Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107866
Boris A. López
The marine wood-boring bivalve Bankia martensi (Stempell, 1899) is the primary agent responsible for wood degradation along the Chilean coast. However, there is limited understanding of its interactions with other marine wood-biofouling species. Previous studies have shown an inverse relationship between biofouling cover on wood and the recruitment and growth of B. martensi. These trends may vary over time and at different depths. Consequently, during the austral autumn and spring of 2024, pine wood panels (25 x 15 × 5 cm) were submerged at three different depths (1, 3, and 5 m below the water surface) in Metri Bay (41°36′S; 72°42′W). After five months, B. martensi recruitment and size were assessed, along with biofouler cover and biomass on the panels. The recruitment and size of B. martensi were higher in spring (1.7 ± 0.3 perforations∗cm−2) than in autumn (0.5 ± 0.2 perforations∗cm−2) and diminished with increasing depth (mainly at 5 m). Inverse associations were observed between the recruitment and size of B. martensi specimens and the cover and biomass of the main biofouler species. These results suggest that the presence of biofouling species influences larval settlement and growth of B. martensi. Furthermore, these potential interspecific competition relationships change depending on season and depth, thereby affecting the rate at which xylophagous species degrade wood. Manipulative experiments with biofouler species, as well as measurements of the reproductive traits of B. martensi, could help us understand the biological interactions between marine wood borers and biofouler species.
海洋钻木双壳贝Bankia martensi (Stempell, 1899)是智利沿海木材退化的主要原因。然而,对其与其他海洋木材生物污染物种的相互作用了解有限。以往的研究表明,木材上的生物污染覆盖度与马氏白僵菌的吸收和生长呈反比关系。这些趋势可能随着时间和深度的不同而变化。因此,在2024年秋季和春季,在米特里湾(41°36'S; 72°42'W)的三个不同深度(水面以下1,3和5 m)淹没了松木板(25 x 15 x 5 cm)。5个月后,评估了马氏白僵菌的数量和大小,以及生物燃料覆盖和面板上的生物量。马氏白刺在春季(1.7±0.3个孔(∗cm−2))比秋季(0.5±0.2个孔(∗cm−2))招募量大,且随深度增加(主要在5 m)而减小。马氏白僵菌的数量和大小与主要物种的盖度和生物量呈负相关。这些结果表明,生物污染物种的存在影响了马氏白鲟的幼虫定居和生长。此外,这些潜在的种间竞争关系会随着季节和深度的变化而变化,从而影响食木物种降解木材的速度。通过对木纹螟种群的操作实验,以及对马氏b.m artensi繁殖性状的测定,有助于了解木纹螟与木纹螟之间的生物相互作用。
{"title":"Relationship between biofouling abundance on wood and the recruitment and growth of the wood-boring bivalve Bankia martensi (Stempell, 1899) - Seasonal and bathymetric variations","authors":"Boris A. López","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107866","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107866","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The marine wood-boring bivalve <em>Bankia martensi</em> (Stempell, 1899) is the primary agent responsible for wood degradation along the Chilean coast. However, there is limited understanding of its interactions with other marine wood-biofouling species. Previous studies have shown an inverse relationship between biofouling cover on wood and the recruitment and growth of <em>B. martensi</em>. These trends may vary over time and at different depths. Consequently, during the austral autumn and spring of 2024, pine wood panels (25 x 15 × 5 cm) were submerged at three different depths (1, 3, and 5 m below the water surface) in Metri Bay (41°36′S; 72°42′W). After five months, <em>B. martensi</em> recruitment and size were assessed, along with biofouler cover and biomass on the panels. The recruitment and size of <em>B. martensi</em> were higher in spring (1.7 ± 0.3 perforations∗cm<sup>−2</sup>) than in autumn (0.5 ± 0.2 perforations∗cm<sup>−2</sup>) and diminished with increasing depth (mainly at 5 m). Inverse associations were observed between the recruitment and size of <em>B. martensi</em> specimens and the cover and biomass of the main biofouler species. These results suggest that the presence of biofouling species influences larval settlement and growth of <em>B. martensi</em>. Furthermore, these potential interspecific competition relationships change depending on season and depth, thereby affecting the rate at which xylophagous species degrade wood. Manipulative experiments with biofouler species, as well as measurements of the reproductive traits of <em>B. martensi</em>, could help us understand the biological interactions between marine wood borers and biofouler species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107866"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Increasing UV radiation and persistent petroleum-derived contaminants in aquatic environments have raised concerns regarding their combined effects on primary producers. Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, are particularly vulnerable owing to their surface-dwelling nature and their high sensitivity to impairment of photosystem II (PSII). The hazards associated with photosynthetic failure under ultraviolet (UV) stress in the presence of oil-derived mixtures remain inadequately quantified, particularly under environmentally realistic light spectra. This study addressed this knowledge gap by characterizing the joint effects of UV radiation and petroleum hydrocarbons on algal PSII function and viability. This study aimed to quantify failure thresholds using PAM fluorometry and survival analysis, and to link these with passive sampling of freely dissolved hydrocarbons. A programmable solar simulator was employed to deliver PAR + UVA and PAR + UVA + UVB exposures for 72 h, whereas water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil, with and without an anionic surfactant, were administered at environmentally relevant concentrations. The PDMS passive samplers were calibrated for the target polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their uptake kinetics were validated. Time-to-failure was defined as the crossing of an Fv/Fm ≤ 0.4 threshold, and hazard curves were generated across treatment groups. Notably, failure hazards increased significantly under UVB irradiation, particularly in WAF treatments combined with surfactants at critical micelle concentrations, indicating synergistic phototoxicity. These findings highlight the elevated risk posed by the combined UV and chemical stressors on phytoplankton productivity. The framework developed in this study provides a robust method for quantifying failure risks under multi-stressor conditions. Future research should explore the dynamics of chronic adaptation and the community-level effects of natural systems.
{"title":"Tracking photoinhibition and failure dynamics in algae under combined exposure to UVB and water-accommodated oil fractions","authors":"V.F. Torosyan , V. Yu Timofeev , Ratchagaraja Dhairiyasamy , Deekshant Varshney , Subhav Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107862","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107862","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Increasing UV radiation and persistent petroleum-derived contaminants in aquatic environments have raised concerns regarding their combined effects on primary producers. Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, are particularly vulnerable owing to their surface-dwelling nature and their high sensitivity to impairment of photosystem II (PSII). The hazards associated with photosynthetic failure under ultraviolet (UV) stress in the presence of oil-derived mixtures remain inadequately quantified, particularly under environmentally realistic light spectra. This study addressed this knowledge gap by characterizing the joint effects of UV radiation and petroleum hydrocarbons on algal PSII function and viability. This study aimed to quantify failure thresholds using PAM fluorometry and survival analysis, and to link these with passive sampling of freely dissolved hydrocarbons. A programmable solar simulator was employed to deliver PAR + UVA and PAR + UVA + UVB exposures for 72 h, whereas water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil, with and without an anionic surfactant, were administered at environmentally relevant concentrations. The PDMS passive samplers were calibrated for the target polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their uptake kinetics were validated. Time-to-failure was defined as the crossing of an Fv/Fm ≤ 0.4 threshold, and hazard curves were generated across treatment groups. Notably, failure hazards increased significantly under UVB irradiation, particularly in WAF treatments combined with surfactants at critical micelle concentrations, indicating synergistic phototoxicity. These findings highlight the elevated risk posed by the combined UV and chemical stressors on phytoplankton productivity. The framework developed in this study provides a robust method for quantifying failure risks under multi-stressor conditions. Future research should explore the dynamics of chronic adaptation and the community-level effects of natural systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107862"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107871
Jia Teng , Shuang Zhao , Jianmin Zhao , Dongyu Wang , Jiashen Li , Yan Fang , Qing Wang , Yuting Zhao
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in marine environments is a growing concern, especially where mollusks for human consumption are harvested. This study investigated the contamination and potential risks of MPs in mollusks collected from the Yantai coastal waters using Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging. The average MPs abundance was 7.55 ± 4.87 items/g (w.w.) in mollusks soft tissues. The carnivorous Buccinum undatum exhibited the highest MP load, likely due to biomagnification. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between MPs abundance and mollusk biological traits, suggesting that larger individuals have lower concentrations. Fibers (52.63 %) and small particles <50 μm (76.19 %) dominated the composition and polyethylene was the most common polymer. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) value of 2115 indicated a high risk level (V). The estimated average annual MP intake from mollusk consumption was 24,680 particles/person/year, highlighting potential health concerns. This study provides crucial data for understanding MP pollution in mollusks and its potential risks.
