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En este trabajo, se describe paso a paso para el reacondicionamiento de la estación meteorológica del programa de Ingeniería en Mecatrónica de la Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. El objetivo principal fue medir los distintos fenómenos meteorológicos de manera precisa y confiable. Inicialmente, se realizó un análisis de las variables meteorológicas, los sensores y otros componentes electrónicos importantes presentes en la estación. Esta etapa permitió identificar las mejoras necesarias y los componentes que requerían reemplazo o ajustes. A continuación, se planteó el diseño y construcción de un pluviómetro, así como el acondicionamiento de un anemómetro. Se prestaron especial atención al correcto funcionamiento de estos dispositivos clave en la medición de la precipitación y la velocidad del viento. Además, se propuso un nuevo esquema de conexiones para optimizar la recopilación de datos y se implementó una interfaz HMI (Interfaz de Usuario) para el monitoreo constante de cada una de las variables meteorológicas. Esta interfaz facilitó la visualización y el análisis de los datos recopilados en tiempo real. Finalmente, se llevó a cabo el ensamble de la estructura mecánica de la estación meteorológica y se realizaron pruebas para verificar su correcto funcionamiento. Los resultados obtenidos durante el reacondicionamiento de la estación meteorológica fueron analizados y discutidos, con el objetivo de evaluar la efectividad de las mejoras implementadas y su contribución al monitoreo preciso de los fenómenos meteorológicos.

El presente documento describe el diseño, construcción e implementación de un sistema de riego automático para germinadores dentro de invernaderos, que actúa con un Control Numérico Computarizado (CNC). Con el cual se mejoran tiempos de producción, costos y procesos de mantenimiento. Para su implementación fue necesario realizar inicialmente un análisis de los elementos que los componen, así como las etapas de diseño en software CAD de cada una de las piezas. En los apartados de programación y diseño electrónico, se puede observar el proceso de codificación para el funcionamiento óptimo del mecanismo, así como del monitoreo constante para que el desplazamiento en el sistema, buscando la precisión correcta con cada una de las coordenadas asignadas para el riego en un punto en específico. Finalmente, se lleva a cabo el ensamble de la estructura mecánica, pruebas de funcionamiento y discusión con respecto a los resultados obtenidos durante el desarrollo del prototipo de riego automático., This document describes the design, construction and implementation of an automatic irrigation system for sprouters inside greenhouses, which works with a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC). With which production times, costs and maintenance processes are improved. For its implementation it was necessary to initially carry out an analysis of the elements that compose them, as well as the design stages in CAD software of each one of the pieces. In the programming and electronic design sections, you can see the coding process for the optimal functioning of the mechanism, as well as constant monitoring so that the displacement in the system, looking for the correct precision with each of the coordinates assigned for irrigation. at a specific point. Finally, the assembly of the mechanical structure, performance tests and discussion regarding the results obtained during the development of the automatic irrigation prototype are carried out.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a critically endangered species. The impact of environmental contamination on this species has been highlighted as contributing to the decline in recruitment. The Mar Menor hypersaline coastal lagoon (SE Spain) is one of the most productive fsheries of European eel in Europe, making it a critical habitat for species conservation. The present study aimed to provide an initial overview of the impact of organic chemical contaminants on the European eel and the potential sublethal efects of chemical pollution on pre-migrating eels in this hypersaline habitat. We investigated muscle bioaccumulation of main persistent and hazardous organic contaminants (including some current-use pesticides) and genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and xenobiotic detoxifcation system responses. The fndings show that lagoon eels were exposed to high levels of legacy organochlorine contaminants, recently banned pesticides (chlorpyrifos), and some emerging chemicals. Some individuals surpassed the maximum levels of CBs authorized by the European Commission for human consumption. In this species, residuals of chlorpyrifos, pendimethalin, and chlorthal dimethyl have been reported for the first time. This feld study provides relevant data to stock management and human health consumption and provides the frst biomarker responses in European eel under permanent hypersaline conditions. Furthermore, the high frequency of micronuclei in peripheral erythrocytes of lagoon eels indicates sublethal genotoxic efects on the organism. Overall, the European eels growing and maturing in the Mar Menor lagoon are exposed to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. The lack of seafood safety regulations for human consumption for some legacy chemicals that were measured in high concentrations in our study requires special action. Further biomonitoring and research are recommended to protect the animal, public, and environmental health

