Search Results (1,003)

Eisenia fetida is one of the soil invertebrates most used in ecotoxicological and ecopathological studies. To date, the potential contribution of naturally occurring parasites to the variability of ecotoxicological endpoints has been poorly investigated. In this study, we provide a detailed histological description of the male reproductive system of E. fetida and report the occurrence and histological alterations associated with Monocystis sp. infection in laboratory-reared individuals. Uninfected individuals exhibited complete spermatogenesis, with all developmental stages from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa and normal sperm storage within the spermathecae. Meanwhile, infected earthworms displayed marked reproductive alterations, including reduced sperm production and diminished sperm retention within spermathecae. Multilayered encapsulations, inflammatory nodules and melanization were detected within the seminal vesicles, in contrast with the immunological evasion observed in Lumbricus terrestris. These findings suggest species-specific differences in immune response and indicate that Monocystis sp. infection can induce reproductive impairment and activate energy-consuming immune responses. Because these parasite-induced changes closely resemble pollutant-driven ecotoxicological effects, Monocystis infections may act as a potential bias in ecotoxicological studies. We therefore recommend implementing parasitological screening of laboratory cultures to ensure the reliability of studies employing E. fetida as a bioindicator. Full article

Phytoplankton are key indicators of water quality and low-cost tools for freshwater monitoring, yet their diversity and ecological drivers remain poorly documented in the Tropical Andes. This study provides the first national-scale, multi-ecosystem assessment of net phytoplanktonic communities (including microalgae and cyanobacteria), across Ecuador, integrating physicochemical, multivariate, and geospatial analyses. Eighteen lakes and rivers from three biogeographic regions and a wide altitudinal gradient were surveyed, yielding 129 taxa, 77 identified at species level, the most comprehensive checklist reported to date for Ecuador. Community structure showed a clear lentic–lotic differentiation driven by hydrodynamic contrasts, while the absence of distance–decay patterns indicated high dispersal and environmental filtering pattern rather than spatial structuring. Anthropogenic pressure acted as a secondary gradient: pristine high-Andean lakes were dominated by desmids and diatoms, whereas agricultural and urban basins showed chlorophyte and potentially toxic cyanobacterial assemblages. Palmer’s Index detected organic pollution but underestimated eutrophication in endorheic, geochemically enriched lakes. Land-use effects presented strong basin-scale signals in lakes but weak correlations in rivers due to overriding hydromorphological constraints. These findings establish a robust spatial baseline for freshwater bioassessment in the Andes, demonstrating the value of phytoplankton as effective, low-cost indicators readily applicable to national water-quality assessment programs. Full article

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

Understanding the pathways through which heavy metals accumulate in medicinal plants and enter herbal infusions is essential for linking environmental quality with human exposure. This study investigated multi-matrix metal transfer in Tilia spp. along an urban–forest gradient by quantifying twelve elements (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, As, Hg, Al, and V) in soil, bark, leaves, flowers, and corresponding infusions using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by estimating daily intake for different age groups based on EFSA default body weights and two consumption scenarios (150 and 400 mL day⁻¹). The results revealed clear spatial patterns, with significantly higher metal loads in urban sites and a consistent transfer from environmental compartments to plant tissues and infusions. Mn, Al, Pb, and Cd exhibited the highest extractability, leading to elevated estimated daily intakes in young children, identified as the most vulnerable group due to their lower body mass. However, all exposure values remained below EFSA and JECFA toxicological reference limits, while As and Hg were undetectable in all infusions. These findings indicate that Tilia infusions contribute minimally to overall dietary metal exposure and confirm Tilia spp. as reliable bioindicators of soil- and airborne metal deposition, supporting the safe consumption of linden tea under realistic intake conditions. Full article

The Pantanos de Villa wetland, a protected Ramsar site in Lima, Peru, faces significant pressure from invasive species and urban pollution. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of microhabitat use and trace-element bioaccumulation in the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852). We analyzed the physicochemical parameters of the microhabitat and measured the concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, P), trace metals (Cu, Zn, Al, Ni, Ti, Pb), and a metalloid (B) in water, sediment, and crayfish tissues (gill, hepatopancreas, and muscle) using ICP-OES. Additionally, we examined the growth pattern of P. clarkii through its length–weight relationships. A total of 171 individuals were recorded: 99 males and 72 females. Males were longer (13–15 cm), while females were heavier (18–21 g). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed in females between the size and weight of the hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle, whereas no significant link was found in males. Sediments had higher levels of the evaluated chemical elements, with Cu (28.26 mg kg⁻¹) and Zn (66.88 mg kg⁻¹) exceeding international quality guidelines, indicating a possible ecotoxicological risk. The significant negative correlation between dissolved oxygen and the abundance of P. clarkii suggests that higher D.O. is associated with less bioturbation and more predators, making the microhabitat less suitable for juveniles. We conclude that P. clarkii serves as an essential bioindicator and potential vector for the relocation of the trace in an urban wetland, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies to reduce the ecological impacts of this invasive species. Full article

