Whole-Cell Biosensor for Iron Monitoring as a Potential Tool for Safeguarding Biodiversity in Polar Marine Environments.

Iron is a key micronutrient essential for various essential biological processes. As a consequence, alteration in iron concentration in seawater can deeply influence marine biodiversity. In polar marine environments, where environmental conditions are characterized by low temperatures, the role of iron becomes particularly significant. While iron limitation can negatively influence primary production and nutrient cycling, excessive iron concentrations can lead to harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Furthermore, the growth of certain phytoplankton species can be increased in high-iron-content environments, resulting in altered balance in the marine food web and reduced biodiversity. Although many chemical/physical methods are established for inorganic iron quantification, the determination of the bio-available iron in seawater samples is more suitably carried out using marine microorganisms as biosensors. Despite existing challenges, whole-cell biosensors offer other advantages, such as real-time detection, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manipulation, making them promising tools for monitoring environmental iron levels in polar marine ecosystems. In this review, we discuss fundamental biosensor designs and assemblies, arranging host features, transcription factors, reporter proteins, and detection methods. The progress in the genetic manipulation of iron-responsive regulatory and reporter modules is also addressed to the optimization of the biosensor performance, focusing on the improvement of sensitivity and specificity.

Microplastics drive community dynamics of periphytic protozoan fauna in marine environments.

The pollution of microplastics (MPs) to the marine environment has become a widespread focus of attention. To assess MP-induced ecotoxicity on marine ecosystems, periphytic protozoan communities were used as test organisms and exposed to five concentrations of MPs: 0, 1, 5, 25, and 125 mg l-1. Protozoan samples were collected using microscope slides from coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. A total of 13 protozoan species were identified and represented different tolerance to MP-induced ecotoxicity. Inhibition effects of MPs on the test protozoan communities were clearly shown in terms of both the species richness and individual abundance and followed linear relationships to MP concentrations. The community patterns were driven by MPs and significantly shifted at concentrations over 5 mg l-1. Our findings demonstrated that MPs may induce the community-level ecotoxic response of periphytic protozoan fauna and followed significant community dynamics. Thus, it is suggested that periphytic protozoan fauna may be used as useful community-based test model organisms for evaluating MP-induced ecotoxicity in marine environments.

Can salinity variability drive the colonization dynamics of periphytic protozoan fauna in marine environments?

To investigate effects of salinity variability on colonization dynamics of periphytic protozoan fauna, a 21-day study was conducted in temperature-controlled circulation systems (TCCSs). Periphytic protozoan communities were incubated using glass slides as artificial substrata in five TCCS aquaria with a large-scale salinity gradient of 9, 19, 29 (control), 39, and 49 PSU, respectively. The colonization dynamics were observed on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21. The colonization dynamics were well fitted to the MacArthur-Wilson and logistic model equations in colonization and growth curves in all five treatments, respectively. However, the maximum species richness and abundance were reduced, and the colonization patterns were significantly shifted in four treatments with salinity changed by 20 PSU compared to the control (29 PSU). Thus, it is suggested that the large-scale salinity variability may reduce the species richness significantly and affect colonization dynamics of periphytic protozoan fauna in marine environments.

Marine biodegradation of plastic films by Alcanivorax under various ambient temperatures: Bacterial enrichment, morphology alteration, and release of degradation products.

The global ocean has been receiving massive amounts of plastic wastes. Marine biodegradation, influenced by global climate, naturally breaks down these wastes. In this study, we systematically compared the biodegradation performance of petroleum- and bio-based plastic films, i.e., low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) under three ambient temperatures (4, 15, and 22 °C). We deployed the our previously isolated cold-tolerant plastic-degrading Alcanivorax to simulate the accelerated marine biodegradation process and evaluated the alteration of bacterial growth, plastic films, and released degradation products. Notably, we found that marine biodegradation of PHA films enriched more bacterial amounts, induced more conspicuous morphological damage, and released more microplastics (MPs) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) under all temperatures compared to LDPE and PLA. Particularly, MPs were released from film edges and cracks with a mean size of 2.8 µm under all temperatures. In addition, the degradation products released by biodegradation of PHA under 22 °C induced the highest acute toxicity to Vibrio fischeri. Our results highlighted that: (1) marine biodegradation of plastics would release millions of MPs per cm2 exposed surface area even in cold environments within 60 days; (2) different marine biodegradation scenarios of these plastics may raise disparate impacts and mitigation-related studies.

