Marine Environmental Research[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Multi-omics analysis of the gill-gut axis in Scylla paramamosain under acute low-salinity stress: Implications for ion and osmotic regulation.
Li Y, Ye Y, Lou L … +9 more , Yao Z, Ma Y, Feng Y, Liu W, Wu H, Sun Z, Cheng Z, Zhao Y, Lai Q
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42348961 · Publisher ↗
The mud crab Scylla paramamosain is a euryhaline species with significant potential for aquaculture in low-salinity environments. However, abrupt exposure of this species to very low saline conditions may exceed its osmo...
The mud crab Scylla paramamosain is a euryhaline species with significant potential for aquaculture in low-salinity environments. However, abrupt exposure of this species to very low saline conditions may exceed its osmoregulatory capacity. Here, we evaluated the physiological, gill transcriptomic, and gut microbiome responses of S. paramamosain after 48 h of acute exposure to salinities of 1-5‰, with a control salinity of 15‰. The survival rate exhibited a sharp decline at salinities ≤5‰ (After 48 h of acute exposure, the survival rates were 33.3% at 1‰, 56.7% at 2‰, 70% at 3‰, 76.7% at 4‰, 86.7% at 5‰, and 100.0% at 15‰), accompanied by increased gill Na/K-ATPase activity, reduced hemolymph osmolality, and elevated hemolymph ammonia content. These results indicate that ion-regulatory responses were activated but were insufficient to sustain osmotic homeostasis under severe acute low-salinity stress. Gill transcriptome analysis between the 1‰ and 15‰ groups identified 1853 differentially expressed genes. Upregulated genes were enriched in ion transport, ABC transporters, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial energy-related pathways, whereas downregulated genes were mainly associated with chitin metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and molting-related transcriptional processes. Gut 16S rRNA sequencing showed that acute exposure to 1‰ salinity reduced microbial alpha diversity and altered community composition, including reduced abundance of several marine-associated genera such as Photobacterium and enrichment of Lactobacillus. BugBase and PICRUSt2 based analyses indicated differences in predicted microbial phenotypes and inferred functional potential between the 1‰ and 15‰ groups; these predictions should not be interpreted as direct evidence of microbial functional activity. Overall, S. paramamosain showed coordinated physiological, gill transcriptional, and gut microbial responses to acute low salinity. Nevertheless, severe hypoosmotic exposure impaired osmotic balance and reduced survival. These findings provide baseline information for evaluating low-salinity tolerance and suggest that gradual acclimation should be considered when introducing this species into low-salinity culture systems.
A scientometric analysis of global sea cucumber original research articles from 1970 to 2023.
Segaran TC, Firdaus M, Fahrurrozi F … +5 more , Lananan F, Gao H, Wei LS, Azra MN, Lah RA
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42348960 · Publisher ↗
This investigation adopts a robust scientometric methodology, utilizing the analytical power of CiteSpace, to delineate the evolving scholarly landscape of sea cucumber original research articles across various scientifi...
This investigation adopts a robust scientometric methodology, utilizing the analytical power of CiteSpace, to delineate the evolving scholarly landscape of sea cucumber original research articles across various scientific disciplines. Through the examination of 5407 original research articles and 245,566 citations, we observed a pronounced increase in citation frequency that significantly exceeds the growth in annual publication output. Our analysis highlights a notable geographic concentration of research output, with approximately half of the analyzed articles originating from China. Key terms such as "Apostichopus japonicus", "growth", and "Echinodermata" are prevalent, whereas terms like "body-wall", "marine natural products", and "gut microbiota" are identified as influential within the research community. Our co-citation analysis delineated ten principal thematic clusters, such as "Juvenile Sea Cucumber Dynamics", "Biodiversity of Sea Cucumbers", and "Functional Analysis of Apostichopus japonicus". Our findings underscore the necessity of refining both biotic and abiotic growth parameters to enhance aquaculture yields and sustainability of sea cucumbers in controlled environments.
Intergenerational effects of BDE-47 and its photodegradation products BDE-28 on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis: Impacts and mechanisms based on sexual reproduction.
Lu N, Liu W, Liu C … +4 more , Cao S, Dong L, Wang Y, Yang Y
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42348959 · Publisher ↗
As a cyclical parthenogen, Brachionus plicatilis possesses two divergent reproductive modes regulated by habitat cues. Since 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and its UV-B irradiated photodegradation product 2,...