{"title":"Characterization and potential risks of microplastics in marine mollusks using the laser direct infrared (LDIR) technique","authors":"Jia Teng , Shuang Zhao , Jianmin Zhao , Dongyu Wang , Jiashen Li , Yan Fang , Qing Wang , Yuting Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics (MPs) pollution in marine environments is a growing concern, especially where mollusks for human consumption are harvested. This study investigated the contamination and potential risks of MPs in mollusks collected from the Yantai coastal waters using Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging. The average MPs abundance was 7.55 ± 4.87 items/g (w.w.) in mollusks soft tissues. The carnivorous <em>Buccinum undatum</em> exhibited the highest MP load, likely due to biomagnification. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between MPs abundance and mollusk biological traits, suggesting that larger individuals have lower concentrations. Fibers (52.63 %) and small particles <50 μm (76.19 %) dominated the composition and polyethylene was the most common polymer. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) value of 2115 indicated a high risk level (V). The estimated average annual MP intake from mollusk consumption was 24,680 particles/person/year, highlighting potential health concerns. This study provides crucial data for understanding MP pollution in mollusks and its potential risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107871"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107870
Rami El-Dairi, Viivi Pöyhönen, Raisa Turja, Okko Outinen, Kari K. Lehtonen
Underwater noise is an emerging physical stressor in the Baltic Sea, where strong seasonality coincides with peaks in recreational boating and continuous commercial shipping. While behavioural effects of noise are increasingly reported for marine invertebrates, Baltic mussels (Mytilus spp.) remain untested, and links to cellular physiology are scarce. We conducted controlled laboratory exposures of pre-recorded vessel noise with variable exposure durations, and quantified behavioural and biochemical responses in Baltic mussels. Individual valve-gape behaviours were recorded before, during, and after exposure; in parallel, we measured a suite of neurotoxicity and antioxidant biomarkers, including acetylcholinesterase, catalase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase. Compared with control mussels, noise treatments elicited significant changes in valve-gape behaviour and altered biomarker profiles. Elevated closure activity was linked with higher LPO and shifts in antioxidant enzyme responses, suggesting short-term trade-offs between defence and energy acquisition. Our results provide the first evidence for concurrent behavioural and biochemical effects of vessel noise on mussels from the Baltic Sea, demonstrating that noise can cause changes in their energy dynamics. Our results suggest that mussel behaviour depends strongly on the duration of noise exposure, in addition to its frequency pattern and intensity.
{"title":"Behavioural and biochemical effects of underwater noise from vessel traffic on Baltic sea mussels (Mytilus spp.)","authors":"Rami El-Dairi, Viivi Pöyhönen, Raisa Turja, Okko Outinen, Kari K. Lehtonen","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107870","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107870","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Underwater noise is an emerging physical stressor in the Baltic Sea, where strong seasonality coincides with peaks in recreational boating and continuous commercial shipping. While behavioural effects of noise are increasingly reported for marine invertebrates, Baltic mussels (<em>Mytilus</em> spp.) remain untested, and links to cellular physiology are scarce. We conducted controlled laboratory exposures of pre-recorded vessel noise with variable exposure durations, and quantified behavioural and biochemical responses in Baltic mussels. Individual valve-gape behaviours were recorded before, during, and after exposure; in parallel, we measured a suite of neurotoxicity and antioxidant biomarkers, including acetylcholinesterase, catalase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase. Compared with control mussels, noise treatments elicited significant changes in valve-gape behaviour and altered biomarker profiles. Elevated closure activity was linked with higher LPO and shifts in antioxidant enzyme responses, suggesting short-term trade-offs between defence and energy acquisition. Our results provide the first evidence for concurrent behavioural and biochemical effects of vessel noise on mussels from the Baltic Sea, demonstrating that noise can cause changes in their energy dynamics. Our results suggest that mussel behaviour depends strongly on the duration of noise exposure, in addition to its frequency pattern and intensity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107870"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107869
Xiaoyan Zhang , Feng Liu , Xiao Liang , Zhigang Xie , Guoer Shao , Ting Ye , Bao Lou