The pillars of the sea: strategies to achieve successful marine citizen science programs in the Mediterranean area.

Marine ecosystems are facing a dramatic loss of biodiversity worldwide, together with a widespread collapse of habitats and their functionality. In this context, Marine Citizen Science (MCS) can be a powerful tool to monitor these changes over time. The flowering of very well-structured international projects is strengthening the scientific credibility of MCS data, especially when data are collected after specifically designed training programs and shared in public user-friendly repositories. Here we present a new perspective on the use of MCS in the Mediterranean area, along with the main benefits for the stakeholders (i.e., diving centers, trainers, and policymakers) and the users (i.e., divers), resumed in three pillars: Pillar I - MCS as a tool for the site valorization; Pillar II - MCS as a new career opportunity for graduated students; Pillar III - MCS as a business opportunity for diving centers. In the frame of the Quintuple Helix Approach, for which there is a strong need of a socioecological transition of the society and economy, we show how MCS can be a win-win-win solution for all the actors involved, providing the vision for new and highly qualified job and business opportunities for the diving sector.

Identifying pathways of pharmaceutical exposure in a mesoconsumer marine fish.

Pharmaceutical uptake involves processes that vary across aquatic systems and biota. However, single studies examining multiple environmental compartments, microhabitats, biota, and exposure pathways in mesoconsumer fish are sparse. We investigated the pharmaceutical burden in bonefish (Albula vulpes), pathways of exposure, and estimated exposure to a human daily dose. To evaluate exposure pathways, the number and composition of pharmaceuticals across compartments and the bioconcentration in prey and bonefish were assessed. To evaluate bioaccumulation, we proposed the use of a field-derived bioaccumulation factor (fBAF), due to variability inherent to natural systems. Exposure to a human daily dose was based on bonefish daily energetic requirements and consumption rates using pharmaceutical concentrations in prey. Pharmaceutical number and concentration were highest in prey, followed by bonefish, water and sediment. Fifteen pharmaceuticals were detected in common among bonefish, prey, and water; all of which bioconcentrated in prey and bonefish, and four bioaccumulated in bonefish. The composition of detected pharmaceuticals was compartment specific, and prey were most similar to bonefish. Bonefish were exposed to a maximum of 1.2 % of a human daily dose via prey consumption. Results highlight the need for multicompartment assessments of exposure and consideration of prey along with water as a pathway of exposure.

Understanding pharmaceutical exposure and the potential for effects in marine biota: A survey of bonefish (Albula vulpes) across the Caribbean Basin.

Most research on pharmaceutical presence in the environment to date has focused on smaller scale assessments of freshwater and riverine systems, relying mainly on assays of water samples, while studies in marine ecosystems and of exposed biota are sparse. This study investigated the pharmaceutical burden in bonefish (Albula vulpes), an important recreational and artisanal fishery, to quantify pharmaceutical exposure throughout the Caribbean Basin. We sampled 74 bonefish from five regions, and analyzed them for 102 pharmaceuticals. We assessed the influence of sampling region on the number of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical assemblage, and risk of pharmacological effects. To evaluate the risk of pharmacological effects at the scale of the individual, we proposed a metric based on the human therapeutic plasma concentration (HTPC), comparing measured concentrations to a threshold of 1/3 the HTPC for each pharmaceutical. Every bonefish had at least one pharmaceutical, with an average of 4.9 and a maximum of 16 pharmaceuticals in one individual. At least one pharmaceutical was detected in exceedance of the 1/3 HTPC threshold in 39% of bonefish, with an average of 0.6 and a maximum of 11 pharmaceuticals exceeding in a Key West individual. The number of pharmaceuticals (49 detected in total) differed across regions, but the risk of pharmacological effects did not (23 pharmaceuticals exceeded the 1/3 HTPC threshold). The most common pharmaceuticals were venlafaxine (43 bonefish), atenolol (36), naloxone (27), codeine (27), and trimethoprim (24). Findings suggest that pharmaceutical detections and concentration may be independent, emphasizing the need to monitor risk to biota regardless of exposure diversity, and to focus on risk quantified at the individual level. This study supports the widespread presence of pharmaceuticals in marine systems and shows the utility of applying the HTPC to assess the potential for pharmacological effects, and thus quantify impact of exposure at large spatial scales.

Broad-spectrum hydrocarbon-degrading microbes in the global ocean metagenomes.