As a cyclical parthenogen, Brachionus plicatilis possesses two divergent reproductive modes regulated by habitat cues. Since 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and its UV-B irradiated photodegradation product 2,4,4'-tribromodiphenyl ether (BDE-28) can be transferred intergenerationally during parthenogenesis and affect the fitness of the F1 generation, is it possible that a similar effect could be observed during sexual reproduction? This study examined the intergenerational transmission and toxicity of these compounds between maternal rotifers and their resting eggs. The results demonstrated that both BDE-47 and BDE-28 accumulated and transferred in a concentration-dependent manner, with BDE-28 notably enhancing the accumulation and toxicity of BDE-47. Maternal exposure for 24 h adversely affected the quantity and quality of resting eggs, and subsequently impaired the survival and reproductive performance of the hatched F1 individuals. Concurrently, the expression of key sexual reproduction genes, cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) and trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), increased with exposure level, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying the altered resting eggs production and viability. Furthermore, the nutrient composition transferred to resting eggs was altered: glycogen and protein content increased with exposure, whereas lipid content decreased, accompanied by changes in associated enzyme activities. Correlation analysis identified that lipids and lipase activity were the key factors linked to the poor fitness observed in the F1, highlighting a potential metabolic basis for the observed intergenerational toxicity. These findings reveal the intergenerational transfer of contaminants and their degradation products through sexual reproduction, providing crucial insights for ecological risk assessment.
Iron plaque drives mangrove arsenic detoxification and root adaptation in coastal wetland Avicennia marina seedlings.
Mei K, Jiang S, Huang M … +5 more , Xie R, Zhao M, Shi R, Liu J, Uddin MM
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341387 · Publisher ↗
Arsenic (As) contamination poses an increasing threat to coastal wetland ecosystems, yet the adaptive strategies of keystone mangrove species remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the interactive effects of As...
Arsenic (As) contamination poses an increasing threat to coastal wetland ecosystems, yet the adaptive strategies of keystone mangrove species remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the interactive effects of As and iron (Fe) on root morphological, anatomical, and physiological responses in Avicennia marina seedlings using a sand culture experiment. Seedlings were exposed to three As concentrations (0, 10, and 30 μmol L) with or without Fe supplementation (100 μmol L) for 3 months. Our results showed that As exposure reduced chlorophyll content, root dry weight, and root morphological traits in a concentration-dependent manner, while root porosity and aerenchyma formation increased. Radial oxygen loss (ROL) exhibited a parabolic response, peaking under low As and declining under high As stress. Iron supplementation significantly enhanced ROL (5-fold compared to no-Fe controls) and promoted the formation of Fe plaques on root surfaces, which sequestered As and reduced its translocation to aboveground tissues, as evidenced by increased plaque As content and decreased translocation factors. Anatomical analysis revealed that Fe supplementation further induced looser xylem and phloem cell arrangements with enlarged lumina, facilitating oxygen transport. Correlation and redundancy analyses revealed strong positive associations between ROL and plaque Fe, and negative associations between plaque Fe and As content. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that A. marina employs a coordinated multi-tiered strategy-combining root morphological plasticity, enhanced ROL, aerenchyma formation, and Fe plaque development-to mitigate As toxicity. This study provides mechanistic insights into the adaptive capacity of mangroves under metal (loid) stress and highlights the potential of Fe amendment as a nature-based intervention for restoring contaminated coastal wetlands.
Prey size differentiation as a mechanism of trophic segregation in sympatric otariids in the Peruvian Humboldt Current System.
Parodi Horny R, Cárdenas-Alayza S
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42341386 · Publisher ↗
Trophic segregation facilitates the coexistence of sympatric predators by reducing resource competition. In the Humboldt Current System, the South American sea lion (Otaria byronia, SASL) and the South American fur seal...
Trophic segregation facilitates the coexistence of sympatric predators by reducing resource competition. In the Humboldt Current System, the South American sea lion (Otaria byronia, SASL) and the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis, SAFS) overlap spatially and exploit similar prey resources. Yet, the role of prey size as a segregation mechanism remains poorly understood. We analyzed sagittal otoliths from five shared fish species, converting otolith length to total length, and compared prey sizes consumed by both pinnipeds under warm and cold sea surface temperature conditions. Significant interspecific differences in prey size were detected under warm conditions for three prey species, suggesting enhanced size-based partitioning when ocean temperatures increase. Under cold conditions, prey sizes consumed by SASL and SAFS were largely similar, except for Normanichthys crockeri. Intraspecific analyses showed greater prey size variability in SAFS than SASL, particularly for Merluccius gayi, and Normanichthys crockeri. Both predators also consumed prey below the minimum landing size established for Peruvian fisheries, indicating partial overlap between pinniped diets and fishery resources. These results provide novel evidence that size-based dietary differentiation is an axis of trophic segregation between sympatric otariids, particularly during warm conditions, and highlight the importance of integrating predator-fishery interactions into ecosystem-based management.
