Search Results (204)

Artificial reefs are an important tool for marine ecological restoration and fishery resource proliferation, and are widely used around the world. Among them, Japan, the United States, China, South Korea, Australia, and the Mediterranean coastal countries have particularly invested in scientific research and practice in this field, and the reefs’ material selection, structural performance, and ecological benefits have attracted much attention. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the preparation methods, characterization methods (such as microstructure analysis and mechanical tests) and mechanical properties (such as compressive strength and durability) of new concrete materials (steel slag-blast furnace slag concrete, oyster shell concrete, sulfoaluminate cement concrete, recycled brick concrete, silica fume concrete, and banana peel filler concrete) that artificial reefs and ceramic artificial reefs developed in recent years, and to explore the resource utilization potential of different waste materials. At the same time, the biostatistical methods (such as species abundance and community diversity) of wood, shipwreck, steel, rock, waste tire, and ordinary concrete artificial reefs and their effects on the marine environment were compared and analyzed. In addition, the potential impact of artificial reef deployment on local fishermen’s income was also assessed. It is found that the use of steel slag, blast furnace slag, sulfoaluminate cement, and silica fume instead of traditional Portland cement can better improve the mechanical properties of concrete artificial reefs (compressive strength can be increased by up to 20%) and reduce the surface pH to neutral, which is more conducive to the adhesion and growth of marine organisms. The compressive strength of oyster shell concrete and banana peel filler concrete artificial reef is not as good as that of traditional Portland cement concrete artificial reef, but it still avoids the waste of a large amount of solid waste resources, provides necessary nutritional support for aquatic organisms, and also improves its chemical erosion resistance. The deployment of artificial reefs of timber, wrecks, steel, rock, waste tires, and ordinary concrete has significantly increased the species richness and biomass in the adjacent waters and effectively promoted the development of fisheries. Cases show that artificial reefs can significantly increase fishermen’s income (such as an increase of about EUR 13 in the value of a unit effort in a certain area), but the long-term benefits depend on effective supervision and community co-management mechanisms. This paper provides a scientific basis for the research and development of artificial reef materials and the optimization of ecological benefits, and promotes the sustainable development of marine ecological restoration technology and fishery economy. Full article

Coral reef ecosystems represent one of the most biodiverse and productive marine habitats, yet they are increasingly threatened by a range of anthropogenic stressors. Among these, emerging contaminants including pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) have started to feature as contaminants of concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and complex interactions within reef environments. This review synthesizes current research on the occurrence, transport pathways, and ecological impacts of emerging contaminants, specifically focusing on PPCPs on coral reef systems. Evidence indicates that compounds such as UV filters, antibiotics, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can impair coral physiology, disrupt symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, and contribute to bleaching events. The review further highlights the variability in coral species’ sensitivity to these contaminants, with documented effects ranging from oxidative stress to reduced growth and reproductive capacity. Despite advances in detection and risk assessment, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term exposure, mixture effects, and the influence of local environmental conditions on contaminant toxicity. By consolidating recent findings, this review underscores the urgent need for targeted research and policy action to mitigate the threat of emerging contaminants to coral reef ecosystems. Full article

Endoperoxides constitute a distinctive class of highly oxygenated terpenoids defined by the presence of a cyclic peroxide (–O–O–) bond, a structural motif responsible for their pronounced chemical reactivity and diverse biological effects. Naturally occurring endoperoxide-containing terpenoids are broadly distributed across terrestrial and marine taxa, including higher plants, algae, fungi, and bryophytes, where they are believed to participate in chemical defense and ecological interactions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of naturally occurring endoperoxide terpenoids, focusing on their natural sources, structural diversity, and reported biological activities. Particular emphasis is placed on compounds exhibiting antiprotozoal and antitumor activities, exemplified by artemisinin and its derivatives, which remain cornerstone agents in antimalarial therapy and continue to attract interest for their anticancer potential. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, supported by computational prediction using the PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) platform, is employed to examine correlations between peroxide-containing frameworks and biological function. Comparative assessment of experimental data and predicted activity profiles identifies key structural features associated with antiprotozoal, antineoplastic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, this review highlights endoperoxides as a valuable and chemically distinctive class of bioactive natural products and discusses their promise and limitations as leads for further pharmacological development, particularly in light of their intrinsic reactivity and stability challenges. Full article

