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Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems
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Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 September 2023) | Viewed by 8258

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sílvia C. Gonçalves

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Guest Editor
Marine and Environmental Sciences Center, ESTM-School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal
Interests: biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; environmental risk; aquaculture and fisheries; biotechnology and resources valorization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giuseppe Esposito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
Interests: aquaculture; bivalve molluscs diseases; welfare of farmed fish species; conservation of biodiversity in aquatic environments; (eco)toxicology in aquatic organisms; deep-sea species; alien invasive species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paolo Pastorino

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Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy
Interests: aquaculture; fish biology; fish diseases; ecotoxicology; freshwater ecosystems; antibiotic resistance; trace elements; emerging contaminants; microplastics; deep-sea species; invasive alien species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coastal zones are formed by several complex, dynamic, and often sensitive ecosystems that interface between terrestrial and marine domains. With a few exceptions, these environments present high biodiversity and high productivity, lodge several unique habitats, and provide relevant ecological services as well as manifold goods to humans. The continuous growth of human populations, namely in coastal areas, has, however, caused coastal ecosystems in recent decades to be some of the most impacted environments by contamination and human pressures. Since 2000, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been the main law for water protection in Europe. It applies to inland, transitional, and coastal surface waters as well as groundwaters. Marine pollution is a persistent and cumulative environmental issue with profound impacts on coastal ecosystems. Consequently, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) enter the coastal environment and cause known or suspected adverse ecological and/or human health effects.

CECs are strictly defined as any synthetic or naturally occurring chemical that is not commonly monitored in the environment. It is important to point out that most CECs are not pollutants that are totally new or have just entered the environment. Rather, most CECs are well-established pollutants with a newly demonstrated toxic effect or mode of action. Similarly, other chemical contaminants, such as PTEs and POPs, can become bioavailable by remaining in the dissolved and suspended fractions of the water column, also posing risks to human health through the consumption of seafood products.

The exposure of organisms to toxic and dangerous substances (i.e., CECs, POPs, and PTEs) can produce several instances of damage and disturbance, ranging from molecular to organismal levels of organization, with impacts on their physiological functions, their behaviors, and, in the most severe cases, compromising their survival. The continued accumulation of these pollutants observed in some coastal ecosystems, such as estuaries and coastal lagoons, can, for instance, distress benthic populations, affecting community structures and, eventually, ecosystems’ properties as well as functions. Determining the ecological impacts of pollution in the biotic and abiotic components of coastal ecosystems is essential for developing mitigation measures, as well as restoring their ecological balance.

Papers submitted to this Special Issue should be original contributions dedicated to the occurrence, fate, and effects of PTEs, POPs, and CECs in coastal marine areas.

Dr. Sílvia C. Gonçalves
Dr. Giuseppe Esposito
Dr. Paolo Pastorino
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • contaminants of emerging concern
  • persistent organic pollutants
  • potentially toxic elements
  • trace elements
  • coastal ecosystems
  • sediments, water and organisms
  • bioindicators, biomonitors, ecotoxicology and biomarkers
  • physiological, behavioural and ecological disturbances and responses
  • ecosystem health status
  • environmental quality and environmental indexes

