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Animals
Special Issues
Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health
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Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4867

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Clara Naccari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: environmentals toxicology; inorganic and organic contaminants; toxicological residues; food safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ernesto Palma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: sentinel species; bio-indicators; inorganic and organic contaminats; environmental pollution; animals health status
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental pollution represents a serious risk to humans, animals, and ecosystems. Although there have been significant advances in toxicology and eco-friendly approaches, anthropogenic activities are responsible for the continuous and increasing spread of inorganic and organic contaminants (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PCBs, pesticides, drugs, plasticizers, microplastics, etc.). Therefore, great attention is actually focused on both old and emerging contaminants. In studies on pollutant exposure and risk assessment, animal species are often used as sentinels and valid bioindicators to evaluate environmental pollution and, at the same time, animal health status, in consideration of their habitats. A significant contribution is made using animals at the top of aquatic and terrestrial food chains, particularly predatory fishes, marine mammals, wild species, birds, insects, and, recently, companion animals, as sentinels of public health. This Special Issue welcomes new methodologies and research on the following topics: ecotoxicological approaches to analysis, risk assessment for both environmental and animal health, the current state of knowledge, and future directions of research in this field.

We invite contributors from academia and education to publish all types of manuscripts, including original articles, short communications, high-quality reviews, and case reports, from several fields and disciplines (toxicology, veterinary sciences, animal welfare, analytical chemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, etc.).

Dr. Clara Naccari
Dr. Ernesto Palma
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sentinel species
  • bio-indicators
  • inorganic and organic contaminats
  • environmental pollution
  • animals health status