Predictive pest management in urban sewer networks represents a sustainable alternative to reactive, biocide-based methods. Using data collected through an IoT architecture and validated with manual inspections across eight manholes over 113 days, we implemented a rigorous comparative framework evaluating eleven data mining algorithms, including classical methods (KNN, SVM, decision trees) and advanced ensemble techniques (XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost) optimized for unbalanced datasets. Gradient boosting models with explicit handling of class imbalance—where the absence of pests exceeds 77% of observations—showed exceptional performance, achieving a Macro-F1 score above 0.92 and high precision in identifying the minority high-risk class. Explainability analysis using SHAP consistently revealed that elevated CO₂ concentrations are the primary predictor of infestation, enabling early identification of critical zones. This study demonstrates that carbon dioxide (CO₂) acts as the most robust bioindicator for predicting severe infestations of Periplaneta americana, significantly outperforming conventional environmental variables such as temperature and humidity. The implementation of the model in a real-time monitoring platform generates interpretable heat maps that support proactive and localized interventions, optimizing resource use and reducing dependence on biocides. This study presents a scalable, operationally viable predictive system designed for direct integration into municipal asset management workflows, offering a concrete, industry-ready solution to transform pest control from a reactive, labor-intensive process into a data-driven, proactive operational paradigm. This approach not only transforms pest management from reactive to predictive but also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, offering a scalable, interpretable, and operationally viable system for smart cities. Full article

Background/Aims: The Mediterranean killifish, Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821), is a small euryhaline and eurytherm cyprinodont. While its ecology and role as a bioindicator are well known, its anatomy remains poorly understood. This study aimed to provide the first detailed description of the digestive tract of A. fasciatus, from the oropharyngeal cavity to the rectum. Methods: An anatomical and morphological approach supported by light microscopy was applied to examine oral, pharyngeal, and intestinal structures in adult specimens. Results: The jaws bear tricuspids incisiform teeth, whereas the pharynx has caniniform teeth. The tongue forms a muscular thickening of the oral floor and aids swallowing. The oropharyngeal tract and esophagus lead to a dilated anterior intestinal region resembling a primitive stomach, with mucosal folds and mucus-secreting epithelium, but lacking gastric glands. This chamber functions mainly for food storage, absorption, and preparation rather than true gastric digestion. The intestine extends to the rectum, showing sexual dimorphism: females have a relaxed anus, males a more toned and folded structure. Conclusions: These findings provide essential baseline information for comparison with other experimental models and reinforce the suitability of A. fasciatus as a reliable model for anatomical and functional studies. Full article

Extreme weather impacts the ecological niches of fungi, altering mycotoxin risks in wildlife. We analyzed mycotoxin carry-over into European fallow deer (Dama dama) milk across seasons and assessed how drought influences the shift from Fusarium to Aspergillus mycotoxins and affects physiological resilience. Samples were collected during 2021/2022 and a drought-stricken 2022/2023 from South Transdanubia and Northeastern Hungary. Aflatoxin B1/M1 (AFB1/AFM1), Fumonisin B1 (FB1), Deoxynivalenol (DON), Zearalenone (ZEN), and Body Condition Scores (BCS) were measured to evaluate the impact of exposure on health status. The severe drought significantly altered the mycotoxin profile: ZEN levels declined significantly (from a median of 0.28 to 0.00 ng/mL), consistent with the moisture requirements of Fusarium graminearum, whereas DON concentrations increased. Concurrently, AFM1 persisted, exhibiting increased variance and extreme outliers in the maize-dominated South Transdanubian region. Distinct pharmacokinetic patterns were observed, and positive correlations were observed between milk and feces for lipophilic toxins, validating milk as a possible biomarker. Hydrophilic DON showed no correlation despite its accumulation. Emergence of “Poor” BCS group carrying loads supports “condition-dependent foraging” hypothesis, as stressed individuals are forced to consume contaminated resources, exacerbating oxidative stress and metabolic deficits. Full article

