Pub Date : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104735
Zaki Aiwa Putra , Deswati Deswati , Olly Norita Tetra , Rahmiana Zein , Suparno Suparno , Hilfi Pardi
Microplastic pollution poses increasing ecological and health risks in freshwater systems, necessitating environmentally compatible mitigation strategies. This study explores the use of okra seed extract (Abelmoschus esculentus) as a natural coagulant for microplastic removal from Lake Singkarak water associated with the endemic fish Mystacoleucus padangensis. An exploratory screening approach was applied by varying coagulant concentration, contact time, and mixing speed under salt-free and salt-enhanced (5 % NaCl) conditions. The highest removal efficiency among the tested conditions (61.1 %) was achieved at an apparent optimum of 3 % extract concentration, 60-minute contact time, and 300 rpm stirring speed with NaCl addition. ATR-FTIR identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the dominant polymer, while SEM and zeta potential analyses revealed charge neutralization and polymer bridging as key mechanisms. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI = 2.54) indicates moderate ecological risk. Rather than maximizing efficiency alone, this study advances microplastic mitigation by integrating mechanistic insight, biological relevance, and risk-based evaluation in a realistic freshwater context, highlighting the sustainable potential of okra seed extract.
{"title":"Utilization of Okra seed extract as a natural coagulant for microplastic mitigation in Mystacoleucus padangensis from Lake Singkarak, Tanah Datar Region, Indonesia","authors":"Zaki Aiwa Putra , Deswati Deswati , Olly Norita Tetra , Rahmiana Zein , Suparno Suparno , Hilfi Pardi","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastic pollution poses increasing ecological and health risks in freshwater systems, necessitating environmentally compatible mitigation strategies. This study explores the use of okra seed extract (<em>Abelmoschus esculentus</em>) as a natural coagulant for microplastic removal from Lake Singkarak water associated with the endemic fish <em>Mystacoleucus padangensis</em>. An exploratory screening approach was applied by varying coagulant concentration, contact time, and mixing speed under salt-free and salt-enhanced (5 % NaCl) conditions. The highest removal efficiency among the tested conditions (61.1 %) was achieved at an apparent optimum of 3 % extract concentration, 60-minute contact time, and 300 rpm stirring speed with NaCl addition. ATR-FTIR identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the dominant polymer, while SEM and zeta potential analyses revealed charge neutralization and polymer bridging as key mechanisms. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI = 2.54) indicates moderate ecological risk. Rather than maximizing efficiency alone, this study advances microplastic mitigation by integrating mechanistic insight, biological relevance, and risk-based evaluation in a realistic freshwater context, highlighting the sustainable potential of okra seed extract.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104735"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104745
Vinicius Roveri , Ursulla Pereira Souza , João Henrique Alliprandini da Costa , Thomas Alves Vidal , Murilo Alecsandro do Nascimento , Aírton Zogaib Rodrigues , Walber Toma , Alberto Teodorico Correia , Luciana Lopes Guimarães
The Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta), a native species in nearshore habitats of Central America and the Caribbean, has established invasive populations in heavily urbanized estuaries of South America, such as the Santos-São Vicente Estuarine System (SSVES), Brazil. This study presents the first assessment of bioaccumulation of eight pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), representing various therapeutic classes, in the liver, muscle, and gonads of O. beta. Eight PhACs were detected in at least one tissue type [range: limit of quantification (LOQ) to 22.0 ng/g]: atenolol (ATE), caffeine (CAF), cocaine (COC), diclofenac (DIC), haloperidol (HAL), losartan (LOS), orphenadrine (ORP) and propranolol (PRO). Notably, this is the first report of HAL in marine biota from the Brazilian coastline. Concentrations varied across tissues: LOS, ATE, ORP, COC, and PRO were most abundant in the gonads; CAF was highest in muscle; and HAL showed the greatest accumulation in liver. Gonads exhibited the highest number of positive detections and the greatest total PhAC concentration, followed by muscle and liver. Given the osmoregulatory behaviour of marine teleosts, such as continuous seawater ingestion, exposure may occur not only via gill and dermal absorption but also through oral intake. These findings underscore the relevance of O. beta as a sentinel species for monitoring pharmaceutical contamination and suggest that non-native fishes may play a key role in the trophic transfer and distribution of emerging contaminants in impacted coastal ecosystems. Further research is needed to clarify the dynamics of PhAC bioaccumulation across different species and environmental contexts in Latin America.
