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In this study, we determined the levels of elements (i.e. As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, U, and Zn) in bees and edible beehive products (honey, wax, pollen, and propolis) sampled from five selected sites in the Rome province (Italy).to increase the information variety endowment, the monitoring breakdown structure (MBS) conceptual model was used (nine elements, 429 samples, and approximately thirteen thousand determinations over a 1-year survey). Thus, we employed Johnson's probabilistic method to build the control charts. Then, we measured the element concentration overlap ranges and the overlap bioaccumulation index (OBI). Subsequently, we evaluated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the analysed elements and matched them with acceptable reference doses. The human health risk caused by the intake of individual elements found in edible beehive products and their risk summation were evaluated through the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) methods.excluding honey, this study confirms the capacity of wax, pollen, propolis, and bees to accumulate high levels of toxic and potentially toxic elements from the surrounding environment (with high OBI-U, i.e. OBI-Upper values, i.e. the common upper concentration limit of the overlap concentration range). Bees and pollen showed a high bioaccumulation Cd surplus (OBI-U = 44.0 and 22.3, respectively). On the contrary, honey had high OBI-L values (i.e. honey concentrates metals several times less than the common lower concentration limit of the overlap concentration range). This finding implies that honey is useless as an environmental indicator compared with the other biomonitor/indicators. The EDI values for the edible beehive products were lower than the health and safety reference doses for all the considered elements. Our data show that honey, wax, propolis, and pollen are safe for consumption by both adults and children (THQ 1; HI 1), even considering the sporadic possibility of consuming them simultaneously.This study has been conducted for the first time in the Rome province and demonstrates that edible indicators are safe for consumption for the considered elements in bees and edible beehive products. Depending on the ecosystem/pollutants studied, the OBI consents to make a correct choice for environmental biomonitoring studies and to focus the attention on the most sensitive biomonitors/indicators when required at the project level.

In this study we propose a conceptual framework, i.e. the Monitoring Breakdown Structure (MBS) as a tool forthe management of marine ecosystems. The conceptual framework thinks through the complexity of marineecosystems keeping into account the variety (space) and variability (time) dimensions. Consistently with theMBS we have built the control charts of trace metal concentrations of two selected biomonitors in the BeagleChannel (south Patagonia) (case study).Thus, we have tested the aptitude of two species of mollusks as biomonitors of heavy metal (HMs) pollution.The selected species were the limpet Nacella (P) magellanica and the bivalve Mytilus chilensis. Seven hundredeighty-five samples were collected along 170 km of the coastal area of the Beagle Channel (BC), (Tierra delFuego, Argentina) in seven selected georeferenced locations and four sampling campaigns (2005, 2007, 2011,2012). Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn determinations in seawater and mollusks by atomic absorption spectrometry(AAS) were carried out. The calculation of the respective concentration factors (CFs), i.e. their capacity as strongbioaccumulators, was also conducted. This is of relevance because it aims to use these data as a baseline referencefor other geographical areas. Second, we have compared metal bioaccumulation differences among sitesand the contamination trend by building, for the first time, the control charts of the baseline metal concentrationsin the biomonitors. For these purposes, we applied probabilistic Johnson's method.Furthermore, the control charts (based on four years baseline data) allowed us to test the contamination trendby plotting data from 2012 vs 2011. Our results confirm N. magellanica as an extremely strong accumulator ofCd, and M chilensis strong bioaccumulator of Cd and Zn. Zn was the most abundant metal followed by Cu.Overall, regarding the contamination trend, based on thousands of determinations we observed that the six meanmetal levels were quite constant over time. Moreover, metal distribution among sites turned out to be notunivocal (no one site is more contaminated than the other sites). Thus, the expected hypothesis of UshuaiaHarbour as being the most contaminated site should be reconsidered. This reinforces the hypothesis of our dataas baseline data (except for cadmium), that should be considered in management decisions about future environmentalmonitoring programs, i.e. preventing/managing marine accidents. Fil: Conti, Marcelo Enrique. Università di Roma; Italia Fil: Tudino, Mabel Beatriz. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina Fil: Grazia Finoia, María. Università di Roma; Italia Fil: Simone, Cristina. Università di Roma; Italia Fil: Stripeikis, Jorge. Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires; Argentina

The levels of 30 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V, Zn) and some typical quality parameters were measured in 40 honey samples from the Lazio region (Italy). The main purpose of this study was to enhance the information variety. The mean values for the quality parameters were: pH, 4.0; sugar, 80.9 °brix; moisture, 17.4%; electrical conductivity 0.63 mS cm-1. Mineral elements were quantified by ICP-OES and ICP-MS and compared with literature data. The most abundant minerals decreased in the following order (mean - μg g-1): K: 1450 > S: 107 > Ca: 86 > P: 75 > Na: 45 > Mg: 34. Chemometrics was applied in order to detect significant differences among the five provinces of honeys production. Overall, several elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V, Zn), sugar and moisture did not discriminate the Lazio provinces. This strongly agrees with our previous findings that honey is not a reliable biomonitor of environmental contamination. There are no evident signs of pollution for the Lazio honeys confirming their good quality and safety.

The present study analyses the artisanal fishery of Sciacca (Mediterranean Sea) through the investigation of fishing activities, resources and yields, in order to characterize for the first time one of the most important traditional coastal activities of the area. Further, the study evaluates the incidence of illegal artisanal fishing, this being one of the major threats to the good management of fishery. Landing surveys and interviews with professional fishermen (i.e. those operating on vessels provided with a fishing licence) were carried out from May 2006 to April 2007 in order to record catches, type of fishing gear used and fishing areas. At the same time, illegal artisanal fishing vessels – i.e. vessels without a licence whose catch is illegally sold in local markets – were also monitored. The artisanal fishery of Sciacca is multi-specific, exploring various resources with different techniques. The most used gear by both professional and illegal fishing vessels throughout the study period was the trammel net. Other less frequently used gear has seasonal use related to source availability, and some is mainly or exclusively used by one or the other category of fishing vessels. Overlapping between professional and illegal fishing vessels emerged in the exploitation of some fishing areas, mainly coastal (within 3 nautical miles). A strong competition between the two categories for commercial resources was highlighted. The present study reports for the first time data on professional and illegal artisanal fishing in one of the most important Sicilian fisheries.

