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The high-mountain lakes of the Alps, perched like glistening gems in the cradle of Europe’s most formidable mountain range, have for generations epitomized nature’s majesty. These remote and pristine bodies of water have served as invaluable sentinels of global change, repositories of geological history, and sources of freshwater for the surrounding regions. Yet, despite their seemingly imperturbable beauty and seclusion, these high-mountain lakes are not immune to the evolving forces of our changing world. Re-emerging threats, exacerbated by the relentless march of climate change and intensified human activities, cast a shadow over their future, posing profound challenges that demand our attention. The aim of this perspective is to shed light on the main emerging threats, raise awareness, and advocate for proactive actions aimed at preserving and protecting high-mountain lakes. These threats include climate change, retreat of glaciers, UV radiation, long-range transport of contaminants, impact of alien species and water usage for Alpine storage power stations. Additionally, increased tourism and recreational activities in these pristine environments can cause habitat disturbance, further endangering these unique ecosystems. The present perspective article also offers valuable perspectives on the necessity of monitoring and research efforts in high-mountain lakes. Such actions are crucial for comprehending the ecological well-being of these ecosystems, evaluating the consequences of environmental shifts, and devising successful conservation strategies.

Microplastic pollution poses an escalating concern, particularly in coastal lagoons rich in biodiversity. This study delved into the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Magallana gigas (formerly Crassostrea gigas) from the Orbetello and Varano coastal lagoons (Italy), also investigating the response of these filter-feeding organisms to various colors (P = pink; B = blue; W = white) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MP fragments. Oysters were exposed for 7 days under controlled conditions. Subsequently, the oysters underwent analysis for both MP presence and biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Diverse ingestion rates of HDPE were noted among oysters from the two lagoons, eliciting antioxidant responses and modifying baseline activity. The two-way ANOVA revealed the significant effects of treatment (control; HDPE_B; HDPE_P; HDPE_W), site, and the interaction between treatment and site on all biomarkers. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed a divergent effect of HDPE color on biomarkers. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the influence of MP color, dose-dependent effects, and the long-term impacts of exposure. Comprehending these intricacies is imperative for devising effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution and safeguard marine health.

The effective management of marine ecosystems in the face of growing anthropogenic pressures requires the integration of data from different ecological components. Holistic approaches to evaluate the ecological status of marine ecosystems are still scarce, likely due to the challenge of integrating the complex information from a variety of indicators. In this study, we provided an application of a quantitative Weight-Of-Evidence (WOE) model based on the Sediqualsoft® software, combining environmental and biological data to assess ecological risk in soft-bottom habitats within Natura sites 2000 in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Here, the WOE approach combined three lines of evidence (LOE): chemical characterization (LOE1), ecotoxicological properties (LOE4), and benthic community status (LOE5). A separate hazard quotient was derived for each LOE prior to a weighted integration into a synthetic WOE assessment. The chemical analysis of the sediments revealed concentrations of pollutants far lower the reference limits, except for As and Hg and for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which determined a ‘Slight’ to ‘Severe’ chemical hazard in coastal sites. Ecotoxicological hazard was rated as ‘Absent’ at all sampling stations, and the analysis of benthic communities indicated ‘undisturbed’ conditions for most sites. The WOE approach classified the overall ecological risk to be ‘Absent’ for offshore sites and ‘Slight’ in nearshore sites. Although results suggested a general low ecological risk, the potential for future risks is recognized, especially in coastal areas, due to well-known sediment pollution in the region. The application of the WOE approach may represent a valuable tool for managing marine protected sites, and to characterize the overall ecological status of these areas and improve conservation strategies in highly anthropized environmental contexts.

Pollution of the marine environment by microfibers is considered a problem for ecosystem conservation. The amount of microplastic, localization of sources, and associated ecotoxicity are well known in the literature. Wastewater from washing machines is the main source of microplastic fibers in the aquatic environment, and fabrics made from recycled plastic are widely reused. The circular economy also promotes recycling of dyed natural wool materials as a basis for making new clothing, but in this case, less research has been conducted on the behaviour and effects of recycled wool microfibers in marine ecosystems. MWool® (MW) and MWool® carded (MWc) products made from recycled wool fibers were tested in mesocosms to investigate the biodegradation of wool fibers over a 260-day period and the effects of this process on marine ecosystems in terms of microfiber inputs and the ecotoxicological effects of by-products and chemicals released during degradation. The early degradation process was associated with the loss of artificial pigments from the dyed wool, particularly pink and red, which occurred within 30–90 days of exposure. Mean release of microparticles into contact water is significantly different from control (T0, p < 0.01) at 90 days MWc (36.6 mg/L) and 180 days MW (42.9 mg/L). The biodegradation process is accompanied by swelling of wool fibers, which is associated with a significant increase in mean wool thickness (p < 0.05, 18.8 ± 2.1 µm at T0 vs. 24.0 ± 7.1 µm). In both cases, the contact water was not associated with signs of ecotoxicity for the marine species tested in this study (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Brachionus plicatilis, and Paracentrotus lividus).

Given the widespread use of esters and polyesters in products like cosmetics, fishing nets, lubricants and adhesives, whose specific application(s) may cause their dispersion in open environments, there is a critical need for stringent eco-design criteria based on biodegradability and ecotoxicity evidence. Our approach integrates experimental and computational methods based on short oligomers, offering a screening tool for the rapid identification of sustainable monomers and oligomers, with a special focus on bio-based alternates. We provide insights into the relationships between the chemical structure and properties of bio-based oligomers in terms of biodegradability in marine environments and toxicity in benchmark organisms. The experimental results reveal that the considered aromatic monomers (terephthalic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) accumulate under the tested conditions (OECD 306), although some slight biodegradation is observable when the inoculum derives from sites affected by industrial and urban pollution, which suggests that ecosystems adapt to non-natural chemical pollutants. While clean seas are more susceptible to toxic chemical buildup, biotic catalytic activities offer promise for plastic pollution mitigation. Without prejudice to the fact that biodegradability inherently signifies a desirable trait in plastic products, nor that it automatically grants them a sustainable “license”, this study is intended to facilitate the rational design of new polymers and materials on the basis of specific uses and applications.