Ocean acidification has become a significant global ecological issue, particularly in coastal regions with intensive aquaculture. Fish farming is a crucial component of global food security, yet research on the impact of acidification on the aquaculture performance of economically important teleosts remains limited. In this study, we reared the fast-growing large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) for 30 days under three different pH conditions: severe acidification (LA, pH 7.4), moderate acidification (MA, pH 7.8), and control (HA, pH 8.1). We comprehensively evaluated growth performance, survival rate, tissue structure, antioxidant enzyme activity, and innate immunity. The results showed that the LA group exhibited suppressed growth (significantly lower than the MA group, p < 0.05), elevated cortisol and T4 levels (p < 0.05), and trends of reduced antioxidant enzyme and innate immune enzyme activities, along with organ-specific pathological changes (vacuolation, structural loosening) in gills, liver, kidneys, and intestines, though most indices showed no significant difference from the HA group. Notably, the MA group showed optimal growth performance, stable physiological and immune responses. In conclusion, while acidification did not markedly affect the survival rate of L. crocea, severe acidification (pH 7.4) induces stress responses and tissue damage. These findings suggest that L. crocea exhibits a certain degree of tolerance to the acidification conditions tested, as several physiological parameters were not significantly affected. However, when considering the overall set of observations, including histological alterations across multiple tissues and changes in plasma and tissue parameters, long-term exposure to severe acidification (pH 7.4) appears to induce tissue damage and stress-related physiological disturbances, indicating potential health risks. This study provides empirical evidence regarding the potential risk posed by projected ocean acidification on L. crocea aquaculture and supports the development of climate change adaptation strategies for coastal mariculture.
{"title":"Ocean acidification effects on growth, survival and physiological immunity of farmed Larimichthys crocea","authors":"Xiaoyan Zhang , Feng Liu , Xiao Liang , Zhigang Xie , Guoer Shao , Ting Ye , Bao Lou","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107869","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107869","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ocean acidification has become a significant global ecological issue, particularly in coastal regions with intensive aquaculture. Fish farming is a crucial component of global food security, yet research on the impact of acidification on the aquaculture performance of economically important teleosts remains limited. In this study, we reared the fast-growing large yellow croaker (<em>Larimichthys crocea</em>) for 30 days under three different pH conditions: severe acidification (LA, pH 7.4), moderate acidification (MA, pH 7.8), and control (HA, pH 8.1). We comprehensively evaluated growth performance, survival rate, tissue structure, antioxidant enzyme activity, and innate immunity. The results showed that the LA group exhibited suppressed growth (significantly lower than the MA group, <em>p</em> < 0.05), elevated cortisol and T4 levels (<em>p</em> < 0.05), and trends of reduced antioxidant enzyme and innate immune enzyme activities, along with organ-specific pathological changes (vacuolation, structural loosening) in gills, liver, kidneys, and intestines, though most indices showed no significant difference from the HA group. Notably, the MA group showed optimal growth performance, stable physiological and immune responses. In conclusion, while acidification did not markedly affect the survival rate of <em>L. crocea</em>, severe acidification (pH 7.4) induces stress responses and tissue damage. These findings suggest that <em>L. crocea</em> exhibits a certain degree of tolerance to the acidification conditions tested, as several physiological parameters were not significantly affected. However, when considering the overall set of observations, including histological alterations across multiple tissues and changes in plasma and tissue parameters, long-term exposure to severe acidification (pH 7.4) appears to induce tissue damage and stress-related physiological disturbances, indicating potential health risks. This study provides empirical evidence regarding the potential risk posed by projected ocean acidification on <em>L. crocea</em> aquaculture and supports the development of climate change adaptation strategies for coastal mariculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107869"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107859
Bin Han , Li Zheng , Yinghui Liu
To address the gap in understanding the combined contamination characteristics, source contributions, and interactive ecological risks of OPEs and PAEs in semi-enclosed seas, this study presents a comparative analysis of 16 OPEs and 16 PAEs in 23 surface sediment samples from the Bohai and North Yellow Seas, China. Surface sediment samples were collected using a grab sampler, pretreated via freeze-drying, ASE, and SPE purification, and analyzed by GC/MS. Source apportionment was conducted using PCA and ecological risks were assessed via the RQ method. Concentrations of ΣOPEs and ΣPAEs ranged from 128.73 to 242.33 ng g−1 and 1143.05–3541.88 ng g−1 dry weight, respectively, with distinct pollution hotspots identified in Bohai Bay and Laizhou Bay. This ΣOPE level is comparable to that of other semi-enclosed bays in eastern China but significantly lower than the Yangtze River Estuary, while ΣPAEs are approximately one order of magnitude higher than ΣOPEs, consistent with their higher addition ratios in plastic products. PCA revealed that OPEs primarily originated from industrial production and traffic emissions, whereas PAEs were predominantly derived from plastic processing and atmospheric deposition. Ecological risk assessment using RQ indicated that OPEs posed negligible risks to aquatic organisms. In contrast, PAEs-specifically DIBP and DBP-presented moderate-to-high risks to fish, with DBP reaching a high-risk level (RQ ≥ 10) at 33 % of the sites in Laizhou Bay. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of combined OPE-PAE contamination in the Bohai and North Yellow Seas, clarifying structure-dependent environmental behavior and interactive ecological risks, and providing critical baseline data for targeted pollution control in semi-enclosed marine systems.