Competing effects of bed sediments on turbulence-driven microfiber infiltration.
Serra T, Guardiola L, Mancini M … +2 more , Solari L, Colomer J
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42335850 · Publisher ↗
Microfibers (MFs) are the most common microplastics found in most terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Little is known about the mechanisms by which MFs are sequestered in sediment beds. Specifically, we aim t...
Microfibers (MFs) are the most common microplastics found in most terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Little is known about the mechanisms by which MFs are sequestered in sediment beds. Specifically, we aim to determine how dynamic infiltration, fueled by natural turbulence, is mediated by both sediment consolidation times and sediment bed granulometry. To ascertain the dynamic infiltration of MFs in sediment beds, a series of tests with turbulence dissipations ranging from 1.01 to 4.15 cm swere carried out. An oscillating grid was used to create shear-free turbulence in a system where eight distinct synthetic types of MFs (varying in length, diameter, and polymer type) were previously deposited over a sediment bed. Four sediment consolidation times and six granulometries were considered to get more knowledge on the MF infiltration into the sediment caused by turbulence on the bottom floors of fresh and marine environments. It was discovered that during the applied turbulence, the finer part of the sediment bed with the 10th-percentile of particle diameter d, the MF diameter, the shape of the MFs, their flexibility, the shear velocity and the MF settling velocity affected how deeply the MFs infiltrated the sediment floor. Interestingly, the sequestration of MFs deposited in sediment floors was independent of the sediments' time of consolidation. Unlike previous experimental observations, this study demonstrated that infiltration occurs even when the microfiber-to-sediment diameter ratio exceeds 1 indicating the high capacity of sediment layers to allow MF infiltration. The MF infiltration was maximized for beds composed of fine and medium sands.
From morphology to nanoscale chemistry: resolving drivers of shell alteration in marine gastropods.
Slama T, Castelli F, Ghiringhelli GC … +5 more , Rivera-Ingraham G, Abidli S, El Menif NT, Han M, Lahbib Y
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42335849 · Publisher ↗
The study investigated how coastal contamination and shell-boring organisms (bioerosion) jointly influence shell thickness and shape in the Mediterranean limpet Patella caerulea. By integrating morphometric, microstructu...
The study investigated how coastal contamination and shell-boring organisms (bioerosion) jointly influence shell thickness and shape in the Mediterranean limpet Patella caerulea. By integrating morphometric, microstructural and high-resolution chemical analyses across contrasting environmental conditions, we studied the respective roles of these stressors on shell characteristics. Shell morphology varied markedly with infestation intensity, with highly infested limpets exhibiting flattened and thicker apex, reflecting a compensatory shell thickening of the apex observed through the deposition of additional aragonitic layers. In contrast, elemental composition was primarily associated with contamination, with significant differences in trace metal incorporation among populations. Microstructural analyses using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a range of alterations results from both stressors, highlighting their combined influence at smaller structural scales. High resolution X-ray fluorescence mapping revealed significant variation in elemental composition among stations, providing new insights into the mechanisms of trace metal incorporations within the shell matrix. Overall, this study demonstrates that both boring organisms (bioerosion) and coastal contamination affect distinct yet complementary aspects of shell characteristics, emphasizing the need to consider multiple levels of spatial resolution when using shell characteristics as environmental indicators.
Sustainability of corrosion-induced degradation of marine engineering structures: A bibliometric analysis based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer (1972-2026).
Yang Z, Yu G, Li C … +10 more , Zhao B, Liu Y, Tang G, Yu W, Liu Q, Liu L, Sun Y, Shi Y, Li Z, Zhou J
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42335848 · Publisher ↗
Multiple coupling effects induce multi-scale damage in marine engineering materials, concurrently undermining both the microstructural integrity and the macroscopic mechanical properties. This damage mechanism in harsh e...