This paper illustrates the results of a questionnaire designed to explore the full range of topics and concerns related to the potential impacts of CO 2 geological storage. The questionnaire was compiled online by 45 European and international stakeholders from 16 different countries, including researchers, operators and regulators. The results provide a comprehensive picture of the variety of aspects that the respondents consider important from the point of view of impacts and long term safety of storage sites. The themes span from impacts on the environment to socio-economic and operational such as for instance building and management of storage sites.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the trace metal content in edible biomonitors (i.e., mollusks) in the Beagle Channel (southern Patagonia) and to assess the human health risks associated with their consumption. Rationale: The monitoring breakdown structure (MBS) conceptual model was applied to four sampling campaigns (2005 → 2012) that collected 729 samples of Mytilus chilensis and Nacella magellanica. The composition of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the mollusks was determined using graphite furnace (GFAAS) or flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). We compared the mean obtained values with the maximum levels (MLs) of each element established by international organizations. Then, based on semi-structured interviews, we calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of local residents and compared it with safety reference doses, i.e., the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI), provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI), and tolerable daily intake (TDI), as well as the benchmark dose level lower confidence limit for Pb (BMDL01, a reference point (RP)/point of departure (POD). Moreover, to obtain information about the potential health risks of ingesting heavy metals (HMs) through mollusk consumption, we evaluated the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI). Findings: For Cd and Pb, 65% and 40% of bivalves exceeded the MLs established by the Mercado Comun del Sur (Mercosur), respectively. Except for Cd in N. magellanica (i.e., 1.20 μg/kg/bw/day), EDI values were clearly lower than the safety reference doses. For Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, mussels were safe for consumption and did not raise concerns for public health. Likewise, THQ values were well below one for most of the studied metals, indicating that the exposed human population is assumed to be safe. Occasional high consumers of mollusks from the most contaminated sites may be at some health risk. Originality: The food production system and the environment are complex systems; this is crucial to understand when we consider ecosystems as a food source (i.e., marine ecosystems). Here we consider edible biomonitors, that are organisms that can have a dual function. They are food, and at the same time, if properly calibrated, they can act as indicators of environmental quality. This study is the first to investigate relevant essential and non-essential trace metal content in two edible mollusks from the Beagle Channel in a long-term survey (2005 → 2012). The information variety was high; approximately thirteen thousand determinations were conducted to support the risk assessment for mollusk consumption. Other aspects connected with the health risks and the uncertainty factors related to the presence of essential and non-essential minerals in edible mollusks as well as the use of the MBS are also discussed.

Purpose: The Bagnoli's brownfield site (southern Italy) is an environmental priority for the Italian Government and is currently considered as a case study for the definition and application of innovative approaches to ecosystem recovery after a prolonged pollution history and eventual steel plant decommissioning. Materials and methods: Here, we analyse high-quality datasets that constrain the distribution patterns and sources of contaminants in the coastal zone facing the site where the steel plant operated for almost one century. Innovative statistical approaches provide new insights into the temporal and spatial distribution of anthropogenic impacts, documented over the last 30 years, following lines of evidence emerging from investigations on grain size, TOC, heavy metals, PAHs, PCBs and high-resolution morpho-bathymetric information. Results and discussion: The results derived from statistical analysis, referred also to the seafloor morphological variability, highlighted the presence of recent disposal of highly contaminated sediments and their potential pathways of dispersion to wider and deeper water zones. Conclusions: The adopted multidisciplinary approach yields fundamental information towards an effective and proper ecosystem recovery of highly contaminated marine coastal areas and provides at the same time, a sound base for the refitting of decommissioned industrial plants.

Lichen Usnea barbata transplants were tested as a biomonitor of atmospheric deposition in an apparently pristine environment that is Tierra del Fuego region (Patagonia, Argentina). The present survey is connected with the volcanic eruption that started in north Patagonia on June 4, 2011 from the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano, Chile (north Patagonia, at 1700 km of distance of our sampling sites). Lichens were collected in September 2011 (one month of exposure) and September 2012 (1 year of exposure) in 27 sites covering the northern region of the province where trees are not present. The atmospheric deposition of 27 elements by using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) was determined in the collected samples. The first aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the volcanic eruption on the regional atmospheric deposition comparing our results with baseline data we determined in U. barbata in 2006 in the same sites. The second aim was to test possible patterns of bioaccumulation between the two sampling campaigns after the volcanic eruption. With respect to 2006 baseline levels, we found significant higher levels for As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cs, Na, Sb and U in lichens collected after 1 month of exposure (first sampling campaign--2011). Between the two sampling campaigns (2011-2012) after the eruption, lichens reflected the natural contamination by volcanic ashes with significantly higher median levels of Br, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Sc, and Se. Results confirmed the very good aptitude of U. barbata to reflect the levels of elements in the environment at global scale and to reflect the volcanic emissions at distant places. Volcanic eruptions cause the emission in the atmosphere of elevated levels of particulate matter. In this regard, our findings demonstrate the importance to evaluate the metal composition of the particles to avoid possible health effects.

Among the behavioural factors affecting survival of hatchery-reared fish when released into the wild, inefficient foraging is considered to be a major behavioural deficit. The present study investigates the ability of hatchery-produced, pellet-reared dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus juveniles to recognize and catch live prey (sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax fingerlings 30–80 mm TL) and analyses the effects of a training period on their foraging performance. Juvenile E. marginatus (3+ years, 270–330 mm TL) showed an innate ability to recognize and capture live D. labrax fingerlings as latency time to first attack was very short (

Monitoring efforts are required to understand the sources, distribution and abundance of microplastic pollution. To verify the abundance of microplastics along the Tuscan coastal waters (Italy), water-column and surface samples were collected in two seasons across four transects at different distances to the coast (0.5, 5, 10 and 20 km), within the implementation of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The results show an average concentration of 0.26 items/m3 in the water-column samples and 41.1 g/km2 and 69,161.3 items/km2 of floating microplastics, with an increase with the distance to the coast The seasonality and the sampling area do not affect the abundance of microplastics. The most abundant size class is 1-2.5 mm as fragments and sheets suggesting that fragmentation of larger polyethylene and polypropylene items could be the main source of microplastics. These data represent the application of a harmonized protocol to make the data on microplastics comparable and reliable.

