Search Results (173)

Anthropogenic climate change represents a critical and complex threat to the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems. This review aims to critically synthesise and evaluate the synergetic and antagonistic mechanisms through which rising water temperature, the most prominent climatic factor, modulates the host–parasite relationship. The systematic literature review was conducted across a high-impact database (Web of Science), focusing on the extraction and qualitative analysis of data concerning infection dynamics and both host and parasite interactions. The findings demonstrate that thermal stress imposes a dual penalty on host–parasite systems: (1) it confers a critical thermal advantage to direct-life cycle parasites, significantly accelerating their virulence, reproduction, and infective capacity; (2) simultaneously, it severely compromises the immunocompetence and physiological resilience of piscine hosts, often through immunometabolic trade-offs and inflammatory dysfunction. This toxic synergy is the root cause of the exponential disease prevalence/intensity of parasites and fish mass mortality events, directly impacting biodiversity and global aquaculture sustainability. In contrast, it may also cause the disruption of the transmission chains to threaten complex life cycle parasites with localised extinction. We conclude that climate mitigation must be urgently recognised and implemented as a primary strategy for biological risk management to secure aquatic health and global food safety. Full article

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), widespread in aquatic environments, interfere with endocrine function in organisms and threaten ecosystem stability. Rotifers, critical live feed for marine fish, shrimp, and crab larvae, link EDC-induced reproductive impairment to marine ecosystem stability and aquaculture sustainability. This PRISMA-compliant review synthesizes key findings, consequences, and gaps in EDC–rotifer reproductive toxicity research. Traditional EDCs (heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), phenols, phthalate esters, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and steroid hormones) and emerging EDCs (disinfection byproducts, microplastics, pharmaceutical metabolites) induce distinct reproductive harm—e.g., Hg²⁺ shows extreme toxicity (24 h LC₅₀ = 4.51 μg L⁻¹ in Brachionus plicatilis), BDE-47 damages ovaries, and microplastics cause transgenerational delays. Rotifer species and exposure duration affect sensitivity (e.g., BDE-47: 96 h LC₅₀ = 0.163 mg L⁻¹ vs. 24 h LC₅₀ > 22 mg L⁻¹ in B. plicatilis). Oxidative stress is a universal mechanism, and combined EDC exposure produces context-dependent synergistic/antagonistic effects. EDC-induced impairment reduces rotifer population density, alters structure, and propagates through food webs, threatening aquaculture and biodiversity; transgenerational toxicity (e.g., 4-nonylphenol: F₁ inhibition 28% vs. 12% in F₀) weakens resilience. This review supports EDC risk assessment, with gaps including long-term low-concentration data, transgenerational mechanisms, EDC–microbiome interactions, and emerging PFAS toxicity—priorities for future research. Full article

Fish communities undergo climate-induced shifts; it is crucial to study the trophic interactions of various fish species in order to understand the extent to which fish trophic niches overlap and the degree of competition between them. We investigated the food web structure, feeding habits, and trophic positions of common fish in the subarctic Lake Imandra. Two methods were used: SCA (stomach content analysis) and SIA (stable isotope analysis). Perch (Perca fluviatilis) and whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus, large sparsely rakered morph) had similar trophic positions (TP = 3.69 ± 0.55 and 3.67 ± 0.55, respectively; p > 0.05); both species were generalists. The diet similarity (the index of relative importance of food items in stomach contents) of perch and whitefish was 48%, with aquatic insects (Trichoptera) being common items in both fish. According to carbon isotope values (δ¹³C), vendace (Coregonus albula), smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), and burbot (Lota lota) were more closely related with pelagic food sources (δ¹³C ranged from −27 to −25‰), whereas perch, whitefish, and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) were more fuelled by benthic food web compartments (δ¹³C ranged from −24 to −21‰). The highest average nitrogen values (δ¹⁵N) were found in smelt and ruffe, 15.0 ± 0.7‰ and 14.2 ± 1.9‰, respectively. Perch and whitefish overlap significantly in their isotopic composition (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), demonstrating 36% overlap in the combined 40% ellipses (according to Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R) of the isotopic space. This study confirms the existence of distinct food competition between these two species in a subarctic lake. Full article