湾蟾鱼（Opsanus beta）是中美洲和加勒比海近岸栖息地的一种本地物种，在南美洲高度城市化的河口，如巴西的santos - s o Vicente河口系统（SSVES），已经建立了入侵种群。本研究首次评估了八种药用活性化合物（PhACs）在O. β的肝脏、肌肉和性腺中的生物积累，这些化合物代表了不同的治疗类别。至少在一种组织类型中检出8种phac[定量限（LOQ）为22.0 ng/g]：阿替洛尔（ATE）、咖啡因（CAF）、可卡因（COC）、双氯芬酸（DIC）、氟哌啶醇（HAL）、氯沙坦（LOS）、奥非那林（ORP）和心得安（PRO）。值得注意的是，这是巴西海岸线海洋生物群中首次报道HAL。不同组织的浓度不同：LOS、ATE、ORP、COC和PRO在性腺中含量最高；肌肉中CAF最高；HAL在肝脏中积聚最多。生殖腺中PhAC阳性检测数最多，总PhAC浓度最高，其次为肌肉和肝脏。鉴于海洋硬骨鱼的渗透调节行为，例如持续摄入海水，暴露不仅可能通过鳃和皮肤吸收，也可能通过口服摄入。这些发现强调了O. β作为监测药物污染的哨兵物种的相关性，并表明非本地鱼类可能在受影响的沿海生态系统中新出现的污染物的营养转移和分布中发挥关键作用。需要进一步的研究来阐明拉丁美洲不同物种和环境背景下PhAC生物积累的动态。
{"title":"Bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals and cocaine in the liver, muscle and gonads of the Gulf toadfish Opsanus beta, a non-native species in the Brazilian coastal zone","authors":"Vinicius Roveri , Ursulla Pereira Souza , João Henrique Alliprandini da Costa , Thomas Alves Vidal , Murilo Alecsandro do Nascimento , Aírton Zogaib Rodrigues , Walber Toma , Alberto Teodorico Correia , Luciana Lopes Guimarães","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104745","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104745","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Gulf toadfish (<em>Opsanus beta</em>), a native species in nearshore habitats of Central America and the Caribbean, has established invasive populations in heavily urbanized estuaries of South America, such as the Santos-São Vicente Estuarine System (SSVES), Brazil. This study presents the first assessment of bioaccumulation of eight pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), representing various therapeutic classes, in the liver, muscle, and gonads of <em>O. beta</em>. Eight PhACs were detected in at least one tissue type [range: limit of quantification (LOQ) to 22.0 ng/g]: atenolol (ATE), caffeine (CAF), cocaine (COC), diclofenac (DIC), haloperidol (HAL), losartan (LOS), orphenadrine (ORP) and propranolol (PRO). Notably, this is the first report of HAL in marine biota from the Brazilian coastline. Concentrations varied across tissues: LOS, ATE, ORP, COC, and PRO were most abundant in the gonads; CAF was highest in muscle; and HAL showed the greatest accumulation in liver. Gonads exhibited the highest number of positive detections and the greatest total PhAC concentration, followed by muscle and liver. Given the osmoregulatory behaviour of marine teleosts, such as continuous seawater ingestion, exposure may occur not only via gill and dermal absorption but also through oral intake. These findings underscore the relevance of <em>O. beta</em> as a sentinel species for monitoring pharmaceutical contamination and suggest that non-native fishes may play a key role in the trophic transfer and distribution of emerging contaminants in impacted coastal ecosystems. Further research is needed to clarify the dynamics of PhAC bioaccumulation across different species and environmental contexts in Latin America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104745"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104737
Lydia Bensadi, Moufok Azzoug
This review examines PAH and PCB contamination in Algeria’s sediments, soils, and atmosphere. PAHs primarily originate from domestic and industrial discharges, vehicular emissions, wildfires, and petroleum leaks, while PCBs persist due to historical use, improper disposal, and ongoing waste incineration despite a 1987 ban. Overall, concentrations were moderate compared with global levels, though some sites exhibited elevated ecological risks. In sediments, several stations showed high ecological risks for both PAHs and PCBs, with cancer risks ranging from very low to low. In soils, PAHs contributed to high ecological risks at some sites, while PCB concentrations generally remained within safe TEQ thresholds, with low associated cancer risk. Atmospheric PAH exposure posed low-to-moderate lung cancer risk, and PCB TEQ values indicated moderate toxicity potential. Research on PAH and PCB pollution in Algeria remains limited, with gaps in spatial and temporal coverage. Comprehensive nationwide monitoring is needed to better assess contamination and guide effective environmental and public health strategies.
