Search Results (240)

Animal protein production represents a complex system of lives transformed into nutrition, with profound ethical and environmental implications. This study provides a quantitative analysis of animal lives required to produce human-consumable protein across major food production systems. Categorizing animal lives based on cognitive complexity and accounting for all lives involved in production, including direct harvests, reproductive animals, and feed species, reveals dramatic variations in protein efficiency. The analysis considers two categories of animal life: complex-cognitive lives (e.g., mammals, birds, cephalopods) and pain-capable lives (e.g., fish, crustaceans). Calculating protein yield per life demonstrates efficiency differences spanning more than five orders of magnitude, from 2 g per complex-cognitive life for baby octopus to 390,000 g per life for bovine dairy systems. Key findings expose disparities between terrestrial and marine protein production. Terrestrial systems involving mammals and birds show higher protein yields and exclusively involve complex-cognitive lives, while marine systems rely predominantly on pain-capable lives across complex food chains. Dairy production emerges as the most efficient system. Aquaculture systems reveal complex dynamics, with farmed carnivorous fish requiring hundreds of feed fish lives to produce protein, compared to omnivorous species that demonstrate improved efficiency. Beyond quantitative analysis, this research provides a framework for understanding the ethical and ecological dimensions of protein production, offering insights for potential systemic innovations. Full article

Marine biomass, particularly from waste streams, by-products, underutilized, invasive, or potential cultivable marine species, offers a sustainable source of high-value biopolymers such as collagen and chitin. These macromolecules have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, functional versatility, and broad applicability across health, food, wellness, and environmental fields. This review highlights recent advances in the uses of marine-derived collagen and chitin/chitosan. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we analyze how these applications contribute to sustainability, particularly in SDGs related to responsible consumption and production, good health and well-being, and life below water. Furthermore, we contextualize the advancement of product development using marine collagen and chitin/chitosan within the European Union’s Blue bioeconomy strategies, highlighting trends in scientific research and technological innovation through bibliometric and patent data. Finally, the review addresses challenges facing the development of robust value chains for these marine biopolymers, including collaboration, regulatory hurdles, supply-chain constraints, policy and financial support, education and training, and the need for integrated marine resource management. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering innovation and sustainability in the valorization of these marine resources. Full article

Coprolites from the Oligocene Menilite Formation of the Outer Carpathians in southeastern Poland were investigated to reveal the diversity of prey fishes consumed by coprolite producers. The material comprises 186 coprolites from seven localities. The coprolites are either sub-spherical, or elongate, and although classified into eight shape categories, display a morphological continuum. The phosphatic matrix is preserved in 28% of the specimens. Fish remains, including bones and scales, are preserved in 94% of the coprolite specimens. In 31% of specimens, these remains belong to the orders Perciformes, Gadiformes, Clupeiformes, and Aulopiformes. Prey sizes were estimated and compared to the sizes of fishes preserved as articulated skeletons from the same formation, that inhabited the Carpathian Basin of the Paratethys. The results demonstrate that coprolite analysis provides a significant paleontological data, which can be applied to infer fish diversity in other regions of the Paratethys, as well as in other sedimentary basins. Full article

7,12-Dimethylbenzo[a]anthracene (DMBA-7,12), a highly toxic and environmentally persistent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), poses significant threats to marine biodiversity and human health due to its bioaccumulation through the food chain. Conventional chromatographic methods, while achieving comparable detection limits, are hindered by the need for expensive instrumentation and prolonged analysis times, rendering them unsuitable for rapid on-site monitoring of DMBA-7,12 in marine environments. Therefore, the development of novel, efficient detection techniques is imperative. In this study, we have successfully developed an electrochemical immunosensor based on a polydopamine (PDA)–chitosan (CTs) composite interface to overcome existing technical limitations. PDA provides a robust scaffold for antibody immobilization due to its strong adhesive properties, while CTs enhances signal amplification and biocompatibility. The synergistic integration of these materials combines the high efficiency of electrochemical detection with the specificity of antigen–antibody recognition, enabling precise qualitative and quantitative analysis of the target analyte through monitoring changes in the electrochemical properties at the electrode surface. By systematically optimizing key experimental parameters, including buffer pH, probe concentration, and antibody loading, we have constructed the first electrochemical immunosensor for detecting DMBA-7,12 in seawater. The sensor achieved a detection limit as low as 0.42 ng/mL. In spiked seawater samples, the recovery rates ranged from 95.53% to 99.44%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ≤ 4.6%, demonstrating excellent accuracy and reliability. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for the in situ rapid monitoring of trace carcinogens in marine environments, potentially advancing the field of marine pollutant detection technologies. Full article