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2415 KiB  
Article
Examining the Impact of Long-Term Industrialization on the Trace Metal Contaminants Distribution in Seawater of the Pula Bay, Croatia
by Ozren Grozdanić, Ana-Marija Cindrić, Iva Finderle and Dario Omanović
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(3), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12030440 - 01 Mar 2024
Viewed by 753
Abstract
In this study, we examined for the first time the spatio-temporal distribution of trace metal (TM) contaminants (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Co) in the seawater column of Pula Bay. The bay has been known for decades as one of the most [...] Read more.
In this study, we examined for the first time the spatio-temporal distribution of trace metal (TM) contaminants (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Co) in the seawater column of Pula Bay. The bay has been known for decades as one of the most industrialized regions on the Croatian side of the Adriatic. Water samples were collected at 20 sites (at two depths) in four different seasons. The main physico-chemical parameters and DOC were measured along the TMs. The spatial distribution clearly showed that areas with industrial and nautical activities are sources of Zn, Pb and Cu, while no increase was observed for Cd, Ni and Co. Compared to the reference area outside the bay, the increase in dissolved concentrations ranged from a factor of 1.1 for Ni and Co to 8.5 for Pb. A clear difference in TM concentrations was observed between seasons, with concentrations being higher in warmer periods than in colder periods. The potential bioavailability/toxicity of TMs was examined using a passive sampling technique: diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). In addition, a single-factor pollution index based on the available EQSs was used for both the dissolved TMs and DGT to assess the potential risk to the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems)
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18 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Is the Plant Bolboschoenus maritimus an Adequate Biomonitor for Trace Metal Contamination in Saltmarshes? A Field Study from the Óbidos Lagoon (Portugal)
by Márcia S. S. Santos, Carmen A. Pedro, Susana M. F. Ferreira and Sílvia C. Gonçalves
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(9), 1826; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11091826 - 19 Sep 2023
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Monitoring the negative impacts of trace metals is crucial to assess the health and stability of ecosystems. In salt marshes, halophyte plants were reported as possible bioaccumulators of these elements. The aim of this work was to explore the bioaccumulation potential of Bolboschoenus [...] Read more.
Monitoring the negative impacts of trace metals is crucial to assess the health and stability of ecosystems. In salt marshes, halophyte plants were reported as possible bioaccumulators of these elements. The aim of this work was to explore the bioaccumulation potential of Bolboschoenus maritimus as a tool for monitoring the presence of metals in coastal environments. Bolboschoenus maritimus were collected from a brackish water lagoon, and the presence of the trace metals lead, cadmium, and nickel were seasonally evaluated in distinct parts of the plants, and in water and sediment samples. Lead was the trace metal with the highest concentration detected in water and sediments of the sampling site. The highest lead concentrations in B. maritimus were recorded in the spring season. The transport index indicated an accumulation of lead in the leaves of around 70% in the spring of 2009. Cadmium in leaves in spring and summer of 2009 reached values above 5 mg Cd. kg−1. Nickel was not detected in most samples collected. Bolboschoenus maritimus was considered an adequate biomonitor for lead and cadmium, since it bioaccumulates both metals with seasonally distinct results, as the bioaccumulation factor results indicated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems)
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16 pages, 2818 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Metal Pollution and Its Environmental Impact on Spanish Mediterranean Coastal Ecosystems
by María Pachés, Remedios Martínez-Guijarro, Inmaculada Romero and Daniel Aguado
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11010089 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
This study evaluated the presence and significance of the concentrations and spatial distribution of seven metals (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The concentrations were determined in surface sediments (taken at a mean depth of [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the presence and significance of the concentrations and spatial distribution of seven metals (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The concentrations were determined in surface sediments (taken at a mean depth of 8.6 m) and biota (wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialys) and clams (Donax trunculus)). The results show different metal pollution patterns in the sediments of the northern and southern water bodies along 476 km of the Valencia Community coastline. The lithogenic sedimentary concentrations are higher in the northern area. According to the sediment quality guidelines, most of the metal contents along the coast do not constitute a potential risk to aquatic organisms, and only the Hg in the sediments of the two water bodies and the Ni in the sediments of one of the water bodies studied could have low-level effects. Due to their metabolism, mussels’ metal content was always higher than that of clams (taken at the same location) and thus were better indicator organisms of this type of pollution. Despite the low concentrations found, the results show overall sediment and bivalve pollution by metals. Periodic sampling campaigns are recommended to monitor the long-term tendency of these persistent toxic pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems)
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11 pages, 1454 KiB  