{"title":"Evaluating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pollution in Algeria’s environment: Occurrence, levels and risk assessments: Insights from air, soil, and sediment studies – a review","authors":"Lydia Bensadi, Moufok Azzoug","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review examines PAH and PCB contamination in Algeria’s sediments, soils, and atmosphere. PAHs primarily originate from domestic and industrial discharges, vehicular emissions, wildfires, and petroleum leaks, while PCBs persist due to historical use, improper disposal, and ongoing waste incineration despite a 1987 ban. Overall, concentrations were moderate compared with global levels, though some sites exhibited elevated ecological risks. In sediments, several stations showed high ecological risks for both PAHs and PCBs, with cancer risks ranging from very low to low. In soils, PAHs contributed to high ecological risks at some sites, while PCB concentrations generally remained within safe TEQ thresholds, with low associated cancer risk. Atmospheric PAH exposure posed low-to-moderate lung cancer risk, and PCB TEQ values indicated moderate toxicity potential. Research on PAH and PCB pollution in Algeria remains limited, with gaps in spatial and temporal coverage. Comprehensive nationwide monitoring is needed to better assess contamination and guide effective environmental and public health strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104737"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104726
My Yen Nguyen , Ann Vanreusel , Xuan Quang Ngo , Carl Van Colen
Benthic communities play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, closely linked to sediment characteristics and potentially affected by microplastic (MPs) contamination. This study presents the first characterization of macrofaunal and meiofaunal distribution patterns on three Vietnamese sandy beaches with differing morphodynamics and management regimes, in order to examine the influence of environmental gradients and local MP pollution. Environmental variables (Chlorophyll a, total organic matter, grain size) and MPs (concentration, polymer types) were measured across high-, mid-, and low-tide zones. Benthic assemblages differed markedly between dissipative and reflective beaches. On the dissipative Bai Sau beach, a clear spatial zonation pattern was evident for both faunal groups, with the mid- and low-tide zones hosting the highest diversity and abundance. Reflective beaches exhibited less distinct zonation. Distribution patterns varied between macrofauna and meiofauna, underscoring the importance of including multiple faunal groups in ecological assessments. Microplastic polymer types (PP, PET, and PS) were associated with community composition differences for both benthos groups in addition to food availability and grain size. Our findings underscore the need for continued investigation into the effects of MPs on benthic fauna and the underlying mechanisms, particularly ecophysiological implications for organism fitness. Moreover, spatio-temporal variations in feeding plasticity and ingestion-egestion dynamics in relation to local pollution dynamics, as well as species’ roles in bioaccumulation in the food web need to better understand, before their potential of beach invertebrates as bioindicators of MP pollution can be considered. In addition, the protection of beach ecosystems calls for targeted management measures that mitigate pollution sources across coastal, riverine, and marine systems in concert with the natural processes governing MP deposition in sediments.
{"title":"Ecology of sandy beaches in Vietnam: Exploring the effects of environmental gradients and local microplastic pollution for macro – and meiofauna distribution","authors":"My Yen Nguyen , Ann Vanreusel , Xuan Quang Ngo , Carl Van Colen","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104726","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104726","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Benthic communities play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, closely linked to sediment characteristics and potentially affected by microplastic (MPs) contamination. This study presents the first characterization of macrofaunal and meiofaunal distribution patterns on three Vietnamese sandy beaches with differing morphodynamics and management regimes, in order to examine the influence of environmental gradients and local MP pollution. Environmental variables (Chlorophyll <em>a</em>, total organic matter, grain size) and MPs (concentration, polymer types) were measured across high-, mid-, and low-tide zones. Benthic assemblages differed markedly between dissipative and reflective beaches. On the dissipative Bai Sau beach, a clear spatial zonation pattern was evident for both faunal groups, with the mid- and low-tide zones hosting the highest diversity and abundance. Reflective beaches exhibited less distinct zonation. Distribution patterns varied between macrofauna and meiofauna, underscoring the importance of including multiple faunal groups in ecological assessments. Microplastic polymer types (PP, PET, and PS) were associated with community composition differences for both benthos groups in addition to food availability and grain size. Our findings underscore the need for continued investigation into the effects of MPs on benthic fauna and the underlying mechanisms, particularly ecophysiological implications for organism fitness. Moreover, spatio-temporal variations in feeding plasticity and ingestion-egestion dynamics in relation to local pollution dynamics, as well as species’ roles in bioaccumulation in the food web need to better understand, before their potential of beach invertebrates as bioindicators of MP pollution can be considered. In addition, the protection of beach ecosystems calls for targeted management measures that mitigate pollution sources across coastal, riverine, and marine systems in concert with the natural processes governing MP deposition in sediments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104726"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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}