Multiple coupling effects induce multi-scale damage in marine engineering materials, concurrently undermining both the microstructural integrity and the macroscopic mechanical properties. This damage mechanism in harsh environments has become a critical scientific bottleneck limiting the long-term service life of major marine infrastructures. However, existing research predominantly focuses on single-scale analyses or specific material systems, lacking systematic understanding of the cross-scale evolution of corrosion damage, particularly evident in deficiencies regarding multi-field coupling mechanisms, long-term environmental response data accumulation, and cross-regional collaborative research. To address these gaps, this study systematically maps and analyzes the scientific knowledge network in the field of marine engineering material durability and corrosion behavior using two complementary bibliometric tools, CiteSpace and VOSviewer, based on 2,878 publications (1972-May 2026) from the Web of Science Core Collection. Key findings include: (1) In the global academic collaboration landscape, China is the largest contributor in terms of research output, followed by the United States and India.The Indian Institute of Technology exhibits the highest betweenness centrality of 0.11.; (2) Research focus has shifted from macroscopic performance evaluation to microscopic mechanisms such as pore structure evolution, interfacial transition zone (ITZ) damage mechanisms, and ion transport models; (3) Green geopolymer materials, machine learning-driven service life prediction, and life cycle assessment (LCA) are emerging as three major frontier trends. Based on these findings, we propose three priority directions for future research: first, establishing a unified theoretical framework for material damage under multi-physics coupling effects; second, enhancing the acquisition and sharing of long-term in-situ monitoring data to bridge the gap between laboratory studies and real-world conditions; third, promoting cross-regional and interdisciplinary collaborative innovation to accelerate knowledge integration and technology transfer. Through the construction of a multi-dimensional knowledge graph, this research systematically clarifies the cognitive logic underlying marine corrosion damage to offshore engineering materials from a data-driven perspective. It lays a theoretical foundation for extending the durability limits of marine engineering structures, enhancing life cycle performance, and facilitating resilient structural design. Furthermore, it delineates specific avenues for future scientific inquiry and engineering applications.
Peering into the twilight: a systematic review on visual-based investigation of worldwide mesophotic ecosystems.
Campanini C, Coppari M, Di Camillo CG … +5 more , Gregorin C, Marrocco T, Pulido Mantas T, Roveta C, Cerrano C
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42335847 · Publisher ↗
Mesophotic ecosystems host high biodiversity and support a vast variety of habitats. Owing to climate change, there is a growing interest in the study of mesophotic assemblages as a possible pocket of biodiversity for sp...
Mesophotic ecosystems host high biodiversity and support a vast variety of habitats. Owing to climate change, there is a growing interest in the study of mesophotic assemblages as a possible pocket of biodiversity for species. However, due to logistic constraints, these habitats have been historically less investigated and mostly neglected in conservation planning. Thus, it is difficult to gain a global overview of the state of the art, especially with regards to sampling methodology. Here, we conducted a systematic literature review, extracting data from 1001 publications on mesophotic research at a global level, focusing on visual-based methodologies, to identify gaps, emerging trends, and to supply useful information to improve sampling methodologies of mesophotic ecosystems and their reporting. Overall, the review highlighted an evidently uneven spatial distribution and a bias towards some taxonomic groups, i.e., corals and algae. From a methodological perspective, it showed that most studies at community level were performed with no standardized protocols. Even if crucial for the understanding of the functioning of these ecosystems, baseline data and long-term monitoring projects are virtually lacking. Despite these challenges, this review clearly shows a surge in interest and research effort driven by technological development. Considering the previously underestimated vulnerability of mesophotic ecosystems to anthropogenic pressures and the current climate change scenario, there is a pushing need to study mesophotic ecosystems through a standardized framework to adequately inform conservation and restoration measures.
Life in colour: The influence of habitat colouration on the recruitment of coral reef fish.
Rapolthy N, Fakan EP, Dubuc A … +2 more , Hoey AS, Hemingson CR
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42330914 · Publisher ↗
Settlement and early post-settlement survival of fishes are important processes on coral reefs and represent a major demographic bottleneck. While numerous studies have quantified habitat selection of recently-settled fi...
