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Phthalates (PAEs) and alkylphenols (APs), known as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), are ubiquitous in aquatic environments worldwide and may be harmful to aquatic ecosystems. This study is the first to comprehensively assess the occurrence and potential ecological risks of 12 EDCs in the surface sediments of seven major harbors in Taiwan. In addition, a correlation model was established between the concentration levels of individual PAEs and APs in the sediments and their production. The total PAEs concentrations in the sediments ranged between 129–1894 ng/g dw (mean: 558 ± 479 ng/g dw). Total APs concentrations ranged between<0.2–913 ng/g dw with a mean of 52 ± 178 ng/g dw. Among the 12 EDCs, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (55.1%) and diisononyl phthalate (31.6%) were the predominant PAEs, while 4-nonylphenol (93.2%) was the main AP. The occurrence and concentrations of PAEs and APs in the sediments were significantly correlated with their production (r = 0.989, p <.01), reflecting the status and degree of anthropogenic pollution. The concentrations of PAEs and APs in the sediments of Taiwanese harbors showed a potential decreasing trend over time, which should be related to strengthened regulations and changes in the industrial market. The estimated total risk quotient (TRQ) of algae exposed to the concentrations of 12 EDCs in sediments suggests moderate to high potential risks (TRQ = 0.74–2.18), while crustaceans (TRQ = 0.02–0.27) and fish (TRQ = 0.03–0.10) may have low to moderate potential risks. The main compounds responsible for these risks are dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, and 4-nonylphenols. The results show that the pollution degree of surface sediments in the harbor could reflect anthropogenic pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the pollution of surface sediments in harbors, grasp the pollution situation, and evaluate the regulatory effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove nursery protocols are essential for sustainable reforestation. Seedling generation of various mangrove species is required to re-establish the coastal and mangrove biological systems. This research assessed the growth and survival of Avicennia marina and Bruguiera cylindrica in a nursery using different substrates: sand (sand) as Treatment I, mangrove soil (clay) as Treatment II, and their mixtures (sandy-clay-loam) as Treatment III for 18 weeks. The experiment was arranged in a randomized factorial design, with two mangrove species, three substrates, and five replicates. Each replicate has 10 mangrove seedlings or propagules. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference in survival between sand (82 ± 20%) and sand-clay-loam (48 ± 08%) in A. marina (p < .05). Sand also yielded significantly higher survival (93 ± 6%) than mangrove soil (67 ± 23%). The total height, number of axils, and number and lengths of internodes in A. marina were not significantly affected by substrate types (p > .05). However, the number of leaves (p < .05) and internodes (p < .01) produced by B. cylindrica were higher in mangrove soil. Mangroves A. marina and B. cylindrica have been successfully grown in all substrates tested. More importantly, the two species' seedling performances differed among substrates. Therefore, it is recommended to use sand soils for the nursery of A. marina and B. cylindrica when conducting actual plantations because the survival rate was significantly higher in the sand than in the other substrates. In contrast, results suggest that mangrove soils might positively affect the growth of B. cylindrica in terms of leaf and internode production; hence, they could be used alternatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are emerging pollutants commonly found in plastic products. Thus, increasing plastic pollution in the marine environment amplify their entry and potential impacts on aquatic species. Likewise, pollutants may accumulate in top predators such as sharks and are highly consumed in many countries. Therefore, this study evaluated the concentrations of 10 PAEs plasticizers in commercially important Indian Ocean silky sharks Carcharhinus falciformis and their toxicity risks in children and adults. Results showed the concentrations of ΣPAEs in shark muscle ranging between 5,402–34,577 ng/g ww. PAEs in silky shark muscles appeared to be six times higher in locations near the coasts (islands) with higher anthropogenic impacts. Low molecular weight PAEs like DMP and DnBP dominated PAEs in shark muscle tissues. Moreover, the PAE levels in shark muscles did not significantly increase with length and weight, indicating their relative impacts in all shark sizes. For the estimate of the daily intakes (EDI), the DEHP was 32 μg/kg bw/day in preschool children and 23 μg/kg bw/day in adults (the DEHP Reference Dose (RfD) of 20 μg/kg bw/day). Toxicity risk assessment showed unacceptable levels indicating long-term dietary risks for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mud lobsters are burrowing crustaceans that are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines. However, they are somehow neglected in scientific studies in the country. The increasing risks brought by this pandemic further impede field surveys as mobilization is highly regulated. Hence, the use of social media platforms was explored to study the ecology and exploitation of mud lobsters in the Philippines. This study used content analysis of YouTube videos. Key terms were searched to identify contents such as 'Philippines,' 'mud lobsters,' and local terms like 'bulaso,' 'uson,' and 'urong.' A total of 30 videos were analyzed. Videos were posted from 2015–2021 from at least 10 provinces. Results reinforce the already known wide distribution of mud lobsters in mangrove forests, fishponds, and rice fields beside mangroves. Still, there were notable mud lobster behaviors observed such as 1) surfacing during the rainy season, 2) the timing of which disturbed burrow is repaired, and 3) conspecific repulsion – all of which were not previously documented. Empty burrows were also found inhabited by the terrestrial crab Cardisoma carnifex. Mud lobsters were commonly caught using bamboo traps, but some had developed unique fishing techniques such as mound disturbance and the tali-tali method. Alarmingly, this study also found the use of toxic chemicals for illegal fishing activity. This study provides evidence on the potential use of social media to study aquatic organisms. Additional knowledge on mud lobster ecology and baseline information on some aspects of its fishery in the Philippines was observed. Social media can be useful for surveillance and ecological studies but could not be used as an alternative method for in-depth biological and taxonomic studies, where actual specimens are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]