Understanding the diversity and functions of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms in marine environments is crucial for both advancing knowledge of biogeochemical processes and improving bioremediation methods. In this study, we leveraged nearly 20,000 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), recovered from a wide array of marine samples across the global oceans, to map the diversity of aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms. A broad bacterial diversity was uncovered, with a notable preference for degrading aliphatic hydrocarbons over aromatic ones, primarily within Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota. Three types of broad-spectrum hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were identified for their ability to degrade various hydrocarbons and possession of multiple copies of hydrocarbon biodegradation genes. These bacteria demonstrate extensive metabolic versatility, aiding their survival and adaptability in diverse environmental conditions. Evidence of gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer in these microbes suggested a potential enhancement in the diversity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. Positive correlations were observed between the abundances of hydrocarbon-degrading genes and environmental parameters such as temperature (-5 to 35 °C) and salinity (20 to 42 PSU). Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into marine hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms and suggest considerations for selecting microbial strains for oil pollution remediation.

Vertical distribution and risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants in southern North Sea coastal waters.

Pharmaceutical compounds are micropollutants of emerging concern, as well as other classes of chemicals such as UV filters and artificial sweeteners. They enter marine environments via wastewater treatment plants, aquaculture runoff, hospital effluents, and shipping activities. While many studies have investigated the presence and distribution of these pollutants in numerous coastal areas, our study is the first to focus on their occurrence, spatial distribution, and vertical distribution in the sea surface microlayer (SML) and the near-surface layer of marine environments. We analyzed 62 pharmaceutical compounds, one UV filter, and six artificial sweeteners from the SML to the corresponding underlying water (0 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm, and 150 cm) at four stations in the southern North Sea. One station is the enclosed Jade Bay, one is the Weser estuary at Bremerhaven, and the other two stations (NS_7 and NS_8) are in the open German Bight. Jade Bay receives pollutants from surrounding wastewater treatment plants, while the Weser estuary receives pollutants from cities like Bremerhaven, which has dense populations and industrial activities. Concentrations of pharmaceutical compounds were higher in the upper water layers (from the SML to 20 cm). Eleven pharmaceutical compounds (caffeine, carbamazepine, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, metoprolol, salicylic acid, clarithromycin, novobiocin, clindamycin, trimethoprim, and tylosin) were detected in >95 % of our samples. One UV filter (benzophenone-4) was found in 83 % and three artificial sweeteners (acesulfame, saccharin, and sucralose) in 100 % of all our samples. All artificial sweeteners posed high risks to the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. Understanding the spatial and vertical distribution of pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants in marine environments may be essential in assessing their dispersal and detection in other aquatic environments.

Phytoplankton composition from Araçá Bay and São Sebastião Channel, São Paulo, Brazil

: Despite its small area, Araçá Bay (AB) holds cultural, historical, and economic value and displays great benthic biodiversity. Thus, it is crucial to monitor its environmental health, including knowing the main groups of phytoplankton and their temporal variability. The shallow waters of Araçá Bay are continuously modified by the complex hydrography of the adjacent São Sebastião channel (SSC), challenging standard experimental designs for phytoplankton collection. Here we report changes in phytoplankton composition at intervals of five to six weeks from September 2013 to August 2014 in both Araçá Bay and SSC. Samples were collected twice daily for three consecutive days to increase taxonomic resolution. Our goal was to provide an inventory of species occurrences to aid future public policies and environmental management of the area. Analyses revealed high species richness and 166 different phytoplankton taxa. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were always numerically dominant, but taxa occurrence changed markedly. Diatoms of the genera Pseudo-nitzschia were abundant during spring and summer concurrently to signatures of South Atlantic Central Water in the SSC, while Thalassiosira occurred when waters displayed relatively lower salinity. The inventory demonstrated several potentially harmful species of microalgae and cyanobacteria, strongly suggesting investments in monitoring programs in this area that currently experience an increase in population.

Environmental perception of fishermen: use and conservation of fisheries resources / Percepção ambiental de pescadores: uso e conservação dos recursos pesqueiros

Abstract: The principal aim was to assess the environmental perception of the fishermen, and implement educational activities, on an island in Brazil. Twelve people between the ages of 23 and 63 were interviewed, of whom 75% were male, and 58.33% did not complete their elementary education. Regarding social benefits, 33.33% receive a family allowance and 16.66% receive the so-called 'green allowance' (financial assistance to extremely poor families who live in areas of environmental preservation). Fishing remains the main economic activity (58.73%). The most common types of fishing gear are the 'zangarias' (41.66%) and 'muruadas' (41.66%), used to catch white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti), the main resource traded on the island (83.33%). All those interviewed reported a change in the size and weight of the catch in recent years (100%), and 75% attribute this to the types of trap used. Talks, films and booklets, as environmental education activities, contributed to community awareness. The population is familiar with the effects of fishing traps, and shows an interest in changing the situation.

