Paolo Pastorino & Camilla Brogi (artist)
Abstract: We are pleased to announce the official launch of our new international journal for comprehensive environmental research — an open-access, double-blind peer reviewed journal dedicated to promoting transparency, inclusivity, and scientific rigor within the broad field of environmental research.
Scarica PDFAndrea Tornambè, Claudia Sebbio, Fulvio Onorati, Cristina Martone, Sabrina Barbizzi
Abstract: The growth inhibition assay with the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is among the bioassays recommended by Italian Ministerial Decree No. 173/2016, which regulates the characterization and classification of marine sediments to be dredged. The test is generally performed according to the standardized ISO 10253 method, which allows for multiple operational modes that could introduce variability in the results. To assess laboratory performance and result comparability, a national proficiency test was organized, comparing ErC50 values for algal growth rate inhibition caused by a reference toxicant (TR) and a blind toxicant (TC). A total of 31 laboratories participated, of which 24 submitted valid results. The assigned value for TC was determined as the robust consensus mean (anti-transformed from log-transformed ErC50 values), yielding 66.3 mg L⁻¹, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 22.8 to 192.7 mg L⁻¹. Laboratory performance based on the 72-hour ErC50 measurements for TC was evaluated using z-scores: 21 laboratories were classified as acceptable, 2 as questionable, and 1 as not acceptable. Results obtained for TR were used to conduct a preliminary assessment of the influence of methodological variations permitted by ISO 10253:2016.
Scarica PDFMonia Renzi, Francesca Provenza, Serena Anselmi, Gabriella Gagliardi
Abstract: Marine-coastal sediments are of increasing interest to stakeholders involved in the Blue Economy field. While they represent an essential resource for coastal areas facing erosion, they also pose challenges when removed from ports, lagoons, and river mouths. Effective and well-planned sediment management can often determine the feasibility of large-scale projects with significant economic, political, and social impacts. The sediments to be handled raise ecological concerns and, given their potential to interfere with the conservation of marine ecosystems and the use of the sea as a resource, must be managed appropriately according to their overall quality. As defining this quality becomes a crucial aspect in management strategies, optimizing management approaches is crucial for addressing the diverse challenges associated with sediment use and recovery, and plays a key role in marine-related economic activities.
Scarica PDFMarinella Perosa
Abstract: During the analysis of MesoZooPlankton (MZP) in the port area of the Gulf of Trieste, we examined the interannual variability of abundances and community composition to compare with previous studies. Many beautiful organisms tell an interesting story about the North Adriatic Sea ecosystem and the alterations to its oceanographic properties, both physical and chemical, due to the interplay between human activities and regional climate variations. The increasing volume of scientific data documenting these changes necessitates a comprehensive re-examination to accurately assess the ecosystem's current condition and establish priorities for future scientific investigation.
Scarica PDFGinevra Moltedo 1 Giacomo Martuccio, Barbara Catalano, Luca Stellati, Claudia Sebbio, Paola Guarracino, Maria Teresa Berducci, Andrea Tornambè, Chiara Maggi
Abstract: The need to define assessment criteria for the biological effects of contaminants on marine organisms has become increasingly pressing in recent years (Barcellona Convention; Marine Strategy Framework Directive). In the Mediterranean region, while threshold values for biomarkers in mussels have been defined under the UNEP-MAP Monitoring Programme, similar criteria for fish are currently lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, Italy has initiated a process under its Marine Strategy National Monitoring Programme, coordinated by ISPRA, to define national thresholds for biomarkers in Mullus barbatus. Between 2019 and 2023, ISPRA conducted biomarker analyses on specimens collected across three Italian Mediterranean subregions: Adriatic Sea (MAD), Ionian and Central Mediterranean Sea (MIC), and Western Mediterranean Sea (MWE). The analyses focused on key biomarkers—micronuclei frequency, acetylcholinesterase activity, lysosomal membrane stability, and cytochrome P450 activity—to assess genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, physiological alterations, and alterations of the biotransformation system. Threshold values were calculated using data from reference sites characterized by low chemical contamination in sediments. A biomarker-based index (CBEI index) was developed to evaluate Good Environmental Status (GES) under Descriptor 8 (Criterion 2), taking into account calculated thresholds for M. barbatus. The CBEI assessment across the three subregions (MAD, MIC, MWE) revealed distinct quality statuses.
Scarica PDFAlessandra Maganza, Camilla Mossotto, Alice Gabetti, Francesca Provenza, Serena Anselmi, Tecla Bentivoglio, Giuseppe Esposito, Antonia Concetta Elia, Marino Prearo, Monia Renzi, Paolo Pastorino
Abstract:Rare Earth Elements (REEs), including gadolinium (Gd), are increasingly used in medical and industrial applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, the ecotoxicological effects of Gd on freshwater organisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated oxidative stress responses in 450 specimens of Dreissena polymorpha following a 14-day exposure to environmentally relevant Gd concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L). Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed in the gills, digestive glands, and foot/mantle tissues. No mortality was observed, but biomarker analyses revealed dose-dependent responses. SOD activity increased significantly across all tissues, with the digestive gland showing a clear dose-response and the gills peaking at the highest concentration. GPx activity remained unchanged at lower concentrations but was significantly elevated at 100 μg/L, indicating a threshold response. GST activity displayed tissue-specific variations without a consistent dose- response, while MDA levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were significantly elevated only at 100 μg/L. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed that Gd concentration, rather than tissue type, primarily shaped oxidative responses. These findings confirm that Gd can induce sublethal biochemical alterations in D. polymorpha, especially at higher concentrations. The study highlights the value of using multiple biomarkers and supports D. polymorpha as a suitable sentinel species for monitoring REEs pollution in freshwater ecosystems. As anthropogenic Gd emissions continue to increase, especially due to its widespread use in pharmaceutical and industrial applications, these insights are crucial for assessing ecological risks and guiding water quality management.
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