为了弥补对半封闭海中OPEs和PAEs的综合污染特征、来源贡献和交互生态风险的认识空白,本研究对渤海和北黄海23个表层沉积物样品中的16种OPEs和16种PAEs进行了比较分析。表层沉积物样品采用抓取式取样器采集,经冷冻干燥、ASE和SPE净化预处理,并进行GC/MS分析。采用主成分分析法进行污染源分析,采用RQ法进行生态风险评价。ΣOPEs和ΣPAEs的浓度分别为128.73 ~ 242.33 ng g−1和1143.05 ~ 3541.88 ng g−1干重,在渤海湾和莱州湾有明显的污染热点。该ΣOPE水平与中国东部其他半封闭海湾相当,但明显低于长江口,而ΣPAEs比ΣOPEs高约一个数量级,这与它们在塑料制品中的添加率较高一致。主成分分析表明,OPEs主要来源于工业生产和交通排放,PAEs主要来源于塑料加工和大气沉积。利用RQ进行的生态风险评估表明,有机磷农药对水生生物的风险可以忽略不计。相比之下,paes(特别是DIBP和DBP)对鱼类具有中至高风险,其中DBP在莱州湾33%的站点达到高风险水平(RQ≥10)。本研究首次对渤海和北黄海OPE-PAE复合污染进行了综合评价,阐明了结构依赖的环境行为和相互作用的生态风险,为半封闭海洋系统的定向污染控制提供了关键的基线数据。
{"title":"Combined contamination of OPEs and PAEs in coastal sediments: Distribution, sources, and ecological risks in Northern China's Marginal Seas","authors":"Bin Han , Li Zheng , Yinghui Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107859","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107859","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the gap in understanding the combined contamination characteristics, source contributions, and interactive ecological risks of OPEs and PAEs in semi-enclosed seas, this study presents a comparative analysis of 16 OPEs and 16 PAEs in 23 surface sediment samples from the Bohai and North Yellow Seas, China. Surface sediment samples were collected using a grab sampler, pretreated via freeze-drying, ASE, and SPE purification, and analyzed by GC/MS. Source apportionment was conducted using PCA and ecological risks were assessed via the RQ method. Concentrations of ΣOPEs and ΣPAEs ranged from 128.73 to 242.33 ng g<sup>−1</sup> and 1143.05–3541.88 ng g<sup>−1</sup> dry weight, respectively, with distinct pollution hotspots identified in Bohai Bay and Laizhou Bay. This ΣOPE level is comparable to that of other semi-enclosed bays in eastern China but significantly lower than the Yangtze River Estuary, while ΣPAEs are approximately one order of magnitude higher than ΣOPEs, consistent with their higher addition ratios in plastic products. PCA revealed that OPEs primarily originated from industrial production and traffic emissions, whereas PAEs were predominantly derived from plastic processing and atmospheric deposition. Ecological risk assessment using RQ indicated that OPEs posed negligible risks to aquatic organisms. In contrast, PAEs-specifically DIBP and DBP-presented moderate-to-high risks to fish, with DBP reaching a high-risk level (RQ ≥ 10) at 33 % of the sites in Laizhou Bay. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of combined OPE-PAE contamination in the Bohai and North Yellow Seas, clarifying structure-dependent environmental behavior and interactive ecological risks, and providing critical baseline data for targeted pollution control in semi-enclosed marine systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107859"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107865
Xin Li , Hong Gao , Chuansong Zhang , Xiaoyong Shi
Large-scale macroalgal blooms represent a critical environmental challenge for coastal regions worldwide, driven primarily by human-induced eutrophication. Since 2007, the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS) in China has experienced massive green tides of Ulva prolifera (U.prolifera) each summer, persistently impacting the coastal economies, ecosystems, and social well-being of Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. This study systematically quantified the contribution of different nutrient sources to the migration path of green tide in the outbreak area. The analysis was mainly based on field monitoring data from 2017, supplemented by historical datasets. Results show that atmospheric deposition acts as a key cross-regional driver, accounting for 70 %, 34 %, 54 %, 76 %, and 64 % of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), dissolved silicon (DSi), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP), respectively. Meanwhile, terrestrial inputs in the Subei Shoal—including river input and marine aquaculture—provide 25 % of DIN and 46 % of DIP, forming an essential nutrient base for the initial bloom development. As algal biomass drifted northward to the coastal waters of Shandong Peninsula, continuous atmospheric nutrient deposition became a key driver for the expansion of the green tide. This study quantitatively elucidates the transboundary effects of atmospheric and terrestrial nutrient inputs, offering scientific support for nutrient management strategies in coastal marine systems.
