conditions were optimized; the optimum pH for this species has been set to 6.5. Results showed that ALA-D activity ranged from 3.2 to 16.9 nmol PBG min-1 mg-1. No significant differences on ALA-D levels between genders have been detected. ALA-D Baseline level and Background Assessment Criteria (BAC) for this species have been set to 9.1 and 6.6nmol PBG min-1 mg-1, respectively. There have been detected significant differences on ALA-D activity levels among areas, though the markedly low levels of Pb measured in fish muscle seemed not to be able to produce a relevant suppression on ALA-D. In spite of this, a weak inverse relationship detected between ALA-D and Pb concentrations pointed out the potential of this biomarker in red mullet to reflect Pb bioavailability in marine environment. Nevertheless, subsequent research on ALA-D in marine fish species is recommended to be limited to areas where environmental Pb is effectively accumulated by fish., SI

Registramos cinco especies de aves poco conocidas para la región con base en observaciones realizadas en el área urbana de Cúcuta (departamento de Norte de Santander, Colombia). Dos de ellas son migratorias neárticas/neotropicales (Coccyzus americanus y Protonotaria citrea). Aunque cuatro especies ya habían sido colectadas en Cúcuta, han pasado inadvertidas para esta región. Uno de los registros corresponde a la ampliación hacia el norte del área de distribución geográfica conocida para Paroaria nigrogenis.

A biological screening was performed to establish the total exposure to estrogenic compounds of red mullet ( Mullus barbatus) collected at several sites along the Spanish Mediterranean coast by testing male fish bile extracts using the in vitro ER-LUC reporter gene assay. In addition, major metabolites were identified and measurements of OH-PAHs (1-naphthol, 9-phenantrol, 9-fluorenol, 1-pyrenol, 1OH-BaP and 3OH-BaP) and alkylphenols (4- n-nonylphenol (4- n-NP) and 4-tertoctylphenol (4- tert-OP)) in the same fish bile extracts were taken by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in electron ionization mode (GC-EI-MS). Relative in vitro estrogenic potencies of the chemically quantified compounds were also tested. The highest biliary concentrations of 1-pyrenol, 9-fluorenol and 4-n-NP were found in fish from Barcelona and from the Mar Menor coastal lagoon. However, these concentrations can be considered relatively low compared to values reported in red mullet from other polluted waters in the Mediterranean Sea. The contribution of 1-pyrenol, 4-n-NP and 4-tert-OP to the total estrogenic potency measured in male fish bile was found to be negligible, indicating the presence of other estrogenic compounds in red mullet bile. Estrogenic potency in bile from male fish was markedly elevated in Mar Menor lagoon (234.8 ± 5.7. pg. E2EQ/μl), and further research will be necessary to explain whether the presence of natural and synthetic-hormones in the lagoon contributed to this finding. Values of approximately 15-16. E2EQ. pg/mg bile can be regarded as preliminary baseline levels of bile estrogenicity in male red mullet from the western Mediterranean Sea. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been determined in blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from several Iberian Mediterranean coastal areas through the implementation of a monitoring programme from Spain in the framework of the Mediterranean Pollution Programme (MED POL). The selected areas correspond to sites with differing degrees of exposure to the main pollution sources (hot spots, coastal and reference areas). The sampling campaigns were performed from 2004 to 2009, with samples being taken from May to June, the non-spawning period for mussels in this area. Thirteen PAHs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with specific fluorescence detection. In general, total PAHs concentration was lower than 50 μg kg(-1) d.w., except in areas close to the principal ports and cities (Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia and Algeciras) where it varies from 75 to 390 μg kg(-1) d.w. Background concentrations have been proposed for PAHs in mussels (23.8 μg kg(-1) d.w.) from Western Mediterranean area. Temporal trends were not statistically significant for PAHs concentrations from 2004 to 2009. Longer monitoring periods would be required to detect a continuous tendency, especially for PAHs because although the efficiency of combustion engines has reduced PAHs emissions, their increasing use could alter this potential reduction. The predominant PAHs were three and four ring congeners in all cases, with the predominance of phenanthrene in mussels sited far from the main PAHs sources. The phenanthrene/anthracene (lower than 10) and fluoranthene/pyrene (higher than 1) ratios indicate that PAHs detected in Spanish Mediterranean coastal mussels are mainly of pyrolytic origin.