This book provides an overview of the current state of knowledge about the main groups of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in the marine environment. The relevance of these pollutants and the interest they have aroused is manifested in the large number of studies published in the last two decades, covering different aspects, from their presence and distribution the marine environment, to their fate and ecological effects. The research conducted so far has allowed to establish the main challenges and future research needs, to advance in the environmental management of CECs and to preserve and protect more effectively the marine environment, with the aim of achieving its sustainable use. The advances made in the scientific knowledge about CECs resulted primarily from the emergence of robust and sensitive instrumentation and analytical methodologies, which have made it possible to identify and quantify this type of substances at low concentrations and in complex environmental matrices, increasing our understanding of the presence of CECs in the marine environment. Regarding their impact on marine ecosystems, one of the most relevant challenges is the need to obtain information on the long-term ecotoxicological effects of CECs and their transformation products, on the toxicity of their mixtures and on the interactions between CECs and other environmental stressors. It is also necessary to develop environmental quality criteria for marine matrices, considering the most suitable sentinel species for each group of CECs. Finally, it is urgent to investigate human exposure to CECs through the consumption of seafood and through other marine and nonmarine pathways.

Current-use pesticides (CUPs) are widely used, not only in agriculture but also for human health protection and other applications. Consequently, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides enter the marine environment and have been found in seawater, marine sediment, and biota all over the world, but in general, at relatively low concentrations, particularly at certain distances from the main pollution sources. Depending on the environmental conditions and the properties and uses of the pesticides, different seasonal or spatial distribution patterns have been observed. Bioaccumulation of CUPs has also been evidenced in certain species, including in the Artic area; however, additional data are required using adequate sentinels for each of the CUPs groups. Regarding their risk to the environment, although there is considerable information on the biological effects of CUPs obtained from acute toxicity tests, which have shown different impacts depending on the studied biological group (primary producers, invertebrates, or fishes), more data are required, particularly for chronic exposure tests and new CUPs for which application has recently started.

Microplastics (MPs), highly heterogeneous in composition, pollute all marine compartments. Also, nanoplastics (NPs) may be present in oceans; however, the absence of adequate analytical techniques makes difficult their actual assessment of complex environmental matrices. The role of plastics as a pollution vector is relevant in the marine environment since they may transfer sorbed contaminants from one compartment to another and also favor bioaccumulation of some contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in marine organisms. The sorption of CECs on plastics from the surrounding media increases the concentration of the environmental contaminants, acting as passive samplers and favoring the transport of certain contaminants in the marine environment. This chapter will review the most current information on the sources, distribution, analytical procedures, bioaccumulation, and biological effects of MPs and NPs and their potential role as a pollution vector for CECs in the marine environment.

Triclosan (TCS) is an emerging contaminant used as a preservative for its antifungal and bactericidal properties. Previous studies have showed different capacity of TCS sorption depending on the MP type, which was related to their physicochemical properties. As a part of the general objective to evaluate the capacity of polyethylene(PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics as TCS vectors in marine environments, the marine bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis was used as a model organism to evaluate effects on immune function after in vivo co-exposure. Acute TCS spill scenario in the presence/absence of microplastics in the surrounding water was simulated under laboratory conditions. Mussels were simultaneously exposed to one type of weathered microplastics (PE or PS) and a high TCS concentration during 72 hours. In general, a decrease in lysosomal membrane stability was observed with all treatments compared to the control after three days, with most treatments resulting in moderate cell stress in mussels. A overall decrease in phagocytic efficiency was also observed in all treated mussels compared to the control mussels, the only exception being mussels individually exposed to PE, where a slight but not statistically significant increase was detected. No differences were observed between treatments in extracellular lysozyme activity and oxyradicals production. In general, mussels co-exposed to TCS+PE and TCS+PS showed effects on immune function that were lower than or comparable to those observed with individual exposures to TCS, PE and PS. Based on the results of this study, an additive effect on immune function derived from the co-exposure of TCS+PE and TCS+PS microplastics can be discarded. However, a weak antagonistic effect is suggested, potentially due to a reduction in their bioreactivity as a consequence of the adsorption of TCS to the surface of the ingested microplastics. The comparison of the results of bioaccumulation of TCS in mussels between the individual