The rising concern over plastic pollution is not only related to pollution in marine and terrestrial habitats but also effects humans. This study analyzes the trophic transfer of microplastics throughout the food chain, with an emphasis on the effects on human health. It provides a review of 12 articles analyzing the microplastic intake by humans via ingestion of fish and environmental exposure. In particular, the reviewed studies focused on microplastic ingestion by fish and animals intended for human consumption, the distribution of microplastics in human tissues, and human blood. The results of this analysis can extend our understanding of microplastic transfer in the human body, with implications for future research. Full article

Excessive levels of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in seawater pose significant combined toxicity to marine organisms, resulting in harmful effects and further threatening human health through biomagnification in the food chain. Traditional methods for detecting marine Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ rely on laboratory analyses, which are hindered by limitations such as sample degradation during transport and complex operational procedures. In this study, we present an electrochemical sensor based on intelligent mobile detection devices. By combining G-COOH-MWCNTs/ZnO with differential pulse voltammetry, the sensor enables the efficient, simultaneous detection of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in seawater. The G-COOH-MWCNTs/ZnO composite film is prepared via drop-coating and is applied to a glassy carbon electrode. The film is characterized using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, while Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ are quantified using differential pulse voltammetry. Using a 0.1 mol/L sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.5), a deposition potential of −1.1 V, and an accumulation time of 300 s, a strong linear correlation was observed between the peak response currents of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ and their concentrations in the range of 25–450 µg/L. The detection limits were 0.535 µg/L for Pb²⁺ and 0.354 µg/L for Cd²⁺. The sensor was applied for the analysis of seawater samples from Maowei Sea, achieving recovery rates for Pb²⁺ ranging from 97.7% to 103%, and for Cd²⁺ from 97% to 106.1%. These results demonstrate that the sensor exhibits high sensitivity and stability, offering a reliable solution for the on-site monitoring of heavy metal contamination in marine environments. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

The Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) technology are driving the transformation of the meat industry from mechanization and automation to intelligence and digitization. This paper provides a systematic review of key technological innovations in this field, including physical technologies (such as smart cutting precision improved to the millimeter level, pulse electric field sterilization efficiency exceeding 90%, ultrasonic-assisted marinating time reduced by 12 h, and ultra-high-pressure processing extending shelf life) and digital technologies (IoT real-time monitoring, blockchain-enhanced traceability transparency, and AI-optimized production decision-making). Additionally, it explores the potential of alternative meat production technologies (cell-cultured meat and 3D bioprinting) to disrupt traditional models. In application scenarios such as central kitchen efficiency improvements (e.g., food companies leveraging the “S2B2C” model to apply AI agents, supply chain management, and intelligent control systems, resulting in a 26.98% increase in overall profits), end-to-end temperature control in cold chain logistics (e.g., using multi-array sensors for real-time monitoring of meat spoilage), intelligent freshness recognition of products (based on deep learning or sensors), and personalized customization (e.g., 3D-printed customized nutritional meat products), these technologies have significantly improved production efficiency, product quality, and safety. However, large-scale application still faces key challenges, including high costs (such as the high investment in cell-cultured meat bioreactors), lack of standardization (such as the absence of unified standards for non-thermal technology parameters), and consumer acceptance (surveys indicate that approximately 41% of consumers are concerned about contracting illnesses from consuming cultured meat, and only 25% are willing to try it). These challenges constrain the economic viability and market promotion of the aforementioned technologies. Future efforts should focus on collaborative innovation to establish a truly intelligent and sustainable meat production system. Full article

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are contaminants that pose potential harm to environments and human consumers. Wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Choromytilus meridionalis, and Perna perna) were collected from the coastline of the Western Cape Province of South Africa and analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) via gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed eleven PAHs at concentrations ranging from NF to 50.3 ng g⁻¹ d.w., five PCBs at concentrations between 4.1 and 18.6 ng g⁻¹ d.w., and two OCPs, namely β-hexachlorocyclohexane (NF–7.9 ng g⁻¹ d.w.) and chlordane (7.2–14.5 µg g⁻¹ d.w.). A Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) determined PAH concentrations to pose little health risk to adults and children consuming < 1000 g and 500 g per month (g m⁻¹) wild mussel meat, respectively. The HHRA of PCBs found adults and children would experience negative health effects at a consumption rate of 250 g m⁻¹. HHRAs determined chlordane concentrations to pose unacceptable health risks for adults and children at all consumption rates (similar results for lindane). To avoid unnecessary POP-related health risks over a lifetime, it is recommended that adults consume < 250 g m⁻¹ of wild mussels from the Western Cape Province, and children should avoid consuming mussels. This research demonstrates the legacy of POP contamination along the coastline of the Western Cape Province; more monitoring of these contaminants is imperative to protect marine ecosystems and food chains. Full article