Multi-criteria mapping (MCM) appraisal has been used in projects involving decisions related to specific technologies or policies in risk analysis. In this research, MCM has been adapted for appraising in a participative way holistic scenarios for a small isolated island. The procedural novelty relies on how the scenario building and the criteria selection were undertaken. Two scenarios for Flores Island (Portugal) were developed in a two step process involving, firstly, specialised stakeholders and decision-makers, and secondly, lay citizens. The scenarios aimed at proposing alternative visions of future. This article analyses the methodological aspects of the project (scenario development and MCM interviews). Overall, the methodology proved to be successful in informing preferred futures for Flores. One of the findings was the elevated uncertainty associated with each scenario. The project showed the limits of expert knowledge for the appraisal of multidisciplinary holistic scenarios, contradicting the distinction between expert and lay knowledge holders.

Autores: Benedicto, José ... [et al.]. -- 11 páginas, 3 figuras, 1 tabla, A large scale study of trace metal contamination (Hg, Cd, Pb and Ni) by means of caged mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis was undertaken along the coastal waters of the Western Mediterranean Sea within the context of the MYTILOS project. Individual mussels from an homogeneous population (shell size 50 ± 5 mm) obtained from an aquaculture farm were consecutively caged and deployed at 123 sites located in the Alborán, North-Western, South-Western and Tyrrhenian sub-basins for 12 weeks (April–July) in 2004, 2005 and 2006. After cage recoveries, both the metal content in the whole mussel tissue and the allometric parameters were measured. Statistical analysis of the datasets showed significant differences in concentrations between sub-basins for some metals and mussel condition index (CI). Linear regression models coupled to the CI were revisited for the data adjustment of certain trace metals (Hg, Cd and Ni), and four level categories were statistically derived to facilitate interregional comparison. Seawater masses surrounding coastal areas impacted by run-off from land mineralised coasts and industrial activities displayed the highest concentration ranges (Hg: 0.15–0.31 mg kg−1 dw; Cd: 1.97–2.11; Ni: 2.18–3.20 and Pb: 3.1–3.8), although the levels obtained in most of the sites fitted within moderate or low categories, and they could be considered as baseline concentrations. However, few sites considered little-influenced by human activities, at present, showed high concentrations of Cd, Ni and Pb, which constitute new areas of concern. Overall, the use of active biomonitoring (ABM) approach allowed to investigate trace metal contamination in order to support policy makers in establishing regional strategies (particularly, with regard to the European Marine Strategy Directive)., Esta investigación ha sido financiada por el EEC (Proyecto Interreg/MedoccIIIB/MYTILOS). El Programa UNEP MEDPOL ha subvencionado a: INRH (Marruecos), ESSMAL (Algeria) e INSTM (Túnez).

Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity along the Spanish Mediterranean coast was investigated through the determination of levels of micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities (NAs) such as nuclear buds (NB) and binucleated cells (BN) in gills of wild mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, from 17 study sites. The results obtained were studied in relation to the exposure to main pollutants (metals, PAHs, PCBs and DDTs), gill antioxidant enzyme activities and environmental variables (temperature and salinity). The highest MN and NB levels were found in mussels from metal-polluted sites, such as Cartagena (MN: 11.6‰, NB: 4.6‰) and Portman (MN: 8.0‰, NB: 3.5‰), where genotoxicity seemed to be related to the oxidative stress generated by exposure to metals. High frequencies of MN and NB in mussels from Algeciras 1 (MN: 8.6‰, NB: 4‰) and of MN (7.2‰) in mussels from Manilva also indicated genotoxicity, though not attributable to the pollutants analysed. In contrast, MN levels at sites highly polluted by organic contaminants such as Barcelona, Vallcarca, Tarragona and Valencia, were lower than expected (ranging from 3.8 to 5.8‰). On the other hand, evidences of cytotoxicity indicated by the high frequencies of BN found in mussels from Vallcarca, Barcelona, and Cartagena (3.9, 3.4, and 2.3‰, respectively) appeared to be specifically related to the accumulation of organic pollutants. Positive correlations found between MN and NB frequencies, and also between both NAs and water temperature, suggested that they were related genotoxic events, and that this environmental factor is able to influence their levels and has to be taken into account in the application of these biomarkers in field studies. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Autores: Scarpato, Alfonso ... [et al.]. -- 12 páginas, 7 figuras, 1 tabla, In order to evaluate the contamination levels in the Western Mediterranean basin, the active mussel watch methodology has been applied. This methodology consists of mussel transplantation (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from non impacted areas to selected coastal areas, characterised by potential impact from the continent due to contaminating sources. The areas of interest were selected along the entire coastal development of the Western Mediterranean sea, 122 sites in total. The time of mussel caging exposure was 12 weeks. The project was co-financed in the frame of the Interreg IIIB Meddoc Programme, aimed at determining the overall chemical quality of the Mediterranean sea, consistent with the Water Framework Directive 2000/60. Several partners representative of the coastal Mediterranean Countries were involved in the Project, with the purpose of building up a common surveillance network, adopting shared methodologies. In this paper we present the results of three yearly monitoring campaigns (2004, 2005, 2006) carried out along the coasts of Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, including the coastal environment of Baleares, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica. The contamination levels of Pesticides (DDT and its metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers α and γ) and Polychlorinated biphenyls, are reported and discussed. Statistical elaborations performed on the original data set were mainly aimed at validating the raw sample distributions, by means of the Johnson method. Both DD and PCB species frequency distributions have been approximated to appropriate theoretical distributions, belonging to the Log-normal and Bounded families. By integrating the related Probability Density Functions (p.d.f.), different accumulation values for DDT, DDD and DDE and PCB species have been estimated, corresponding to fixed percentage points of the area under the respective curves. By choosing appropriate probability level boundaries (33rd and 66th percentile), different regional zones have been ranked in terms of low, medium and high accumulation for Pesticides and PCBs., Esta investigación ha sido financiada por la Comunidad Económica Europea (EEC) (Interreg/ MedoccIIIC). Marruecos, Algeria y Túnez fueron financiados por UNEP MEDPOL.

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el cual se incluyeron 61 soldados guías caninos y sus respectivos perros pertenecientes al Ejército Nacional de Colombia, los cuales fueron seleccionados en forma aleatoria de una base de datos de guías caninos proporcionado por el Ejercito Nacional. La información fue recolectada por los mismos investigadores mediante entrevista estructurada y toma de muestras sanguíneas a los guías caninos y perros asignados a cada uno de ellos. Las muestras fueron analizadas por Método Serológico mediante la Técnica de Microaglutinación (MAT) realizadas en el Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA). Se realizo análisis estadístico con Chi Square Mantel-Haenszel, Chi Square Correcte (Yates) y Fisher Exact

To evaluate the state and temporal trends of the residual metal contamination caused by the dumping of mine tailings into Portman Bay (SE Spain) during the 20th century, concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and As in wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were studied over the period 1991–2005. The results show significant downward trends (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of Hg, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Nevertheless, trace metal concentrations in mussels from Portman in 2005 were higher than the reference concentrations established for the coast of Murcia and the Spanish Mediterranean littoral, the only exceptions being Cu and As. Red mullets (Mullus barbatus) caught at Portman in 1990 and 2004 presented higher levels of Hg, Cd, and Pb, in comparison with other areas of the south and southeastern coast of Spain. The results indicate that Portman Bay is still one of the areas most heavily contaminated by Pb and Cd along the Mediterranean coast of Spain 15 years after the cessation of mining activities. Para evaluar el estado actual y las tendencias temporales de la contaminacion residual por metales traza causada por el vertido de esteriles mineros en la bahia de Portman (SE Espana), se estudiaron las concentraciones de Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn y As en mejillones silvestres (Mytilus galloprovincialis) durante el periodo de 1991 a 2005. Los resultados muestran tendencias decrecientes significativas (P < 0.05) en las concentraciones de Hg, Cu, Pb y Zn. Sin embargo, las concentraciones de metales en mejillones de Portman en 2005 fueron mas altas que los niveles de referencia establecidos para esta especie en la costa de Murcia y en el litoral mediterraneo de Espana, exceptuando para Cu y As. Salmonetes de fango (Mullus barbatus) capturados en Portman en 1990 y 2004, mostraron niveles de Hg, Cd y Pb mas altos en comparacion con otras areas del litoral sur y sureste peninsular (P < 0.01). Los resultados indican que Portman sigue siendo una de las areas mas contaminadas por Pb y Cd de la costa mediterranea de Espana, aun despues de 15 anos del cese de las actividades mineras.