The use of marine invertebrates in ecotoxicology is important for an integrated approach which takes into consideration physiological responses and chemical levels in environmental matrices. Standard protocols have been developed and organisms belonging to different trophic levels are needed as model organisms to evaluate toxicant bioavailability and assess their impact on marine biota. The calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa is commonly used in ecotoxicology due to its widespread distribution and well-studied biology. However, different strains coming from various geographical areas are available, and possible variations in physiological characteristics raise concerns about the comparability of ecotoxicological results. This study compares the life cycle assessment and sensitivity of Adriatic and Baltic strains of A. tonsa exposed to nickel (Ni2+) in standardized acute and semi-chronic tests. Life cycle assessments revealed differences in egg production, egg-hatching success, and naupliar viability between the strains. The acute toxicity test demonstrated the significantly higher sensitivity of Adriatic strain nauplii to Ni2+ compared to the Baltic strain, whereas the semi-chronic test showed no significant difference in sensitivity between the strains. These findings suggest that while strain-specific differences exist in different geographical populations, responses to toxicants are not significantly different. Particularly, the semi-chronic assessments with both A. tonsa strains emphasized the robustness of this species as a model organism in ecotoxicology.

Lagoons play an important role in providing a variety of ecological services. They provide important habitats for several plant and animal species, also acting as natural filters that regulate water quality. Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global environmental problem that warrants in-depth studies to understand its impact on socioeconomically and ecologically important areas such as lagoon systems. However, there is a notable lack of data on the occurrence of MPs in Italian lagoon systems, highlighting the need for monitoring and assessment. In this review, peer-reviewed studies from Google Scholar and Scopus databases were examined (n = 10), reflecting the current knowledge on the occurrence of MPs in Italian lagoon systems. A high degree of methodological heterogeneity was recorded, making difficult a meaningful comparison and draw comprehensive conclusions about the occurrence of MPs. Alarmingly, in Italy, only 9 of more than 100 coastal transition ecosystems have been monitored for MP pollution, leaving a significant number unexplored and inadequately studied. In addition, most studies have focused primarily on organism analysis without simultaneously examining the presence of MPs in water and sediments, making it difficult to establish links between MP pollution in abiotic and biotic compartments. To address these gaps, we extended the literature review to research performed worldwide to identify potential organisms suitable for monitoring MPs in lagoons and nearshore transition ecosystems. As observed in many studies, our results highlight the urgent scientific need to standardize methods, procedures, and sampling designs to facilitate comparability and improve the robustness of future research in this area. Overall, this review sheds light on the MP occurrence in Italian lagoon systems, highlights the limitations of existing studies, and emphasizes the urgency of adopting standardized approaches for consistent monitoring and assessment. By addressing these research gaps, we can improve our understanding of MP pollution in lagoons and develop effective strategies to protect these important ecosystems.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a major environmental concern for mountain ecosystem and for high-mountain lakes in particular, which are recognized indicators of global change. In this study, the presence of MPs was assessed in abiotic (water and sediment) and biotic (zooplankton, tadpoles, fish) compartments of two high-mountain lakes (Upper Lake Balma and Lower Lake Balma) in the Cottian Alps (northwest Italy). No MPs were found in water and zooplankton samples, whereas the mean MPs in sediment samples was 1.33 ± 0.67 items/m3 and 1.75 ± 0.62 items/m3 in Lower and Upper Lake Balma, respectively. The mean MPs in tadpoles of Rana temporaria was 0.33 ± 0.58 items/individual and 0.66 ± 0.58 items/individual in Lower and Upper Lake Balma, respectively. The mean number of MPs items found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of fish (Salvelinus fontinalis) was considerably higher in specimens from the Lower (0.45 items/g GIT) than in those from the Upper Lake (0.20 items/g GIT). There was a negative relationship between fish size (weight and age) and MPs abundance in the GIT of fish, indicating that young fish accumulated more MP items probably due to the high prey ingestion rate compared to adults. The same MPs color (blue, white, black), shape (fibers and fragments), and chemical type (polypropylene and polyethylene) were found in the compartments of both lakes. Our findings suggest the use of S. fontinalis as an indicator of MP pollution in high-mountain lakes. Further studies are needed to better understand the sources and the effects of MPs in these remote ecosystems.

Microplastic pollution has become pervasive. Identifying a bioindicator species to track the occurrence and effects of microplastics (MPs) on ecosystems is crucial for determining their impact on the environment. The digestive tract of Procambarus clarkii was thought to be of interest for investigating MPs accumulation in freshwater organisms. Our hypothesis was that the same type of MPs found in abiotic compartments (water and sediment) could be found in P. clarkii, which would make it an ideal candidate for use as a bioindicator of MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems. Water, sediment, and P. clarkii specimens were collected from four sites in a lentic ecosystem (Lake Candia; northwestern Italy) for two consecutive years (2021–2022). The mean MPs abundance was 1.75 ± 0.95 items/m3 in 2021 and 2 ± 0.81 items/m3 in 2022 in the water samples and 6.75 ± 1.5 items/kg and 8 ± 0.81 items/kg in the sediment samples in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2021, the average was 0.06 ± 0.07 items/g in the males and 0.05 ± 0.05 items/g in the females; in 2022, the average was 0.04 ± 0.05 items/g and 0.05 ± 0.06 items/g in the males and the females, respectively. MP fibers and fragments (black, white, blue, light blue) of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were found in the biotic and the abiotic compartments. The generalized linear mixed model revealed that the number of items/g was predicted only by total weight: the lowest number of items/g was recorded for crayfish with the highest weight probably due to the feeding habits of P. clarkii. Our findings suggest that the invasive P. clarkii (smaller individuals, in particular) could be a good candidate bioindicator for MP pollution since the same type of MP items were recorded in the abiotic compartments. Further research is needed to better understand the feeding behavior of P. clarkii and the dynamics of MPs in aquatic ecosystems.