A 9-week feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of fishmeal (FM) replacement by a mixture of plant proteins (PP), consisted of wheat gluten, soybean meal and soy protein concentrate, on the growth performance and welfare of turbot juveniles (initial weight 9.7 ± 0.2 g). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets contained FM at 500 g kg−1 (FM50), 350 g kg−1 (FM35), 200 g kg−1 (FM20) and 50 g kg−1 (FM5). A decreased feed intake and an increased feed conversion rate was observed in FM5 group. Specific growth rate was significantly reduced in FM20 and FM5 groups, whereas protein and lipid utilization and proximate whole body composition were significantly different in FM5 group. Serum cortisol significantly increased in FM20 and FM5 groups whereas cholesterol, triglycerides, NEFA, total protein and urea concentrations significantly decreased. Serum lysozyme and blood phagocytes increased in FM20 and FM5 groups. FM35 ensured growth close to FM50, without significant effects on health and welfare of animals. FM20 and FM5 groups displayed reduced growth, metabolic stress and an immune response with effects on health and welfare. Results highlighted the consistency between growth performance and welfare status, suggesting the usefulness of their combined assessment for evaluating the suitability of PP and to improve dietary formulation for turbot.

Ingestion of plastics and microplastics by marine organisms may have physical and toxicological noxious effects creating a serious threat to marine species. There is a need to develop methods to evaluate the plastic exposure in free-ranging marine wildlife particularly related to microplastic ingestion. To this aim, seven phthalate esters (PAEs) were analysed, as plastic tracers, in neustonic/planktonic samples and skin biopsy samples of four cetacean species from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. Among all phthalates, the highest frequency of detection was obtained from DEHP (78.9%), followed in descending order by MBzP (57.9%), MEHP and BBzP (both 52.6%), DIOIP (47.4%) and MBP and DNHP (both 42.1%). All 19 superficial tows analysed presented microplastic debris, confirming the widespread distribution of microplastics on the seawater surface in the Mediterranean Sea. The abundance of the smallest items (

With the aim to assess the gastropod mollusk Monodonta turbinata as biomonitor of trace metal pollution in seawater of a central Tyrrhenian ecosystem (Pontine Islands archipelago, Italy), one hundred individuals were collected in five strategic locations in two sampling campaigns during 2011 and 2012. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured in the mollusks and in seawater samples (soluble fraction) collected in the same sites in order to obtain the respective concentration factors (CFs). Two-way ANOVA was applied to verify the presence of site and time effects. Then, the significant time effect due to the two sampling campaigns was eliminated by defining six new variables (one for each metal) and applied multivariate statistics in order to obtain more reliable results. Subsequently, the levels of metal contamination of Pontine Islands were compared with the naturality concentration ranges (control charts) previously established for the Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy; Conti et al. in Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:3640–3651, 2015). Monodonta resulted to be a very good accumulator of Cd (CF = 2100) and good accumulator of Cr (CF = 1570), Pb (CF = 1000) and Zn (CF = 1160). Levels of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn in Monodonta from 2011 to 2012 decreased in the range from −22.8 of Pb to −41.9% of Cd in Ponza Frontone, Ponza Cala Fonte and Ponza harbor sites; on the contrary, Cr and Cu showed an increase of 3.4 and 63.7%, respectively, in the same sites from 2011 to 2012. A not univocal trend of metal bioaccumulation patterns between the two sampling campaigns (2011–2012) in the selected sites was observed. No one site resulted to be evidently more contaminated than another (i.e., Ponza harbor site as expected). In general, the metal levels in these marine areas are low and within the previously established baseline ranges for Tyrrhenian Sea (control charts). The results here reported can be used as a reference baseline levels for comparison with other marine geographical areas.

CCS communication has proven a tough challenge, particularly for the difficulty in raising interest for the technology, which is still unknown to the majority of the population, and for the complexity of conveying information about its potential for reducing emissions. In this paper we present a research based effort for bringing CCS nearer to people, through visual material developed taking into account emotional needs related to the technology. The production of a short introductory film on CCS is illustrated and its testing with a sample of 700 high school students.

Continuous monitoring has been carried out at a fluvial flood-plain site near Rome for over a year. There is a mix of biogenic CO 2 and deep geogenic CO 2 at the site at relatively low concentrations and fluxes compared with other natural CO 2 seepage sites studied previously. Factors such as temperature and soil moisture clearly affect the CO 2 concentration and flux and seasonal and diurnal influences are apparent. Statistical approaches are being used to try to define these relationships and separate out the two gas components, which would be necessary in any quantification of leakage from CO 2 storage.

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an endangered species that may be exposed to micro- and macro-plastic ingestion as a result of their filter-feeding activity, particularly on the sea surface. In this pilot project we perform the first ecotoxicological investigation on whale sharks sampled in the Gulf of California exploring the potential interaction of this species with plastic debris (macro-, micro-plastics and related sorbed contaminants). Due to the difficulty in obtaining stranded specimens of this endangered species, an indirect approach, by skin biopsies was used for the evaluation of the whale shark ecotoxicological status. The levels of organochlorine compounds (PCBs, DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) plastic additives, and related biomarkers responses (CYP1A) were investigated for the first time in the whale shark. Twelve whale shark skin biopsy samples were collected in January 2014 in La Paz Bay (BCS, Mexico) and a preliminary investigation on microplastic concentration and polymer composition was also carried out in seawater samples from the same area. The average abundance pattern for the target contaminants was PCBs > DDTs > PBDEs > HCB. Mean concentration values of 8.42 ng/g w.w. were found for PCBs, 1.31 ng/g w.w. for DDTs, 0.29 ng/g w.w. for PBDEs and 0.19 ng/g w.w. for HCB. CYP1A-like protein was detected, for the first time, in whale shark skin samples. First data on the average density of microplastics in the superficial zooplankton/microplastic samples showed values ranging from 0.00 items/m to 0.14 items/m. A focused PCA analysis was performed to evaluate a possible correlation among the size of the whale sharks, contaminants and CYP1A reponses. Further ecotoxicological investigation on whale shark skin biopsies will be carried out for a worldwide ecotoxicological risk assessment of this endangerd species., This research was carried out under the general auspices of relevant Mexican authorities governing all research actions on wildlife and protected animals and areas in Mexico: CONACYT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología), DGVS (Dirección General de Vida Silvestre), and SEMARNAT (Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales). DGVS authorization number SGPA/DGVS/03362/12.