Microplastic pollution poses growing risks to aquatic zooplankton, yet its impact on Daphnia magna life history remains incompletely understood. This study explored the influences of micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) on D. magna by exposing organisms to size- and concentration-varied microplastics, tracking microplastic distribution via fluorescence imaging. Results demonstrated significant microplastic-induced impairments in growth and reproduction. Gut microbiota analysis revealed microplastic-altered microbial communities, with functional prediction identifying disrupted glucose metabolism as a key driver of life-history changes. Intestinal structure observations further showed microplastic-accelerated aging. Collectively, our findings highlight that microplastic accumulation in D. magna disrupts gut microbiota and tissue integrity, ultimately impairing life-history traits. These alterations in growth and gut characteristics of D. magna may further propagate through the aquatic food web, potentially damaging the intestinal structure and function of plankton communities. Given the pivotal role of zooplankton in nutrient cycling and energy transfer, our findings underscore that microplastic-induced disruptions in key species like D. magna could threaten the stability and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Green microalgae are widely used as model organisms in ecotoxicology due to their sensitivity to environmental stressors and their critical role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers at the bottom of the food web. Pulse-Amplitude Modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometry is a non-destructive, rapid and informative method for assessing photosynthetic efficiency and culture health, particularly through parameters such as the maximum photochemical activity of PSII (F_v/F_m) and effective PSII activity (Φ_PSII). Despite the growing number of studies utilizing PAM as an indicator rather than as a direct tool to evaluate microalgal stress responses, there remains a lack of standardized, accessible data for these key photosynthetic indicators. In this review, we analyze 38 sources, including 35 original research articles and 3 foundational references, to compile and compare reported values of F_v/F_m and Φ_PSII across various green microalgae species exposed to a wide range of chemical and environmental stressors. We highlight species-specific differences in sensitivity, identify underrepresented contaminants such as ionic liquids and artificial sweeteners, and emphasize the need for systematic numerical reporting in future research. PAM is an excellent and reliable technique for rapidly assessing culture health of green microalgae and their photosynthetic performance in various culture conditions and the vast array of chemical and physical stressors. Full article

The widespread use of agrochemicals, including inorganic and organic pesticides and fungicides, has contributed to the persistence of hazardous residues in agricultural environments, particularly through their accumulation in plastic packaging and containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and other polymer types commonly employed for agrochemical storage and transport retain significant quantities of active substances even after standard rinsing procedures. This phenomenon raises concerns over improper disposal practices, environmental contamination, and potential ecotoxicological impacts. Recent studies demonstrate that both inorganic and organic pesticide residues exhibit strong interactions with plastic polymers, influenced by factors such as polymer chemistry, surface aging, pH, ionic strength, and dissolved organic matter. These interactions not only delay degradation but also facilitate secondary release into soils and aquatic systems, where they may impair soil microorganisms, alter plant physiology, and disrupt aquatic food webs, including phytoplankton, fish, and microbial assemblages. Despite regulatory frameworks and container management schemes in some regions, major knowledge gaps remain regarding the long-term fate of pesticide residues on plastics, their transfer to ecosystems, and cumulative effects on agroecosystem sustainability. This review synthesizes current evidence on the chemical characteristics of pesticide residues in plastic packaging, their environmental mobility, and ecotoxicological effects. It further identifies urgent research needs, including long-term field assessments of polymer–pesticide interactions, improved recycling technologies, and the development of safer container designs. Effective management strategies, coupled with strengthened international stewardship programs, are essential to reduce risks to environmental health, agricultural productivity, and human safety. Full article

Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental contaminant with high bioavailability and toxicity, accumulating in aquatic food chains and posing significant risks to human health through seafood consumption. This systematic review aims to collect evidence on Hg bioaccumulation in seafood across Europe, assessing species that exceed legal limits. A total of 74 studies were identified on bioaccumulation among marine fish and seafood from European and adjacent seas, published between 2000 and 2024. Findings highlight that methylmercury (MeHg) constitutes the majority of total Hg in fish species, with concentrations often exceeding EU regulatory limits, especially in the Adriatic and Iberian areas. In general, teleosts exhibit higher tissue concentrations of both MeHg and total Hg compared to either selachians or mollusks. Species likely to exceed their legal limits are larger, apex predators, e.g., tuna, swordfish, and sharks, as well as benthic species, e.g., monkfish and mullet. In recent years, there has been a decrease in mercury contamination, probably due to agreed international regulations. However, significant regional variations still persist in Europe. To mitigate Hg contamination in seafood and ensure food safety, this study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and management strategies, the interplay of environmental factors, food web dynamics, and species-specific biological characteristics. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as persistent pollutants in marine and freshwater systems. Their small size, widespread distribution, and ability to adsorb chemical contaminants raise concerns about ecological impacts and human exposure through aquatic food webs. In parallel, marine polysaccharides such as alginate, chitosan, and carrageenan have drawn interest as natural biopolymers with the capacity to interact with MPs. These interactions occur via electrostatic forces, hydrophobic effects, hydrogen bonding, and physical entrapment, influencing the fate and mobility of MPs in aquatic environments. This review critically examines the current state of knowledge on the binding mechanisms between MPs and marine-derived polysaccharides, emphasizing their role in modulating the transport, aggregation, and bioavailability of plastic particles. Recent efforts to modify these biopolymers for improved performance in sorption and stabilization applications are also discussed. Furthermore, analytical strategies for investigating MP–polysaccharide systems are outlined, and the practical limitations associated with scaling up these approaches are considered. The potential use of such materials in environmentally sustainable remediation technologies is explored, along with future research needs related to safety evaluation, lifecycle impact, and feasibility in real-world conditions. Full article

The rapid growth of the human population and industrialization has intensified anthropogenic activities, leading to the release of various toxic chemicals into the environment, triggering significant risks to human health and ecosystem stability. One sustainable solution to remove toxic chemicals from various environmental matrices, such as water, air, and soil, is bioremediation, an approach utilizing biological agents. Microalgae, as the primary producers of the aquatic environment, offer a versatile bioremediation platform, where their metabolic processes break down and convert pollutants into less harmful substances, thereby mitigating the negative ecological impact. Besides the CO₂ sequestration potential, microalgae are a source of renewable energy and numerous high-value biomolecules. Additionally, microalgae can mitigate various toxic chemicals through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation. These remediation strategies propose a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to address environmental pollution. This review evaluates the microalgal mitigation of major environmental contaminants—heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), flue gases, microplastics, and nanoplastics—linking specific microalgae removal mechanisms to pollutant-induced cellular responses. Each section explicitly addresses the effects of these pollutants on microalgae, microalgal bioremediation potential, bioaccumulation process, the risks of trophic transfer, and biomagnification in the food web. Herein, we highlight the current status of the microalgae-based bioremediation prospects, pollutant-induced microalgal toxicity, bioaccumulation, and consequential biomagnification. The novelty of this review lies in integrating biomagnification risks with the bioremediation potential of microalgae, providing a comprehensive perspective not yet addressed in the existing literature. Finally, we identify major research gaps and outline prospective strategies to optimize microalgal bioremediation while minimizing the unintended trophic transfer risks. Full article

Sucralose, a persistent and widely used artificial sweetener, has emerged as a significant contaminant in aquatic environments, raising concerns about its ecological and physiological effects on aquatic species. This study investigates the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of sucralose on the muscle quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a bioindicator species. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), sucralose was quantified in water and fish muscle tissues, revealing its persistence and bioaccumulation. Sucralose exposure disrupted critical physicochemical, textural, and structural properties of fish muscle. Protein carbonyl content increased up to 10-fold, while lipid peroxidation levels rose significantly, indicating oxidative stress. Sulfhydryl groups were reduced by more than 40%, and water-holding capacity decreased by 12%, compromising muscle functionality. Textural profile analysis revealed alterations in hardness, cohesiveness, and elasticity, linked to covalent bond formation induced by protein oxidation. Furthermore, electrophoretic analysis confirmed myosin degradation, underscoring sucralose’s role as a pro-oxidant, even at low concentrations. These findings demonstrate that sucralose can adversely affect aquatic organisms by impairing muscle integrity, with potential consequences for their survival, ecological roles, and food web dynamics. This study underscores the urgent need to regulate and monitor artificial sweeteners in aquatic systems to mitigate long-term ecological impacts. Full article

