The potential of marine live-bait introductions into oceanic islands

The likely introduction of non-indigenous species into the coastal ecosystems of oceanic islands through live-bait utilizations was studied. A store survey identified the species that are traded as live fishing-bait. Only Polychaeta species were identified as imported live-bait on São Miguel Island and all specimens were identified as Perinereis linea. Reponses to surveys of 77 anglers showed that: 44 % harvest from native sources, 44 % buy live-bait and 12 % do both; 56 % of the anglers’ fish on a weekly basis; 31 % dispose of the bait into the sea. A field survey at five sites where fishing rods are routinely utilized was developed to investigate if the non-indigenous polychaetes sold as fishing-bait are already established in the natural environment of the Azores archipelago. Three species of Nereididae were identified: the native Neanthes nubila and P. oliveirae and the cryptogenic P. cultrifera. The escalating utilization of live-bait argues for a change in the habits of fishermen with respect to the discarding of leftover bait, as the higher the volume of discards the higher becomes the probability of non-indigenous species establishment successes, especially on oceanic islands characterized by vulnerable ecosystems with simpler trophic webs.     

Evaluation of 3-hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene levels in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after waterborne exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene

3-Hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene (3-OH-BaP), a toxic compound with the ability to covalently bind with the macromolecules (proteins and DNA), is one of the major phenolic metabolites of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of 3-OH-BaP in the bile and plasma of Nile tilapia by HPLC with fluorescence detection, after waterborne exposure to BaP (10 and 100?µg?L^?1). Metabolites were detected in bile and plasma, and conjugates of 3-OH-BaP (glucuronide and/or sulphate conjugates) were the majority forms in both biological fluids, glucuronide 3-OH-BaP being the main metabolite in bile. Our data suggest that extrahepatic tissues as intestine or gill are important in BaP metabolism and need to be the considered sources of metabolites released into the blood. Although, low levels of 3-OH-BaP in toxic form (free form) were detected in plasma, one cannot exclude the possibility of circulating the levels leading to adverse effects.     

Assessment of indoor airborne contamination in a wastewater treatment plant

The main objective of this work was to quantify and characterize the major indoor air contaminants present in different stages of a municipal WWTP, including microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide ammonia, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In general, the total bacteria concentration was found to vary from 60 to >52,560 colony-forming units (CFU)/m³, and the total fungi concentration ranged from 369 to 14,068 CFU/m³. Generally, Gram-positive bacteria were observed in higher number than Gram-negative bacteria. CO₂ concentration ranged from 251 to 9,710 ppm, and CO concentration was either not detected or presented a level of 1 ppm. H₂S concentration ranged from 0.1 to 6.0 ppm. NH₃ concentration was <2 ppm in most samples. Formaldehyde was <0.01 ppm at all sampling sites. The total VOC concentration ranged from 36 to 1,724 μg/m³. Among the VOCs, toluene presented the highest concentration. Results point to indoor/outdoor ratios higher than one. In general, the highest levels of airborne contaminants were detected at the primary treatment (SEDIPAC 3D), secondary sedimentation, and sludge dehydration. At most sampling sites, the concentrations of airborne contaminants were below the occupational exposure limits (OELs) for all the campaigns. However, a few contaminants were above OELs in some sampling sites.     

Relations between mercury, methyl-mercury and selenium in tissues of Octopus vulgaris from the Portuguese Coast

Mercury, methyl-mercury (MeHg) and selenium were determined in digestive gland and mantle of Octopus vulgaris, from three areas of the Portuguese coast. To our knowledge these are the first data on MeHg in cephalopods. Concentrations were higher in the digestive gland and percentage of MeHg in mantle. Enhanced Hg and MeHg levels were obtained in digestive gland of specimens from Olhão (3.1-7.4 and 2.0-5.0 μg g⁻¹, respectively). Differences between areas may be partially related to Hg availability. Relationships between concentrations in mantle and digestive gland pointed to proportional increases of Hg and MeHg in tissues of specimens from Matosinhos and Cascais, but relatively constant values in mantle of individuals from Olhão (higher contamination). Se:Hg molar ratio in digestive gland was 32 and 30 in octopus from Matosinhos and Cascais, respectively, and 5.4 from Olhão. The proximity to the unit suggests demethylation as response to elevated MeHg levels in digestive gland.     

Intake fraction distributions for benzene from vehicles in the Helsinki metropolitan area

The intake fraction (iF) gives a measure of the portion of a source's emissions that is inhaled by an exposed population over a defined period of time. This study examines spatial and population-based iF distributions of a known human carcinogen, benzene, from a ubiquitous urban source, local vehicular traffic, in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area using three computational methods. The first method uses the EXPAND model (EXPosure to Air pollution, especially to Nitrogen Dioxide and particulate matter), which incorporates spatial and temporal information on population activity patterns as well as urban-scale and street canyon dispersion models to predict spatial population exposure distributions. The second method uses data from the personal monitoring study EXPOLIS (Air Pollution Exposure Distributions of Adult Urban Populations in Europe) to estimate the intake fractions for individuals in the study. The third method, a one-compartment box model provides estimates within an order-of-magnitude or better for non-reactive agents in an urban area. Population intake fractions are higher using the personal monitoring data method (median iF 30 per million, mean iF 39 per million) compared with the spatial model (annual mean iF 10 per million) and the box model (median iF 4 per million, mean iF 7 per million). In particular, this study presents detailed intake fraction distributions on several different levels (spatial, individual, and generic) for the same urban area.     

Uptake and depuration of anatoxin-a by the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) under laboratory conditions

Cyanobacterial blooms tend to be more common in warm and nutrient-enriched waters and are increasing in many aquatic water bodies due to eutrophication. The aim of this work is to study the accumulation and depuration of anatoxin-a by Mytilus galloprovincialis a widespread distributed mussel living in estuarine and coastal waters and recognized worldwide as a bioindicator (e.g. Mussel Watch programs). Research on the distribution and biological effects of anatoxin-a in M. galloprovincialis is important. Nevertheless, the risk of human intoxication due to the consumption of contaminated bivalves should also be considered. A toxic bloom was simulated in an aquarium with 5 x 10(5) cell ml(-1) of Anabaena sp. (ANA 37), an anatoxin-a producing strain. Mussels were exposed to Anabaena for 15 days and then 15 days of depuration followed. Three or more animals were sampled every 24h for total toxin quantification and distribution in soft tissues (edible parts). Water samples were also taken every 24h in order to calculate total dissolved and particulate anatoxin-a concentrations. Anatoxin-a was quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection. No deaths occurred during accumulation and depuration periods. One day after the beginning of depuration, the toxin could not be detected in the animals. Anatoxin-a is distributed in the digestive tract, muscles and foot and is probably actively detoxified.     

Indoor pollutant exposure among children with and without asthma in Porto,Portugal, during the cold season

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Considering the time spent in enclosed spaces, indoor air pollutants are of major interest because of its possible impact on health. However, to date,...