Settlement and early post-settlement survival of fishes are important processes on coral reefs and represent a major demographic bottleneck. While numerous studies have quantified habitat selection of recently-settled fish in terms of benthic composition or physical complexity, few have considered the potential role of habitat colouration. Using image-based analyses to identify key colours and benthic features that create these colours, we explored how recently-settled reef fish select various habitats with respect to their own colouration and habitat colour composition. We conducted visual surveys and took standardized photographs of the settlement locations of four species of damselfishes (f: Pomacentridae) at Lizard Island, Australia; two of which are bright yellow in appearance (Pomacentrus amboinensis and P. moluccensis) and two that are dark coloured (P. adelus and P. chrysurus). Each species occupied settlement habitats that had distinct colour profiles when compared to the wider reef environment and the other species examined. When species were grouped according to body colouration (dark vs yellow), there were also significant differences in settlement habitat colouration. These patterns appear to be driven primarily by the presence or absence of live coral, mainly Acropora spp., within their settlement location which add a range of unique hues not typical of other substrata. Thus, we provide evidence that habitat colouration, in addition to other physical and environmental attributes, may be important for shaping settlement patterns in coral reef fishes. If so, rapidly changing benthic compositions on coral reefs driven by the loss of live coral may ultimately favour certain coloured species that reside more successfully on drabber habitats which are becoming more common on contemporary reefs.
Riverine inputs and sedimentary controls on phosphorus burial in the Bohai Sea: Implications for eutrophication.
Xu H, Li M, Liu J … +2 more , Zhong X, Ran X
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42322731 · Publisher ↗
Riverine inputs and sedimentary processes jointly regulate nutrient cycling in semi-enclosed coastal seas, yet their combined influence on phosphorus (P) dynamics remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluates t...
Riverine inputs and sedimentary processes jointly regulate nutrient cycling in semi-enclosed coastal seas, yet their combined influence on phosphorus (P) dynamics remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluates the chemical forms, spatial gradients, burial, and long-term evolution of sedimentary P from the Yellow River Estuary Wetland to the Bohai Sea based on observations from 2011 to 2020. A pronounced regional pattern was identified, with detrital P dominating and a clear land-sea gradient reflecting the influence of major riverine inputs. Spatial heterogeneity was further expressed through contrasting sedimentary environments: high-sedimentation areas accumulated substantial detrital P, whereas regions with stronger biological activity exhibited elevated reactive P. At the sediment-water interface, burial exceeded benthic release, enhancing deposition of reactive P and contributing to a 22.7% increase in total sedimentary P from 1998 to 1999 to 2018-2020, indicative of efficient downward transport. Despite this, porewater data showed that benthic efflux remained sufficient to influence nutrient stoichiometry in the overlying water. Elevated nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios, amplified by terrestrial loading and imbalanced benthic fluxes, reinforce persistent P limitation and highlight the vulnerability of the Bohai Sea to nutrient imbalance. These results highlight the central role of river-sea coupling in regulating coastal P pool and guiding eutrophication management.
Reef fish functional trait responses to wastewater-driven environmental gradients.
Plazas-Gómez RA, Bejarano S, Magneville C … +4 more , Prato-Valderrama J, Santos-Martínez A, Zwicker S, Fujitani M
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42322730 · Publisher ↗
Wastewater pollution is a persistent but understudied driver of coral reef degradation. Here, we investigate how reef fish assemblages respond to environmental gradients shaped by chronic wastewater exposure, combining t...
Wastewater pollution is a persistent but understudied driver of coral reef degradation. Here, we investigate how reef fish assemblages respond to environmental gradients shaped by chronic wastewater exposure, combining trait-based analyses with long-term environmental data. We surveyed reef fish at seven sites along the leeward coast of San Andrés Island (Colombian Caribbean), quantifying variation in species richness, abundance, and eight functional traits. Environmental conditions were characterized using 13 years of water quality data, complemented by in situ measurements of benthic cover and algal nitrogen stable isotopes (δN). We calculated functional indices such as Functional Richness (FRic) and assessed trait-environment relationships. Impacted sites exhibited lower species richness and reduced FRic, driven by the absence of species occupying peripheral regions of functional space, including very mobile predators, demersal spawners, and small-bodied herbivores. Shifts in trait composition were explained by the combined influence of water quality variables and benthic composition (e.g. hard coral cover) along the pollution gradient. By demonstrating that wastewater exposure selectively erodes functional trait combinations underpinning key ecosystem processes, such as nutrient cycling, top-down control, and coral-fish mutualisms, this study highlights the importance of integrating functional metrics into reef monitoring and wastewater management strategies.