Pollution, especially plastic pollution, presents a serious worldwide danger to essential environmental resources. Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments varying in size from 50 μm to 5 mm. The primary aim of this article is to develop an extensive review grounded in the latest data accessible until 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 329 data points were collected and 297 of those were removed through filtering, leaving 32 articles for the study, and taking into account the complete evolution of all the publications. This study seeks to enhance public awareness and knowledge among researchers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment and society by identifying its sources and consequences for humans and ecosystems. A detailed analysis of the sources of microplastics in the oceans and their detrimental effects on marine organisms is presented. This research additionally explores the transport of microplastics through various environmental pathways, including water and air. Aquatic species ingest microplastics, which subsequently transfer up the food chain, including humans, and these risks are discussed. Microplastics may increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to DNA and cellular damage, oxidative stress, alterations in gene expression, and decreased cell viability. Developing clear and effective guidelines and regulations is crucial for addressing the adverse issues related to microplastics. All participants in the policymaking and implementation of these guidelines must understand their roles and responsibilities. Full article

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are important sinks in the global mercury (Hg) cycle, and in the marine environment, inorganic Hg can be converted by bacteria to monomethylmercury (MeHg), a highly bioavailable and toxic compound that biomagnifies along food webs. In the Southern Ocean, higher concentrations of Hg and MeHg have typically been reported in the coastal waters of the Ross and Amundsen Seas, where katabatic winds can transport Hg from the Antarctic Plateau and create coastal polynyas, which results in spring depletion events of atmospheric Hg. However, some studies on MeHg biomagnification in Antarctic marine food webs have reported higher Hg concentrations in penguins from sub-Antarctic waters and, unexpectedly, higher levels in juvenile krill than those in adult Antarctic krill. In light of recent estimates of the phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass and distribution in the Southern Ocean, this review suggests that although most studies on MeHg biomagnification refer to the short diatom–krill–vertebrate food chain, alternative and more complex pelagic food webs exist in the Southern Ocean. Thus, juvenile krill and micro- and mesozooplankton grazing on very small autotrophs and heterotrophs, which have high surface-to-volume ratios for MeHg ad-/absorption, may accumulate more Hg than consumers of large diatoms, such as adult krill. In addition, the increased availability of Hg and the different diet contribute to a greater metal accumulation in the feathers of Adélie penguins from the Ross Sea than that of those from the sub-Antarctic. Full article

Phytoplankton serve as crucial producers in marine ecosystems, and their community composition and populations’ dispersion directly or indirectly influence the productivity of marine waters via the trophic cascade effect within the food chain. A survey was undertaken in September 2021 and March, April, and November 2022 to examine the phytoplankton structure and the environmental variables influencing ecological niche differentiation in the waters of Tahe Bay in Lushun, Dalian city, China. The findings indicated that there are 83 species representing forty-one genera and six phyla, with an annual mean abundance of 22.13 × 10⁴ ind·m⁻³, predominantly represented by Bacillariophyta (65 species, constituting 78.31% of the total species). The phytoplankton richness indices varied from 0.83 to 4.99, diversity indices ranged from 2.03 to 2.80, and evenness indices spanned from 0.28 to 0.84. Pearson’s correlation between phytoplankton abundance and community diversity with environmental parameters, including water temperature, salinity, pH, DO, NH₃-N, and NO₃-N, was substantial in Tahe Bay’s waters. The dominant species, comprising 20 species across three phyla, primarily include broad-niche species, with Paralia sulcata being the most prevalent species, except during summer. The extent of ecological niche overlap among the dominant species varied by season, exhibiting 40.0% severe overlap in September 2021, 100.0% severe overlap in March 2022, 93.0% severe overlap in April 2022, and 58.0% severe overlap in November 2022. The findings of redundancy analysis (RDA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that COD, water temperature, NO₃-N, DIP, NO₂-N, and NH₃-N are the primary environmental variables influencing the ecological niche differentiation of dominant species of phytoplankton. The results of the study elucidate the alteration rules of dominant species and the stability of the community structure of the phytoplankton community in this sea area, thereby offering a theoretical foundation for the scientific assessment of the ecological health of the area and the sustainable utilization of marine biological resources. Full article