Mangrove ecosystems along the Indian Ocean coast show great biodiversity, adapting to harsh environmental conditions of high salinity and higher organic matter, and they are a host for a range of microbial communities with special features that produce unique secondary metabolites. Of this, mangrove-associated endophytic fungi, the second largest ecological group of marine fungi, show the greater potential, being a diverse pool for discovering novel bio-actives with pharmacological and biotechnological interest. This review summarizes the research findings on structural diversity and the associated pharmacological activities of secondary metabolites produced by mangrove-associated fungi along the Indian Ocean coast reported over the period of 2002–2025, based on the literature retrieved from Google Scholar. The total of 302 secondary metabolites is presented mainly from classes of polyketides (208), alkaloids (34), and terpenoids (60). Interestingly, 164 compounds were identified, as first reported in those publications. These compounds have been reported to show diverse biological activities, and the most prominent activities are cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory effects. The structural novelty and pharmacological activities of these metabolites highlight the importance of mangrove fungi as promising sources for new drug discovery and advancing industrial biotechnology. Therefore, this review highlights the insight into the possible application of these chemical compounds in the future drug industry, as well as in biotechnology for advancing human well-being. Furthermore, though significant progress has been made in exploring the fungi community from mangroves of the African and Middle Eastern coasts, the Indian coast mangrove fungi are yet to be explored more for novel discoveries. Full article

We argue that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to identify deoxygenation impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries, bridging across the traditionally separate fields of oceanography and economics. Oceanography reveals physical and chemical drivers of deoxygenation, and assesses potential biological impacts based on the physiological and ecological characteristics of organisms and communities. Economics identifies the consequences of human activities associated with the utilization of the changing ocean, particularly in relation to deoxygenation. Economic data, models and analysis can contribute to determining the future directions toward achieving a healthy ocean in the context of deoxygenation. However, differing perspectives on the value of the ocean may lead to conflicts between short-term economic gains and long-term sustainability. Uncertainties in fish populations and deoxygenation modeling add complexity. Despite the difficulties involved, the interdisciplinary view of economics and oceanography offers a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of ocean deoxygenation and its impacts on both the ocean and people. In order to address the challenges posed by deoxygenation and its impacts, and to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies, it is essential to establish a strong collaboration between experts of oceanography and fisheries economics. Full article

Recently, as a result of growing interest in diatoms as sources of energy (biofuel) and valuable food components for humans and aquaculture organisms, new data on the structures and properties of diatom natural products have been obtained, including both endo- and exometabolites. Information about their biosynthesis, biological activity and roles, and their beneficial and hazardous properties has also emerged. The application of modern methods of molecular biology, metabolomics, and chemical ecology to the study of diatom natural products has improved the understanding of many important natural phenomena associated with diatoms, such as photosynthesis, harmful algal blooms, interactions of diatoms with other organisms of marine biota, and their impact on biogeochemical cycles and climate regulation. In this paper, we discuss various aspects of research on natural compounds from diatoms, covering the last decade, as well as prospects for their further development, which have become apparent in recent years. Full article

Natural products represent one of the most diverse and functionally sophisticated groups of bioactive molecules found across plants, fungi, bacteria, and marine organisms. Recent advances in genomics, metabolomics, and chemical ecology have fundamentally redefined how these compounds are generated, regulated, and functionally deployed in nature. Increasing evidence reveals that chemical diversity arises not solely from taxonomic lineage but from ecological pressures, evolutionary innovation, and multi-organism interactions that shape biosynthetic pathways over time. Hybrid metabolic architectures, context-dependent activation of biosynthetic gene clusters, and cross-kingdom metabolic integration collectively portray a biosynthetic landscape far more dynamic and interconnected than previously understood. At the same time, mechanistic studies demonstrate that natural products rarely act through single-target interactions. Instead, they influence redox dynamics, membrane architecture, chromatin accessibility, and intracellular signaling in distributed and synergistic ways that reflect both ecological function and evolutionary design. This review synthesizes emerging insights into the evolutionary drivers, ecological determinants, and mechanistic foundations of natural product diversity, highlighting the central role of silent biosynthetic gene clusters, meta-organismal chemistry, and network-level modes of action. By integrating these perspectives, we outline a conceptual and methodological framework capable of unlocking the vast biosynthetic potential that remains dormant within natural systems. Collectively, these advances reposition natural product research as a deeply integrative discipline at the intersection of molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and chemical innovation. Full article

Mangrove forests represent a complex ecosystem inhabiting tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, harboring diverse microbial communities including fungi, actinomycetes, bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae, and protozoa. Among these communities, mangrove-derived fungi, as the second-largest ecological group of marine fungi, not only play essential roles in establishing and sustaining this biosphere but also serve as an important source of structurally unique and biologically active secondary metabolites. This review systematically summarizes research progress on metabolites isolated from mangrove-derived fungi and their associated bioactivities over the recent five years (2020–2025). Emphasis is placed on 457 metabolites documented in 97 selected publications, with a focus on the biological activities and distinctive chemical diversity of these secondary metabolites. This review provides an important reference for the research status of secondary metabolites isolated from mangrove-derived fungi and the lead compounds worthy of further development, and reveals that mangrove-derived fungi have important medicinal values and are worthy of further development. Full article