{"title":"Multi-pathway nutrient replenishment mechanisms sustaining the transboundary green tides region in the Southern Yellow sea","authors":"Xin Li , Hong Gao , Chuansong Zhang , Xiaoyong Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107865","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107865","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Large-scale macroalgal blooms represent a critical environmental challenge for coastal regions worldwide, driven primarily by human-induced eutrophication. Since 2007, the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS) in China has experienced massive green tides of <em>Ulva prolifera</em> (<em>U.prolifera</em>) each summer, persistently impacting the coastal economies, ecosystems, and social well-being of Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. This study systematically quantified the contribution of different nutrient sources to the migration path of green tide in the outbreak area. The analysis was mainly based on field monitoring data from 2017, supplemented by historical datasets. Results show that atmospheric deposition acts as a key cross-regional driver, accounting for 70 %, 34 %, 54 %, 76 %, and 64 % of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), dissolved silicon (DSi), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP), respectively. Meanwhile, terrestrial inputs in the Subei Shoal—including river input and marine aquaculture—provide 25 % of DIN and 46 % of DIP, forming an essential nutrient base for the initial bloom development. As algal biomass drifted northward to the coastal waters of Shandong Peninsula, continuous atmospheric nutrient deposition became a key driver for the expansion of the green tide. This study quantitatively elucidates the transboundary effects of atmospheric and terrestrial nutrient inputs, offering scientific support for nutrient management strategies in coastal marine systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107865"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107860
Aura Buenfil-Ávila , Sofia Ortega-García , Héctor Villalobos , Javier Nori , Ulianov Jakes-Cota , Rodrigo Moncayo-Estrada , Gabriel Reygondeau
In the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the purse seine tuna fishery targets skipjack, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna. However, bycatch of billfish is also common. Growing concerns about the rising bycatch levels and the capture of juveniles’ tunas underscore the need for spatial explicit management strategies. This study aims to model the geographic distributions of four tuna species (skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and black skipjack) and five billfish species (swordfish, sailfish, striped marlin, blue marlin, and black marlin) to understand how interannual variability shapes richness patterns of these species to inform spatial management efforts. Species distribution models were developed using MaxEnt based on environmental scenarios representing cold, neutral, and warm conditions from 2000 to 2020. A database of occurrences was compiled from Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's, while environmental variables were obtained from Copernicus Marine Service. Predicted distribution maps for each species were combined to generate species richness maps under different environmental scenarios. Areas of high species richness were identified near the Baja California peninsula, the southern Gulf of California, off the coast of Central America, and between the Ecuadorian coast and the Galapagos Islands, regions that overlap with known spawning and feeding grounds. Species richness patterns showed an interannual variability, expanding during warm periods and contracting during neutral and cold conditions, highlighting the need to adapt spatial management to environmental variability of oceans. These findings provide a basis for future spatial planning and conservation initiatives, highlighting the need for dynamic, flexible conservation strategies that can adapt to a changing ocean.
