Effects of Emerging Contaminants to Marine Organisms: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2021) | Viewed by 31675

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: marine ecotoxicology; marine invertebrates; mollusks; echinoderms; emerging contaminants; ocean acidification; biomonitoring; biomarkers
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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
Interests: aquatic toxicology; bivalves; hemocytes; immune responses; environmental pollution; emerging contaminants; biomonitoring; biomarkers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging contaminants are a large group of substances—mainly synthetic—that can enter coastal marine ecosystems. To this class of contaminants belong, for example, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, nanomaterials, microplastics, pesticides/herbicides, and industrial chemicals. Despite their widespread and increasing use, however, for most of these compounds, information concerning transfer, environmental levels, fate, and toxicological effects to marine organisms is limited.

Potential adverse effects of emerging contaminants to marine organisms, from molecular aspects and cell functionality to physiological performance and organism health, deserve a particular focus with a view to preventing the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

In this Special Issue, we call for review and original research papers that pay attention to the effects of emerging contaminants to marine organisms (vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, microalgae).

Results of both in vitro and in vivo studies are welcome.

Assoc. Prof. Maria Gabriella Marin
Assoc. Prof. Valerio Matozzo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Emerging contaminants
  • Marine organisms
  • Ecotoxicology
  • In vitro assays
  • In vivo studies

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 189 KiB  
Editorial
Effects of Emerging Contaminants to Marine Organisms: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
by Valerio Matozzo and Maria Gabriella Marin
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(12), 1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10121813 - 24 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
The aim of this Special Issue (SI) was to publish original research papers and reviews dealing with the effects of emerging contaminants on marine organisms (vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and microalgae) [...] Full article