The dynamics of chemical components in sediment porewater are crucial for marine ecological research, resource assessment, and environmental monitoring. A scientific sampling strategy is key to obtaining high-quality porewater. This study aims to explore the effects of circular sampling hole size and layout on sampling effectiveness to optimize the sampling strategy. First, this study analyzed the flow field from time and spatial flow. Then, a simulation model was built using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 to simulate changes in the flow field, Darcy velocity, and effective sampling depth under different conditions. The results showed that the sampling holes finished sampling earlier due to being close to the open boundary; small sample hole sizes could suppress this time lag but reduce efficiency, and the effective sampling range increased exponentially with volume. When R = 5 mm, D = 150 mm, and V = 10 mL, interference between adjacent layers was effectively avoided, balancing timeliness and sample representativeness. Laboratory experiments and sea trials validated the effectiveness of the sampling strategy. This study provides theoretical and practical guidance for deep-sea porewater sampling technology, supporting marine scientific research. Full article

Bacterial biofilms on different types of microplastics in aquatic environments have become an increasing ecological and public health concern. In this context, this study investigated biofilm formation on virgin and aged microplastics under marine conditions. Serratia marcescens biofilm formation was observed on both virgin and aged polyethylene particles after 7 days, with no significant changes by day 14. Concerning polypropylene microplastics, biofilms developed on aged particles but were not detectable on virgin particles, likely due to interference from the polypropylene red color matching S. marcescens cells. In contrast, expanded polystyrene spheres showed an initial biofilm formation that dissipated by day 14, potentially due to toxic residues from photooxidation, including potential styrene monomers and other chemical additives, inhibiting biofilm persistence. These findings indicate differences in biofilm formation across microplastics types, which may influence microplastic buoyancy and ecological impacts. Thus, microplastic color and additives should be considered in future studies on microplastics biofilm formation and biofouling. Full article

Pesticides play a critical role in food production by enhancing crop yields and protecting against pests and pathogens, such as insects, bacteria, fungi, and weeds. However, their extensive use raises significant environmental concerns. The paper reviews and describes the reported adverse effects of pesticides on terrestrial and marine life to raise awareness of the ecological impact of pesticide use across life niches. The adverse effects on soil microorganisms, arthropods, reptiles, and amphibians highlight the extensive ecological disruption caused by these chemicals. Understanding the mechanisms of pesticide toxicity and their impact on various organisms is crucial for developing effective bioremediation techniques and on-field management practices. By implementing these strategies and enhancing environmental biomonitoring, countries can mitigate the harmful effects of pesticides, ultimately protecting biodiversity and ensuring the health of their ecosystems. Full article

Marine sediments are a key component of aquatic ecosystems, linking diverse water uses, functions, and services. Chemical contamination of sediments is a global concern, with many jurisdictions striving to prevent future pollution and manage existing contamination. This study evaluates the contamination status of Rovinj’s coastal waters using an integrated approach that combines sediment and biota chemical analyses. Sediments were analyzed to assess long-term contaminant accumulation (D8.C1), while the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) served as a bioindicator of bioavailable contaminants and their cumulative effects on marine habitats (D8.C2). Sediment samples were collected from five sites (S1–S5), and mussels were caged using Mussel Watch installations for approximately 120 days at a control site (Lim Bay) and within Rovinj harbor. Both matrices were analyzed for heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), following the EU Water Framework Directive. All sampled locations showed a reduction in sediment contamination relative to 2011 data, with most concentrations below ecotoxicological thresholds. Exceptions included elevated ΣPAH and PCB concentrations in the harbor (S1 = 3.18 mg/kg DW; 0.33 mg/kg DW) and marina (S2 = 3.64 mg/kg DW; 0.89 mg/kg DW), as well as Ni levels (S3 = 30 mg/kg DW; S4 = 34 mg/kg DW). Despite higher contaminant loads at some locations, mussel contaminant bioaccumulation remained limited, and their vitality and survival were only moderately affected in the harbor. Although localized increases in some contaminants were detected, all calculated Q_PECm values remained below 1.0, indicating no significant ecological risk. However, a moderate-to-high probability of toxic effects (P) may occur with long-term exposure for biota inhabiting harbor and marina areas. The results of this study demonstrate continued improvement in the environmental quality of Rovinj’s coastal waters compared to the previous decade. Full article