Paganelli D., Nonnis O., Finoia M.G. and Gabellini M., 2013. The role of sediment characterization in environmental studies to assess the effect of relict sand dredging for beach nourishment: the example of offshore sand deposits in Lazio (Tyrrhenian Sea) In: Conley, D.C., Masselink, G., Russell, P.E. and O’Hare, T.J. (eds.), Proceedings 12 th International Coastal Symposium (Plymouth, England), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 65, pp. 10151020, ISSN 0749-0208. Beach nourishment with relict sands has been carried out for several years as a way to counter coastal erosion problems, and it has proven to be a successful beach protection method and one of the most important coastal management tools available. It is however known that relict sand dredging may have significant physical and biological effects on the marine environment, especially in highly biodiverse environments and sensitive habitats such as the Mediterranean marine and coastal system. Within this framework, the Regione Lazio (Italy) local Authority has financed and implemented some research projects aimed at identifying marine sand deposits along the Latium continental shelf. The research brought to the identification of five areas suitable for the exploitation of relict sands along the Tyrrhenian continental shelf. ISPRA was commissioned to carry out environmental characterization studies to evaluate the effects of dredging nourishment-aimed relict sand on the marine environment. This paper presents the results of the grain-size characterization study carried out in the areas identified as suitable for dredging of relict sands; the study allows the identification of the main sedimentological features of the investigated areas, providing some of the necessary information to assess the potential environmental effects of relict sand dredging.

In this study, we tested the aptitude of the gastropod mollusk Patella caerulea as biomonitor of elemental pollution in seawater of a central Tyrrhenian ecosystem (Pontine Islands archipelago and Lazio region coastal sites, Italy). Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured in 120 individuals collected in six strategic locations in two sampling campaigns during 2011 and 2012. Samples of surrounding seawater were also collected in the same sites and tested for the same metals in order to obtain the respective concentration factors (CFs). Then, we analyzed the evolution of contamination in the selected sites and compared our results with the baseline levels (control charts) previously established for Tyrrhenian seas (Conti et al. Environ Sci Pollut R 22:3640–3651,2015). With this purpose, we defined six new variables (one for each metal) and then we applied multivariate statistics, i.e., cluster analysis and discriminant analysis on the principal component analysis factors in order to obtain more reliable results. Patella resulted to be a strong bioaccumulator of Cd (CFs = 8990) and a good accumulator of Cr, Pb, and Zn. The levels of the majority of metals (i.e., Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in Patella decreased in the range from −13.06% of Zn to −42.51% of Ni in Fiumicino harbor, Anzio beach, and Ponza Harbor from 2011 to 2012. In general, the metal levels in these marine areas are low and within the previously established baseline ranges for Tyrrhenian Sea (control charts). Here, we found a not univocal trend of metal bioaccumulation patterns between the two sampling campaigns (2011–2012) in the selected sites. No one site resulted to be clearly more contaminated than another (i.e., harbor sites as expected). For instance, for Cd, we detected a relevant increase of its levels (+118%) in the harbors and Anzio beach sites from 2011 to 2012; however, they remained at lower levels of the lower limit (Q 2.5) of the control chart. Higher Pb levels with respect to the baseline values were observed for the majority of samples in the Ponza Cala Fonte site. Patella confirmed its usefulness as a cosmopolitan trace metal biomonitor in marine Mediterranean areas. The possibility of employing these results as a baseline level for comparative purposes in other marine areas is fully debated.

The coastal zone is the most variable area in the marine system in terms of environmental parameters and it is characterised by the highest granulometric variability. Considering that the distribution of benthic foraminifera is controlled by several biotic and abiotic factors, including sediment texture, this may be considered one of the main factors influencing foraminiferal assemblage composition. The role of sediment grain size on foraminiferal species distribution has been recognised by several studies, but only in a few cases it has been considered from a quantitative viewpoint. On this rationale, 137 sediment samples collected in three different Italian National Relevance Sites (Bagnoli, Baia and Augusta), affected by different type and degree of pollution, were analysed for grain size and benthic foraminifera. Although the influence of pollution on foraminifera distribution in these areas had been recognised in earlier studies, the present research applied statistical analysis (Pearson Correlation and Co-Inertia Analysis) in order to highlight the correlation between sediment fractions and foraminiferal species. The correlation found in all sites between the most abundant species and specific sediment fractions indicated that sediment grain size is a primary factor controlling species distribution. The effect of sediment type conditions the distribution of previously recognised pollution tolerant species, which show preference for silty and/or clayey sediments. Because muddy sediments favour contaminant accumulation, such species are more exposed to polluted habitats and consequently their tolerance to anthropogenically-altered conditions may be considered an adaptive strategy.

With regard to the impact of dredging activities in harbour environments on aquatic ecosystems, the aim of this study was to integrate results obtained from a research project carried out in Palermo Harbour in 1999. In particular, an ecotoxicological approach, together with physical–chemical analysis, was introduced to assess the quality of the dredging sediment. This study provides important data and information for the realisation of a handbook on handling of marine sediments in Italy.

Trophic relationships between Scorpaena porcus, S. notata and Chelidonichthys lucerna collected near natural gas platforms were investigated for the first time in central Adriatic Sea from July 2005 to May 2006. Sampling was repeated at control sites on soft bottom where, however, only C. lucerna occurred. All of the three predators showed diet specialization for crustaceans, with high overlap for angular crab Goneplax rhomboides. The widest prey variety, consisting mainly of epibenthic and infaunal organisms, was detected in C. lucerna, whose feeding behaviour resulted not to be affected by the presence of platforms. Burrowing shrimp Alpheus glaber, hairy crab Pilumnus hirtellus, bivalve Corbula gibba, and European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus discriminated S. porcus diet, while thalassinid Jaxea nocturna discriminated S. notata diet. The occurrence of E. encrasicolus as natural prey of S. porcus is discussed. Overall, predators like scorpaenids, which live in strict association with platforms in the study area, seem to rely on soft bottom prey items rather than exploiting resources from the platforms, thus competing with soft-bottom predators (i.e. triglids) for the same resources.