Each year, a staggering 700,000 tons of synthetic dyes are manufactured globally, leading to the release of dye-laden wastewater into aquatic systems. These synthetic dyes resist biodegradation, endangering human and environmental health. Since traditional wastewater treatments are basically unable to remove dyes, exploring the potential of alternative solutions, such as bioremediation, is crucial to reduce dye contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Ficopomatus enigmaticus (Fauvel 1923), listed as one of the 100 worst invasive species in Europe, is considered an invasive ecosystem engineer capable of causing economic and ecological losses. Despite this negative status, the literature suggests its positive contributions to aquatic ecosystems as habitat former and water bioremediator. However, existing evidence on the potential of F. enigmaticus to improve water quality is fragmented and lacks experimental data from laboratory tests. This study examined the potential of Ficopomatus reefs, both living and dead, to enhance water quality by removing contaminants, focusing on methylene blue (MB), one of the most common synthetic dyes. Bioaccumulation and bioadsorption were identified as key mechanisms for dye removal, supported by ATR-FTIR and microscopic analyses. Ficopomatus efficiently removed up to 80% of MB within 24 h. Bioaccumulation in the soft body accounted for 18% of the total removal, while complex adsorption phenomena involving carbonaceous, microalgal, and organic reef components accounted for 82%. Surprisingly, bioremediated solutions exhibited significant effects in ecotoxicological tests on bacteria, indicating the potential of F. enigmaticus to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing related to biofilm formation, and suggesting a possible antifouling action. This study underscores the intricate interplay between F. enigmaticus, water quality improvement, and potential ecological consequences, stressing the need for further investigation into its multifaceted role in aquatic ecosystems.

Microplastics represent one of the main environmental concerns of our time and their presence is well known in all freshwater ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the interference with some environmental dynamics, such as the leaf litter decomposition, which represents a key process in freshwater ecosystems. The work presented herein analyzed the leaf litter decomposition in a lotic ecosystem, in relation to water physicochemical parameters, macrobenthic invertebrate functional feeding guilds (FFG) and, as a novelty, the microplastics as additional factor. Physicochemical features were monitored every 15 days for one year. Phragmites australis decomposition rates were investigated during four seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring) using the leaf bag technique. Microplastic items were also collected within the leaf bags (used as retaining tool) and within macrobenthic invertebrate colonizers. Shredders were the most contaminated FFG in summer and autumn, while scrapers showed high microplastics levels in autumn and winter. Decomposition rates significantly differed among seasons (0.007

Here we investigate the suitability of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) leaflets as a novel biomonitor of airborne microplastics (MPs) including tyre wear particles (TWPs). Leaflets were collected from rural roadside locations (ROs, n = 5) and urban parks (UPs, n = 5) in Siena, Italy. MPs were removed by washing, identified by stereomicroscope, and analysed for polymer type by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Daily MP deposition was estimated from leaf area. The mass magnetic susceptibility and the bioaccumulation of traffic-related potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were also analysed. The total number of MPs at ROs was significantly higher at 2962, dominated by TWPs, compared with 193 in UPs, where TWPs were not found. In contrast, total microfibres were significantly higher in UPs compared with ROs (185 vs. 86). Daily MP deposition was estimated to range from 4.2 to 5.1 MPs/m2/d across UPs and 29.9–457.6 MPs/m2/d across ROs. The polymer types at ROs were dominated by rubber (80%) from TWPs, followed by 15% polyamide (PA) and 5% polysulfone (PES), while in UPs the proportion of PES (44%) was higher than PA (22%) and polyacrylonitrile (11%). The mean mass magnetic susceptibility, a proxy of the bioaccumulation of traffic-related metallic particles, was higher at ROs (0.62 ± 0.01 10–8 m3/kg) than at UPs (–0.50 ± 0.03 10–8 m3/kg). The content of PTEs was similar across sites, except for significantly higher concentrations of Sb, a tracer of vehicle brake wear, at ROs (0.308 ± 0.008 µg/g) compared with UPs (0.054 ± 0.006 µg/g). Our results suggest that the waxy leaflets and easy determination of surface area make Robinia an effective biomonitor for airborne MPs including TWPs.

