Search Results (208)

Global marine coastal aquaculture increased by 6.7 million tons in 2024, with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) dominating crustacean production. However, reliance on a single species raises sustainability concerns, particularly in the face of climate change. Diversifying shrimp farming by cultivating native species, such as the European brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), presents an opportunity to develop a sustainable blue bioeconomy in Europe. C. crangon holds significant commercial value, yet overexploitation has led to population declines. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) offers a viable solution by utilizing fish farm wastewater as a nutrient source, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Research efforts in Germany and other European nations are exploring IMTA’s potential by co-culturing shrimp with species like sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. The physiological adaptability and omnivorous diet of C. crangon further support its viability in aquaculture. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding its lipid metabolism, early ontogeny, and reproductive biology—factors essential for optimizing captive breeding. Future interdisciplinary research should refine larval culture techniques and develop sustainable co-culture models. Expanding C. crangon aquaculture aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing food security, ecosystem resilience, and economic stability while reducing Europe’s reliance on seafood imports. Full article

Copper pyrithione (CuPT), an emerging biocide used in ship antifouling coatings, may accumulate in marine sediments and pose risks to non-target organisms. However, current research on CuPT toxicity remains limited. Litopenaeus vannamei, one of the world’s most important aquaculture shrimp species, relies heavily on its hepatopancreas for energy metabolism, detoxification, and immune responses. Due to their benthic habitat, these shrimps are highly vulnerable to contamination in sediment environments. This study investigated the toxicological response in the hepatopancreas of L. vannamei exposed to CuPT (128 μg/L) for 3 and 48 h. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence staining revealed increased apoptosis, deformation of hepatic tubule lumens, and the loss of stellate structures in the hepatopancreas after CuPT 48 h exposure. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by transcriptomics analysis at 3 and 48 h, respectively. Most of these DEGs were related to detoxification, glucose transport, and immunity. Metabolomic analysis identified numerous significantly different metabolites (SDMs) at both 3 and 48 h post-exposure, with most SDMs associated with energy metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and related pathways. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of metabolomics and transcriptome revealed that both DEGs and SDMs were enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways at 3 h, while at 48 h they were enriched in the starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, and galactose metabolism pathways. These results suggested that CuPT disrupts the energy and lipid homeostasis of L. vannamei. This disruption compelled L. vannamei to allocate additional energy toward sustaining basal physiological functions and consequently caused the accumulation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, leading to apoptosis and subsequent tissue damage, and ultimately suppressed the immune system and impaired the health of L. vannamei. Our study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of CuPT-induced metabolic disruption and immunotoxicity in L. vannamei through integrated multi-omics analyses, providing new insights for ecological risk assessment of this emerging antifoulant. Full article

As the global demand for eco-friendly food ingredients grows, marine macroalgae emerge as a valuable resource for multiple applications using a circular bioeconomy approach. In this study, green macroalgae Ulva flexuosa, naturally accumulated in aquaculture ponds as a residual biomass (by-product) of shrimp and oyster farming, were investigated regarding their bioactivity, chemical composition, and antioxidant properties. The use of aquaculture by-products as raw materials not only reduces waste accumulation but also makes better use of natural resources and adds value to underutilized biomass, contributing to sustainable production systems. For this, a comprehensive approach including the evaluation of its composition and environmentally friendly extraction of bioactive compounds was conducted and discussed. Green macroalgae exhibited high fiber (37.63% dry weight, DW) and mineral (30.45% DW) contents. Among the identified compounds, palmitic acid and linoleic acid (ω-6) were identified in the highest concentrations. Pigment analysis revealed a high concentration of chlorophylls (73.95 mg/g) and carotenoids (17.75 mg/g). To evaluate the bioactivity of Ulva flexuosa, ultrasound-assisted solid–liquid extraction was performed using water, ethanol, and methanol. Methanolic extracts showed the highest flavonoid content (59.33 mg QE/100 g), while aqueous extracts had the highest total phenolic content (41.50 mg GAE/100 g). Ethanolic and methanolic extracts had the most potent DPPH scavenging activity, whereas aqueous and ethanolic extracts performed best at the ABTS assay. Overall, we show the upcycling of Ulva flexuosa, an underexplored aquaculture by-product, as a sustainable and sensible strategy for multiple value-added applications. Full article