a b s t r a c t In this study we assess the existence of gradients of abundance (density and biomass) of the sea breams Diplodus puntazzo, Diplodus sargus and Diplodus vulgaris across the boundaries of the Portofino MPA (NW Mediterranean) in order to evaluate reserve effect and to provide evidence of spillover. Fish were visually censused in shallow rocky habitat (4-7 m depth) at replicate sites within the different MPA zones and in adjacent unprotected areas. Higher values of sea breams size, density and biomass were usually observed inside MPA compared to unprotected areas, likely due to the enforcement of protection. We found evidence of negative gradients of sea bream density and biomass across the MPA boundaries, although shape and steepness of gradients changed depending on species, sampling time and boundary orientation. Fish density and biomass decreased abruptly just 100 m outside the MPA and remained close to zero off the western boundary. A partial recovery in fish density was recorded eastward, about 1 km apart from the MPA boundary. Overall, our results were consistent with the presence of a moderate fish spillover, considering that a high fishing effort close to the MPA boundaries could have prevented any potential increase in abundance just outside the MPA. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most common bivalve molluscs inhabiting the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This species, which is preferentially distributed on sediments at depths between 0 and about 2 m, is considered to be a substrate-sensitive organism because of its sensitivity to sediment grain size variations during its life cycle, in particular during its early growth stages. This study aims at investigating the relationship between D. trunculus ’ density distributions and sediment grain size, in order to evaluate its use as a biological indicator of grain-size variations in beach sediment. For this purpose, a specific environmental study was performed by ISPRA (Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) along six beaches located in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea between Ladispoli and Anzio (Rome, Italy). On each beach, samples of D. trunculus and superficial sediments were collected in the infra-littoral zone at 3 different depths (0, 0.5, and 1 m) between June 2002 and March 2004. The results pointed out that the distribution of D. trunculus populations is strongly influenced by the sediment's grain size variations. A significant positive correlation was found between species density and the 2.00-phi and 2.50-phi grain size classes; but, in particular, the predominance of the 2.00-phi grain size class in the beach's sediment seems to positively influence the species density and distribution. This study suggests that sediment grain size is the chief factor controlling the distribution of D. trunculus populations; suitable grain sizes allow the settlement and the subsequent growth of well-structured populations. Generally, species density declined in areas subjected to grain-size variations in beach sediments, suggesting a predictable biological response to both natural and human-caused stressors. The present study also highlighted that where nourishment was carried out using suitable sediments, the species reappears on the beach after a few months, as it finds an optimal substrate for settlement. In this case, finding D. trunculus specimens a few months after replenishment indicates that the nourishment operations have been successful from an environmental point of view. As reported by Carignan and Villard (2002) , a species that is strongly associated with particular habitat features could be a useful indicator; in particular, a species – like D. trunculus – that is negatively associated with human disturbances could be considered a “positive” indicator of ecological integrity. Long-term monitoring of D. trunculus abundance or density on sandy beaches (adequately carried out during the species’ recruitment period, e.g. between July and September), could help pinpoint the presence of natural or human-made phenomena that are leading to grain-size variations in the sediment. In conclusion, we can assume that D. trunculus can be used as a practical biological indicator to detect grain size variations on sandy beaches in coastal monitoring programmes; it could be a useful tool for researchers, managers and administrators to assess erosion phenomena while minimizing times and costs, also in view of an integrated coastal zone management.

Summary Sex and stage of gonad maturity in 6 year-old sturgeon hybrids (Acipenser naccarii female × Acipenser baerii male) were examined by means of ultrasonography, histology and sex steroid analyses during the reproductive season. Ultrasound images of gonads revealed male and female sturgeons at different stages of maturity, distinguished by gonad morphology and tissue echogenicity. Sexing and staging were found to be more difficult in immature fish, especially males, and ultrasounds were combined with sex steroids and histological analysis to confirm the sex and gonad developmental stage. Histology identified males and females at different developmental stages. Serum testosterone differed significantly between mature males and females (321 vs 15.4 ng ml−1) as well as 17β estradiol (0.4 vs 4.2 ng ml−1). High testosterone concentration was found also in immature sturgeon females. The male : female sex ratio was 1 : 1.5. Size was found to be significantly different between males (9.2 kg and 114.8 cm) and females (12.9 kg and 121.6 cm). Results indicate ultrasounds as a reliable, rapid and non invasive method to determine sex and maturity stages in hybrid sturgeon A. naccarii × A. baerii during the reproductive period, affording benefits to farmers for sex selection and breeding purposes. Further investigations are needed, in particular in immature individuals and outside the reproductive season, to identify sturgeon sex as early as possible.

The diet of pearly razorfish Xyrichtys novacula, caught monthly along the shores of the Island of Lampedusa, appeared to be mainly composed of crustaceans, followed by colonial ascidians, molluscs and polychaetes. Among prey, sand dwellers and phanerogam-associated species were recorded. In winter months, the diet was characterized by a small number of prey items, dominated by colonial ascidians, while in spring and summer a wider prey array was recorded. Dietary indices show that X. novacula do not strictly exploit benthic prey but also pelagic organisms, such as copepods. This feeding behaviour reached its peak in March and October, when the abundance of primary consumers was at its highest after phytoplankton blooms. Furthermore, X. novacula caught prey organisms according to their availability and seasonal patterns during their life cycles, irrespective of fish size.

The coastal zone of Baia (Naples) is currently included in a protected marine area, but in past it was affected by strong anthropogenic pressure for commercial harbour activity. In order to investigate the impact of past activities, a multidisciplinary characterisation was undertaken to evaluate the environmental quality of marine sediments. Thirty-six grab samples were collected for grain-size, heavy metals, PAHs and PCBs analyses. Rose Bengal stained replicates were taken for the analysis of benthic foraminifera. Chemical analyses highlighted sediment pollution mainly due to Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn, PAHs and PCBs in the northern and southern part of the study area, where some sunken vessels had been present for many decades. Modifications of foraminiferal diversity and density, and increased percentage of abnormal specimens, were considered as indicators of environmental degradation. Correlation between faunal parameters and pollutant concentrations was found by means of statistical analysis. The highest degree of environmental stress shown by foraminifera in the northern sector could be referable to the high concentrations of PCBs (up to 144 ng g −1 d.w.).

The stomach contents of 69 Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone collected in the Strait of Messina, central Mediterranean Sea were examined. Of the total specimens, caught by harpoon, only three stomachs were empty. Their diet consisted mainly of pelagic fish and cephalopods. The most important piscine prey belonged to the families of Belonidae, Clupeidae and Scomberesocidae. Cephalopods were mainly represented by Tremoctopus violaceus in terms of per cent weight and by Illex coindetii in terms of per cent frequency of occurrence. Tetrapturus belone is an active predator on epipelagic fast-moving prey and school-forming species. Its ecological role is similar to that of other large pelagic species which share the same environment.