Linking environmental DNA and acoustic telemetry to monitor Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) in an estuarine ecosystem.
Tyrrell KO, Lancaster ER, Gowell BP … +4 more , Pikowski JM, Tilburg CE, Mohan JA, Frederich M
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42322729 · Publisher ↗
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool for monitoring aquatic species, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional fish sampling methods requiring capture. We compared methods to detect striped bass (Morone s...
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool for monitoring aquatic species, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional fish sampling methods requiring capture. We compared methods to detect striped bass (Morone saxatilis) by eDNA as well as acoustic telemetry to determine seasonal presence/absence within an estuarine ecosystem. Additionally, we assess the suitability of the two detection methods through controlled laboratory trials as well as modeling of the eDNA transport within the system. We demonstrate that eDNA can be detected from a closed water system for up to 10 h after the fish were removed. In monthly eDNA water samples collected in the Saco River in Maine over 3 years, and acoustic monitoring of 41 striped bass using a receiver array along the river and close to Ram Island, our data reveal a previously undocumented overwintering population of striped bass in the system. We demonstrate good but not perfect overlap of eDNA and acoustic telemetry data and elucidate the respective shortcomings as well as strengths of the two different detection methods. We conclude that in a highly dynamic estuarine system the combination of the two methods is advantageous to characterize species migrations, because neither technique alone provides sufficient detail.
The effect of temperature on the settlement response of marine fouling organisms to antifouling chemicals.
Ma Y, Wang Y, Wang Y … +3 more , Wang Y, Yi Y, Feng D
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42322728 · Publisher ↗
The significant global economic and ecological damage caused by marine fouling organisms has heightened the need for efficient biofouling control. This necessitates research into how fouling organisms respond to antifoul...
The significant global economic and ecological damage caused by marine fouling organisms has heightened the need for efficient biofouling control. This necessitates research into how fouling organisms respond to antifouling methods under the influence of environmental factors. Although numerous studies have examined the effect of temperature on the settlement of biofoulers, little is known about how temperature influences the efficacy of antifoulants in preventing settlement. In this study, we evaluated the effect of temperature on the larval settlement response of the barnacle Balanus albicostatus and the mussel Mytilopsis sallei to four antifouling compounds: copper(II), tralopyril, camptothecin, and odoroside A. Our results showed that in the absence of antifouling compounds, low temperature (15 °C) inhibited B. albicostatus settlement, and the settlement rates of M. sallei at 15 and 20 °C were significantly lower than those at 25 and 30 °C, indicating a preference for settlement under warmer conditions. In the presence of antifouling compounds, settlement rates of both B. albicostatus and M. sallei decreased as temperature increased from 20 to 30 °C. This suggests that the antifouling efficacy of these four compounds-whether heavy metal or organic-was enhanced at higher temperatures. Our findings demonstrate temperature-dependent susceptibility to antifoulants in these fouling species, providing insights for the development of effective biofouling control strategies for marine submerged artificial structures across different latitudes and seasons worldwide.
Preliminary insights into the release behavior of dissolved organic matter from aged microplastics in seawater: Effects of aging types.
Li X, Yang Q, Ma H … +3 more , Ge R, Zhou X, Ren P
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42320448 · Publisher ↗
Microplastics (MPs) entering the ocean experience multiple aging driven by photochemical and biological processes, resulting in substantial release of dissolved organic matter (DOM). However, limited attention has been p...
Microplastics (MPs) entering the ocean experience multiple aging driven by photochemical and biological processes, resulting in substantial release of dissolved organic matter (DOM). However, limited attention has been paid to the differences and correlations in the influences of ultraviolet irradiation (UV), biofilm formation (Bio), and their coupled process (Bio-UV) on the release behavior of MP-DOM in complex marine environments. Herein, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-MPs, as commonly encountered plastic particles in marine environments, were first subjected to UV-, Bio- and coupled Bio-UV aging, and then leached in artificial seawater for 10 days. The collected MP-DOM was analyzed in terms of the contents and optical characteristics. The results showed that three aging processes led to obviously different alterations in MPs surface properties, including morphological changes, decreased hydrophobicity, and accumulation of biomass. During seawater immersion, Bio-UV-MPs experienced much higher release of DOM than others, presenting the synergistic promoting effect of UV- and Bio-aging on the release of MP-DOM. According to spectroscopic analysis, the DOM from UV-MPs and Bio-MPs had their own specific humic-like components, which were derived from UV oxidation and biofilm formation respectively, and fluorescent component composition for Bio-UV-MPs resembled Bio-MPs. The results indicated that Bio-aging process may impair the potential contribution of prior UV-aging to the fluorescence components. This study elucidates the distinct effects of aging types on the release behavior of MP-DOM, thereby advancing our understanding of the environmental fate of MPs and their derivatives in complex marine environments.