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has emerged as a significant threat to global shrimp aquaculture, causing economic losses because of its rapid spread and high mortality rates. This study aims to elucidate the genetic and evolutionary dynamics of WSSV through a comprehensive genome analysis. Utilizing 27 complete genome sequences sourced from public databases, this study investigates the genetic variability, potential recombination events, and evolutionary patterns of WSSV. Our results identified multiple genomic deletions, 14 novel single-nucleotide polymorphism sites, and variable number tandem repeats across different strains, underscoring the virus’s genetic diversity. A recombination event between freshwater and marine strains highlights a complex transmission pathway, potentially facilitated by aquaculture practices. A phylogenetic tree constructed using ancestral genes suggests that WSSV originated in Southeast Asia and subsequently globally spread, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Genomic shrinkage of the virus occurred in time series, while the host’s viral infection induced transposon transposition and insertion into the earlier virus genome to provide a basis for genomic shrinkage. Our research emphasizes the importance of advanced molecular characterization and evolutionary models of the virus in understanding the spread of viral pathogens in aquaculture environments. Full article

This study develops species-specific assessment models for carbon sink in marine aquaculture (CSMA) using provincial data from China’s coastal regions (2004–2023). Key findings are as follows: (1) Cumulative CSMA reached 46.3618 million tonnes, exhibiting three growth phases—initial fluctuations (2004–2008), rapid growth (2008–2015), and optimization and maturation (2015–2023). (2) Species contributions were heterogeneous: shellfish dominated at 45%, followed by shrimp (24%), fish (15%), crab (11%), and algae (5%). (3) Spatially, Guangdong, Fujian, and Shandong consistently lead in CSMA; Guangxi, Liaoning, and Zhejiang form a second tier, whereas Hebei, Hainan, and Jiangsu remain at the lower end. (4) Province-specific dominance patterns were observed: shellfish-dominant pattern in Shandong, Fujian, and Liaoning; shrimp-dominant pattern in Hebei and Hainan; shellfish-and-shrimp dual-cores in Guangdong and Guangxi; and a multifaceted profile in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. To facilitate the realization of CSMA’s value, we propose a dedicated trading mechanism. Based on the derivations from the effect analysis model and the illustrative case studies, we explore the potential economic and ecological benefits of CSMA trading. Full article

The growing need for sustainable protein sources in aquaculture has led to interest in microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, known for its high nutritional value. One promising strategy for delivering these nutrients is through bioencapsulation in Daphnia magna, a common live feed used in aquaculture. This study evaluated the effect of including D. magna bioencapsulated with C. vulgaris as live feed for marine shrimp Penaeus vannamei post-larvae. Shrimp were fed at two D. magna densities (5 and 10 per shrimp, 5DF and 10DF), offered weekly, and compared with a control group receiving only commercial feed (F) for 36 days in a synbiotic nursery system. Water quality, zootechnical performance, protein, and lipid content of the shrimp were analyzed using correlation analyses, nonlinear prediction models, and principal component analysis (PCA). Shrimp fed with the 10DF treatment exhibited superior zootechnical performance, characterized by a lower feed conversion ratio (1.01) and higher feed efficiency (99.97%), protein (70.91%), and lipid (32.45%) content in comparison with the 5DF and control. Quadratic regression predictive models indicated the possibility of further testing higher concentrations of D. magna per shrimp. The results indicates that the use of C. vulgaris bioencapsulated in D. magna as live feed for P. vannamei is a promising approach to improve shrimp diets and increase production in aquaculture. Full article

The extraction of bioactive compounds from marine natural products has gained increasing attention due to their diverse applications, such as in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Yet, low extraction yields and toxicity associated with common solvents are a major bottleneck. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as promising green alternatives to conventional organic solvents, offering advantages such as biodegradability, greater environmental and economic sustainability, low toxicity, and enhanced extraction selectivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles, physicochemical properties, and applications of DESs/NADESs to obtain bioactive compounds from marine organisms. Among the most recent works, it is possible to verify the success of NADESs to extract carrageenan from the seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii; pigments from Palmaria palmata; and polyphenols and proteins from different brown seaweeds. NADESs have also shown high potential to extract other valuable compounds from marine by-products, such as chitin from crabs and shrimp shells, and also lipids and proteins from different fish species and protein rich extracts from tilapia viscera. The challenges for DESs/NADESs use at industrial scale are also discussed, and success cases are revealed, highlighting their potential as game changers for extracting bioactive compounds from marine organisms and driving the development of innovative biotechnological products. Full article