Globally, the detrimental effects of anthropogenic marine debris on mangrove ecosystems have drawn considerable scientific and public concern. Yet, in Sri Lanka, where mangroves represent a vital component of coastal resilience and blue carbon storage, the in-depth research on litter contamination in mangrove ecosystems and its ecological consequences remains poorly studied. With that motivation, this present study examined the abundance, composition and pollution status of marine macro litter (>2.5 cm) and impacts on mangrove vegetations at four mangrove sites in Sri Lanka (Kallady, Negombo, Kandakuliya, and Balapitiya), located along the coastline of the northern Indian Ocean. Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Abundance Index (PAI), Hazardous Item Index (HII), and Environmental Status Index (ESI) were used to evaluate the mangrove floor pollution levels. A total of 6527 litter items were collected from four beaches representing 8 typologies. The average density of the litter collected was 0.47–0.87 items/m2. Plastic items constituted the majority of litter found, accounting for 60 %. According to the CCI, four mangrove areas were classified as 'moderate' and 'dirty.' All locations fell under category 'II' on the III, indicating the presence of some hazardous marine debris scattered across sites. The PAI indicated 'low' to 'moderate' plastic contamination, while the ESI classified all sites as having a 'bad' environmental status. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between total litter density and physical damage impact categories, including damaged roots, leaves, and branches. To conserve these valuable habitats, the study recommends taking remedial measures to reduce incoming litter loads and to remove existing litter from the mangroves, despite ongoing awareness and cleanup efforts.
{"title":"Marine litter pollution impacts the sustainability of coastal mangrove ecosystems; an assessment via index-based approach","authors":"H.P.A. Rupasinghe , I.J.J.U.N. Perera , R.D.C. Sandaruwan , H.P.S. Jayapala , B.K.A. Bellanthudawa , Asanka Tennakoon","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, the detrimental effects of anthropogenic marine debris on mangrove ecosystems have drawn considerable scientific and public concern. Yet, in Sri Lanka, where mangroves represent a vital component of coastal resilience and blue carbon storage, the in-depth research on litter contamination in mangrove ecosystems and its ecological consequences remains poorly studied. With that motivation, this present study examined the abundance, composition and pollution status of marine macro litter (>2.5 cm) and impacts on mangrove vegetations at four mangrove sites in Sri Lanka (Kallady, Negombo, Kandakuliya, and Balapitiya), located along the coastline of the northern Indian Ocean. Clean Coast Index (CCI), Plastic Abundance Index (PAI), Hazardous Item Index (HII), and Environmental Status Index (ESI) were used to evaluate the mangrove floor pollution levels. A total of 6527 litter items were collected from four beaches representing 8 typologies. The average density of the litter collected was 0.47–0.87 items/m<sup>2</sup>. Plastic items constituted the majority of litter found, accounting for 60 %. According to the CCI, four mangrove areas were classified as 'moderate' and 'dirty.' All locations fell under category 'II' on the III, indicating the presence of some hazardous marine debris scattered across sites. The PAI indicated 'low' to 'moderate' plastic contamination, while the ESI classified all sites as having a 'bad' environmental status. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between total litter density and physical damage impact categories, including damaged roots, leaves, and branches. To conserve these valuable habitats, the study recommends taking remedial measures to reduce incoming litter loads and to remove existing litter from the mangroves, despite ongoing awareness and cleanup efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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}
This pioneering study investigates the use of the tunicate Polycarpa aurata for assessing polymetallic pollution in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Over the course of one year, encompassing both rainy and dry seasons, potentially toxic elements (PTE) such as metal elements were examined in the tunic and soft body of P. aurata. The research revealed site-specific variations in element trace concentrations, with a mining site exhibiting elevated levels of multiple metals (like As 12.65 μg/g DW, Cd 0.34 μg/g DW, Co 31.17 μg/g DW, Cu 10.88 μg/g DW and Ni 173.50 μg/g DW). A correlation was observed between metal concentrations in P. aurata and those in sediment and suspended particles. Comparing the 2 tissues analysed (soft body and tunic), we note that certain metal elements, including arsenic (BSAF 8,99), cadmium (6,38), copper (2,84), and zinc (5,28), accumulated preferentially in the soft body of P. aurata, while nickel accumulation was minimal compared to sediment levels (BSAF Ni 1,12). This study establishes a baseline for passive biomonitoring of Indonesian coral reefs, demonstrating that ascidians like P. aurata are effective candidates for monitoring metal pollution in these marine environments. The findings contribute to addressing contemporary environmental challenges by highlighting the potential of marine organisms in chemical monitoring and biomonitoring programs for pollutant identification and environmental quality assessment.