Trace metal (TM) concentrations and carcinogenic risk were determined in ninety-two edible samples of the triggerfish Balistes spp. from the RAMSAR site 1826 San Ignacio-Navachiste-Macapule Lagoon Complex (NAV). The acid digestion method and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer were used to determine TM concentrations. Calibration curves were carried out using TORT-3 reference materials. The blank and certified reference materials were treated using the same procedure as a sample. TM sequence was Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu = Pb > Ni > Cd, and a correlation (p = 0.0169) between size and concentrations was found. No correlation (p = 0.079) was found between weight and concentrations, or sampling sites and the concentrations. The highest concentrations were found during the summer, followed by the spring and winter of 2017, while the lowest was found in the winter of 2018. The Zn was significantly higher in summer-17. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was <1 for Pb, Ni, Cd, Fe, Zn, and Cu, and 1.39 for Mn. Cd and Pb resulted in carcinogenic potential (CsFo < 1) with a very low probability. The TM concentrations and bioaccumulation in triggerfish showed no consumption risk, due to its omnivorous diet, and trophic transfer rates were described for aquatic food webs. Full article

Microplastic pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is of critical concern as estuaries serve as habitats and nurseries for diverse aquatic organisms and offer vital ecological services. However, quantitative analysis of microplastics, especially those smaller than 300 µm, in the natural aquatic environment is very challenging due to a lack of efficient sampling methods. This study takes a novel approach to quantify the abundance, size distribution, and morphological characteristics of microplastics, as small as 20 µm, in the surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Water samples (10 L) were collected monthly from July 2023 to October 2023 at four locations along the Chesapeake Bay. The samples were digested with a 10% potassium hydroxide solution and subjected to density separation using sodium chloride (ρ = 1.2 g/cc). Microplastic particles were examined using a Shimadzu AIM–9000 FTIR microscope for enumeration and chemical identification. Overall, the mean microplastic concentration observed was 766.16 ± 302.59 MP/L, significantly higher than previously estimated in the Chesapeake Bay. Microplastic abundance exhibited a significant (p = 0.02) spatial variation across the four sampling locations. Most abundant were particles less than 100 µm (60.65%), followed by particles between 100 µm and 300 µm (23.19%), and particles exceeding 300 µm (16.16%). Morphological analysis identified fragments as the dominant shape (86.02%), followed by fibers (11.87%), and beads (2.10%). This study underscores the importance of standard and efficient sampling methods in microplastics research. By sampling microplastics as small as 20 µm, this research demonstrated that the abundance of microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay is significantly higher than previously estimated and dominated by smaller–sized particles. These small microplastics are more likely to enter the food web where human exposure may occur. Therefore, microplastic pollution in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem has the potential to impose environmental and public health risks. Full article

Bacterial diseases are a major constraint to aquaculture productivity, driving extensive antibiotic use and raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance, environmental contamination, and food safety. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities but is limited by poor water solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. This review was conducted through a literature search of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using targeted keywords, including curcumin nanoparticles, antibacterial, aquatic pathogens, nanotechnology, synthesis, and disease control. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, followed by full-text evaluation of selected studies. Key findings were critically analyzed and incorporated into the review. Findings from the literature indicate that curcumin nanoparticles, synthesized via milling, anti-solvent precipitation, ionic gelation, emulsification, spray drying, and metal/polymer nanocomposite formation, exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogens, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Optimally engineered curcumin nanoparticles (<100 nm, being mostly spherical, highly negatively charged) can penetrate bacterial membranes, disrupt biofilms, lower minimum inhibitory concentrations, and improve in vivo fish survival. Practical applications include dietary supplementation to boost fish immunity and growth, water disinfection to reduce pathogen loads, immersion therapy for external infections, and antimicrobial coatings for aquaculture equipment and surfaces, resulting in reduced infections and outbreaks, reduced mortality, improved water quality, and decreased antibiotic dependence. In conclusion, curcumin nanoparticles and curcumin-based nanocomposites present a versatile, eco-friendly approach to sustainable aquaculture disease management. However, further field-scale validation, safety assessment, and cost-effective production methods are necessary to enable commercial adoption. Full article

