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Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms

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A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecotoxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2026) | Viewed by 9493

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Editors

Prof. Dr. Chiara Maria Motta

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Guest Editor

Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: invertebrate models; behavioral toxicity; histological alterations; environmental pollutants
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Prof. Dr. Rosa Carotenuto

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Guest Editor

Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: Xenopus laevis; gene expression; embryo toxicology; embryogenesis; heavy metals
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Dr. Chiara Fogliano

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Guest Editor Assistant

Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
Interests: environmental pollution; drugs; animal models; cytotoxicity
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the ecotoxicological impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on aquatic organisms, highlighting the complex interplay between pollutants and biological systems. Its scope encompasses molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of biological organization to provide a holistic understanding of contaminant-induced effects. It aims to bridge gaps in the existing literature by emphasizing under-represented species, particularly invertebrates and lower vertebrates, whose responses to pollutants remain underexplored. Studies regarding the effects on plants irrigated with contaminated water are equally welcome.

We seek contributions examining gene expression changes, epigenetic modifications, and alterations in signaling pathways and receptor interactions caused by contaminants. Research addressing behavioral disruptions as biomarkers of environmental toxicity is also encouraged. This Special Issue will contextualize findings within broader ecotoxicological paradigms by incorporating diverse methodologies and model systems, offering novel insights into mechanistic pathways and adaptive responses.

This issue builds on the existing literature by expanding the range of studied species, complementing work primarily focused on higher vertebrates. It will highlight emerging contaminants and innovative approaches to assess sub-lethal effects, positioning itself as an important resource for understanding ecotoxicological risks and informing conservation and regulatory policies. Through this interdisciplinary lens, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how anthropogenic activities shape aquatic ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Chiara Maria Motta
Prof. Dr. Rosa Carotenuto
Guest Editors

Dr. Chiara Fogliano
Guest Editor Assistant

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2600 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

emerging pollutants
health assessment
aquatic ecosystems
behavioural alterations
histological alterations
gene expression
aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates
reproductive toxicology
interferences with metabolism

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Related Special Issue

Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms—2nd Edition in Toxics

Published Papers (7 papers)

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20 pages, 4032 KB

Open AccessArticle

Health Status Assessment of Panamanian Pacific Coastal Areas Using Multi-Level Biomarkers in the Mangrove Cockle Anadara tuberculosa

by Nelva Elena Alvarado-González, Jenifer Ortega, Yulissa De Gracia, Maricselis Díaz, Enrique Medianero, Tifanie Briaudeau, Tamer Hafez, Maren Ortiz-Zarragoitia, Xabier Lekube and Beñat Zaldibar

Toxics 2026, 14(8), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14080710 - 12 Aug 2026

Viewed by 421

Abstract

Tropical coastal ecosystems are highly productive but increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, making environmental monitoring tools essential to determine the health status of the environment. In this study, the health status of three sites along the Pacific coast of Panama (Río Santa María, Cuchilluyo, and Montijo) was assessed using the bivalve mollusc Anadara tuberculosa as a sentinel species. A multilevel biomarker approach was employed, combining chemical analyses with biochemical and histological biomarkers. Metal concentrations in whole soft tissues were generally low-to-moderate, except for arsenic, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations were low in all sites, being dominated by low-molecular-weight compounds. Biomarker responses were consistent with the chemical data, with cockles from Montijo exhibiting lower glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and reduced oxidative DNA damage. Histological analyses revealed only mild alterations, including hemocytic infiltration in the connective tissue of digestive glands and atrophy, with no major reproductive impairments. Overall, results indicate low to moderate pollution levels in the studied areas, with Montijo representing the least impacted site. The study supports the suitability of A. tuberculosa as a sentinel species and the relevance of a multilevel biomarker approach for assessing environmental health in tropical coastal ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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19 pages, 3168 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Interference of Cadmium with the Early Development of Artemia salina

by Chiara Maria Motta, Bice Avallone, Chiara Fogliano, Raffaele Panzuto, Elisabetta Piva, Sara Pacchini, Paola Venditti, Gianluca Fasciolo, Patrizia Cretì, Salvatore De Bonis, Simona Di Marino and Rosa Carotenuto

Toxics 2026, 14(7), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14070609 - 12 Jul 2026