{"title":"Spatial richness patterns of large pelagic fishes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean","authors":"Aura Buenfil-Ávila , Sofia Ortega-García , Héctor Villalobos , Javier Nori , Ulianov Jakes-Cota , Rodrigo Moncayo-Estrada , Gabriel Reygondeau","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the purse seine tuna fishery targets skipjack, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna. However, bycatch of billfish is also common. Growing concerns about the rising bycatch levels and the capture of juveniles’ tunas underscore the need for spatial explicit management strategies. This study aims to model the geographic distributions of four tuna species (skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and black skipjack) and five billfish species (swordfish, sailfish, striped marlin, blue marlin, and black marlin) to understand how interannual variability shapes richness patterns of these species to inform spatial management efforts. Species distribution models were developed using MaxEnt based on environmental scenarios representing cold, neutral, and warm conditions from 2000 to 2020. A database of occurrences was compiled from Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's, while environmental variables were obtained from Copernicus Marine Service. Predicted distribution maps for each species were combined to generate species richness maps under different environmental scenarios. Areas of high species richness were identified near the Baja California peninsula, the southern Gulf of California, off the coast of Central America, and between the Ecuadorian coast and the Galapagos Islands, regions that overlap with known spawning and feeding grounds. Species richness patterns showed an interannual variability, expanding during warm periods and contracting during neutral and cold conditions, highlighting the need to adapt spatial management to environmental variability of oceans. These findings provide a basis for future spatial planning and conservation initiatives, highlighting the need for dynamic, flexible conservation strategies that can adapt to a changing ocean.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107860"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107845
Corinna Sickinger , Alicia Thiel , Julia Bornhorst , Gregor Christa , Angelika Preisfeld
The rapid global expansion of electromobility has increased demand for nickel and cobalt, which are key components in lithium-ion batteries. As a result, mining activities are intensifying, yet their ecological impact on marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. In this study, we examine the effects of nickel and cobalt on the microbiome composition and bacterial metabolic pathways of the marine photosymbiotic gastropod Berghia stephanieae. Preliminary toxicity tests showed concentration-dependent metal uptake, with behavioural stress responses such as lethargy, cessation of feeding, and shedding of cerata occurring at high concentrations (around 18 mg/L for nickel and cobalt). Microbiome analysis across three concentrations (1, 3, and 17 mg/L for nickel and cobalt) revealed significant changes in community composition and function. At 1 mg/L, the observed effects were concentration-dependent rather than metal-specific, as indicated by a decline in alpha diversity and a shift in community composition, characterised by a reduction in Mycoplasma sp. and an increase in Pseudofulvibacter and Endozoicomonas sp. At 3 mg/L, Shewanella spp. abundance increased and metal-specific effects emerged, with a strong downregulation of the metabolic pathways denitrification and lignin degradation for cobalt and an upregulation of sulfur oxidation for nickel. At 17 mg/L, many functional pathways were downregulated, aligning with observed host stress and pointing to a possible loss of functional redundancy. Overall, nickel and cobalt exposure led to distinct microbiome alterations, with intermediate levels eliciting the strongest metabolic response.