Climate change has direct effects on aquatic systems where increased water temperature leads to range shifts and changes in the distribution of aquatic organisms. The effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems are expected in all biomes, and in Alpine environments in particular. Anthropogenic pressure (e.g., chemical pollution) besides climate change impact on the state and quality of aquatic systems in which climate change and environmental contaminants can interact. To better understand the effect of increases in temperature and environmental pollution on high-mountain lakes, we performed an ecotoxicological assay on Daphnia middendorffiana collected during summer 2021 in a high-mountain lake (Upper Balma Lake, Cottian Alps, 2212 m a.s.L.). Samples were exposed to two temperature values (15 °C and 20 °C), potassium chloride (KCl) as the reference toxicant, and D. magna as the model organism for comparison. Findings showed immobilization after exposure to KCl in both species, but exposure to non-optimal water temperature (20 °C and 15 °C for D. middendorffiana and D. magna, respectively) enhanced this effect. The mean half-maximal effective concentration (EC50; 24 h) for D. middendorffiana was significantly lower than that recorded for D. magna exposed to 20 °C (KCl) (46.9 mg/L vs 255 mg/L). A significantly higher EC50 (273.4 mg/L; 24 h) was recorded for D. middendorffiana exposed to 15 °C (KCl) compared to D. magna (EC50 50.6 mg/L; 24 h). Our findings suggest that the combined effects of temperature and chemical pollution may severely affect the occurrence of D. middendorffiana, which occupies a central position in the food webs of high-mountain lakes in the Alps.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants that have also been detected in the aquatic ecosystems at high concentrations. The use of shellfish as bioindicators is widespread for assessing and monitoring the environmental quality in both freshwater and marine environments. On this path, biomarkers represent an effective tool in monitoring programs. This minireview would broaden the existing knowledge on biomarkers of MPs in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. This species was selected as it is widely distributed across the Mediterranean Sea and used as a bioindicator to monitor the presence of MPs in the marine environment. The literature search returned only 11 studies, mainly related to oxidative stress biomarkers. Although certain biomarkers were explored to estimate the effects of MPs on M. galloprovincialis, a battery of standardized and validated biomarkers as well as the inclusion of new ones are needed in future studies to obtain more comparable and robust findings across the Mediterranean Sea.

Plant extract and essential oils are gaining application in aquaculture, but data about their environmental impact are limited and their potential effects on aquatic organisms are largely unknown. For this study, ecotoxicity tests were performed under standardized conditions on fish feed supplemented with 3 % w/w of a basil supercritical extract (F1-BEO; substance A), F1-BEO extract (substance B), and fish feed without F1-BEO extract (substance C) on three model species of different trophic levels (bacteria, primary producer, primary consumer) considered representative for freshwater (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna) and marine (A. fischeri, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Paracentrotus lividus) ecosystems. Ecotoxicological response was largely comparable within the same trophic level (whichever the ecosystem). EC50 was not calculable in the concentration range here tested (3.9–500 mg/L) for freshwater and marine microalgae, suggesting that none of the substances were toxic for primary producers. Reduction of A. fischeri bioluminescence at the tested concentration (0.5–10 mg/L) was observed only for substance A (EC50 9.53 mg/L and 9 mg/L for freshwater and marine ecosystems, respectively). Notably, in P. lividus embryotoxicity was higher for substances A (EC50 1.80 mg/L) and C (EC50 4.6 mg/L) than for substance B (EC50 7.10 mg/L), suggesting a toxic effect due to feed dissolution. In contrast, substance B was more toxic (EC50 0.34 mg/L) in D. magna than substances A (EC50 3.98 mg/L) and C (EC50 5.50 mg/L). Based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, all substances were categorized Acute 2, except for substance A which was categorized Acute 1 for D. magna. Overall, the substances were found to be potentially toxic for an aquatic ecosystem, especially for primary consumer. Further study of plant extract and essential oils is needed to better understand their effects and fate on the aquatic environment.

Microalgae occupy a key trophic level since primary producers at the base of the aquatic food chain. Moreover, they are well suited for ecotoxicological tests because easily cultured and sensitive to contaminants. However, species sensitiveness to the same chemicals can vary greatly. Thus, we characterized the non-standardized diatom Chaetoceros tenuissimus by means of growth inhibition, biochemical, and infrared-spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests and compared the results against the standardized diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The two species were exposed for 72 h to four chemicals: nanoparticles (n-TiO2, n-ZnO), potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), and surfactant (polyethylene glycol; PEG). The sensitivity of C. tenuissimus in the growth inhibition test and the chlorophyll-a analysis was always higher than P. tricornutum. In particular, the chlorophyll-a analysis exhibited an earlier endpoint for C. tenuissimus exposed to all chemicals here considered. FT-IR showed spectral alterations (molecular changes in chlorophyll) in both microalgal species exposed to the chemicals compared to the negative controls, with stronger alterations in C. tenuissimus than P. tricornutum. In conclusion, C. tenuissimus showed higher sensitivity to a broad range of toxic chemicals, indicating the potential use of this species in marine quality assessment as an alternative to the standardized P. tricornutum.

Meiofauna (body size within 30–1000 µm) are the community of microscopic invertebrates that live at the bottom of marine and freshwater ecosystems and play a key role in the food webs of these environments. Several studies have addressed the adverse effects of anthropic stressors on meiofauna; however, data on the presence and impact of plastic debris in wild meiofaunal organisms are scant. Since the amount of microplastic waste in sediments may surge rapidly, ascertaining the ingestion of these xenobiotics by the abundant micrometazoan community is necessary to understand their potential accumulation in aquatic food webs and their hazard to the health of the ecosystem. The absence of documentation in this regard may be due to the difficulty in detecting the small size of the plastic fragments meiofauna may potentially ingest. To overcome this difficulty, we developed an integrated approach based on different microscopic/spectroscopic techniques suitable for detecting plastic particles of sizes down to 200 nm.

The study reports the enzymatic synthesis of bio-based oligoesters and chemo-enzymatic processes for obtaining epoxidized bioplasticizers and biolubricants starting from cardoon seed oil. All of the molecules had MW below 1000 g mol−1 and were analyzed in terms of marine biodegradation. The data shed light on the effects of the chemical structure, chemical bond lability, thermal behavior, and water solubility on biodegradation. Moreover, the analysis of the biodegradation of the building blocks that constituted the different bio-based products allowed us to distinguish between different chemical and physicochemical factors. These hints are of major importance for the rational eco-design of new benign bio-based products. Overall, the high lability of ester bonds was confirmed, along with the negligible effect of the presence of epoxy rings on triglyceride structures. The biodegradation data clearly indicated that the monomers/building blocks undergo a much slower process of abiotic or biotic transformations, potentially leading to accumulation. Therefore, the simple analysis of the erosion, hydrolysis, or visual/chemical disappearance of the chemical products or plastic is not sufficient, but ecotoxicity studies on the effects of such small molecules are of major importance. The use of natural feedstocks, such as vegetable seed oils and their derivatives, allows the minimization of these risks, because microorganisms have evolved enzymes and metabolic pathways for processing such natural molecules.