Viewed by 918

Abstract

Cadmium is a common contaminant of both saline and freshwater environments. It has no biological function but readily penetrates tissues, causing significant oxidative stress and consequent damage throughout the organism. In this work, we examined the effects of this metal on the nauplii of Artemia salina, a model for testing toxicity in larval zooplanktonic species, and to evaluate the impact of contaminants on natural populations. An environmentally realistic concentration (15 µg/L) and two higher concentrations (150 and 1500 µg/L) were used. The presence of metals in culture media and nauplii was verified by atomic absorption spectroscopy, while oxidative stress levels were assessed by measuring hydroperoxides, carbonyl groups, ROS, and total antioxidant capacity. Mortality and growth rates were the conventional toxicity endpoints analysed. In parallel, morphological alterations were assessed in toto and in section. Attention was directed to the gut, the primary site of metal uptake and reabsorption, and to effects on protein patterns. The results demonstrated significant dose-independent Cd uptake by the nauplii and dose-dependent oxidative stress. Consequent alterations in brush border organisation and yolk and lipid resorption were assessed. Modest teratogenic effects were detected in naupliar eye pigmentation and paired-eye organisation. Oxidative stress and the marked changes in protein pattern justify the alterations observed, while the upregulation of the hsp26 and hsp60 genes indicates naupliar attempts to mitigate damage. In conclusion, this study confirms the effects of Cd toxicity on the development of Artemia salina nauplii and demonstrates interference with reserve resorption. This evidence indicates that this heavy metal can have a profound impact on zooplanktonic communities, which are essential to the stability of the entire aquatic food web. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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22 pages, 1475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioaccumulation of Metals in Brain, Eye, Skeleton, and Skin Tissues of Wastewater-Fed Fish: A Case Study in Turkey

by Aslıhan Katip

Toxics 2026, 14(3), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14030205 - 27 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1311

Abstract

In this study, the metal accumulation (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and toxicity status in the brain, eye, skeleton, and skin tissues of Carassius gibelio species of fish fed with wastewater treated with secondary treatment were investigated, and the usability of wastewater and fish for human food against climate change and food crisis was investigated. Treated wastewater (TWW) complied with Turkish aquaculture standards, but was not found to comply with drinking and irrigation water standards. The national and international food standards for metal concentrations varied. Cd and Pb were found to be high in all tissues according to all standards, but Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe, and Zn were found to vary according to tissues. It was determined that Fe and Zn concentrations were generally higher than those of the other metals in all tissues. The orders of the metals according to their annual mean concentrations were: Zn > Fe > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > Cd in skeletons; Zn > Fe > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > Mn > Cd in skins; Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cd in eyes; and Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > Mn > Cd in brains. Concentrations in tissues were higher in the summer months, but seasonal changes were statistically insignificant (p ≥ 0.05). According to Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis, it was statistically determined that Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb, and the other two elements (Fe and Zn), showed similar accumulation characteristics among themselves. According to transfer factor (TF) calculations, it was determined that there was bioaccumulation (TF > 1) in all tissues for all metals throughout the year, but according to hazard coefficient (HQ) values, only Pb was determined to be >1 and carcinogenic. As a result, after the wastewater is treated with different advanced treatment methods and brought to potable water standards, the accumulation of metals and other micropollutants in the tissues of different species of fish should be monitored for many years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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11 pages, 477 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Tests on the Effects of Atrazine Exposure on the Food-Seeking Behaviors and Locomotion of Juvenile Virile Crayfish (Faxonius virilis)

by Neal D. Mundahl and Darcy E. M. Keyport

Toxics 2026, 14(2), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14020164 - 11 Feb 2026

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct preliminary tests to determine if differing concentrations of atrazine affected locomotion and/or food-seeking behaviors of juvenile (second and third instar) virile crayfish after a 4-day (96 h) exposure period. After exposing crayfish to 0, 5, 10, 20, and 100 parts per billion (ppb) atrazine treatments, crayfish were tested and video-taped individually in a flow-through test arena before and during introduction of a food odor. Walking speeds (pre-odor, post-odor, and pre- to post-ratios), time to locate the food-odor source, and success rates in finding the food odor were compared among atrazine treatments. Pre-odor walking speeds, time to locate the food-odor source, and post-odor walking speeds did not differ among the control and treatment crayfish. Crayfish success rates in locating the food-odor source also did not differ among treatments and controls. Crayfish in controls and all atrazine treatments walked slightly, but not significantly, faster after a food odor was presented than before. Virile crayfish food-seeking behavior and locomotion were not affected after exposures up to 100 ppb atrazine, so these behaviors likely are not useful indicators of crayfish exposure to environmentally relevant (5 ppb or less) atrazine levels like those measured periodically in regional streams. Expanded replication and testing may be helpful in assessing the effects of atrazine (especially concentrations at or above 100 ppb) on the food-seeking behaviors of this species, although simple behavioral studies of crayfish may not be sensitive enough to assess the true effects of atrazine on aquatic organisms and communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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15 pages, 1004 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toxicity of Landfill Leachate to Stream-Dwelling Benthic Macroinvertebrates

by Neal D. Mundahl and Erik D. Mundahl

Toxics 2026, 14(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14020109 - 23 Jan 2026