The feeding habits of Euthynnus alletteratus and its variations compared to predator size in the central Mediterranean Sea were investigated. The stomach contents of 187 specimens were analysed, ranging from 26.8 to 50.3 cm total length, caught by authorized experimental drift-nets. The difference in food items found in the stomachs was evaluated by occurrence of prey frequency, prey weight, and prey abundance; these criteria were used to calculate an index of relative importance. Fish were the dominant food detected according to all numerical indicators examined and were mainly represented by Maurolicus muelleri and larval stages of teleosts. Hyperiid amphipods, dominated by Anchylomera blossevillei and Phrosina semilunata, were well represented in terms of frequency of occurrence. Variations in the diet composition compared to fish size were observed. Comparative analysis performed on prey abundance highlighted a trend of increasing predator size-classes among prey items. The specimens of the smallest sizes ate mainly adult clupeiforms and larvae or other juvenile teleosts. As fish grew, there were increased amounts of adult teleosts, crustaceans (hyperiids and isopods) and cephalopods. Maurolicus muelleri was the most important prey for the largest specimens analysed. Significant differences among size-classes, both in prey abundance and in prey weight, were confirmed by non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance (NP-MANOVA).

The impact that microplastics have on baleen whales is a question that remains largely unexplored. This study examined the interaction between free-ranging fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and microplastics by comparing populations living in two semi-enclosed basins, the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California, Mexico). The results indicate that a considerable abundance of microplastics and plastic additives exists in the neustonic samples from Pelagos Sanctuary of the Mediterranean Sea, and that pelagic areas containing high densities of microplastics overlap with whale feeding grounds, suggesting that whales are exposed to microplastics during foraging; this was confirmed by the observation of a temporal increase in toxicological stress in whales. Given the abundance of microplastics in the Mediterranean environment, along with the high concentrations of Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) chemicals, plastic additives and biomarker responses detected in the biopsies of Mediterranean whales as compared to those in whales inhabiting the Sea of Cortez, we believe that exposure to microplastics because of direct ingestion and consumption of contaminated prey poses a major threat to the health of fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea.

Few studies have been carried out regarding the environmental impact of marine cages in the Western Mediterranean Sea. In fact, many more have been published concerning the northern Atlantic areas. A study of the marine fish farm impact of a was carried out to improve knowledge regarding these arguments in the Western Mediterranean. A marine fish farm, with light fish biomass, was selected to evaluate the sensitivity of environmental variables and measure their efficiency over increasing distances. The following environmental parameters were used: hydrodynamic (water current speed and dominant direction in the whole water column) and geochemical (sediment water content, porosity, total volatile substance, sulfide, redox potential, total nitrogen, total and organic carbon, total phosphorous, and total sulphur). The sea current was measured, in the whole water column, with an ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler). Four sampling campaigns were performed in January and July 2001, and in May 2002 and October 2002 according to the different reared biomass. The results showed that the most efficient, practical and sensitive parameters were organic carbon, total carbon, total sulphur, sulfide, potential redox, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. The more detectable effects, highlighted by high levels of organic enrichment, were observed in the stations just beneath the cages; moderate impact was present in the area 50 m around the cages and no disturbance was observed further away from this area. The strong but spatially limited organic enrichment found would seem to suggest that the implementation of best management practices should include fallowing and rotation of sea cages to allow sediment recovery.

We collected pearly razorfish, Xyrichtys novacula (Labridae), from a sandy bottom of Capo d’Orlando (Tyrrhenian Sea) to study their feeding habits. We caught fish by hand-lines and seine nets and identified, counted and weighed food items in their stomachs. We evaluated the importance of the different prey types by calculating the frequency of occurrence, abundance and mass. We used these values to calculate the index of relative importance (IRI) for each taxonomic category and a modified index (MI) which did not incorporate %N into the formula. Gammarideans were dominant food items in terms of %F but showed a very low MI value; the bivalve Acanthocardia tubercolata was the dominant species in terms of %W and MI value. The prey items were mostly benthic organisms belonging to the assemblage of fine, well-sorted sands showing that X. novacula is a benthic feeder. Despite the large number of prey taxa found, few species accounted for most of the prey consumed, indicating specialist feeding, as confirmed by the low value of the Levins’ standardised index. We found significant differences in prey distribution among size classes, with the highest prey diversity recorded in 120–140 mm TL size classes. Correspondence analysis showed a trend of increasing predator size classes among prey items, with small prey, such as copepods and amphipods, in the smallest predator size classes and bigger prey in the larger ones. Prey caught by larger predators differed significantly in weight from those taken by smaller specimens. There was a significant positive correlation of fish length with bivalves, decapods and echinoids, and a negative one with copepods, ostracods, caprellids, gammarideans. There were no significant differences between males and females of overlapping sizes. Juveniles are able to exploit only small, vulnerable prey, while adults take few, large prey, thereby avoiding competition with juveniles.

The impact of fish meal replacement with plant proteins on fish health is still poorly investigated. This study evaluates the effects of several diets containing graded levels of a mixture of gluten meal, soybean meal and soy protein concentrate on some immune parameters of turbot juveniles. The feeding trial was carried out at the aquaculture facilities of the Veterinary University of Bologna (Cesenatico, Italy). Turbot juveniles (9.7kept at 18in 500 l recirculating tanks (in triplicate) were fed four isonitrogenous (51%) and isolipidic diets (16%) (Skretting ARC, Stavanger, NO) for 9 weeks: a reference diet of 50% fish meal (FM50), and three diets containing 35%, 20% and 5% fish meal (FM35; FM20; FM5), with a proportional amount of vegetable ingredients. At the end of the trial, blood samples and spleen tissues were collected and analyzed for serum lysozyme concentration (lysoplate assay), differential leukocyte count (blood smears/May-Grunwald Giemsa) and quantification of splenic melano-macrophage centres (MMCs) (histology/image analyzer). One-way ANOVA and c2-test were applied respectively to humoral and cellular immune parameters to test the effects of dietary treatment. Plant protein diets induced significant changes in several immune parameters in turbot juveniles. Serum lysozyme was higher in turbot fed on FM35 and FM20 diets. The percentage of circulating phagocytes, mainly neutrophils, and splenic MMCs, increased, especially in fish fed FM5 and FM20 diets. No difference was observed in lymphocyte population. The increase in blood phagocytes could be responsible for the rise in serum lysozyme and interpretable as a stress or inflammatory response. Conversely, the lower lysozyme level measured in turbot fed FM5 diet in the face of a higher number of circulating phagocytes could be interpreted as a functional impairment of these cells. The increase in MMCs may be associated with a nutritional deficit, which is more severe in fish fed FM5. Long-term feeding trials are needed in order to gain further insight into the impact of dietary plant proteins on immune function and health in turbot.