Microplastics are gaining worldwide attention due to their omnipresence. The marine environment is one of the most affected systems; especially the sediment compartment. Microplastic separation from the sediment matrix is the first step to evaluate its abundance and availability. Nevertheless, a lack of consistency in extraction protocols is a fact. This paper describes the optimization of the microplastic extraction procedure from marine sediments. The Plackett-Burman saturated factorial design was used to identify the significant factors and to select optimum working conditions. With this purpose, the following variables were studied: the number of extractions; the amount of sediment; the settling time; the density separation solution volume; the agitation time and the suitability of using wet or freeze-dried sediment. The Plackett-Burman design has revealed that the most statistically significant variables were sediment mass and agitation time. The optimized method was applied for two marine sediments collected in the Mar Menor Lagoon.

According to Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), EU Member States (MS) shall consider, in their Descriptor 8 primary criterion (D8C1) assessments, the WFD Priority Substances (PS) and River Basin Specific Pollutants (RBSP) within coastal and territorial waters and also beyond territorial waters if these still may give rise to pollution effects. Some WFD PS might not be relevant for the marine environment in the open sea and, consequently, might be excluded from MSFD monitoring beyond the territorial waters. MS have expressed the need for a framework for the deselection of WFD PS from monitoring under the MSFD, in order to save resources. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), collaborating within the MSFD Expert Network on Contaminants, has developed a pragmatic approach to identify the WFD PS that can be excluded from MSFD monitoring in the open sea beyond territorial waters without reducing protection of European Seas. This should preempt the need for individual MS to provide rationales for such exclusions, support comparable monitoring and assessments across national boundaries, and enable MS to focus their monitoring efforts on other (including emerging) substances that require attention.

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 Assesmen

Microplastics are gaining worldwide attention due to their omnipresence. The marine environment is one of the most affected systems; especially the sediment compartment. Microplastic separation from the sediment matrix is the first step to evaluate its abundance and availability. Nevertheless, a lack of consistency in extraction protocols is a fact. This paper describes the optimization of the microplastic extraction procedure from marine sediments. The Plackett-Burman saturated factorial design was used to identify the significant factors and to select optimum working conditions. With this purpose, the following variables were studied: the number of extractions; the amount of sediment; the settling time; the density separation solution volume; the agitation tim and the suitability of using wet or freeze-dried sediment. The Plackett-Burman design has revealed that the mos statistically significant variables were sediment mass and agitation time. The optimized method was applied for two marine sediments collected in the Mar Menor Lagoon.

The seasonal bioaccumulation of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) in sea snail (Hexaplex trunculus) and sea cucumber (Holothuria polii) from Mar Menor lagoon were characterised. The highest concentrations of p,p'-DDE were detected in the central and south part of Mar Menor lagoon. However, the highest concentrations of metals in sea snail and holothurians were detected in the influence area of El Beal wadi. Biomagnification factors (BMF) in sea snail from cockle (sea snail-cockle concentration ratio) were higher than 5 for metal and organochlorinated compounds. However, similar concentrations were observed in both species for PAHs due to gastropods capability of metabolising these pollutants. Consequently, sea snail is proposed as a sentinel for trace metals, PCBs and OCPs in the coastal lagoons, not only due to its bioaccumulation and biomagnification capacity but also the easy sampling and amply distribution in many coastal areas.

Microplastics are gaining worldwide attention due to their omnipresence. The marine environment is one of the most affected systems; especially the sediment compartment. Microplastic separation from the sediment matrix is the first step to evaluate its abundance and availability. Nevertheless, a lack of consistency in extraction protocols is a fact. This paper describes the optimization of the microplastic extraction procedure from marine sediments. The Plackett-Burman saturated factorial design was used to identify the significant factors and to select optimum working conditions. With this purpose, the following variables were studied: the number of extractions; the amount of sediment; the settling time; the density separation solution volume; the agitation tim and the suitability of using wet or freeze-dried sediment. The Plackett-Burman design has revealed that the mos statistically significant variables were sediment mass and agitation time. The optimized method was applied for two marine sediments collected in the Mar Menor Lagoon.