Viewed by 971

Abstract

Laboratory and field investigations were used to assess the toxicity of leachate from a closed sanitary landfill on benthic macroinvertebrates in coldwater trout streams located near a landfill in southeastern Minnesota, USA. Field-collected invertebrates were exposed to a range of concentrations (0–100%) of leachate during a series of 24 h and 7-day laboratory toxicity tests. Benthic macroinvertebrates also were collected from two stream sites on either side of the landfill and at a third site downstream to assess potential pollution exposure of the stream communities. Ten different taxa exposed to 100% leachate for 24 h exhibited survival ranging from 0 to 100%, with survivorship not correlated to published invertebrate pollution tolerance values. More extensive 24 h tests with the least tolerant Brachycentrus caddisfly larvae found 100% mortality at leachate concentrations > 70%, with the first mortalities observed after 3 h. Brachycentrus had 100% survival at leachate concentrations < 40%. During 7-day tests, Brachycentrus had 100% survival at all leachate concentrations of 40% and lower, but all Brachycentrus died after 2 days at concentrations of 60% and higher. Instream benthic communities, averaging 12 to 17 different taxa at the various stream sites, were rated from good to excellent based on biotic index values, with intolerant taxa present at all three stream sites. Landfill leachate has not impacted the benthic invertebrate communities in streams nearby, but leachate at higher concentrations has the potential to be toxic to a variety of local taxa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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18 pages, 5709 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Polystyrene Microplastic Interferes with Yolk Reserve Utilisation in Early Artemia salina Nauplii

by Chiara Maria Motta, Chiara Fogliano, Marco Trifuoggi, Maria Toscanesi, Anja Raggio, Simona Di Marino, Paola Venditti, Gianluca Fasciolo, Bice Avallone and Rosa Carotenuto

Toxics 2025, 13(8), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080700 - 20 Aug 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2362

Abstract

Polystyrene microfragments are among the most common plastic pollutants globally. They significantly affect aquatic life, harming various organs and tissues. In this study, we examined the effects of 3 µm polystyrene beads (MPs, 20 µg/L) on development and yolk resorption in pre-feeding nauplii of Artemia salina, a lecithotrophic crustacean used in toxicity testing. Results showed a reduced hatching rate, slower growth, and the onset of oxidative stress. Histological analysis revealed no significant morphological alteration; however, yolk platelets lost N-acetyl galactosamine (galNAc), and resorption was delayed. Lectin staining also showed a reduction in N-acetyl glucosamine (glcNAc) in the gut brush border, indicating impaired gut function. Gas chromatography detected the release of nanogram amounts of toxic volatile compounds (VOCs, ethylbenzene, xylene, benzaldehyde, and styrene) into the culture medium. In conclusion, the data demonstrate a delay in larval yolk resorption that can likely be attributed to the release of VOCs, which induce oxidative stress. Further research is urgently needed, given the potential biological and ecological implications of this finding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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28 pages, 2861 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Understanding Target-Specific Effects of Antidepressant Drug Pollution on Molluscs: A Systematic Review Report

by Maurice E. Imiuwa, Alice Baynes and Edwin J. Routledge

Toxics 2025, 13(12), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13121043 - 2 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1863

Abstract

Antidepressant drugs (ADDs) are one of the most widely prescribed pharmaceuticals globally and are widely detected in the environment. They are designed to target monoamine neurotransmission—a highly conserved pathway between humans and animal species. Monoamines are particularly involved in the regulation of a wide array of key biological functions in molluscs, an ecologically important group of animals. Despite this, the target-specific effects of environmental concentrations of different classes of ADDs in molluscs remain poorly understood. The present study seeks to understand the target-specific effects of environmental concentrations of different classes of ADDs in molluscs through a systematic review of the literature. This study, following our published systematic review protocol, analyzed 51 studies after deduplication and screening of 1156 identified records. Included studies reported on a range of outcomes, including reproductive, (loco)motor, developmental, behavioral, immuno-modulating and neurophysiological effects. Data synthesis was performed with a harvest plot of exposures, effect direction and risk of bias. We found evidence (weak to moderate) for (i) immunosuppression, resulting from tissue serotonin level elevation, (ii) larval development impairment, and (iii) acetylcholinesterase inhibition, at environmental concentrations of ADDs. Most study outcomes, in addition to data-deficient outcomes, were inconclusive due largely to methodological limitations such as the use of wild-derived species with minimal or no acclimation (65.38% of included studies), lack of proper controls and replicates, and unrealistic exposures, affecting the reliability of existing data. Although the observed effects—particularly immunosuppressive ones—provide critical insight into the ecological risks posed by ADDs, their impacts at environmentally relevant concentrations remain poorly characterized for most endpoints. Given the ecological importance of molluscs, further studies addressing the identified methodological and research gaps are urgently needed to better characterize the hazards posed by environmental concentrations of ADDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecotoxicological Effects of Anthropogenic Contaminants in Aquatic Organisms)

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