Earthworms are widely used as biological indicators of soil contamination and are often referred to as the ‘intestine of the soil’; however, their effectiveness can vary across regions and environmental conditions. The performance of earthworms as indicators of soil pollution may vary among regions, and there is a need to assess their reliability under specific environmental conditions. So, in this study, soil and earthworm samples were collected from 19 locations across Punjab, Pakistan, to assess heavy metal pollution and bioaccumulation using geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) and bioaccumulation factors (BAF). Soil and earthworm tissues were digested and analyzed for heavy metals such as Sr, Zn, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni using ICP-MS. According to Igeo, cadmium frequently classified soils as strongly to extremely polluted, with values up to 4.5 in Bahawalnagar, whereas most other metals fell within the unpolluted to moderately polluted classes. Earthworms showed clear bioaccumulation (BAF > 1) for several essential or poorly regulated elements, particularly Ca, Mn, Cu and Sr; the maximum BAF for Ca reached 8.18 in Faisalabad. In contrast, group-1 carcinogenic metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) generally did not exhibit strong bioaccumulation. Relationships between BAF and soil metal concentrations or abiotic properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved and suspended solids) were generally weak (R² typically ≤ 0.32), indicating that these factors explain only a modest fraction of the variation in metal uptake. Overall, the results highlight cadmium as the primary soil contamination risk in the surveyed areas. Because bioaccumulation showed weak relationships with soil metal concentrations and physicochemical parameters, earthworms in this study demonstrated limited effectiveness as bioindicators of toxic heavy metal accumulation. The limited internal accumulation of highly toxic metals suggests possible physiological regulation or tolerance, although the long-term ecological implications require further investigation. Further controlled studies are necessary to better evaluate their ecological role and potential applications in soil remediation, waste management, and vermicompost production. Full article

Ecological restoration has emerged as a critical tool for addressing ecosystem degradation worldwide. The Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) represents a significant advancement in stream restoration methodology, providing a standardized framework for quantifying stream functions and evaluating project outcomes. We investigated relationships between salamander abundance and physicochemical parameters from the SQT (nitrogen, turbidity, temperature, and composite SQT physicochemical score) across 16 streams in the upstate region of South Carolina. Stream salamanders can be reliable bioindicators due to their philopatric nature, longevity, and stable populations, making them valuable for assessing stream restoration effectiveness. Six salamander species (n = 394 individuals) were identified across 14 streams where salamanders were present. N-mixture models were used to analyze abundance patterns while accounting for imperfect detection. Turbidity was the strongest negative predictor of salamander abundance, followed by nitrogen. Removal of an agriculturally impacted stream with elevated turbidity substantially altered model rankings, making the null model top-ranked, followed by nitrogen, composite physicochemical score, and temperature. These findings demonstrate turbidity’s critical role in salamander abundance. Management practices should prioritize erosion and sediment control solutions for salamander conservation. For SQT biological monitoring, we recommend focusing on turbidity and nitrogen as key parameters affecting salamander abundance in stream assessments. Full article

Phytoplankton play a central role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers and serve as key bioindicators of water quality. This study systematically examined the seasonal dynamics (spring, summer, autumn) of phytoplankton communities in Beijing’s urban water bodies by integrating α-diversity, co-occurrence networks, β-diversity decomposition, and environmental driver analysis. Results indicated that spring exhibited the highest α-diversity (Margalef index: 2.95, Shannon index: 2.99) and optimal ecological conditions, with community assembly primarily influenced by spatial processes. Summer was characterized by cyanobacterial dominance, a peak in algal density (957.35 ± 4818.65 ind./L), and tightly connected, cooperative networks with high clustering and positive interactions. In autumn, β-diversity increased significantly (0.9030), driven predominantly by taxa turnover, while co-occurrence networks became more modular and less connected, indicating enhanced environmental filtering. Key environmental drivers, including temperature, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and organic pollution indices, shaped community structure, with their relative influence shifting seasonally. A random forest model, trained on multiple biodiversity indices and algal density, effectively captured nonlinear ecological patterns, confirming the highest ecological quality in spring and a marginal decline in autumn. These findings highlight the seasonal transition in assembly mechanisms—from spatial to environmental processes—and support tailored management strategies. Full article

Soccer is practiced by professionals, amateurs, and recreational players. The physical assessment tools used by professionals are rarely available in recreational settings. Given the widespread participation and potential health benefits of soccer activity, it becomes essential to identify simple and accessible indicators that can help to characterize physical ability in non-professional players. This cross-sectional observational work explores which health status and lifestyle indices can be useful to estimate physical ability in recreational male soccer players when field testing is not feasible. Sixty-six participants volunteered in the study. Five performance field tests were conducted, and a related overall physical ability index (KPI_tot) was defined, while a questionnaire was developed to investigate nine BIO_Indices (BMI, age, physical activity level, job, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, sports career, occurring injuries, medical history). Data for the selected performance tests are reported for the recruited recreational athletes. KPI_tot was estimated from BIO_Indices, using a stepwise backward regression. The selected model, named SOCCER_Index, incorporates six out of nine BIO_Indices, excluding smoking habits, sports career, and medical history (R² = 0.536). In conclusion, with a simple questionnaire, an estimate of soccer players’ physical ability can be obtained. Further data collection is needed to obtain a more generalizable and robust SOCCER_Index. Full article