Environmental diagnostics are commonly used to identify anthropogenic influences in various environmental settings. However, the use of a single survey technique is limiting and leads to an incomplete and often inaccurate picture of reality. In this study, three real cases analyzing impacts on marine ecosystems have been presented to prove how the integration of different diagnostic techniques can be very beneficial to better understand the phenomena that occur as well as the impacts and associated damages. Studies combining classical diagnostics based on the determination of contaminant levels by chemical analysis, ecotoxicological tests and stress biomarkers with diagnostics by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-FESEM and X-ray diffraction-XRD microscopy are reported. Findings suggest that the embedding of chemical analyses, ecotoxicology and microchemical FESEM and XRD analyses allow us to hit the mark and give precise and effective responses in environmental management.

In open regions of the Ross Sea, the role of the microbial community in the turnover of organic matter has scarcely been investigated; indeed, very little is known on how microbial distribution and functional diversity respond to environmental conditions and hydrographic structures. During the austral summer of 2017, two pelagic areas of the Ross Sea [the Drygalski Ice Tongue and the nearby Terra Nova Bay polynya (A area), and the continental Shelf Break area near Cape Adare (C area)] were studied at selected depths [surface, Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM), Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), deep waters]. Trophic properties [nutrient concentrations, particulate (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and its optically significant fraction (CDOM) were measured, together with the main hydrological variables. Microbial community abundance [total prokaryotes, living, dead, and actively respiring fraction, high- and low nucleic acid cells (HNA and LNA), pico- and nano-eukaryotes, culturable heterotrophic bacteria], composition, and metabolism (as whole community and as isolated bacteria) were also assessed. Through a multidisciplinary dataset, this study highlighted the variable response of microbial abundance, diversity, and metabolism of the microbial community to the changing local environmental conditions of the Ross Sea. Different forces, such as organic matter inputs (mostly of detrital nature) released from the Drygalski glacier in the A area, and a coastal-to-offshore gradient in the C area, coexisted within this extreme ecosystem. This resulted in a significant spatial segregation of the edaphic parameters, and of the microbial community distribution and metabolic activity patterns.

The most worrisome fraction within plastic pollution is that of microplastics (MP). A category of MP almost completely ignored is that of glitter. The objective of this study is to test the toxicity of nine types of glitter leachate (3 soak times: 3, 90 and 180 days) on model organisms in freshwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna) and saltwater (Allivibrio fischeri, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Paracentrotus lividus). An integrated approach was applied to obtain the percentage of ecotoxicological risk. The results show that (i) photosynthesizing primary producers are the most sensitive trophic level; (ii) algae transitioned from growth inhibition to biostimulation; (iii) D. magna showed higher sensitivity after 48 h compared to 24 h; (iv) A. fischeri responded more strongly in saltwater than in freshwater. The integrated data show a greater risk associated with the marine environment, with the highest risk for glitters that are hexagonal and composed of poly-methyl-methacrylate. Our multivariate analysis shows that the toxicity of plastic leaching is a complex phenomenon that depends on the sensitivity of the species, in some cases on the soaking time and on the medium, and is not clearly linked to the polymer type, the contact area or the colors of the particles.

This review describes the state of the art in the field of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-based materials activated by natural compounds and extracts (active ingredients, AIs) from plant sources for food and biomedical applications. With a multidisciplinary approach, after a description of the synthesis and properties of PLA, special attention was paid to the chemical properties and unconventional extraction technologies of AIs used for PLA activation. Innovative techniques for the incorporation of AIs into PLA; characterization and the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the novel materials were discussed. In view of future perspectives, this study has evidenced that some aspects need to be further investigated from joint research between academia and industry, according to the green chemistry principles and circular economy strategy.

There is one type of primary microplastic, glitter, which has not received the same attention as microbeads. The general thought associates the use of glitter with extraordinary and rare events, in reality, its presence in everyday life is much more ubiquitous than one might think. The main objective of this preliminary study was to create a mini product survey with the aim of analyzing the distribution and composition of glitter in the local market of the city of Trieste (Italy), thus creating a starting point for larger future studies. The analysis of a real context served as a snapshot for the description of the phenomenon, from which useful information was obtained: glitter is everywhere, cheap, disperses easily in the environment, is made of different materials, often has sharp-edged shapes, and mainly affects sensitive audiences, such as children. It is time to put glitter in the spotlight.

Striped venus (Chamelea gallina) is one of the most important fish resources on the west coast of the Adriatic Sea. Recently, there has been a widespread die-off of C. gallina populations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy), probably due to unfavorable climatic events. Overall, wild populations have become increasingly rare due to many factors affecting the ecological balance of the species. In this study, the available literature was reviewed to determine the current state of knowledge on the biology, ecology, fisheries, and status of C. gallina populations with reference to populations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. However, few data are available in terms of peer-reviewed articles; much of it can be found in the gray literature (e.g., project reports, ministerial reports, institutional websites, etc.). However, a critical review of the sources reveals that the species is as endangered as the habitats it inhabits. As a result, conservation and restoration efforts have been undertaken to date as part of some larger project to protect the species. Therefore, considering the ecological and economic importance of this species, the results of the new studies will be useful for the scientific community and will be a key element in the conservation of this species.