This study focused on microplastic pollution in the Bohai Sea, employing bibliometric analysis and meta-integration methods to systematically analyze its pollution characteristics and ecological risks. The results indicated that microplastics primarily originated from land-based inputs (62%) and marine activities (23%). Microplastic concentrations in the Bohai Sea’s coastal areas were significantly higher than in deep waters, and the abundance of microplastics in aquaculture sediments was three to five times that in non-aquaculture areas. Bioaccumulation demonstrated a significant trophic magnification effect, with top predators containing much higher microplastic concentrations than plankton. The combined toxicity of microplastics and pollutants severely impacted key species, leading to a 92% decrease in Chinese shrimp populations and a significant reduction in benthic biodiversity. To address this issue, a “four-in-one” prevention and control system was proposed, encompassing source reduction, intelligent monitoring, targeted treatment, and regional collaboration, with measures including policy, technological innovation, and ecological restoration. This aims to provide scientific evidence for Bohai Sea ecological security management and offer a reference for microplastic management in globally semi-enclosed seas. Full article

“Edible wild shrimp” play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and food chains, yet research on microplastic (MP) impacts on the dominant shrimp species of the Haizhou Bay Marine Ranch remains scarce. This study examined shrimp from Haizhou Bay, evaluating the distribution, nutritional characteristics, and health risks associated with microplastics in their tissues. Analytical techniques included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the hot needle method, stable isotope analysis, and microplastic risk assessment. The results revealed that microplastics comprised 40.93% of all particles identified, with Oratosquilla oratoria exhibiting the highest intestinal contamination, followed by Alpheus distinguendus. Most MPs were fibrous (86.3%), predominantly blue (57.32%), and approximately 80% consisted of Polyethylene Terephthalate. Significant interspecies differences were observed in the gastrointestinal distribution of MPs, while individuals of the same species showed no notable differences across body-length groups due to molting. The estimated daily intake and margin of exposure for human consumers remained well below the no-observed-adverse-effect level, suggesting negligible health risks. These findings provide a theoretical and empirical basis for understanding the migration, sources, and ecological implications of microplastics in shrimp, offering valuable insights for assessing nearshore environmental pollution and food web dynamics. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the continuous use of the settling chamber for solids removal in the cultivation of the marine shrimp Penaeus vannamei and the halophyte Salicornia neei in an aquaponic system with bioflocs. Two treatments were tested: with settling and without settling. Each experimental unit consisted of an 800 L tank for shrimp rearing (stocking density of 375 shrimp m⁻³) and a hydroponic bench of 0.33 m² for 28 seedlings (84 plants m⁻²). In the treatment without settling, water was continuously pumped to the hydroponic bench. In the treatment with settling, the water was first pumped to the chamber, and the overflow was then distributed across each irrigation channel, returning to the tank by gravity. To maintain the concentration of suspended solids in the shrimp culture, solids that accumulated in the settling chamber were pumped back into the tank every 30 min. During the 54-day trial, the reduction in suspended solids in the treatment with settling led to an increase in TAN and NO₂ levels, while the concentration of NO₃ remained stable. Although water quality parameters were more stable in the treatment without settling, no significant differences were observed between the treatments regarding plant and shrimp production indices. These results demonstrate the feasibility of cultivating P. vannamei and S. neei in a biofloc-based aquaponic system without the continuous use of a settling chamber during the pre-grow phase (until 10 g), offering a potential method for simplifying aquaponic system design. Full article

The impact of bio-invasions and abnormal aggregations of marine life on the safety of cooling water systems in coastal nuclear power plants (NPPs) is significant and cannot be overlooked. In this study, we conducted 12 consecutive monthly surveys from September 2022 to August 2023 in the waters near Ningde NPP in Fujian, China, focusing on nekton species composition, dominant species, abundance, biomass, and diversity indices. We conducted statistical analyses to examine potential correlations between the community structure of these organisms and environmental factors. We recorded 120 species of nekton that belonged to 20 orders, 57 families, and 92 genera, including 72 species of fish, 23 species of shrimp, 19 species of crabs, and 6 species of cephalopods. Pearson and redundancy analyses showed that pH, DIP, and inorganic nitrogen were the main environmental factors driving the observed temporal changes in the nekton community structure in the seawater intake area. We also found that May to October is the peak period for nekton abundance and biomass, and during this time, there is a high risk of nekton blocking the cooling water system of the NPP. These results are of practical significance for NPP managers to prevent and control the clogging of the cooling water system by marine organisms, and the diversity and abundance data provide a theoretical basis for bioecological restoration and management of the area around the Ningde NPP. Full article