Pharmaceuticals and microplastics are persistent emerging contaminants that pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and ecological health. Although extensively reviewed individually, a comprehensive, integrated assessment of their environmental pathways, bioaccumulation dynamics, and toxicological impacts remains limited. This review synthesizes current research on the environmental fate and impact of pharmaceuticals and microplastics, emphasizing their combined influence on aquatic organisms and ecosystems. This review provides a thorough and comprehensive examination of their predominant pathways, sources, and distribution, highlighting wastewater disposal, agricultural runoff, and atmospheric deposition. Studies indicate that pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics and painkillers, are detected in concentrations ranging from ng/L to μg/L in surface waters, while MPs are found in densities up to 106 particles/m³ in some marine and freshwater systems. The toxicological effects of these pollutants on aquatic organisms, particularly fish, are discussed, with emphasis on bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain, physiological effects including effects on growth, reproduction, immune system performance, and behavioral changes. The ecological consequences, including disruptions to trophic dynamics and ecosystem stability, are also addressed. Although valuable efforts, mitigation and remediation strategies remain inadequate, and further research is needed because they do not capture the scale and complexity of these hazards. This review highlights the urgent need to advance treatment technologies, establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and organize intensive research on long-term ecological impacts to address the environmental threats posed by pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Full article

Artisanal fisheries in southern Chile rely heavily on the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) as a valuable resource, contributing significantly to local economies. This octopus species accounts for 25–40% of Chilean octopus landings. It is a merobenthic species, characterized by a semelparous life cycle and a long brooding period, and it is distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the southern tip of South America, inhabiting holes and crevices in rocky substrates. However, this fishery faces critical challenges to both its ecological sustainability and the food safety of octopus products. The primary fishing method, using hooks, poses a risk to reproductive capacity as it can capture brooding females. Food safety concerns arise from microbial contamination during pre- and post-harvest handling, bioaccumulation of toxins from algal blooms, and the presence of heavy metals in the marine environment. While evisceration effectively reduces the risk of consuming toxins and heavy metals, inadequate hygiene practices and insufficient ice usage throughout the production chain represent significant food safety risks. Chilean fishing Law No. 18892/1989 defines artisanal fishing and establishes territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) to promote sustainable extraction of benthic resources. Integrating training programs on post-harvest handling, hygiene practices, and food safety measures into the TURFs framework, along with targeted investments in infrastructure and technical assistance, is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of the E. megalocyathus fishery, protect consumer health, and maintain the economic viability and environmental sustainability of this vital resource for local communities. Full article

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a prevalent pathogen responsible for foodborne diseases in coastal regions. Understanding its dynamic relationship with various meteorological and marine factors is crucial for predicting outbreaks of bacterial foodborne illnesses. This study analyzes the occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus-induced foodborne illness in Zhejiang Province, China, from 2014 to 2018, using an 8-day time unit based on the temporal characteristics of marine products. The detection rate of V. parahaemolyticus exhibited a distinct cyclical pattern, peaking during the summer months. Meteorological and marine factors showed varying lag effects on the detection of V. parahaemolyticus, with specific lag periods as follows: sunshine duration (3 weeks), air temperature (3 weeks), total precipitation (8 weeks), relative humidity (7 weeks), sea surface temperature (1 week), and sea surface salinity (8 weeks). The SARIMAX model, which incorporates both marine and climatic factors, was developed to facilitate short-term forecasts of V. parahaemolyticus detection rates in coastal cities. The model’s performance was evaluated, and the actual values consistently fell within the 95% confidence interval of the predicted values, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.047, indicating high accuracy. This framework provides both theoretical and practical insights for predicting and preventing future foodborne disease outbreaks. These findings can support food industry stakeholders—such as seafood suppliers, restaurants, regulatory agencies, and healthcare institutions—in anticipating high-risk periods and implementing targeted measures. These include enhancing cold chain management, conducting timely seafood inspections, strengthening cross-contamination controls during seafood processing, dynamically adjusting market surveillance intensity, and improving hygiene practices. In addition, hospitals and local health departments can use the model’s forecasts to allocate medical resources such as beds, medications, and staff in advance to better prepare for seasonal surges in foodborne illness. Full article