Ports are affected by a high rate of sedimentation that requires frequent dredging of the seabed to restore bathymetric levels. In some cases, the sediments consist of a large amount of leaves of phanerogams (e.g., P. oceanica) that must be treated differently from what is required by the Italian law on sediments (Ministerial Decree No. 173/2016), since soils cannot be treated either as sediment or as waste. About one meter of the sediment cores collected in the Port of Sperlonga consisted of organic waste derived from a different stage of seagrass decomposition. To optimize the management, the decomposed organic detritus was characterized from physical-chemical (content of nutrient and pollutants), ecotoxicological and mechanical (microtensile, microscopic structure) points of view, to define different management solutions for the final disposal. The results of this study describe the characteristics of this type of organic detritus, highly present in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, and allow a better definition of different possible solutions to valorize this resource instead of disposing it in an organic waste landfill. The search for environmentally friendly options for waste management is of particular interest in terms of the green economy, and the reduction of CO2 emissions as an indirect effect obtained by improving waste recycling.

Biological invasions result in negative and unpredictable impacts on oceans worldwide. Non-indigenous macrophytes often synthesize secondary metabolites for defensive purposes and increased competition efficiency: this is the case of Caulerpa cylindracea, which has entered the Mediterranean Sea in 1990 and competed against local flora and fauna since. It was demonstrated that the white seabream Diplodus sargus (i) has included the algae into its diet, (ii) is subject to the peculiar Abnormally Tough Specimen (ATS) condition post-cooking, and (iii) suffers physiological and behavioral disturbances from caulerpin, one of the three major algal secondary metabolites. This paper confirms a feeding relationship between the fish and the algae, quantifies caulerpin accumulation in the liver, suggests a possible mollusk- and echinoderm-driven biomagnification, and highlights the fact that all ATS specimens were males. Multivariate analyses on a multi-biomarker panel reveals differential correlations to key cellular processes such as oxidative stress, metabolism, neurotoxicity, and lipid peroxidation as well as to condition indexes.

Plastics enter in terrestrial natural system primarily by agricultural purposes, while acid rain is the result of anthropogenic activities. The synergistic effects of microplastics and acid rain on plant growth are not known. In this study, different sizes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and acid rain are tested on Lepidium sativum, in two separate experimental sets. In the first one we treated plants only with PET, in the second one we used PET and acid rain together. In both experimentations we analyzed: i) plant biometrical parameters (shoot height, leaf number, percentage inhibition of seed germination, fresh biomass), and ii) oxidative stress responses (hydrogen peroxide; ascorbic acid and glutathione). Results carried out from our experiments highlighted that different sizes of polyethylene terephthalate are able to affect plant growth and physiological responses, with or without acid rain supplied during acute toxicity (6 days). Short description: This study showed that different sizes of PET microplastics affect physiological and biometrical responses of Lepidum sativum seedlings, with or without acid rain; roots and leaves responded differently.

The antimicrobial and immunostimulant proprieties of aromatic plant extracts have been widely described, but their effects on serum blood biochemistry in fish have not. For this study, we assessed the changes in serum blood biochemical parameters in rainbow trout fed with a fish diet supplemented with a basil supercritical extract (F1-BEO). Our hypothesis was that treatment and time would be associated with changes in 10 serum blood biochemical parameters. F1-BEO was added to a commercial feed (0.5, 1, 2, 3% w/w). The fish were fed for 30 days, and the blood samples were collected at 2 time points (15 and 30 days). A two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of treatment, time, and interaction treatment × time on creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, magnesium, and phosphorus (p < 0.05), a significant effect of both time and interaction treatment × time on cholesterol (CHOL), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels, and a significant effect of time on triglycerides (p < 0.05). While changes in several of the parameters were observed, the levels remained within the normal range for rainbow trout. Notably, after 30 days there was a significant decrease in CHOL in fish treated with 0.5% and 1% w/w F1-BEO (p < 0.05). The statistically non-significant increase in GOT and GPT in the fish fed with F1-BEO up to 3% w/w indicated a positive effect of basil on liver health. Our findings suggest a potential use for basil extracts (for example., F1-BEO) in fish feed to reduce antibiotic use and improve fish welfare.

Phytotherapy is based on the use of plants to prevent or treat human and animal diseases. Recently, the use of essential oils and polyphenol-enriched extracts is also rapidly increasing in the aquaculture sector as a means of greater industrial and environmental sustainability. Previous studies assessed the antibacterial and antiparasitic effects of these bioactive compounds on fish. However, studies on the modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers are still scant to date. Thus, in this study, the modulation of antioxidant defense against oxidative stress exerted by fish diets supplemented with a basil supercritical extract (F1-BEO) was assessed in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The F1-BEO extracted with supercritical fluid extraction was added to the commercial feed flour (0.5, 1, 2, 3% w/w) and mixed with fish oil to obtain a suitable compound for pellet preparation. Fish were fed for 30 days. The levels of stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glyoxalase I, glyoxalase II, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione and malondialdehyde showed a boost in the antioxidant pathway in fish fed with a 0.5% F1-BEO-supplemented diet. Higher F1-BEO supplementation led to a failure of activity of several enzymes and the depletion of glutathione levels. Malondialdehyde concentration suggests a sufficient oxidative stress defense against lipid peroxidation in all experimental groups, except for a 3% F1-BEO-supplemented diet (liver 168.87 ± 38.79 nmol/mg prot; kidney 146.86 ± 23.28 nmol/mg prot), compared to control (liver 127.76 ± 18.15 nmol/mg prot; kidney 98.68 ± 15.65 nmol/mg prot). Our results suggest supplementing F1-BEO in fish diets up to 0.5% to avoid potential oxidative pressure in farmed trout.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is arousing growing attention, yet knowledge about its occurrence in amphibians is scant to date. With this study, we aimed to determine whether plastic (>5000 μm) and MPs (10–5000 μm) could be detected in adult Rana temporaria from a high-mountain ecosystem (the Cottian Alps, northwest Italy). To do this, aquatic compartments and the digestive tract of adult R. temporaria were analyzed. Water, sediment, periphyton, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and tadpoles tested negative for plastic and MPs. Microplastics were detected in all the adult frogs (n = 5); all the identified items (one per specimen) were fibers (size range: 550.91–2355.51 µm). A statistically significant positive correlation between the particle length and frog size was recorded. The predominant fiber color was blue. The chemical composition was polyamide (60%), polyethylene (20%), and polyethylene terephthalate (20%). Since both the biotic and the abiotic freshwater compartments (tadpoles included) revealed the absence of MPs, it can be assumed that adult frogs ingest MPs from the surrounding terrestrial environment.