The neutral red retention (NRR) assay to determine lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) was applied to wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) sampled from fourteen sites with different degrees of chemical pollution along the Iberian Mediterranean coast in 2002 and 2003. Total body burdens for a range of contaminants were measured in pooled samples (n = 50) of whole soft tissues in order to explore possible causality. Mean LMS values (n = 15) were significantly greater in mussels from one of the selected two reference sites (San Diego) than in chemically well-characterized hotspot sites. Mean LMS values were inversely correlated with contaminant concentrations in mussel tissues (except for Zn). The multidimensional scaling ordination technique classified the sampling sites into three groups according to their chemical–physical–biological similarities and the results were statistically confirmed using ANOSIM analysis. The results show that lysosomal stability is an effective indicator of health status in mussels along the Iberian Mediterranean coast and that it is related to body burden of contaminants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The common mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was selected as unique biomonitor species to implement a regional monitoring programme, the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch (MMW), in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. As of today, and upon standardization of the methodological approach, the MMW Network has been able to quantify Cs-137 levels in mussels from 60 coastal stations and to produce the first distribution map of this artificial radionuclide at the scale of the entire Mediterranean and Black Seas. While: measured Cs-137 levels were found to be very low (usually

Hepatic biomarker responses were measured in two demersal fish species (Lepidorhombus boscii and Callionymus lyra) from the northern Iberian shelf associated with the massive Prestige oil spill (POS), five months after the accident. The biomarkers selected were 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and DNA integrity. Interspecies differences and spatial variations in biomarker responses were observed along the shelf. GST, GR and CAT activities were significantly elevated in L. boscii in the most oil impacted area (Finisterre) and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with POS tar aggregate densities. The lack of previous data from the area together with the existence of chronic background pollution of the shelf implies that the observed biomarker responses cannot be solely attributed to the petroleum hydrocarbon components of the spilled oil. This first biological effect assessment showed that L. boscii is a potentially suitable target species to be used in future biomonitoring programmes along the northern Iberian shelf., Sí

Red mullet (Mullus barbatus, Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the fish species used as bioindicator in the Mediterranean Pollution Monitoring Programme (MEDPOL). This paper presents the results of a field study on the induction of hepatic metallothioneins (MT) in red mullet as specific biomarker of metal contamination. Specimens of M. barbatus were collected in six areas with different degrees of anthropogenic activities along the Iberian Mediterranean coast. The environmental exposure to heavy metals of the populations was determined through the analyses of surface sediments collected in each study area. The MT levels obtained showed statistically significant differences between areas, but not between specimens of different sex. Furthermore, the highest MT levels were found in the most polluted areas. Hepatic MT levels in red mullet reflect the metal contamination present in surface sediments, especially for Cu, for which a significant linear regression was found. The MT levels are better correlated with Cu and Cd concentrations than with Zn and Hg concentrations. The MT values obtained in this study are the first to be reported for this species in the Iberian Mediterranean and they should help in the interpretation of MT levels and to establish MT background levels for M. barbatus in the western Mediterranean.

An apical filling material should establish, as perfect as possible, the hermetic sealing of an apical cavity. However, a gap is formed between the filling material (gutta-percha) and the root canal wall. The egress of irritants into the root canal system to the periapical tissues is considered the principal cause of fails in apicoectomy and retro-filling, being assumed that irritants penetrate mainly through the gap located between the gutta-percha and the dentin. In this paper, we report the observation of an enlargement of the apical gap, after laser apicoectomy, comparing to conventional apicoectomy. The samples were divided into groups, and the conventional apicoectomy group, together with the Er:YAG laser group (400 mJ/10 Hz) produced both similar results, being the gap unaltered. On the other hand, the samples that were irradiated with the Er:YAG laser, followed by Nd:YAG laser irradiation (1.5 W/10 Hz) presented a larger gap, conclusions that were drawn from Scanning Electronic Microscope analysis. The enlargement of the gap was due to the fusion of the dentin on the border, close to the gutta-percha. This pronounced behavior might have been caused by the surface discontinuity, imposing a non-homogeneous condition, in relation to heat propagation, existing many clinical applications of these observations.