这项开创性的研究调查了在印度尼西亚苏拉威西岛东南部使用被囊动物Polycarpa aurata来评估多金属污染。在一年多的时间里，包括雨季和旱季，对白桦的外衣和软体中的金属元素等潜在有毒元素（PTE）进行了检测。研究揭示了元素痕量浓度在不同地点的差异，其中一个矿区的多种金属含量较高（As 12.65 μg/g DW, Cd 0.34 μg/g DW, Co 31.17 μg/g DW, Cu 10.88 μg/g DW和Ni 173.50 μg/g DW）。金莲中金属含量与沉积物和悬浮颗粒中金属含量存在相关性。比较分析的两种组织（软体和外衣），我们注意到某些金属元素，包括砷（BSAF 8,99）、镉（6,38）、铜（2,84）和锌（5,28），优先在金银松软体中积累，而镍的积累与沉积物水平相比是最小的（BSAF Ni 1,12）。本研究为印度尼西亚珊瑚礁的被动生物监测建立了基线，证明了像P. aurata这样的海鞘是监测这些海洋环境中金属污染的有效候选者。通过强调海洋生物在污染物识别和环境质量评估的化学监测和生物监测计划中的潜力，这些发现有助于解决当代环境挑战。
{"title":"First baseline study on polymetallic passive biomonitoring of Polycarpa aurata in coral reef ecosystems in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.","authors":"Mimie Saputri , Yusnaini Yusnaini , Muhammad Zainuri , Ita Widowati , Asriyana Asriyana , Samsul Muarrif , Maud Brault-Favrou , Carine Churlaud , Thierry Guyot , Gilles Radenac , Denis Fichet , Hélène Thomas","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104740","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This pioneering study investigates the use of the tunicate <em>Polycarpa aurata</em> for assessing polymetallic pollution in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Over the course of one year, encompassing both rainy and dry seasons, potentially toxic elements (PTE) such as metal elements were examined in the tunic and soft body of <em>P. aurata</em>. The research revealed site-specific variations in element trace concentrations, with a mining site exhibiting elevated levels of multiple metals (like As 12.65 μg/g DW, Cd 0.34 μg/g DW, Co 31.17 μg/g DW, Cu 10.88 μg/g DW and Ni 173.50 μg/g DW). A correlation was observed between metal concentrations in <em>P. aurata</em> and those in sediment and suspended particles. Comparing the 2 tissues analysed (soft body and tunic), we note that certain metal elements, including arsenic (BSAF 8,99), cadmium (6,38), copper (2,84), and zinc (5,28), accumulated preferentially in the soft body of <em>P. aurata</em>, while nickel accumulation was minimal compared to sediment levels (BSAF Ni 1,12). This study establishes a baseline for passive biomonitoring of Indonesian coral reefs, demonstrating that ascidians like <em>P. aurata</em> are effective candidates for monitoring metal pollution in these marine environments. The findings contribute to addressing contemporary environmental challenges by highlighting the potential of marine organisms in chemical monitoring and biomonitoring programs for pollutant identification and environmental quality assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104740"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104741
Murat Dağtekin , Ahmet Raif Eryaşar , Kenan Gedik , Cemil Altuntaş , Onur Yılmaz , Mehmet Adigüzel , Recep Parlak , Hakan Göndem , Bedrettin Duman , Batıkan Bilir , Ömer Kalıpçı
This study provides a comprehensive and standardized assessment of benthic marine litter along the Turkish Black Sea coast, based on 191 bottom trawl hauls conducted across three seasons and 69 stations following the standardized MEDITS/iBotS protocol. Sampling was performed along the southern Black Sea coast between İğneada and Hopa, covering five distinct depth strata ranging from 0 to 125 m. Marine litter was classified into eight main categories and twenty-six subcategories. To analyze the drivers of litter distribution, a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was employed to examine the effects of latitude, longitude, depth, and seasonality. The mean benthic litter density was 639 ± 54 items/km², with plastics representing the dominant component (77 % of all items; 497 ± 52 items/km²). Spatial patterns revealed pronounced heterogeneity, with litter densities ranging from 7.97 to 6272.54 items/km² and eight accumulation hotspots exceeding 1000 items/km². Six of these hotspots occurred in the Eastern Black Sea, a pattern influenced by the Rim Current and coastal eddies. Depth played a critical role in structuring benthic litter distribution. Litter abundance exhibited a distinct peak at 50–75 m. A Generalized Additive Model (GAM) revealed significant non-linear effects of latitude, longitude, and depth on benthic litter abundance, while seasonality showed no significant influence. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the benthic environment of the Black Sea is substantially impacted by plastic-dominated litter. The study underscores the value of bottom-trawl–based monitoring for detecting seafloor litter and highlights the potential role of commercial trawl fleets in removing accumulated litter.