Ecotoxicological assays on monospecific phytoplankton have limited application for detecting the effects of environmental pollutants on multiple species communities. With this study, we took an ecotoxicological, ecological, and biochemical approach to evaluate the effects of two contaminants of emerging concern (zinc oxide nanoparticles, ZnO NPs, and potassium dichromate, K2Cr2O7) at different concentrations (K2Cr2O7 5.6–18–50 mg/L; ZnO NPs 10–100–300 mg/L) on natural freshwater and brackish water phytoplankton communities. Cell density and absorbance values decreased in freshwater and brackish water phytoplankton communities after exposure to ZnO NPs (100 mg/L and 300 mg/L only for freshwater), whereas growth rate was increased in both freshwater and brackish water phytoplankton communities after exposure to ZnO NPs 10 mg/L. Differently, there was no clear relationship between concentration and inhibition growth after exposure to K2Cr2O7: the lowest cell density was recorded after exposure to 18 mg/L. Moreover, the evenness index value was lower compared to the other concentrations, indicating the growth of a few, albeit resistant species to higher K2Cr2O7 concentrations. Generally, Bacillariophyceae and Dinoficee were prevalent in phytoplankton cultures after exposure to ZnO NPs and K2Cr2O7. The Shannon-Wiener index was slightly higher in the negative than the positive controls, but diversity was low after all treatments in both ecotoxicological assays. The evenness index was always very close to zero, indicating the numerical predominance of one or very few species. Finally, the decrease in chlorophyll-a and pheophytin-a in both ecotoxicological assays indicated a change in photosynthetic activity. Our findings provide evidence for alterations in natural phytoplankton after exposure to emerging contaminants that can disrupt an entire ecosystem’s integrity.

Microplastics (MPs) pose biological and chemical hazards in aquatic and terrestrial food webs across the globe. Research on microplastic contamination has long focused on marine ecosystems, whereas the toxicological impact on freshwater organisms is still little explored. In this study, the lethal and sublethal response of the freshwater macroinvertebrate Hydropsyche pellucidula exposed to polypropylene MPs after different pre-conditioning treatments was assessed. Field samples were collected in a riverine system (Vipacco river; northeast Italy) to assess the characteristics of the MPs in the aquatic environment Both water and sediment were contaminated by MPs (3.73 ± 2.11 items m−3 per min and 3.33 ± 4.16 items dm−3, respectively). The chemical MPs composition included polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, polyamide, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Polypropylene (PP), although not the most abundant polymer recorded in the study area, was preferred over the other types according to its abundance in freshwater and H. pellucidula feeding behavior. A housing test was performed to recreate the natural conditions of larvae sampled for a reliable response to the ecotoxicological tests. The microplastics underwent either preconditioning with Vipacco River water (PP-river) and surfactant Triton X-100 (PP-sf) or no pre-treatment (PP). Submersion of microplastics in 10 µg L−1 of surfactant solution for 24 h was sufficient to induce consistent spectral changes and modify the chemical profile of the plastic surface. Mortality rate differed according to treatment: PP and PP-river > positive control > PP-sf > negative control. Integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) and analysis of oxidative stress biomarker levels showed a greater response of superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) in larvae treated with PP conditioned in surfactant. Our findings enhance knowledge on the toxicity of PP and conditioning phases on H. pellucidula larvae.

Cigarette butts (CBs) are among the dominant constituents of marine and beach litter. Few studies have been conducted, and the environmental effects of CBs on marine species are still poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects on marine organisms of both classic and electronic CBs. Three representative species of different trophic levels in marine ecosystems (Aliivibrio fischeri, bacteria; Phaeodactylum tricornutum, algae, primary producers; Paracentrotus lividus, echinoderms, consumers) were tested. The effects of natural ageing of CBs due to exposure to atmospheric conditions (natural sunlight vs. simulated rain) and for different times (1 vs. 2 weeks) were evaluated. The results were weighted together to obtain a synthetic hazard level to the environment (Class of Hazard) from Sediqualsoft®. Classic CBs (CCBs) performed the worst and posed a mild to moderate risk compared to electronic CBs (absent Class of Hazard). Smoked classic CBs posed a higher environmental risk than unsmoked. The highest risk was produced by classic CBs after one week of exposure in dry weather. Echinoderms and the body size reduction in normo-formed (72 h) plutei were shown to be the more sensitive organism and endpoint, respectively. We recommend the use of Sediqualsoft® software for risk assessment studies of sediments contaminated with contaminants of various types, especially in conjunction with a weight of evidence approach (WOE).

This short editorial aims to present the content of, summarize and draw conclusions from the six articles published in the Special Issue “Marine Litter” [...]