Resumo: O objetivo principal foi avaliar a percepção ambiental dos pescadores e implementar atividades educacionais, em uma ilha no Brasil. Doze pessoas entre as idades de 23 e 63 anos foram entrevistadas, das quais 75% eram do sexo masculino, e 58,33% não completou seu ensino fundamental. Em relação aos benefícios sociais, 33,33% recebem o Bolsa Família e 16,66% recebem o chamado "Bolsa Verde" (assistência financeira a famílias extremamente pobres que vivem em áreas de preservação ambiental). A pesca continua a ser a principal atividade econômica (58,73%). Os tipos mais comuns de artes de pesca são as 'zangarias' (41,66%) e 'muruadas' (41,66%), utilizadas para capturar camarão branco (Litopenaeus schmitti), o principal recurso comercializado na ilha (83,33%). Todos os entrevistados relataram uma mudança no tamanho e peso da captura nos últimos anos (100%) e 75% atribuem isso aos tipos de armadilhas utilizadas. Conversas, filmes e cartilhas, como atividades de educação ambiental, contribuíram para a conscientização da comunidade. A população está familiarizada com os efeitos das armadilhas de pesca e mostra interesse em mudar a situação.

Historia de la investigación marino-costera en Bahía Culebra, Pacífico Norte, Guanacaste, Costa Rica / History of coastal-marine research in Bahía Culebra, North Pacific, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

History of coastal-marine research in Bahía Culebra, North Pacific, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Bahía Culebra (Culebra Bay) is located on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica in a seasonal upwelling area. In this paper I present the history of marine research at Bahía Culebra, to summarize what is known and to point out research that should be carried out. Marine organisms of the Bay have been stud ied since the 1920’s and very intensely during the 1930’s, with the Alan Hancock Pacific Expeditions and the New York Society Zoological Expeditions. Most marine research has been done since 1980 by the Marine Science and Limnology Reseach Center (Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, CIMAR) at the University of Costa Rica. The best studied systems are the coral communities and reefs, followed by zooplankton research. In a compilation of published records of marine organisms 577 are reported and in this Special Issue 20 more are added, for a total of 597 marine species. Even so, more research is needed in several ecosystems and groups. It is necessary and important to develop managment plans to protect and conserve the marine ecosystems and biodiversity of Bahía Culebra.

Bahía Culebra está ubicada en la costa Pacífica norte de Costa Rica en una región de afloramiento estacional. En este trabajo presento la historia de la investigación marina en Bahía Culebra, para sintetizar lo que se ha hecho y resaltar lo que falta por investigar. Los organismos marinos de Bahía Culebra se empezaron a estudiar en la década de 1920 y muy intensamente en la década de 1930 con las expediciones de la Fundación Allan Hancock y de la Sociedad Zoológica de Nueva York. La mayor parte de la investigación marina se ha realizado desde la década de 1980 por investigadores y estudiantes del Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR) de la Universidad de Costa Rica. Los ecosistemas mejor estudiados son las comunidades y arrecifes coralinos, seguido por las investigaciones sobre zooplancton. Se han publicado registros de 577 especies marinas en Bahía Culebra y se le suman 20 especies más con las publicadas en este Suplemento. Aún así, todavía falta estudiar varios ecosistemas y grupos de organismos. Es imperativo realizar esfuerzo para proteger y conservar los ecosistemas y biodiversidad marina de Bahía Culebra.

Filamentous fungi isolated from sand and water of "Bairro Novo" and "Casa Caiada" beaches, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil / Fungos filamentosos isolados do solo e da água nas praias de Bairro Novo e Casa Caiada, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brasil

Fungi comprehend a heterogeneous group of heterotrophic microorganisms that act as saprobes or parasites or, less frequently, as symbionts living in association with other organisms. They are cosmopolitan and important components of ecosystems. Considering the small number of Brazilian papers on the filamentous mycota in marine environments, and the need to improve knowledge of the diversity of these microfungi in "Casa Caiada" and "Bairro Novo" beaches, Olinda, PE, the aim of this work was to isolate and identify the fungi from sand and water samples of these ecosystems. Thirty two samplings of sand (surface and 20 cm deep) and water (surface and 1 m deep) were carried out during the dry and rainy seasons, in low and high tide. From each sand sample, a suspension was made with 50 g of sand diluted in 90 mL of sterilized distilled water. From each sand suspension and water sample, 0.5 mL was spread, in triplicate, onto Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Agar added of chloramphenicol. The plates were incubated at 28 °C (±2 °C). Fifty seven species were isolated, identified, and classified in 20 genera. Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most frequent genera in both sand and water, with a total of 11 and 19 species, respectively.