Glyphosate, a widely used non-selective herbicide, has been a subject of intense scientific debate due to its environmental persistence and potential health risks. This review examines glyphosate’s mechanisms of action, its effects on crop production, and its broader environmental impact, including soil degradation, water contamination, and biodiversity loss. Furthermore, it examines the expanding body of research linking glyphosate exposure to various human health concerns, including metabolic, neurological, reproductive, and oncological disorders. The review also assesses glyphosate’s role in hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to food security, health, access to clean water, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Finally, potential alternatives to glyphosate-based weed control, including organic and non-chemical methods, are discussed to promote sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological and public health considerations. The evidence reviewed highlights glyphosate’s pervasive presence across ecosystems and its potential to disrupt both environmental and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need to regulate glyphosate use, prioritize soil and water protection, and accelerate the transition toward sustainable, low-toxicity weed management strategies that align with global sustainability objectives. Full article

Marine-derived species of the genus Alternaria are widely distributed across diverse aquatic habitats, functioning as pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes. These fungi are notable for their ability to produce structurally diverse secondary metabolites with potent bioactivities. Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 67 marine-derived Alternaria species were reported and investigated, collectively yielding 319 compounds. Most of these fungal isolates were from Chinese marine territories (53 species; ~79%), followed by isolates from Korea, Japan, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and oceanic regions such as the Atlantic and Pacific. The fungal isolates were mainly obtained from marine plants (26 isolates) and marine animals (23 isolates), with additional sources including sediments (13) and seawater (3). Among the metabolites investigated in different screens, approximately 56% demonstrated measurable bioactivities, with anti-inflammatory (51 active compounds), antimicrobial (41 compounds), cytotoxic (39 compounds), and phytotoxic (52 compounds) activities being the most frequently reported. Additionally, compounds with antiparasitic, antidiabetic and antioxidant effects are reported. The chemical diversity of Alernaria-derived compounds spans multiple structural groups, including nitrogenous compounds, steroids, terpenoids, pyranones, quinones, and phenolics. Notably, compounds such as alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, and alternariol-9-methyl ether exhibit broad pharmacological potential, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. Several metabolites also modulate cytokine production (e.g., IL-10, TNF-α), underscoring their relevance as immunomodulatory agents. Taken together, marine-derived Alternaria compounds represent a prolific and underexplored source of structurally and biologically diverse secondary metabolites with potential applications in drug discovery, agriculture, and biotechnology. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the chemical and biological diversity of Alternaria metabolites reported over the past two decades, emphasizing their biomedical relevance and potential to inspire further research into their ecological functions, biosynthetic mechanisms, and industrial applications. Full article

Seawater desalination has emerged as a crucial solution for addressing global freshwater scarcity. However, it generates significant volumes of concentrated brine waste. This brine is rich in dissolved salts and minerals, primarily, chloride (55%), sodium (30%), sulfate (8%), magnesium (4%), calcium (1%), potassium (1%), bicarbonate (0.4%), and bromide (0.2%), which are often discharged into marine environments, posing ecological challenges. This study presents a comprehensive global review of innovative technologies for recovering these constituents as valuable products, thereby enhancing the sustainability and economic viability of desalination. The paper evaluates a range of proven and emerging recovery methods, including membrane separation, nanofiltration, electrodialysis, thermal crystallization, solar evaporation, chemical precipitation, and electrochemical extraction. Each technique is analyzed for its effectiveness in isolating salts (NaCl, KCl, and CaSO₄) and minerals (Mg(OH)₂ and Br₂), with a discussion of process-specific constraints, recovery efficiencies, and product purities. Furthermore, the study incorporates a detailed techno-economic assessment, highlighting revenue potential, capital and operational expenditures, and breakeven timelines. Simulated case studies of a 100,000 m³/day seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility demonstrates that a sequential brine recovery process and associated energy balances, supported by pilot-scale data from ongoing global initiatives, can achieve over 90% total salt recovery while producing marketable products such as NaCl, Mg(OH)₂, and Br₂. The estimated revenue from recovered materials ranges between USD 4.5 and 6.8 million per year, offsetting 65–90% of annual desalination operating costs. The analysis indicates a payback period of 3–5 years, depending on recovery efficiency and product pricing, underscoring the economic viability of large-scale brine valorization alongside its environmental benefits. By transforming waste brine into a source of commercial commodities, desalination facilities can move toward circular economy models and achieve greater sustainability. A practical integration framework is proposed for both new and existing SWRO plants, with a focus on aligning with the principles of a circular economy. By transforming waste brine into a resource stream for commercial products, desalination facilities can reduce environmental discharge and generate additional revenue. The study concludes with actionable recommendations and insights to guide policymakers, engineers, and investors in advancing brine mining toward full-scale implementation. Full article