The distribution of tributyltin (TBT) in marine sediments from 16 areas of the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Ligurian Seas was investigated, to obtain an extensive description of TBT residues along the whole Italian coast. The selected sites are located in three different types of marine areas: near important harbours, near river mouths and in coastal areas with moderate anthropogenic impact. The highest concentrations were measured in the harbour areas of the Gulfs of Naples and Taranto (17.81 and 21.08 ng Sn g−1 d.w., respectively). The lowest values were observed in coastal areas of the S. Eufemia and Policastro Gulfs (7.23 and 7.41 ng Sn g−1 dry weight (d.w.) respectively). On the whole, the sampled sediments may be considered as lightly contaminated, according to recent international classification. The statistical analysis suggests a significant combined effect of type of coastal area and marine basin on the TBT values, while the grain size does not seem to have analogous importance in the distri...

The reproductive biology of the Mediterranean razor fish Xyrichthys novacula was investigated by demographic data and histological analysis of the female, intersexual and male gonads. Specimens were collected by bottom trawl on a monthly basis between June 2000 and July 2001 in a sandy bay in southern Thyrrenian. Gonad histology confirmed that the Mediterranean razor fish is a monandric, protogynous hermaphrodite. Females reached first sexual maturity at 100 mm (L T ) and the estimated mean LT at first maturity (L 50 ) was 125 mm. Females exhibited asynchronous ovarian development and multiple ovulations occurred over the spawning period. Vitellogenesis started in early May and spawning occurred from late May until late September. Sexual transition involved a large-scale atresia of all oocyte stages and a massive degeneration of ovarian tissue followed by primordial germ cells proliferation. Sex change began at spawning time (June) but transitional individuals tended to cluster at the end of the reproductive period (September). They accounted for 17.1% of the population sampled and were found in a broad size range (105-150 mm L T ).

Captive-reared dusky grouper were induced to ovulate using a sustained-release delivery system (implant) loaded with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist [D-Ala 6 , Pro 9 , NEt]-GnRH (GnRHa). Thirteen females were implanted at doses ranging from 30.5 to 68.3 A gk g 1 during three experiments between late June and early September. Of the injected females, 85% responded positively to the GnRHa implant and ovulated between 60 and 238 h after treatment, whereas none of control fish showed any sign of maturation. No spontaneous spawning was observed, and the eggs were manually removed from the females using gentle abdominal pressure. The mean number of ovulations per fish was 3.8, with a maximum of nine for one female. Overall, a total of 42 ovulations were obtained, resulting in the production of more than 5 million eggs. The average relative fecundity was 118.3F16.010 3 eggs kg 1 BW, with a maximum of 202.210 3 eggs kg 1 BW. Mean percentage fertilisation and hatching were 48.2% and 52.2%, respectively. The results demonstrate that GnRHa administration via controlled delivery systems is an effective method for producing good quality eggs in captive dusky grouper. D 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The presence of intensive fish farms in the Orbetello Lagoon (Italian West Coast) has produced a heavy impact on the environment and has led to a large-scale cyclic development of opportunistic macroalgae. The farms are equipped with phytotreatment basins to treat the effluent. Although it is possible to find reports in the literature of phytotreatment techniques suitable for fish-farming effluents, they refer solely to pilot scale. The flooded areas used for phytotreatment permit the growth of huge quantities of macroalgae, which remove nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from the effluent. These ponds are unmanaged, and N and P are released when this vegetation dies during the Summer. Between June 1999 and May 2000 research was carried out on an intensive fish-farming facility that produces about 100 tonnes per year of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) and gilt head sea bream (Sparus aurata L.), occupying a volume of 9000 m3. The wastewater from the plant is discharged to four phytotreatment ponds, arranged in series, and, ultimately, released into the nearby sea-lagoon canal. The research aims were: (a) to quantify the N and P in the effluent from an intensive fish farm facility which are retained by the macroalgae and sediments as the effluent passes through the phytotreatment system; (b) to detect any seasonal variations in nutrient distribution; (c) to determine spatial distribution of the nutrients between input and output of the phytotreatment system. During the test period the physico-chemical parameters of the water were recorded; sediment total organic carbon (STOC), sediment total nitrogen (STN), sediment total phosphorus (STP), macroalgal total carbon (MTC), macroalgal total nitrogen (MTN) and macroalgal total phosphorus (MTP) were determined. Also the micro- and macroalgal biomasses were determined and a floristic list was made. The data collected over the test period were subjected to discriminant type multivariate analysis. The results indicate that: (1) the system size and water residence time are not sufficient to produce adequate abatement; (2) the quantity of nutrients involved in this system is too high for the system itself to be controlled by macroalgal growth alone; (3) the Ulva rigida biomass develops over too short a period of the year (February–June) and is accompanied by rapid decomposition that produces extreme environmental conditions.

The aim of the investigation was to quantify, during the daytime, the nutritional components N and P (as dissolved and particulate) discharged into the Orbetello Lagoon (Tuscany, Italy) from a fish farming facility equipped with a phytotreatment (lagooning) system to treat the effluent produced. Consideration was also given to the water quality improvement capacity of the treatment system used during the daytime phase in which Ulva rigida C. Ag develops spontaneously. Taking into consideration the short residence time (about 8 h) of the water inside the phytotreatment ponds, the results revealed a very active process of nitrification, an appreciable soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) abatement (15%), a relatively small mean annual dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) abatement (5%), sharp reduction in the organic fraction vis-a-vis the inorganic fraction in the particulate component and an appreciable modification of the physicochemical parameters, in particular the pH and dissolved oxygen (DO). The DIN and SRP uptake rates were relatively low compared to literature data. The most efficient DIN uptakes were obtained with algal densities between 700 and 1500 g/m2 wet weight (w.w.). Discriminant statistical analysis indicates that lagooning had a strong effect on the effluent despite the short residence time.