Aquaculture is a key food production sector responsible for meeting the nutritional needs of a rapidly growing global population. However, the emergence of disease outbreaks has become a major challenge for the aquaculture industry, resulting in significant economic losses. The use of costly and toxic antibiotics for treatment has a negative impact on the aquatic environment. Consequently, there has been a growing interest in probiotics as a non-antibiotic approach to manage disease outbreaks and improve fish performance. The use of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) has shown remarkable benefits in aquaculture. In February 2025, a systematic search was conducted based on the Web of Science (WoS) database for the period 2015–2025 to identify relevant studies investigating the beneficial effects of SC in aquaculture. After searching on WoS, 466 documents were found and analyzed using R-bibliometric package for comprehensive analysis to identify research gap, trends, and distribution of global literature that focuses on SC in aquaculture. The most relevant and recent articles were reviewed, summarized and discussed. The yeast SC have shown a wide range of benefits, including improved growth performance, feed efficiency, enhanced diversity of the gut microbiome and immune response. The implementation of SC is becoming a recent trend and its efficacy in aquatic environments has been thoroughly investigated. This review aims to provide a valuable insight into SC as one of the most important aquaculture probiotics. It also emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand its benefits and the way it works. Full article

The knowledge about the potential toxic effects of microplastics (MPs) combined with herbicides at lower trophic levels is still largely unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential toxic effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA), isolated or combined with the pesticide glyphosate (GLY), on the microalgae Arthrospira platensis. For this, microalgae were exposed to control, GLY (3 μg/L), PET (0.5 and 1 mg/L), PA (0.5 and 1 mg/L), and the respective mixtures of each MP with GLY, for 12 days. The photosynthetic pigment content, phytochemicals, antioxidants, and enzymatic activity were determined. Cell growth was significantly enhanced on day 4 in the GLY+PA1 group (~80%), compared to the control. At day 12, biomass was significantly higher in the GLY (~25%) and GLY+PET0.5 (~26%) groups relative to the control. Significant effects on the enzymatic and detoxification mechanisms were observed, including increased SOD (PET0.5, p = 0.011) and CarE (GLY, PA and GLY+PA, p < 0.01), and decreased GST in combined exposures, which support stress-induced enzymatic activation and adaptive biochemical responses. Significant effects on phytochemicals and antioxidant activity were also observed, with PET0.5 significantly reducing total carotenoids (~65%), and flavonoids (p < 0.001) and ortho-diphenols (p < 0.05) being decreased in all exposure groups, in comparison to the control group. The decrease in flavonoids and ortho-diphenols, important antioxidant molecules, suggests the depletion of these key compounds under stress. DPPH scavenging activity, a measure of antioxidant potential, was inhibited in the GLY+PA groups, indicating compromised antioxidant defense. Results confirmed that combined stressors elicit distinct and sometimes deleterious responses not predicted by single exposures. Our findings highlight that the combined exposure to glyphosate and MPs significantly disrupts antioxidant defenses and enzymatic activity in A. platensis, indicating potential risks to primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and underscoring the ecological implications of co-contaminant stressors. In fact, the results indicate that MPs can modify herbicide toxicity, posing enhanced risks to microalgal physiology and potentially affecting primary productivity and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. In turn, negative effects of MPs on microalgae can have serious consequences for food webs, food security, and ecological health. Full article