Heavy metal contamination poses concerns for managing Twaite shad (Alosa fallax) populations, yet data remain sparse. Intermittent capture as bycatch, with negligible prospects for post-release survival and IUCN Red listing, provides a compelling case for investigation. Concentrations of six trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) in the dorsal muscle tissue of A. fallax from the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuania) and the Elbe Estuary (Germany) were analyzed to evaluate size-related patterns and compliance with international safety standards. Overall, metal levels were uniformly low, with Cd and Pb below EU limits. Cu exhibited a weak negative correlation with fish weight (ρ = −0.35; p < 0.05), while Zn tended to increase in larger individuals, reflecting its essential physiological role. Comparing both adult populations, Cr and Zn, which provide nutritional benefits, were higher in the Curonian Lagoon, whereas toxic As and Pb were higher in the Elbe Estuary. All concentrations complied with EU and FAO thresholds, indicating acceptable risk for human consumption. The findings provide baseline information for A. fallax as a potential bioindicator. Constraints on the number of A. fallax sampled, given its IUCN status, exclusion of Hg and lack of environmental parameters, limit conclusions, but would be mostly remediable by future research. Full article

Heavy metals (HMs) and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) frequently co-occur in freshwater systems, yet their combined effects on microbial predators remain poorly understood. Here, the freshwater ciliate Coleps hirtus was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of single and binary mixtures of HMs (Cd, Cu, Zn) and NPs (ZnO, CuO, TiO₂, SiO₂), and to characterize associated antioxidant responses. Acute toxicity was assessed after 24 h by estimating LC₂₀ and LC₅₀ values, while mixture toxicity for Cd + Zn and Cd + ZnO was analyzed using the Toxic Unit approach and the MixTOX framework. Non-enzymatic (TPC, DPPH, HRSA) and enzymatic (CAT, GST, GPx, SOD) antioxidants were quantified as sublethal biomarkers at concentrations below lethal thresholds. HMs were markedly more toxic than NPs, with a toxicity ranking of Cu > Cd >> Zn, whereas NPs followed ZnO > CuO >> TiO₂ >> SiO₂. Cd + Zn mixtures showed predominantly antagonistic or non-interactive effects, while Cd + ZnO mixtures exhibited strong synergistic toxicity with a non-linear dependence on mixture composition, as supported by MixTox modeling. Exposure to HMs and NPs induced significant and often coordinated changes in antioxidant biomarkers, with binary mixtures eliciting stronger responses than single contaminants. Together, these findings indicate that mixture composition strongly influences both toxicity outcomes and oxidative stress responses in C. hirtus. The combination of clear, mixture-dependent toxicity patterns and robust oxidative stress responses makes C. hirtus a promising bioindicator for freshwater environments impacted by HMs and NPs. Full article

Monitoring microplastic pollution relies increasingly on bioindicators that integrate environmental exposure across habitats. This review presents animals explicitly proposed as microplastic bioindicators in recent literature and qualitatively evaluates their appropriateness using established biomonitoring criteria encompassing ecological, physiological, and methodological dimensions. In aquatic systems, bivalves (clams and mussels) demonstrate high suitability due to wide distribution, habitat-specific feeding, effective microplastic retention, and well-established analytical protocols. Fish exhibit intermediate suitability, as ecological representativeness and retention vary among species, and standardized methods often require multi-species approaches. Sessile organisms, including barnacles and sea anemones, align strongly with all three dimensions through spatial fidelity, effective retention, and methodological ease. Crustaceans and sponges also exhibit robust ecological relevance and high retention, with sponges uniquely integrating fine particles over time. Terrestrial and aerial indicators, such as carabid beetles and insectivorous birds, provide complementary coverage with moderate physiological integration and feasible ethical sampling. Sea turtles demonstrate exceptional physiological integration and methodological robustness at regional scales, despite non-sedentary behavior. Overall, taxa combining sedentary or spatially faithful ecology, effective microplastic retention, and standardized laboratory applicability, particularly bivalves, sponges, barnacles, sea anemones, and sediment-associated crustaceans, emerge as the most suitable bioindicators. Future research should prioritize harmonized, multi-taxa frameworks to improve standardization, cross-ecosystem comparability, and long-term microplastic monitoring. Full article