Research

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12 pages, 930 KiB  
Article
EAT BREATHE EXCRETE REPEAT: Physiological Responses of the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to Diclofenac and Ocean Acidification
by Marco Munari, Valerio Matozzo, Verena Riedl, Paolo Pastore, Denis Badocco and Maria Gabriella Marin
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(11), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8110907 - 12 Nov 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3228
Abstract
Combined effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and lowered seawater pH were assessed on the physiological responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Bivalves were exposed for 1 week to natural pH (8.1) and two reduced pH values (pH −0.4 units and [...] Read more.
Combined effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and lowered seawater pH were assessed on the physiological responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Bivalves were exposed for 1 week to natural pH (8.1) and two reduced pH values (pH −0.4 units and pH −0.7 units), as predicted under a climate change scenario. After the first week, exposure continued for additional 2 weeks, both in the absence and in the presence of environmentally relevant concentrations of diclofenac (0.05 and 0.5 µg/L). Clearance rate, respiration rate, and excretion rate were measured after 7 days of exposure to pH only and after 14 (T1) and 21 (T2) days of exposure to the various pH*diclofenac combinations. At all sampling times, pH significantly affected all the biological parameters considered, whereas diclofenac generally exhibited a significant influence only at T2. Overall, results demonstrated that the physiological performance of M. galloprovincialis was strongly influenced by the experimental conditions tested, in particular by the interaction between the two stressors after 21 days of exposure. Further studies are needed to assess the combined effects of climate changes and emerging contaminants on bivalve physiology during different life stages, especially reproduction. Full article
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14 pages, 1377 KiB  
Article
Effects of Glyphosate-Based and Derived Products on Sea Urchin Larval Development
by Davide Asnicar, Costanza Cappelli, Ahmad Safuan Sallehuddin, Nur Atiqah Maznan and Maria Gabriella Marin
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(9), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8090661 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4096
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of herbicide glyphosate in cultivation, its extensive runoff into rivers and to coastal areas, and the persistence of this chemical and its main degradation product (aminomethylphosphonic acid, AMPA) in the environment, there is still little information on the potential [...] Read more.
Despite the widespread use of herbicide glyphosate in cultivation, its extensive runoff into rivers and to coastal areas, and the persistence of this chemical and its main degradation product (aminomethylphosphonic acid, AMPA) in the environment, there is still little information on the potential negative effects of glyphosate, its commercial formulation Roundup® and AMPA on marine species. This study was conducted with the aim of providing a comparative evaluation of the effects of glyphosate-based and its derived chemicals on the larval development of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, thus providing new data to describe the potential ecotoxicity of these contaminants. In particular, the effects on larval development, growth and metabolism were assessed during 48 h of exposure from the time of egg fertilization. The results confirm that AMPA and its parent compound, glyphosate have similar toxicity, as observed in other marine invertebrates. However, interestingly, the Roundup® formulation seemed to be less toxic than the glyphosate alone. Full article
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12 pages, 1825 KiB  
Article
Effects of Ethinylestradiol (EE2) and an Organophosphorus Flame Retardant (TCPP) on Gonadal Maturation in the Sea Urchin, Paracentrotus lividus
by Pedro Campoy-López, Estefanía Pereira-Pinto, Leonardo Mantilla-Aldana and Ricardo Beiras
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(8), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8080611 - 16 Aug 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3744
Abstract
The sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) was used to test the effects of one of the most abundant flame retardant additives for plastics, tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and the synthetic hormone ethinylestradiol (EE2) on gametogenesis and gonad development of adults. With this [...] Read more.
The sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) was used to test the effects of one of the most abundant flame retardant additives for plastics, tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), and the synthetic hormone ethinylestradiol (EE2) on gametogenesis and gonad development of adults. With this aim, 403 individuals of both sexes were exposed to TCPP concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 10 µg/L, EE2 (0.01 µg/L), seawater and solvent controls for 7 and 28 days. EE2 and TCPP exposure did not cause histological damage in the gonads. Some evidence of estrogenic effects of TCPP within the µg/L range and EE2 within the ng/L range is reported. Females exposed to 1 µg/L TCPP for 7 days showed a significant increase in gonad development assessed as gametogenic stage, females exposed to 10 µg/L TCPP showed increased gonad development both in terms of weight (Gonad Index, GI, at both 7 and 28 days) and maturation (Pixelar Index, PI), and females exposed to 10 ng/L EE2 showed increased PI after 28 days exposure. Male sea urchins exposed to both TCPP and EE2 for 7 days showed increased frequencies of low development gonad stage. However, the patterns of response are affected by the high inter-individual variability, the differing initial stage of the gonad, as well as the dosage administered. Full article
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15 pages, 1756 KiB  
Article
Immunotoxicity in Ascidians: Antifouling Compounds Alternative to Organotins—V. the Case of Dichlofluanid
by Francesca Cima and Roberta Varello
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(6), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8060396 - 30 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3132
Abstract
Dichlofluanid has long been employed as a fungicide in agriculture and has been massively introduced in antifouling paints for boat hulls over the last two decades. One of the most important toxic effects of antifoulants is represented by immunosuppression in marine invertebrates, which [...] Read more.