Reconstructing historical patterns in bacterial communities from deep-sea sediments in the western Mediterranean: impacts of metal pollution and climatic variation.
Arena-Ortíz ML, Ortíz-Alcántara JM, Papiol V … +3 more , Santos-Echeandía J, Bernárdez P, Cartes JE
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42320447 · Publisher ↗
Bacteria are a major component of deep-sea communities. Mesoscale changes were observed in the deep western Mediterranean by analysing deposited DNA in four sediment cores from SE Barcelona, at 1050 m (Bcn1050), and from...
Bacteria are a major component of deep-sea communities. Mesoscale changes were observed in the deep western Mediterranean by analysing deposited DNA in four sediment cores from SE Barcelona, at 1050 m (Bcn1050), and from insular open-sea areas of NW Mallorca (at 420 m and 1114 m) and a seamount summit at 1156 m. The dominant taxa were Gammaproteobacteria (e.g. Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas), Alphaproteobacteria, and Bacilli. A terrigenous-pelagic gradient explained spatial changes in bacterial composition and diversity, with Bcn1050 (near the mainland) showing lower species richness (S = 93.9) and diversity (H' = 3.8), and Isid1114, located in a coral (Isidella elongata) field, the highest (S = 181.7; H' = 4.3). A post-industrial increase in Hg and Pb in deep-sea sediments after the industrialisation (1940-1950) of Spain coincided with a decrease of evenness (J = 0.79-0.83) at Bcn1050, not at insular stations. After the 1960s a decrease in the abundance of dominant bacteria was positively correlated with Li and Al (terrigenous metals) and positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index values, confirming a drought period in the area. Among bacteria correlated with metals, only Staphylococcus exhibited higher relative abundance after the 1940s-1950s. Historical changes in deep-sea bacteria in the Balearic Basin over the last few centuries are caused both by natural and anthropogenic factors.
Benthic scavenger assemblages along a depth gradient: megafauna-macrofauna divergence.
Carreira-Flores D, Rodrigues F, Gomes PT … +1 more , Rubal M
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42314411 · Publisher ↗
Benthic scavengers mediate rapid carrion removal and nutrient regeneration in soft-bottom shelf ecosystems. Despite their importance, depth-related patterns, distribution and ecology remain under-characterized. This stud...
Benthic scavengers mediate rapid carrion removal and nutrient regeneration in soft-bottom shelf ecosystems. Despite their importance, depth-related patterns, distribution and ecology remain under-characterized. This study assessed community assemblages along a soft-bottom depth gradient by deploying baited traps targeting megafauna and macrofauna at 30, 50, and 70 m depth in the Coast of Viana do Castelo (NW Iberian Peninsula). Megafaunal assemblages varied significantly with depth, and the response influenced the pattern observed: abundance-based structure separated 50 m from 30 to 70 m, whereas biomass-based structure separated 30 m from 50 to 70 m. Depth effects were driven by the dominance and abundance of the Nassariid gastropod Tritia reticulata at mid-depths and by the biomass of the swimming crab Polybius henslowii at shallow sites, with Conger contributing substantially to deeper-water biomass. In contrast, macrofaunal assemblages did not differ significantly across depths and were overwhelmingly dominated by lysianassid amphipods, and cirolanid isopods. These results provide a depth-resolved baseline for soft-bottom scavenger biodiversity in North Portugal and underscore complementary insights from abundance versus biomass when interpreting faunal responses to environmental gradients, as the metrics can decouple along environmental gradients, and of using abundance for size-constrained macrofauna.
On the collapse of an endemic reef-building coral species.
Morais J, Lima GV, Lazzarin RVA … +4 more , Pérez CD, Pereira PHC, Soares MO, Santos BA
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42314410 · Publisher ↗
Coral species are increasingly threatened worldwide, yet population-level data remain scarce for informing effective conservation strategies. Here, we used the endangered reef-building coral Mussismilia harttii, endemic...