The parrotfish Sparisoma cretense, a marine species native to the eastern and southern coastal areas of the Mediterranean, has extended its distribution northward. Here, we provide an update on its distribution based on currently published data and two new records from the coastline of Sardinia, Italy (central-western Mediterranean). The survey methods were scuba diving and spearfishing: one specimen of S. cretense was caught along the Argentiera coastline (northwest Mediterranean) and the others were photographed in the Gulf of Orosei, Osalla Bay (central-eastern Mediterranean). A literature update, together with new records, documents the distribution of this species in the northernmost areas of the Mediterranean. Probably a result of global warming, the ongoing northward expansion of S. cretense highlights the need for sampling campaigns to obtain timely updates on population and distribution of this thermophilic species.

This study evaluates the impacts of 16 different leachates of plastic-made packaging on marine species of different trophic levels (bacteria, algae, echinoderms). Standard ecotoxicological endpoints (inhibition of bioluminescence, inhibition of growth, embryo-toxicity) and alterations of ecologically significant parameters (i.e., echinoderms’ body-size) were measured following exposure under different pH water conditions: marine standard (pH 8.1) and two increasingly acidic conditions (pH 7.8 and 7.5) in order to evaluate possible variations induced by ocean acidification. The results obtained in this study evidence that the tested doses are not able to significantly affect bacteria (Vibrio fischeri) and algae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum). On the contrary, Paracentrotus lividus larvae were significantly affected by several packaging types (13 out of 16) with meaningless differences between pH conditions.

The monitoring of microplastics pollution in freshwater environments trails behind its practice in marine ecosystems. We evaluated the use of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) as a potential bioindicator of microplastic litter in freshwater lakes. Samples were collected from three sites (Lovere, Costa Volpino, Castro) at the northern end of Lake Iseo (one of the major subalpine lakes in north Italy) and compared for water physicochemical parameters, biometrical features of zebra mussels, and microplastics items/specimens (color, shape, size, and chemical composition). We hypothesized that since a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on the Oglio River discharges into this area of the lake, the microplastics in D.polymorpha could be measured and compared in samples from the three sites at different distances from the WWTP. There was no difference in the physicochemical water parameters and biometric features between the samples from the three sites, whereas there was a significant difference in items/specimen between the sites in decreasing order (mean ± standard deviation): Costa Volpino (0.23 ± 0.43) > Lovere (0.07 ± 0.25) > Castro (0.03 ± 0.18). The chi-square test showed a significant difference in shape, color, and chemical composition frequency in the samples from the three sites. The chemical composition of the microplastics was polyethylene terephthalate (45%), nylon (20%), polypropylene (20%), polyamide resin (10%), and polyvinyl chloride (5%). Our data show that the amount of microplastics the zebra mussel accumulated was greater the closer the sampling site to the WWTP. Our findings suggest that the zebra mussel may provide a useful tool to monitor microplastics pollution in lakes.

Transitional water ecosystems (TWEs), despite their ecological and economic importance, are largely affected by human pressures that could be responsible for significant inputs of litter in the marine environment. Plastic input in coastal ponds, lagoons, river deltas and estuaries, could be driven by a wide range of human activities such as agriculture, waste disposal, municipal and industrial wastewater effluents, aquaculture, fishing and touristic activities and urban impacts. However, it remains unknown what the impact of plastic input in these TWEs could have on natural capital and, therefore, the ability for an ecosystem to provide goods and services to human beings. Given the large interest with regards to the conservation of transitional water ecosystems and the clear exposure risk to plastic and microplastic pollution, this study aims to perform: (i) a bibliometric analyses on existing literature regarding the levels of marine litter in such environments; (ii) a selection among the available literature of homogeneous data; and (iii) statistical analyses to explore data variability. Results suggest that: (i) research on microplastics in these ecosystems did not begin to be published until 2013 for lagoons, 2014 for river mouths and 2019 for coastal ponds. The majority of articles published on studies of microplastics in lagoons did not occur until 2019; (ii) sediments represent the matrix on which sampling and extraction variability allow the statistical analyses on data reported by the literature; (iii) the Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) test two-way evidenced that the level of protection of marine and terrestrial areas produced similar values while the habitat type showed low significance in terms of its effect on microplastic levels, shape and size in sediments.

This study evaluates the chemical composition of microplastic materials (MPs) and non-synthetic particles in different table salts of marine origin by the µFT-IR technique. This research focuses on the microparticles fraction within 10−150 µm of size. Eleven commercial trademarks coming from Italy (IT = 6) and Croatia (CRO = 5) were grouped in two different cost ranges, cheap (n = 5) and expensive (n = 6) and were analysed in replicates (n = 3). Levels and chemical composition of microparticles measured in commercial products were correlated on a statistical basis to some factors of variability of potential scientific interest (geographical origin of marine salt, cost of commercial products, etc.). Results of analyses performed on the tested size fraction of microparticles (10−150 µm) evidence that: (i) levels of MPs are within 0.17−0.32 items/g (IT) and 0.07−0.20 items/g (CRO); (ii) non-synthetic particles detected are mostly made by fibres made of cellulose acetate; (iii) Nations show a different chemical composition of MPs recovered in analysed trademarks (PET and PVC from Italy; PA, PP, and nylon from Croatia); (iv) the annual amount ingested by humans from marine salt consumption ranges between 131.4−372.3 items/y (CRO) and 306.6−580.35 items/y (IT) considering a dose of 5 g of salt per day; (v) statistics performed on factors of interest evidenced that the geographical origin of marine salt do not affect neither levels nor chemical composition of MPs in tested trademarks; while slight correlations are recorded with non-synthetic particles. Further studies are needed to better explore on statistical basis if both levels and chemical composition of MPs in table salts of marine origin can be used or not as good indicators of marine pollution.