{"title":"Benthic marine litter in the Black Sea: Hydrodynamic drivers, depth-related accumulation, and implications for regional management","authors":"Murat Dağtekin , Ahmet Raif Eryaşar , Kenan Gedik , Cemil Altuntaş , Onur Yılmaz , Mehmet Adigüzel , Recep Parlak , Hakan Göndem , Bedrettin Duman , Batıkan Bilir , Ömer Kalıpçı","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study provides a comprehensive and standardized assessment of benthic marine litter along the Turkish Black Sea coast, based on 191 bottom trawl hauls conducted across three seasons and 69 stations following the standardized MEDITS/iBotS protocol. Sampling was performed along the southern Black Sea coast between İğneada and Hopa, covering five distinct depth strata ranging from 0 to 125 m. Marine litter was classified into eight main categories and twenty-six subcategories. To analyze the drivers of litter distribution, a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was employed to examine the effects of latitude, longitude, depth, and seasonality. The mean benthic litter density was 639 ± 54 items/km², with plastics representing the dominant component (77 % of all items; 497 ± 52 items/km²). Spatial patterns revealed pronounced heterogeneity, with litter densities ranging from 7.97 to 6272.54 items/km² and eight accumulation hotspots exceeding 1000 items/km². Six of these hotspots occurred in the Eastern Black Sea, a pattern influenced by the Rim Current and coastal eddies. Depth played a critical role in structuring benthic litter distribution. Litter abundance exhibited a distinct peak at 50–75 m. A Generalized Additive Model (GAM) revealed significant non-linear effects of latitude, longitude, and depth on benthic litter abundance, while seasonality showed no significant influence. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the benthic environment of the Black Sea is substantially impacted by plastic-dominated litter. The study underscores the value of bottom-trawl–based monitoring for detecting seafloor litter and highlights the potential role of commercial trawl fleets in removing accumulated litter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104741"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104727
Kapustina Mariia , Bubnova Ekaterina , Dudkov Ivan
This study examines temporal changes in the deep layer (>100 m) of the Gdansk Deep (Baltic Sea) over the period 2003–2023, aiming to quantify hydrological trends and their implications for hypoxia. Utilizing over 4 000 field measurements combined with NEMO model outputs, the study shows temperature increase of approximately 1.6 °C and slight salinity rise of 0.7 PSU. Dissolved oxygen concentrations declined sharply, dropping from 2-3 ml/L to <1 ml/L after the year 2018, with euxinic conditions persisting from 2019 through late 2023. Although the 2014 Major Baltic Inflow temporarily elevated salinity (to 14.4 PSU) and oxygen levels, oxygen was consumed within months, leading to renewed hypoxia and seasonal euxinia. The observed increase in oxygen deficiency in the 100–110 m layer is associated with biochemical processes in bottom sediments, the role of which has increased significantly over the study period. Accumulated organic matter in bottom sediments continues to support intense oxygen consumption, and observed climate change further intensifies these processes. Seasonal amplitude also diminished: since 2018, summer minima fell by over 1.5 ml/L, and winter maxima by 0.6 ml/L relative to the 20-year mean. Nonetheless, local oxygen source was hypothesized for the Gdansk Basin — wind-driven vertical convection above the steep slope after strong westerly winds in November–December.