{"title":"Nickel and cobalt disrupt the microbiome and metabolic function of the photosymbiotic sea slug Berghia stephanieae (Á. Valdés, 2005)","authors":"Corinna Sickinger , Alicia Thiel , Julia Bornhorst , Gregor Christa , Angelika Preisfeld","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107845","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107845","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid global expansion of electromobility has increased demand for nickel and cobalt, which are key components in lithium-ion batteries. As a result, mining activities are intensifying, yet their ecological impact on marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. In this study, we examine the effects of nickel and cobalt on the microbiome composition and bacterial metabolic pathways of the marine photosymbiotic gastropod <em>Berghia stephanieae</em>. Preliminary toxicity tests showed concentration-dependent metal uptake, with behavioural stress responses such as lethargy, cessation of feeding, and shedding of cerata occurring at high concentrations (around 18 mg/L for nickel and cobalt). Microbiome analysis across three concentrations (1, 3, and 17 mg/L for nickel and cobalt) revealed significant changes in community composition and function. At 1 mg/L, the observed effects were concentration-dependent rather than metal-specific, as indicated by a decline in alpha diversity and a shift in community composition, characterised by a reduction in <em>Mycoplasma</em> sp. and an increase in Pseudofulvibacter and <em>Endozoicomonas</em> sp. At 3 mg/L, <em>Shewanella</em> spp. abundance increased and metal-specific effects emerged, with a strong downregulation of the metabolic pathways denitrification and lignin degradation for cobalt and an upregulation of sulfur oxidation for nickel. At 17 mg/L, many functional pathways were downregulated, aligning with observed host stress and pointing to a possible loss of functional redundancy. Overall, nickel and cobalt exposure led to distinct microbiome alterations, with intermediate levels eliciting the strongest metabolic response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107845"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146006819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107829
Camila Rodrigues Lima , Amana Guedes Garrido , Barbara Morim , Deborah Catharine de Assis Leite , Carla Zilberberg
Symbiodiniaceae is a diverse family of photosymbiont dinoflagellates known for forming mutualistic associations with reef-building corals and other marine invertebrates. This family comprises a diverse array of lineages with distinct physiological traits, enabling hosts to exhibit differential responses to environmental stressors. In addition to their endosymbiotic forms, Symbiodiniaceae also occur as free-living cells, potentially acting as environmental reservoirs that facilitate coral recolonization following bleaching events. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages, examining both endosymbiotic and free-living assemblages across three reef sites using ITS2 rDNA next-generation sequencing at Fernando de Noronha archipelago (SWA). Sequences primarily belonged to the genera Symbiodinium, Breviolum and Cladocopium across all reef compartments. Both coral hosts and Symbiodiniaceae ITS 2 types exhibited generalist traits, with multiple associations observed. Endosymbiotic community structure was strongly host-driven, with most coral species dominated by a single ITS2 type, indicating high partner fidelity. Free-living assemblage (seawater and sediment) displayed greater diversity and a more even community composition compared to endosymbionts. A limited overlap was detected between coral-associated and environmental ITS2 sequences, suggesting restricted exchange but potential environmental reservoirs for dominant types. Our work reinforce that the corals hosts are the primary drivers of Symbiodiniaceae community structure in this oceanic island ecosystem. This research provide an essential baseline data for understanding coral–symbiont dynamics in the Southwestern Atlantic, particularly in face of global climate changes.
{"title":"Host species as key drivers of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages: Coral and free-living diversity in a Southwestern Atlantic oceanic island","authors":"Camila Rodrigues Lima , Amana Guedes Garrido , Barbara Morim , Deborah Catharine de Assis Leite , Carla Zilberberg","doi":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Symbiodiniaceae is a diverse family of photosymbiont dinoflagellates known for forming mutualistic associations with reef-building corals and other marine invertebrates. This family comprises a diverse array of lineages with distinct physiological traits, enabling hosts to exhibit differential responses to environmental stressors. In addition to their endosymbiotic forms, Symbiodiniaceae also occur as free-living cells, potentially acting as environmental reservoirs that facilitate coral recolonization following bleaching events. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages, examining both endosymbiotic and free-living assemblages across three reef sites using ITS2 rDNA next-generation sequencing at Fernando de Noronha archipelago (SWA). Sequences primarily belonged to the genera <em>Symbiodinium</em>, <em>Breviolum</em> and <em>Cladocopium</em> across all reef compartments. Both coral hosts and Symbiodiniaceae ITS 2 types exhibited generalist traits, with multiple associations observed. Endosymbiotic community structure was strongly host-driven, with most coral species dominated by a single ITS2 type, indicating high partner fidelity. Free-living assemblage (seawater and sediment) displayed greater diversity and a more even community composition compared to endosymbionts. A limited overlap was detected between coral-associated and environmental ITS2 sequences, suggesting restricted exchange but potential environmental reservoirs for dominant types. Our work reinforce that the corals hosts are the primary drivers of Symbiodiniaceae community structure in this oceanic island ecosystem. This research provide an essential baseline data for understanding coral–symbiont dynamics in the Southwestern Atlantic, particularly in face of global climate changes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18204,"journal":{"name":"Marine environmental research","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 107829"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}