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Physical properties of microplastics affecting the aquatic biota
Publication . Casagrande, Naiara; Verones, Francesca; Sobral, Paula; Martinho, Graça; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT); MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente; Elsevier
The physical properties of microplastics, such as size, type, polymer and chemical composition, affect their level of toxicity once ingested by aquatic species. Therefore, to be able to produce environmental relevant ecotoxicity data, laboratory tests should take these properties into consideration as well as in the calculation of effect factors for the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. In this study, we reviewed papers estimating ecotoxicity of microplastics ingested by species under laboratory conditions as well as data on microplastics ingested by species sampled from the field. This aims to identify the physical property of the plastics ingested and the influence on levels of ecotoxicity. Afterwards, our paper shows a mismatch between the physical properties ingested by the species sampled in the field and those tested for toxicity in laboratory studies. Regarding types, laboratory studies commonly expose aquatic species to regularly shaped particles such as microbeads and pellets (representing 72 %). For effect factors in LCA context, microbeads represent 88 % in number of datapoints. In contrast to this, irregularly shaped particles (e.g. fibres and fragments) are more frequently reported in the field, representing 85 % of the ingested microplastics. At the same time, regarding size, most of the laboratory studies examine microplastics and there is a lack of toxicity data for nano sized particles. A mismatch is also reported on the polymers; Polypropylene, Polyethylene and Polyester represented a total of 45 % of the samples detected in the field, while Polyethylene and Polystyrene represent 69 % in ecotoxicity studies and 78 % in effect factors. These mismatches shows that physical properties prevalent ingested by the species still lack data on levels of ecotoxicity as well as in number of data points in the LCA context.
Molecular insight on the toxicity of mixtures of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to improve environmental guidelines
Publication . Matos, Beatriz Isabel Manso de; Martins, Marta; Branco, Vasco; Diniz, Mário
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent environmental pollutants with toxic,
mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. They are usually present in the environment as a mixture of
carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic compounds, that may induce interaction effects whose mechanisms
remain poorly understood. This thesis investigates PAH toxicity using both in vitro and in vivo
approaches, focusing on key toxicological endpoints, including gene and biochemical responses related
with PAH detoxification mechanisms, oxidative stress and genotoxicity. By examining PAH
interactions within complex mixtures, in different ratios, in cellular models and whole-organism
studies, it provides insights into their mode of action and implications for environmental and human
health risk assessment.
An optimized pancreatin digestion method enabled the isolation of fish hepatocytes for PAH
toxicity assessment. Primary hepatocytes of S. aurata showed that, in general, exposure to mixtures of
phenanthrene (Phe) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) significantly altered several biochemical responses
with the Phe:B[a]P 2:1 mixture, leading to a 70% increase in DNA damage and enhanced CYP1A
expression (5-fold). In juvenile S. aurata exposed for 42 days, PAHs triggered organ-specific effects,
including oxidative stress in gills and liver, and a 7-fold increase in hepatic GST3 expression after
Phe:B[a]P 2:1 exposure. MDS analysis further identified biological response patterns, providing insight
into how fish cope with PAHs.
To assess interactions between PAHs in mixtures over Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)
activation, in vitro experiments using HepG2 cells were conducted. Results showed that AhR activation,
a major regulation pathway of CYP1A mediated metabolism, varied with mixture composition,
exhibiting antagonistic interactions at lower concentrations, likely due to Phe competition with other
PAH compounds.
Overall, these results highlight the complexity of PAHs mixture toxicity and its context-
dependent effects. While individual PAHs triggered distinct biochemical responses, mixtures altered
toxicity patterns. For instance, the 2:1 Phe:B[a]P mixture showed synergistic effects in fish models but
antagonistic interactions in HepG2 cells. Previous studies in PAHs mixtures toxicity suggested that they
might interact synergistically or antagonistically depending on the toxicity model. Furthermore, our
findings suggest that different ratios and types of PAHs in mixture can activate not only CYP1A1 but
another pathways, highlighting their unpredictable behaviour emphasizing the need for a more
comprehensive risk assessment approach.