{"title":"Deep water of the Gdansk Deep (Baltic Sea): variability of hydrology and dissolved oxygen over recent decades","authors":"Kapustina Mariia , Bubnova Ekaterina , Dudkov Ivan","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104727","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104727","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines temporal changes in the deep layer (>100 m) of the Gdansk Deep (Baltic Sea) over the period 2003–2023, aiming to quantify hydrological trends and their implications for hypoxia. Utilizing over 4 000 field measurements combined with NEMO model outputs, the study shows temperature increase of approximately 1.6 °C and slight salinity rise of 0.7 PSU. Dissolved oxygen concentrations declined sharply, dropping from 2-3 ml/L to <1 ml/L after the year 2018, with euxinic conditions persisting from 2019 through late 2023. Although the 2014 Major Baltic Inflow temporarily elevated salinity (to 14.4 PSU) and oxygen levels, oxygen was consumed within months, leading to renewed hypoxia and seasonal euxinia. The observed increase in oxygen deficiency in the 100–110 m layer is associated with biochemical processes in bottom sediments, the role of which has increased significantly over the study period. Accumulated organic matter in bottom sediments continues to support intense oxygen consumption, and observed climate change further intensifies these processes. Seasonal amplitude also diminished: since 2018, summer minima fell by over 1.5 ml/L, and winter maxima by 0.6 ml/L relative to the 20-year mean. Nonetheless, local oxygen source was hypothesized for the Gdansk Basin — wind-driven vertical convection above the steep slope after strong westerly winds in November–December.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104727"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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}
Tropical estuaries are vital ecosystems, serving as biodiversity nurseries and supporting key ecological processes. Increasing anthropogenic pressures, however, have imposed unforeseen challenges on water resources in urban estuaries. To evaluate microbial risks and ecosystem health, this study investigated a tidally influenced estuary, integrating pathogen detection with indicator microbes and physico-chemical parameters. High abundances of fecal and sewage-associated indicators, including total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio, were observed in the upper estuary during the dry season, while viral occurrences peaked in the wet season due to allochthonous inputs. Elevated levels of Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota under dry conditions reflected hypoxic states in the upper estuary. The identified bacterial community structure further indicated hydrocarbon and heavy-metal contamination, eutrophication, hypoxic sulfur metabolism, pathogenesis, and antibiotic resistance. Collectively, these findings highlight the utility of microbial surveillance, encompassing both point and non-point sources, as a predictive framework to detect early microbial shifts and enable timely interventions against large-scale contamination events.
{"title":"Microbial and pathogenic indicators for pollution risk assessment in an urban estuary under dry and wet conditions","authors":"Lawrance Irudayarajan , Chinnarajan Ravindran , Umesh Kumar Pradhan , Seyieleno C. Seleyi , Balaram Sahu , Soniya Sukumaran , Chellandi Mohandass","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tropical estuaries are vital ecosystems, serving as biodiversity nurseries and supporting key ecological processes. Increasing anthropogenic pressures, however, have imposed unforeseen challenges on water resources in urban estuaries. To evaluate microbial risks and ecosystem health, this study investigated a tidally influenced estuary, integrating pathogen detection with indicator microbes and physico-chemical parameters. High abundances of fecal and sewage-associated indicators, including total coliforms, <em>Escherichia coli</em>, <em>Pseudomonas</em>, <em>Salmonella</em>, <em>Shigella</em>, and <em>Vibrio</em>, were observed in the upper estuary during the dry season, while viral occurrences peaked in the wet season due to allochthonous inputs. Elevated levels of Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota under dry conditions reflected hypoxic states in the upper estuary. The identified bacterial community structure further indicated hydrocarbon and heavy-metal contamination, eutrophication, hypoxic sulfur metabolism, pathogenesis, and antibiotic resistance. Collectively, these findings highlight the utility of microbial surveillance, encompassing both point and non-point sources, as a predictive framework to detect early microbial shifts and enable timely interventions against large-scale contamination events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104730"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104728
Hortência Cordeiro da Luz , Cristian Berto da Silveira , Clarissa Pellegrini Ferreira , Marcella Oliveira de Almeida , Jorge Luiz Rodrigues-Filho , Karim Hahn Lüchmann
Metal contamination poses global environmental and public health concerns due to its persistence and potential for biomagnification in aquatic food webs. This study investigated cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in muscle and liver tissues of Mugil liza (Valenciennes, 1836), a commercially important fish species from the Laguna Estuarine System (LES), southern Brazil. Metal concentrations were quantified and compared with legal safety thresholds, and potential human health risks were assessed for muscle tissue using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). Associations with tissue type, fish size, and reproductive stage were also evaluated. In muscle, metal concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) followed the order Zn (3.23–8.69) > Cu (0.06–1.69), with Cd and Pb below detection limits. In liver tissue, concentrations were: Cu (53.86–3,08) > Zn (up to 238.98) > Cd (0.09–3.21); Pb was not detected. Legal limits were exceeded only in liver samples, while muscle tissue remained within safe limits for human consumption. THQ values for all metals in muscle were below 1, indicating low potential risk to human health. Metal concentrations in M. liza showed slight variation across reproductive stages, with higher hepatic levels observed in immature and post-spawning males and in post-spawning females. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) indicated that, except for Zn in muscle, metal concentrations generally increased with fish length in both tissues. These results demonstrate that M. liza predominantly accumulates metals in the liver, suggesting potential ecological risks to predators through trophic transfer, while muscle concentrations confirm safety for human consumption.