With the increasing use of manufactured nanomaterials in consumer products, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), concerns about their environmental impact are rising. Two AgNP formulations were tested, the commercial nanosilver product nanArgen™ and a newly eco-designed bifunctionalized nanosilver (AgNPcitLcys), using marine organisms across three trophic levels, microalgae, microcrustaceans, and bivalves. Acute toxicity was assessed on the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, brine shrimp larvae Artemia franciscana, and bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis. The behavior of the formulations in marine media, including stability across a concentration range (0.001–100 mg/L), was also evaluated. Results showed that nanArgen™ was less stable compared to AgNpcitLcys, releasing more silver ions and exhibiting higher toxicity to microalgae (100% growth inhibition at 1 mg/L) and microcrustaceans (>80% mortality at 10 mg/L). Conversely, AgNPcitLcys (10 µg/L) was more toxic to bivalves, possibly due to the smaller nanoparticle size affecting lysosomal membrane stability. This study highlights how eco-design, such as surface coating, influences AgNP behavior and toxicity. These findings emphasize the importance of eco-design in minimizing environmental impacts and guiding the development of safer, more sustainable nanomaterials. Full article

The marine environment is a rich source of new biotechnologies and products. Bottom trawling for shrimp species such as Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis leads to the unintentional capture of non-target species, known as bycatch, which includes a variety of marine life that are often discarded without economic value. A common bycatch species on the southeast coast of Brazil is Olivancillaria urceus (O. urceus), a carnivorous gastropod that feeds mainly on bivalves. Despite its abundance, this species is still little studied, especially for biotechnological applications. Other gastropods such as Conus are known for their diverse and potent toxins, which offer great potential for pharmacological discoveries. In this study, an omics approach, including transcriptomics and proteopeptidomics, was applied to explore O. urceus at the molecular level. The transcriptome of the muscle foot/mantle led to the annotation of 19,097 genes via Gene Ontology, identifying 20 toxin-like transcripts identified considering the Gastropod class. The proteome fraction confirmed 2179 transcripts, including sequences with toxin activity, such as conotoxin precursors, Conodipine-P3, and BPTI/Kunitz domain-containing proteins. In addition, 9663 peptides of 1484 precursor proteins were detected in the peptide fraction, including 2 sequences representing neurotoxins. The identification of these sequences could lead to the discovery of new molecules with therapeutic potential. Full article

Plastic and plasticizer pollution has been a concern worldwide over the past decade. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most produced plasticizer and has been detected in coastal and marine ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the toxicity of acute exposure (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) to DEHP concentrations (0.045–6.00 mg·L⁻¹) on marine and estuarine tropical species from distinct trophic levels. The lethality and sublethal responses were assessed on two microorganisms and three invertebrates, independently. The microorganisms—the microalga Tetraselmis sp. and the microbial consortium MP001—showed high tolerance and a density-rising tendency during exposure to DEHP. Among the invertebrates, the mortality of the brine shrimp Artemia sp. and the amphipod Apohyale media rose with increasing DEHP concentrations. However, A. media was more sensitive across time since its lethality reached 100% in almost all DEHP concentrations from 72 h. The dark false mussel Mytilopsis leucophaeata was the most tolerant invertebrate: no significant lethality (≤20%) was observed exclusively from 72 h of exposure to DEHP at intermediate–high concentrations. Artemia sp. and M. leucophaeata presented sublethal responses that seem to be good endpoints for ecotoxicological assays. These results reinforce evidence of DEHP contamination risks for tropical coastal ecosystems, as well as suggest candidate species for its biodegradation. Full article

Hydraulic technology has been instrumental in the extensive application of offshore mechanical equipment, particularly in drilling platforms and ships, where high-performance hydraulic fluids are essential for safe and efficient operations. Addressing the urgent need for water-based hydraulic fluids as an alternative to traditional oil-based fluids, this study introduces a novel water-based hydraulic fluid fortified with phytic acid, derived from plant seeds, to achieve low biotoxicity, low coefficient of friction, and reduced frictional heat generation. The integration of phytic acid has significantly enhanced the lubricating performance, reducing the average coefficient of friction to as low as 0.013, as tested by the four-ball tester, which is the lowest value reported to date. Real-time monitoring of the temperature rise of the friction testing apparatus using an infrared thermal imager revealed a 78.6% reduction in temperature increase. Acute toxicity assays using Brine Shrimp demonstrated that the 96 h LC50 value for the water–glycol flame-resistant hydraulic fluid with added phytic acid exceeded 26,304 mg/L, indicating low toxicity. Characterization analyses elucidated the mechanisms underlying the improved tribological properties, highlighting the potential of this eco-friendly fluid for safe and efficient offshore operations. Full article