The so-called marine litter, and in particular microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), are ubiquitously distributed and recognised as an emerging risk for the environment and human health. It is known that marine environments are one of the most impacted areas and among them; coastal zones are the most contaminated ones. They are subjected to population pressure, tourism, harbours, desalination plants, marine traffic and fish farms. This review is focused on the Mediterranean Sea, currently considered one hot spot of microplastics pollution in the world, as a consequence of the high number of plastic marine litter generating activities and its characteristic morphology of semi-enclosed sea. MPs and NPs have been detected not only in surface water and water columns but also in sediments, deep seafloor, and biota including fish and seafood for human consumption. Because of this, different European legislation initiatives have been launched during the last years in order to prevent MPs and NPs contamination and to face derived problems. Finally, this review summarises the main problems and shortcomings associated to MPs and NPs analyses such as their identification and quantification or the necessity of standardised protocols.

The occurrence of bioactive compounds and contaminant-associated effects was assessed by means of in vivo and in vitro assays using different extractable fractions of surface sediments from a contaminated coastal lagoon (Mar Menor, SE Spain). Sediment elutriates and clean seawater, previously exposed to whole sediment, were used for assessing the in vivo toxicity on embryo development of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Agonist and antagonist activities relating to estrogen and androgen receptors and agonist activities on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (expressed as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities) were investigated in sediment extracts by using HER-Luc, AR-EcoScreenTM and fibroblast-like RTG-2 cell lines. Embryotoxicity effects were greater for sediment elutriates than those incubated in sediment-water interphase, implying that diffusion of bioactive chemicals can occur from sediments to sea water column, favoured by sediment disturbance events. In vitro results show the occurrence in extracts of compounds with estrogen antagonism, androgen antagonism and dioxin-like activities. Multidimensional scaling analysis classified the sampling sites into four sub-clusters according to their chemical-physical and biological similarities, relating in vitro bioactivity with the total organic carbon and known organic chemical load, with particular reference to total sum of PAHs, PCB 180, p,p-DDE and terbuthylazine. Overall, results pointed to the presence of unknown or unanalyzed biologically-active compounds in the sediments, mostly associated with the extracted polar fraction of the Mar Menor lagoon sediments. Our findings provide relevant information to be considered for the environmental management of contaminated coastal lagoons.

The distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), alkylphenols, organotin compounds, phthalates, alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, current-use pesticides (CUPs) and personal care products (PCPs) was characterized in 29 surface sediments from two Spanish Iberian continental shelf areas (14 on the Atlantic and 15 on the Mediterranean coasts). Concretely, 115 organic contaminants were determined and a specific methodology was used for each contaminant group, including contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and traditional ones, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs). PAHs, alkylated PAHs, alkylphenols and phthalates were found in all samples, showing mean concentrations per group higher than 20 ng/g (16-4974 ng/g d.w.) in the subregions under consideration (Galician, Cantabrian, Levantine-Balearic and Strait-Alboran). CUPs and PCPs were found in the majority of samples at very low concentrations of ng/g (1.4-46.8 ng/g d.w.), whereas organotins and PFAS were found principally in sediments from the Mediterranean subregions (2.5-3.9 ng/g d.w.). Different distribution patterns were observed for the contaminant groups and subregions under consideration as a consequence of the diverse predominant sources (industrial, urban, transport and agricultural activities) and environmental behavior (mainly hydrophobicity and persistence). Risk assessment confirmed the impact of phthalates, alkylphenols, PAHs and PCBs on Atlantic ecosystems and of alkylphenols, chlorpyrifos, phthalates, TBT, PAHs, OCPs and PCBs on the Mediterranean ones. Furthermore, the presence of CUPs, PCPs and PFAS in sediments from the Spanish continental shelf located between 2 and 31 km from the coast suggested that those contaminants may also provoke adverse effects on coastal marine ecosystems between their sources and their depositional areas. CAPSULE: Alkylphenols, phthalates and organotins may provoke

Se presenta la evaluación del estado del Medio Marino y definición del GES en la Demarcación Marina Estrecho y Alborán en relación al Descriptor 8 (Contaminantes químicos en sedimentos, peces y bivalvos y biomarcadores relacionados con la contaminación química en peces y bivalvos)