Cultural Mapping and the Sustainability of Coastalscapes
Publication . Oliveira, Daniel; Teixeira, Zara; Mesquita, Mônica; MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente; European Association of Geographers
Coastal regions, plentiful in ecological and economic value, have long been hubs for human settlement, recreation, and tourism. However, the growing threats of global climate change and urbanisation are endangering the sustainability of these vital coastalscapes. With nearly two-thirds of the global population living in coastal areas, there is an urgent need for innovative management strategies. This paper explores the critical role of local spatial knowledge, incorporating diverse cultural aspects such as memories, experiences, and oral traditions, to address the challenges confronting these regions. Cultural Mapping (CM) is introduced as a dynamic methodology – transcultural and transdisciplinary – facilitating creative representations of coastalscapes and serving as a vital tool for understanding the complex, reciprocal relationships between people, more-than-human entities, and places. CM reveals the deep-rooted connections that shape coastal communities’ identities and sustainability practices by documenting intangible cultural resources and capturing the emotional and sensory dimensions of coastal environments. Drawing on the pioneering work of Pam Hall (2013) and incorporating insights from an in-depth scholarly literature review, this paper underscores the potential of CM to transform both research practices and policymaking. It offers a new lens for sustainability in coastal regions, paving the way for future studies and innovative, community-driven management strategies that engage a diversity of knowledge systems in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Healthy Campus
Publication . Durão, Anabela; Borralho, Teresa; Raposo, Albertina; MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente; Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
The existing environmental imbalances and the need to promote actions that minimize the impact and promote awareness and behavioral change are now primary needs. As a reflection of this situation, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are faced with the need for more sustainable development practices in their environmental, social, and economic aspects both in curricular and non-curricular spaces. This paper aims to show how the activities developed under the International University Sports Federation (FISU)’s Healthy Campus (HC) program can be an asset in promoting the environment, sustainability, and social responsibility in an HEI in Portugal. The methodology reflects a case study at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja (IPBeja) and includes (1) diagnosis, (2) drawing up the action plan, and (3) preparation, development, and monitoring of activities. The methodology approach adopted to analyze the activities uses the following: (1) the Mentimeter tool; (2) a mind map; and (3) a SWOT analysis. The results show that when activities are designed in a collaborative and participatory way, they end up geared towards the aspirations of the participants, allowing for greater involvement of people and growth of the institution in the aspects of the environment, sustainability, and social responsibility. The HC program is an asset program to align HC requirements, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrated and transdisciplinary approaches, and people’s environmental awareness and sustainable mindset. In political terms, this case study contributes to what is recommended in the institutional strategic plan.
Acoustic fish community in a biogeographic transition zone of the Northeast Atlantic
Publication . Ríos, Noelia; Pereira, Jodanne; Muñoz-Duque, Sebastian; Silva, Gonçalo; Pais, Miguel Pessanha; Fonseca, Paulo J.; Vieira, Manuel; Amorim, Maria Clara P.; MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente; Oxford University Prress
Fish sounds are a significant component of marine soundscapes. Recently, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) arose as a promising tool for ecological monitoring, but a good characterization of fish acoustic communities is still needed. This study is the first to characterize the fish acoustic community at a biogeographic transition zone in the Northeast Atlantic. The research was conducted in a marine protected area (MPA) along the Portuguese mainland coast. Based on a literature review, we identified 29 (19.3%) sound-producing fish species present at this MPA, while 70 species (46.7%) were considered potentially soniferous. Using in situ acoustic recordings to detect potential fish sounds, we found 33 putative fish sounds that were categorized using a simple dichotomous classification. The temporal and spectral features of the 13 most prevalent sound types were characterized and compared among them and with available recordings to identify similarities. Finally, hydrophone recordings coupled with baited remote underwater video systems were tested as a method to identify sound sources. This study provides the first fish sound catalogue from the Portuguese mainland coast, laying the foundations to survey fish communities in coastal habitats with PAM.
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Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
Concurso de avaliação no âmbito do Programa Plurianual de Financiamento de Unidades de I&D (2017/2018) - Financiamento Programático
Número da atribuição
UIDP/04292/2020