Os fungos compreendem um grupo heterogêneo de microorganismos heterotróficos, atuando como sapróbios ou parasitas, ou menos freqüentemente como simbiontes, vivendo em associação com outros organismos. São cosmopolitas e componentes importantes dos ecossistemas. Considerando-se a escassez de trabalhos no Brasil que tratam da micota filamentosa em ambientes marinhos, e ainda a necessidade do conhecimento da diversidade desses microfungos nas praias de Casa Caiada e Bairro Novo, Olinda, PE, este trabalho teve como objetivo o isolamento e identificação de fungos, em amostras de solo e de água, desses ecossistemas. Foram realizadas 32 coletas do solo (em superfície e a 20 cm de profundidade) e da água (em superfície e a 1 m de profundidade), nos períodos de estiagem e chuvoso, na baixa-mar e preamar. De cada amostra de solo, foi feita uma suspensão de 50 g de solo em 90 mL de água destilada esterilizada, e de cada amostra de solo e água foi retirado 0,5 mL para o semeio em triplicata em placas de Petri contendo ágar Sabouraud acrescido de cloranfenicol e incubadas sob temperatura ambiente (28 ± 2 °C). Foram isoladas e identificadas 57 espécies correspondentes a 20 gêneros. Aspergillus e Penicillium dominaram tanto no solo quanto na água, com um total de 11 e 19 espécies, respectivamente.

Filamentous fungi isolated from sand and water of "Bairro Novo" and "Casa Caiada" beaches, Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil

Fungi comprehend a heterogeneous group of heterotrophic microorganisms that act as saprobes or parasites or, less frequently, as symbionts living in association with other organisms. They are cosmopolitan and important components of ecosystems. Considering the small number of Brazilian papers on the filamentous mycota in marine environments, and the need to improve knowledge of the diversity of these microfungi in "Casa Caiada" and "Bairro Novo" beaches, Olinda, PE, the aim of this work was to isolate and identify the fungi from sand and water samples of these ecosystems. Thirty two samplings of sand (surface and 20 cm deep) and water (surface and 1 m deep) were carried out during the dry and rainy seasons, in low and high tide. From each sand sample, a suspension was made with 50 g of sand diluted in 90 mL of sterilized distilled water. From each sand suspension and water sample, 0.5 mL was spread, in triplicate, onto Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Agar added of chloramphenicol. The plates were incubated at 28 °C (±2 °C). Fifty seven species were isolated, identified, and classified in 20 genera. Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most frequent genera in both sand and water, with a total of 11 and 19 species, respectively.

Os fungos compreendem um grupo heterogêneo de microorganismos heterotróficos, atuando como sapróbios ou parasitas, ou menos freqüentemente como simbiontes, vivendo em associação com outros organismos. São cosmopolitas e componentes importantes dos ecossistemas. Considerando-se a escassez de trabalhos no Brasil que tratam da micota filamentosa em ambientes marinhos, e ainda a necessidade do conhecimento da diversidade desses microfungos nas praias de Casa Caiada e Bairro Novo, Olinda, PE, este trabalho teve como objetivo o isolamento e identificação de fungos, em amostras de solo e de água, desses ecossistemas. Foram realizadas 32 coletas do solo (em superfície e a 20 cm de profundidade) e da água (em superfície e a 1 m de profundidade), nos períodos de estiagem e chuvoso, na baixa-mar e preamar. De cada amostra de solo, foi feita uma suspensão de 50 g de solo em 90 mL de água destilada esterilizada, e de cada amostra de solo e água foi retirado 0,5 mL para o semeio em triplicata em placas de Petri contendo ágar Sabouraud acrescido de cloranfenicol e incubadas sob temperatura ambiente (28 ± 2 °C). Foram isoladas e identificadas 57 espécies correspondentes a 20 gêneros. Aspergillus e Penicillium dominaram tanto no solo quanto na água, com um total de 11 e 19 espécies, respectivamente.