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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16 pages, 2194 KB  
Article
Metal Levels in Crab Sentinel Species from the Mediterranean Sea: Safety and Toxicological Risk Assessment
by Clara Naccari, Gaetano Cammilleri, Davide Alfonso Cammarata, Roberta Cicala, Antonio Procopio, Vincenzo Ferrantelli and Ernesto Palma
Animals 2026, 16(5), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16050857 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 344
Abstract
The assessment of metal contamination in aquatic species represents an important tool to monitor the risk of exposure for these species in relation to marine pollution. Crabs are the sentinel species of the aquatic environment and are very sensitive to metal exposure because [...] Read more.
The assessment of metal contamination in aquatic species represents an important tool to monitor the risk of exposure for these species in relation to marine pollution. Crabs are the sentinel species of the aquatic environment and are very sensitive to metal exposure because these inorganic contaminants can be easily absorbed into their exoskeleton and migrate into their inner tissues. The aim of this study was to assess the content of metals and metalloids (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Mn and Ni) in species of warty crab (Eriphia verrucosa), brown crab (Cancer pagurus), and marbled crab (Pachygrapsus marmoratus), mainly distributed along the Mediterranean coastlines. The investigations, carried out on several parts of crabs (carapace and the related pulp, gills, claws and bronchial muscle) showed the presence of residual levels of metals and metalloids (Mn > Pb > Hg > As > Ni > Cr > Cd), correlated to the distribution of these elements in the marine environment and to the specific biological features of crabs. However, the values of Metal Pollution Index (MPI) suggested a low level of contamination of the marine ecosystem where these species were found, and the coefficient of correlation (K), a specific parameters of toxicological risk assessment, was indicative of crab health status. However, the residual levels of Hg, Pb and As above the MRL in all analyzed crab species underlined the importance of continuous monitoring studies on the safety of these sea-foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health)
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18 pages, 1882 KB  
Article
Metal Concentrations (Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) in the Plasma and Cell Concentrates of Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea from Costa Rica
by Cecilia Rudelli, Gloria Isani, Micaela Fabbri, Angelica Lembo, Mario Santoro and Giulia Andreani
Animals 2026, 16(4), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16040621 - 15 Feb 2026
Viewed by 672
Abstract
Sea turtles are increasingly being used as bioindicators of marine pollution, yet baseline data on trace elements in the blood are still limited. This study quantified magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in green turtles ( [...] Read more.
Sea turtles are increasingly being used as bioindicators of marine pollution, yet baseline data on trace elements in the blood are still limited. This study quantified magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) (55 plasma samples and 71 cell concentrate samples) and olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) (101 plasma samples and 65 cell concentrate samples) sampled off the Caribbean (Tortuguero) and Pacific (Ostional) coasts of Costa Rica in 2003–2004. The metals were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy; whole-blood concentrations were derived from the plasma and the erythrocyte values. The present results were compared with published datasets to evaluate the spatial and temporal patterns of metal exposure over the past two decades. The essential elements showed matrix-specific distributions, with Mg and Cu higher in the plasma, and Fe and Zn higher in the cell concentrates in both species (p < 0.001). C. mydas generally exhibited higher Cu, Fe and Zn levels in the plasma (p < 0.001), whereas L. olivacea showed markedly higher Cd levels (p < 0.001). Overall, the Pb levels were low as compared with many other rookeries worldwide. These data provide one of the earliest, large-sample baselines for trace elements in sea turtle blood in the Eastern Tropical Pacific and Western Caribbean and underscore the value of blood-fraction analysis for long-term ecotoxicological monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health)
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18 pages, 869 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Cat Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) Using Hair Sample Analysis
by Slawomir Gonkowski, Manolis Tzatzarakis, Elena Vakonaki, Thomas Lamprakis and Krystyna Makowska
Animals 2026, 16(4), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16040567 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound commonly used as a plasticiser in the industry. It pollutes the environment, harms human and animal organisms, and exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties. Companion animals, living in proximity to humans, are highly exposed to BPA. However, knowledge [...] Read more.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound commonly used as a plasticiser in the industry. It pollutes the environment, harms human and animal organisms, and exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties. Companion animals, living in proximity to humans, are highly exposed to BPA. However, knowledge of cat exposure to this compound is extremely scarce. In the present study, BPA levels were analysed for the first time in cat hair using liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. BPA concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection to 955.4 pg/mg, with a mean (±standard deviation) of 67.98 ± 145.2 pg/mg and a median of 27.3 pg/mg. Higher levels of BPA have been found in the strictly indoor cats (mean 79.45 ± 162.2 pg/mg, median 35.3 pg/mg) than in cats with outdoor access (mean 25.93 ± 8.07 pg/mg, median 24.4 pg/mg). Some differences in BPA levels have also been noted depending on age and body condition scores. The results show that cats are exposed to BPA to a considerable extent, and the levels of this compound in hair may depend on many factors. It can be assumed that BPA may negatively affect cat health, but due to limited knowledge of BPA metabolism in cats and its harmful effects in this species, many aspects of these issues require further comprehensive studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health)
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18 pages, 1639 KB  
Article
Fine Particulate Matter (PM) Effects on Swine Granulosa and Ovarian Endothelial Cells
by Giuseppina Basini, Roberto Ramoni, Stefano Grolli, Simona Bussolati, Laura Assogna and Francesca Grasselli
Animals 2026, 16(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010081 - 27 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 498
Abstract
We studied fine particulate matter (PM) effects on porcine granulosa, a model of endocrine reproductive cells, and on ovarian endothelial cells. PM produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in metabolic activity. PM reduced endothelial cell proliferation (p < 0.001). As [...] Read more.
We studied fine particulate matter (PM) effects on porcine granulosa, a model of endocrine reproductive cells, and on ovarian endothelial cells. PM produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in metabolic activity. PM reduced endothelial cell proliferation (p < 0.001). As for redox status, superoxide anion (O2−) production by granulosa was reduced (p < 0.05) by PM, while it was increased in endothelial cells (p < 0.001). PM increased (p < 0.001) nitric oxide (NO) levels in granulosa, while in endothelial cells, it displayed a biphasic effect (p < 0.05) as well as for superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in granulosa cells (p < 0.001). In endothelial cells, PM increased (p < 0.001) SOD. A reduction in Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) (p < 0.01) was observed. In granulosa, PM did not induce oxidative damage to DNA, while in endothelial cells, it determined a reduction (p < 0.05). PM significantly inhibited steroidogenesis (p < 0.05). The accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production was increased (p < 0.05) by PM. The data obtained likely demonstrate that PM induces critical effects on ovarian cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health)
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14 pages, 1155 KB  
Article
The Bioaccumulation, Fractionation and Health Risk of Rare Earth Elements in Wild Fish of Guangzhou City, China
by Xiongyi Miao, Xueqin Wei, Xiqian Zhao, Yupei Hao and Wei Bao
Animals 2024, 14(24), 3567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243567 - 10 Dec 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1882
Abstract
In this study, the total content of REEs ranged from 1.32 to 67.74 μg/kg, with a predominant presence of light REEs. The ΔEu and ΔCe values, which exceeded and approached 1, respectively, indicated positive Eu anomalies and low Ce anomalies. Wild fish were [...] Read more.
In this study, the total content of REEs ranged from 1.32 to 67.74 μg/kg, with a predominant presence of light REEs. The ΔEu and ΔCe values, which exceeded and approached 1, respectively, indicated positive Eu anomalies and low Ce anomalies. Wild fish were categorized into high-, medium-, and low-REEs-bioaccumulation groups using cluster analysis. Higher LRs/HRs and ΔEu values, coupled with lower ΔCe values, in fish from the high-bioaccumulation group suggested that increased bioaccumulation mitigated fractionation. Omnivorous fish with higher REEs levels and lower LRs/HRs indicated broader feeding sources may enhance REE bioaccumulation and diminish fractionation. Elevated REEs concentrations and LRs/HRs in demersal fish highlighted a preferential accumulation of light REEs in the benthic environment. Smaller fish with higher REEs levels but lower LRs/HRs were likely associated with complex feeding sources. Regression analysis revealed that fish with lengths and weights of less than 18 cm and 130 g, respectively, were more susceptible to REEs bioaccumulation. Despite higher ADI values indicating a greater risk for children and Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, all ADI values within 70 μg/(kg·d) suggested that fish consumption poses no risk. This study confirmed that the fractionation of REEs in fish can be used to trace their bioconversion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sentinel Species and Environmental Pollutants Exposure in Animal Health)
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