Article
Copper Induced DNA Damage in the Gills of the Mussel Mytilus trossulus and Reversibility after Depuration
by Valentina Vladimirovna Slobodskova, Victor Pavlovich Chelomin, Sergey Petrovich Kukla and Andrey Alexandrovich Mazur
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(11), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10111570 - 23 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336
Abstract
The pollution of coastal water areas by heavy metals is constantly growing; therefore, the study of the mechanisms of impact of these toxicants on the organisms of hydrobionts is a topical direction of toxicology. Particularly pertinent are questions about the state of the [...] Read more.
The pollution of coastal water areas by heavy metals is constantly growing; therefore, the study of the mechanisms of impact of these toxicants on the organisms of hydrobionts is a topical direction of toxicology. Particularly pertinent are questions about the state of the reparation system in the aquatic organisms, which make it possible to assess the resistance, survival of hydrobionts, and the probability of remote consequences under the impact of heavy metals. Therefore, in this work, we investigated genome integrity and DNA repair ability in the gill cells of Mytilus trossulus, under conditions of copper (Cu2+) accumulation, and in the process of tissue depuration from this metal. Although the biochemical detoxification system was functioning, it is noted that destructive processes developed, including the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and DNA damage. It was also found that in all of the experimental groups of Mytilus trossulus, in the process of depuration from Cu2+ for 24 h, the levels of DNA damage and MDA content were markedly reduced, and further reduction was less intense. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems)
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16 pages, 18718 KiB  
Article
Distribution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Marine Sediments of Binhai County, Jiangsu Province
by Shu Chen, Min Xu, Dandan Cui, Lin Lv, Zaifeng Wang, Baiqiong Liu and Jing Wang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(9), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10091242 - 03 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1433
Abstract
In recent years, research on heavy metals has become very popular, because the status of heavy metals can reflect the marine environment of a region. Based on this, this paper carries out the evaluation and analysis of heavy metals in marine sediments. Based [...] Read more.
In recent years, research on heavy metals has become very popular, because the status of heavy metals can reflect the marine environment of a region. Based on this, this paper carries out the evaluation and analysis of heavy metals in marine sediments. Based on the content of the heavy metals in the coastal sediments of Binhai, Jiangsu, from coastal waters in the autumns of 2012, 2015, and 2018, the environmental quality was quantitatively evaluated using the geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk. The sources of the heavy metals were identified by a multivariate analysis, and the changes over the years and the distribution characteristics were analyzed. Hg and Cr were at a clean grade, while other heavy metals contents indicated mild-to-moderate pollution in the three sets of monitoring data. The comprehensive ecological risk index assessment showed that Hg and Cd were at a moderate ecological risk level in the three sets of monitoring data. Overall, the study area exhibited a mild-to-moderate ecological risk level, with a continuously increasing trend. The overall content of heavy metal in this sea area is greatly affected by human activities, with high values occurring in ports, estuaries, and outer seas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems)
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18 pages, 3520 KiB  
Review
Environmental Impact of Cadmium in a Volcanic Archipelago: Research Challenges Related to a Natural Pollution Source
by Paulo Torres, Ander Larrea Llopis, Carlos Sousa Melo and Armindo Rodrigues
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2023, 11(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse11010100 - 04 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1913
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal particularly susceptible to mobilization by anthropogenic and natural processes. The volcanic nature of oceanic islands in the Macaronesia geographical region such as the Azores archipelago, located near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is reflected in deep-sea and [...] Read more.
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal particularly susceptible to mobilization by anthropogenic and natural processes. The volcanic nature of oceanic islands in the Macaronesia geographical region such as the Azores archipelago, located near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is reflected in deep-sea and shallow-water hydrothermal activities that release heavy metals such as Cd to seawater, affecting marine organisms and integrating food webs. In this paper, a thorough systematic review of all studies performed on coastal marine species in Macaronesia focusing on Cd was conducted, specifically considering the Azorean geological setting and socioeconomic context. Present results are compared and discussed with data from the Mediterranean, a region with apparent strong anthropogenic pollution. The Azorean marine species seem to be particularly strong Cd accumulators, displaying high levels that should be closely monitored, reflecting an important local natural source that should not be underestimated; especially considering the high consumption rates of some of these organisms, which may lead to a potential seafood safety issue. In light of these findings, the potential effects, impacts, and future research challenges are discussed, from an ecological and public health perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Contamination on Coastal Ecosystems)
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