Coral species are increasingly threatened worldwide, yet population-level data remain scarce for informing effective conservation strategies. Here, we used the endangered reef-building coral Mussismilia harttii, endemic to the tropical Southwestern Atlantic, to identify drivers of population decline across 15 sites spanning about 1500 km of its distribution. Using data collected in 2016, we quantified colony density, colony size, corallite size, asymmetry and percentile tail ratio of colony size distributions, and examined their relationships with sea surface temperature, salinity, turbidity, and distance from the coast. A Bayesian model selection framework was applied to identify the best predictors of population metrics. Living colonies were absent from four sites and occurred at densities as low as 0.01-0.04 colonies m at eight others, compared with 0.10-0.15 colonies m at three sites that still resembled the baseline populations described by Laborel in the 1960s. Only 12.2% of colonies exceeded the historically common size of 400 corallites, indicating a marked loss of large colonies and resulting in strongly right-skewed size distributions across all sites, characterized by positive asymmetry and low percentile tail ratios. Proximity to the coast consistently emerged as the strongest predictor of population decline, likely reflecting cumulative impacts of tourism and coastal development. Our results indicate that M. harttii qualified for uplisting to Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List as early as 2016, preceding the recurrent marine heatwaves of the last decade. Conservation actions targeting nearshore stressors, together with climate change mitigation, are essential to prevent further population collapse and extinction.
Chronic exposure of the model organism Aurelia coerulea (Scyphozoa, Cnidaria) to "first generation" artificial sweeteners.
Gregorin C, Annibaldi A, Domenichelli F … +6 more , Feliziani M, Gridelli S, Musco L, Susmel S, Vit M, Puce S
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308903 · Publisher ↗
Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are low-calories additives which utilization has increased in the last decades, reaching an economic revenue of ca. 26 billion US dollars in 2024. Through direct discharge or inadequate treatm...
Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are low-calories additives which utilization has increased in the last decades, reaching an economic revenue of ca. 26 billion US dollars in 2024. Through direct discharge or inadequate treatment of wastewater, they can spread in soil and reach the marine environment. Although the concrete risk of pollution deriving from these substances, their influence on coastal benthic communities is still unknown. We tested the effects of two ASs (aspartame and saccharin) through a chronic toxicity test on the cnidarian model species Aurelia coerulea polyps. We exposed polyps to a solution of aspartame and saccharine with filtered seawater (100 mg/l according to the REACH legislation for xenobiotics (Regulation 1272, Supplement No. 1, 2008), and measured their health status, asexual reproduction, somatic growth and mortality rates at 3-days intervals for ca. 60 days. Spectrophotometric analysis showed the degradation of aspartame, while saccharine remained unvaried indicating stability in water solution. Saccharin induced a moderate slowdown of growth, not impacting reproduction and health, while aspartame affected polyps by arresting growth, asexual reproduction, and triggering regression process. Afterwards, a full regeneration was reported with registered values similar to control group, suggesting acclimatization. Even though no mortality was observed, a delay in budding and growth rates could result in a carry-over effect on ephyrae production and adult populations. Since polyps are recognized as primary responsible driving jellyfish outbreaks, their altered physiological processes could affect the population dynamics of planktonic life-stages and consequently the trophic relationships of the habitat both at small and large scale.
Abandoned fishing gear: a new monitoring protocol for assessing the impact on shallow and deep coralligenous reefs.
Gennaro P, Lomiri S, Tomassetti P … +3 more , Di Muccio S, Cinti MF, Piazzi L
Mar Environ Res · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308902 · Publisher ↗
The paper proposes a new protocol for assessing the impact of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) involving the acquisition of comparable video images across deep and shallow coralligenous habitat...
The paper proposes a new protocol for assessing the impact of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) involving the acquisition of comparable video images across deep and shallow coralligenous habitats, obtained using Remote Operating Vehicles (ROVs) and scientific divers, respectively. Furthermore, a modified Coralligenous Bioconstruction Quality Index (CBQI) applied to the analysis of diver-collected images was used to assess the ecological quality of coralligenous reefs. The new protocol was tested on three case studies applying the BACI (Before-After/Control-Impact) sampling design. Two shallow and one deep coralligenous reefs affected by ALDFG were compared with nearby unaffected reefs, before the ALDFG removal and one year later. Analysis of the index values showed that the ecological quality of the affected sites increased significantly following the removal action. The proposed protocol may represent a valuable tool to support ALDFG management, and could be applied across a wide range of depths.
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