金属污染由于其在水生食物网中的持久性和潜在的生物放大效应而引起全球环境和公共卫生问题。本研究调查了巴西南部拉古纳河口系统（LES）一种重要的商业鱼类Mugil liza （Valenciennes, 1836）肌肉和肝脏组织中的镉（Cd）、铜（Cu）、铅（Pb）和锌（Zn）浓度。对金属浓度进行量化，并与法定安全阈值进行比较，并使用目标危害商数（THQ）评估肌肉组织的潜在人体健康风险。还评估了与组织类型、鱼的大小和繁殖阶段的关系。肌肉中金属含量（mg/kg湿重）依次为Zn (3.23-8.69) >； Cu (0.06-1.69)， Cd和Pb低于检出限。肝组织中Cu (53.86 ~ 3.08) >； Zn（高达238.98）>； Cd (0.09 ~ 3.21)；未检出铅。只有肝脏样本超过了法定限制，而肌肉组织仍在人类食用的安全范围内。肌肉中所有金属的THQ值均低于1，表明对人体健康的潜在风险较低。金属浓度在整个繁殖阶段略有变化，未成熟和产卵后的雄性和产卵后的雌性在肝脏中观察到较高的水平。广义加性模型（GAM）表明，除肌肉中Zn外，两种组织中金属浓度均随鱼体长度的增加而增加。这些结果表明，m.l iza主要在肝脏中积累金属，这表明通过营养转移对捕食者有潜在的生态风险，而肌肉浓度证实了人类食用的安全性。
{"title":"Metal concentrations in Mugil liza (Valenciennes, 1836) from a southern Brazilian estuary: tissue distribution and human health risk assessment","authors":"Hortência Cordeiro da Luz , Cristian Berto da Silveira , Clarissa Pellegrini Ferreira , Marcella Oliveira de Almeida , Jorge Luiz Rodrigues-Filho , Karim Hahn Lüchmann","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal contamination poses global environmental and public health concerns due to its persistence and potential for biomagnification in aquatic food webs. This study investigated cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in muscle and liver tissues of <em>Mugil liza</em> (Valenciennes, 1836), a commercially important fish species from the Laguna Estuarine System (LES), southern Brazil. Metal concentrations were quantified and compared with legal safety thresholds, and potential human health risks were assessed for muscle tissue using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). Associations with tissue type, fish size, and reproductive stage were also evaluated. In muscle, metal concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) followed the order Zn (3.23–8.69) > Cu (0.06–1.69), with Cd and Pb below detection limits. In liver tissue, concentrations were: Cu (53.86–3,08) > Zn (up to 238.98) > Cd (0.09–3.21); Pb was not detected. Legal limits were exceeded only in liver samples, while muscle tissue remained within safe limits for human consumption. THQ values for all metals in muscle were below 1, indicating low potential risk to human health. Metal concentrations in <em>M. liza</em> showed slight variation across reproductive stages, with higher hepatic levels observed in immature and post-spawning males and in post-spawning females. Generalized Additive Models (GAM) indicated that, except for Zn in muscle, metal concentrations generally increased with fish length in both tissues. These results demonstrate that <em>M. liza</em> predominantly accumulates metals in the liver, suggesting potential ecological risks to predators through trophic transfer, while muscle concentrations confirm safety for human consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 104728"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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}
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