Dichlofluanid has long been employed as a fungicide in agriculture and has been massively introduced in antifouling paints for boat hulls over the last two decades. One of the most important toxic effects of antifoulants is represented by immunosuppression in marine invertebrates, which can be analysed in vitro with a number of short-term toxicity assays on haemocytes. Among bioindicators, the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri is a useful candidate; it is a filter-feeding organism living in the water-sediment interface that is found worldwide and is sensitive to antifouling xenobiotics. Dichlofluanid adversely affects both immunocyte lines (phagocyte and cytotoxic lines) after exposure to sublethal concentrations. At 0.05 μM (16.65 μg/L), dichlofluanid induced haemocyte apoptosis and cell shrinkage with a decrease in both motility and phagocytosis. At the lowest concentration (0.01 μM, 3.33 μg/L), inhibition of pivotal enzymatic activities of phagocytes and cytotoxic cells occurred. At the highest concentration (0.1 μM, 33.3 μg/L), dichlofluanid increased glutathione oxidation, leading to stress conditions. The effects of dichlofluanid on immune defence responses are similar to those of organometal-based antifoulants (i.e., organotin compounds and zinc pyrithione), and its use in coastal areas requires attention. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 580 KiB  
Review
Can Proteomics Be Considered as a Valuable Tool to Assess the Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Marine Bivalves?
by Beatrice De Felice and Marco Parolini
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(12), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8121033 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2275
Abstract
Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) has been identified as a major concern for marine ecosystems. Because of their peculiar physico-chemical features, NPs are accumulated in marine organisms, which suffer a variety of adverse effects. In particular, bivalve mollusks represent a unique target for NPs, [...] Read more.
Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) has been identified as a major concern for marine ecosystems. Because of their peculiar physico-chemical features, NPs are accumulated in marine organisms, which suffer a variety of adverse effects. In particular, bivalve mollusks represent a unique target for NPs, mainly because they are suspension-feeders with highly developed processes for cellular internalization of nano- and micrometric particles. Several studies have demonstrated that the uptake and the accumulation of NPs can induce sub-lethal effects towards marine bivalves. However, to understand the real risk of NP exposures the application of the so-called “omics” techniques (e.g., proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) has been suggested. In particular, proteomics has been used to study the effects of NPs and their mechanism(s) of action in marine bivalves, but to date its application is still limited. The present review aims at summarizing the state of the art concerning the application of proteomics as a tool to investigate the effects of nanoparticles on the proteome of marine bivalves, and to critically discuss the advantages and limitations of proteomics in this field of research. Relying on results obtained by studies that applied proteomics on bivalve tissues, proteomics application needs to be considered cautiously as a promising and valuable tool to shed light on toxicity and mechanism(s) of action of NPs. Although on one hand, the analysis of the current literature demonstrated undeniable strengths, potentiality and reliability of proteomics, on the other hand a number of limitations suggest that some gaps of knowledge need to be bridged, and methodological and technical improvements are necessary before proteomics can be readily and routinely applied to nanotoxicology studies. Full article
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14 pages, 263 KiB  
Review
Impact of Neonicotinoids to Aquatic Invertebrates—In Vitro Studies on Mytilus galloprovincialis: A Review
by Maria Pagano, Alzbeta Stara, Valbona Aliko and Caterina Faggio
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(10), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8100801 - 15 Oct 2020
Cited by 84 | Viewed by 5129
Abstract
The use of pesticides in agriculture has always had a strong impact on environmental contamination. Since the 1990s, neonicotinoids have grown increasingly more popular, targeting specific receptors for insects, especially bees, which is why the use of some neonicotinoids has been banned. Much [...] Read more.
The use of pesticides in agriculture has always had a strong impact on environmental contamination. Since the 1990s, neonicotinoids have grown increasingly more popular, targeting specific receptors for insects, especially bees, which is why the use of some neonicotinoids has been banned. Much is known about the effects they have on insects, but very little about the effect they can have on non-target organisms. Several studies have shown how these neonicotinoids interact negatively with the normal physiology of aquatic organisms. For the genus Mytilus, even though the neonicotinoids did not show an interaction with specific receptors, a chronic and acute exposure to them causes damage. In these animals, a reduced production of byssus, alteration of the normal antioxidant systems and tissue damage have been found. Therefore, an analysis of the entire ecosystem in which the pollutant enters is of great importance in evaluating any possible alterations. Full article
20 pages, 778 KiB  
Review
The Effects of Glyphosate and Its Commercial Formulations to Marine Invertebrates: A Review
by Valerio Matozzo, Jacopo Fabrello and Maria Gabriella Marin
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(6), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8060399 - 1 Jun 2020
Cited by 73 | Viewed by 7646
Abstract
Glyphosate is the active ingredient of numerous commercial formulations of herbicides applied in different sectors, from agriculture to aquaculture. Due to its widespread use around the world, relatively high concentrations of glyphosate have been detected in soil and aquatic environments. The presence of [...] Read more.
Glyphosate is the active ingredient of numerous commercial formulations of herbicides applied in different sectors, from agriculture to aquaculture. Due to its widespread use around the world, relatively high concentrations of glyphosate have been detected in soil and aquatic environments. The presence of glyphosate in aquatic ecosystems has aroused the attention of researchers because of its potential negative effects on living organisms, both animals and plants. In this context, this review intends to summarize results of studies aimed at evaluating the effects of glyphosate (both as active ingredient and component of commercial formulations) on marine invertebrates. Generally, data obtained in acute toxicity tests indicate that glyphosate and its commercial formulations are lethal at high concentrations (not environmentally realistic), whereas results of long-lasting experiments indicate that glyphosate can markedly affect biological responses of marine invertebrates. Consequently, more efforts should be addressed at evaluating chronic or sub-chronic effects of such substances to marine invertebrate species. Full article
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