In this paper we describe the characteristics and the applications of the multivariate methods for spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques independent component analysis (ICA) and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) focused to their use in environmental studies. In our opinion, these methods are important because they allow to characterize environmental samples with different aims and scopes from those generally obtained by means of more common multivariate methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS). The new insights of these methods in recent environmental studies are reviewed and debated. Fil: Mecozzi, Mauro. Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research; Italia Fil: Tudino, Mabel Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina Fil: Finoia, Maria Grazia. Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research; Italia Fil: Conti, Marcelo Enrique. Università degli studi di Roma "La Sapienza"; Italia

In this study, we investigated Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile leaves and in the brown algae Cystoseira sp. sampled along a 280-km transect in the Tyrrhenian Sea, from the Ustica to Linosa Islands (Sicily, Italy) with the aim to determine their control charts (baseline levels). By applying the Johnson’s (Biometrika 36:149–175, 1949) probabilistic method, we determined the metal concentration overlap ranges in a group of five biomonitors. Here, we propose the use of the indexes of bioaccumulation with respect to the lowest (L′i) and the highest (L i) extreme values of the overlap metal concentration ranges. These indexes allow the identification of the most opportune organism (or a suite of them) to better managing particular environmental conditions. Posidonia leaves have generally high L i indexes for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, and this suggests its use as biomonitor for baseline marine areas. Our results confirm the high aptitude of Patella as a good biomonitor for Cd levels in seawater. From this study, Ustica resulted with higher levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn than the other Sicilian Islands.

Lazio is a region particularly affected by catastrophic sinkhole collapse. For some areas sinkholes appear to be sporadic, whilst other areas are particularly affected by sinkholes. These events can cause considerable damage when they occur in an urban area or in areas with transport networks. For several years, the Lazio Region has conducted studies on sinkholes in order to define areas prone to this phenomenon. This study involved the use of cartographic sources, historical documentation, as well as field trips, in order to construct an inventory of sinkhole cases in the region, as well as to identify sinkhole prone areas (SPAs). The inventory allowed each sinkhole case to be analysed within the geological and hydrogeological setting, as well as the surrounding vegetation and degree of urbanisation, in which it occurred. Correlations were also performed with tectonic and structural trends, and with triggering factors, such as earthquakes. Some predisposing variables to sinkhole phenomena are then selected. The application of multivariate logistic regression and geospatial analyses allows the selection of the most significant factors, as well as their optimal weights used to construct a sinkhole susceptibility map of the Latium Region at the 1:250,000 scale. The identification of the susceptibility grade of SPAs will help in the management of these areas, based on the risk level.

Demographic data and gonad histology confirmed that the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus is a protogynous hermaphrodite that follows a monandric pathway to sexual development. Females reached first sexual maturity at 36.7 cm L S and estimated mean length at first maturity (L 50 ) was 43.8 cm L S for females and 81.3 cm L S for males. Adult sex ratios during the reproductive period were c. 3.5: 1 females to males. Females exhibited group-synchronous ovarian development and multiple ovulation occurred over the spawning period. Gonads were ripe from early May and spawning occurred from June until early September. The size of ripe testes (0.6% W) indicated strong oligospermy and suggested a mating system with no sperm competition. Sexual transition was protogynous involving regression of ovarian tissue and proliferation of testicular tissue in the gonads. Transitional individuals occurred from May through November and accounted for 9% of sampled adult population. Sex change occurred in fish 69-93 cm (L S ) long and the size distributions of males and females overlapped over 27% of the L S range Special zones were recognized as gathering areas for sexually mature dusky groupers during the reproductive period.

BACKGROUND: The levels of 19 elements (As, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn) from sixteen different Argentine production sites of unifloral [eucalyptus (Eucaliptus rostrata), chilca (Baccharis salicifolia), Algarrobo (Prosopis sp.), mistol (Ziziphus mistol) and citric] and multifloral honeys were measured with the aim to test the quality of the selected samples. Typical quality parameters of honeys were also determined (pH, sugar content, moisture). Mineral elements were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS DRC). We also evaluated the suitability of honey as a possible biomonitor of environmental pollution. Thus, the sites were classified through cluster analysis (CA) and then pattern recognition methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) were applied. RESULTS: MEAN VALUES FOR QUALITY PARAMETERS WERE: pH, 4.12 and 3.81; sugar 82.1 and 82.0 °brix; moisture, 16.90 and 17.00% for unifloral and multifloral honeys respectively. The water content showed good maturity. Likewise, the other parameters confirmed the good quality of the honeys analysed. Potassium was quantitatively the most abundant metal, accounting for 92,5% of the total metal contents with an average concentration of 832.0 and 816.2 μg g(-1) for unifloral and multifloral honeys respectively. Sodium was the second most abundant major metal in honeys with a mean value of 32.16 and 33.19 μg g(-1) for unifloral and multifloral honeys respectively. Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were present at low-intermediate concentrations. For the other 11 trace elements determined in this study (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U and V), the mean concentrations were very low or below of the LODs. The sites were classified through CA by using elements' and physicochemical parameters data, then DA on the PCA factors was applied. Dendrograms identified three main groups. PCA explained 52.03% of the total variability with the first two factors. CONCLUSIONS: In general, there are no evidences of pollution for the analysed honeys. The analytical results obtained for the Argentine honeys indicate the products' high quality. In fact, most of the toxic elements were below LODs. The chemometric analysis combining CA, DA and PCA showed their aptness as useful tools for honey's classification. Eventually, this study confirms that the use of honey as biomonitor of environmental contamination is not reliable for sites with low levels of contamination.

This study is aimed at assessing the effects of multiple stressors (thermal shock, fishing capture, and exposure to air) on the benthic stomatopod Squilla mantis, a burrowing crustacean quite widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. Laboratory analyses were carried out to explore the physiological impairment onset over time, based on emersion and thermal shocks, on farmed individuals. Parallel field-based studies were carried out to also investigate the role of fishing (i.e., otter trawling) in inducing physiological imbalance in different seasonal conditions. The dynamics of physiological recovery from physiological disruption were also studied. Physiological stress was assessed by analysing hemolymph metabolites (L-Lactate, D-glucose, ammonia, and H+), as well as glycogen concentration in muscle tissues. The experiments were carried out according to a factorial scheme considering the three factors (thermal shock, fishing capture, and exposure to air) at two fixed levels in order to explore possible synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects among factors. Additive effects on physiological parameters were mainly detected when the three factors interacted together while synergistic effects were found as effect of the combination of two factors. This finding highlights that the physiological adaptive and maladaptive processes induced by the stressors result in a dynamic response that may encounter physiological limits when high stress levels are sustained. Thus, a further increase in the physiological parameters due to synergies cannot be reached. Moreover, when critical limits are encountered, mortality occurs and physiological parameters reflect the response of the last survivors. In the light of our mortality studies, thermal shock and exposure to air have the main effect on the survival of S. mantis only on trawled individuals, while lab-farmed individuals did not show any mortality during exposure to air until after 2 hours.