Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre

Funder

Organizational Unit

Publications

Optimization and validation of a micro–QuEChERS method for phthalates detection in small samples of cetacean blubber

Publication . Sambolino, Annalisa; Rodriguez, Marta; De la Fuente, Jesus; Arbelo, Manuel; Fernández, Antonio; Kaufmann, Manfred; Cordeiro, Nereida; Dinis, Ana

In this study, an innovative method was developed to detect and quantify phthalates in fresh cetacean blubber. An adaptation of the ammonium formate QuEChERS method was used and adapted as a micro-extraction for small quantities of samples. Significantly, this technique utilized minimal quantities of reagents and salts, with the additional implementation of rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols to further reduce background contamination. To ensure the reliability of this method, comprehensive validation procedures were conducted, with a specific focus on two widely studied cetacean species: the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Determination coefficients (R2) for matrix-matched calibration were >0.93 with limits of quantifications (LOQ) of the method in the range of 5–10 ng/g. Mean recovery values were between 40 and 100 %. This novel methodology holds particular relevance for environmental research studies, offering the capability to detect emerging contaminants with minimal sample requirements. This aspect is particularly valuable in investigations that involve free-ranging animals and rely on biopsy sampling. It allows for the assessment of contaminant levels in healthy individuals within wild populations, enhancing our understanding of ecological impacts and potential conservation measures. • A micro-extraction adaptation of the ammonium formate QuEChERS method was developed and applied to a small quantity of fresh cetacean blubber to detect phthalates. • Small quantities of reagents and salts were used, and additional Quality Assurance/ Quality Control procedures were taken to further minimize background contamination. • Method validation was carried out for two cosmopolitan and extensively studied cetacean species: the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus).

2024Journal article

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Seasonal variation in microplastics and zooplankton abundances and characteristics: the ecological vulnerability of an oceanic island system

Publication . Sambolino, Annalisa; Herrera, Inma; Álvarez, Soledad; Rosa, Alexandra; Alves, Filipe; Canning-Clode, João; Cordeiro, Nereida; Dinis, Ana; Kaufmann, Manfred

The ingestion of microplastics (MPs - plastic particles <5 mm) by planktivorous organisms represents a signif icant threat to marine food webs. To investigate how seasonality might affect plastic intake in oceanic islands' ecosystems, relative abundances and composition of MPs and mesozooplankton samples collected off Madeira Island (NE Atlantic) between February 2019 and January 2020 were analysed. MPs were found in all samples, with fibres accounting for 89 % of the particles. MPs and zooplankton mean abundance was 0.262 items/m3 and 18.137 individuals/m3 , respectively. Their monthly variations follow the seasonal fluctuation of environmental parameters, such as currents, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature and precipitation intensity. A higher MPs/zooplankton ratio was recorded in the warm season (May-Oct), reaching 0.068 items/individual when considering large-sized particles (1000–5000 μm). This is the first study to assess the seasonal variability of MPs in an oceanic island system providing essential information respecting its ecological impact in pelagic environments.

2022Journal article

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MAR Gate: augmented reality for attracting wider audience to marine concerns

Publication . Teles, Jocelyne Estefania Pestana; Radeta, Marko

As condições nos ambientes marinhos permanecem angustiantes, pois as atividades humanas afetam a qualidade de vida das espécies marinhas. Uma das espécies que sente tais consequências é a Baleia Franca do Atlântico Norte, cuja saúde está em declíneo devido a ameaças passadas e presentes. Uma forma de chamar a atenção para os problemas ambientais marinhos é educando as pessoas, conectando-as a tais espécies, conscientizando-as e fazendo-as refletir sobre ações futuras. Esta dissertação apresenta a aplicação móvel de realidade aumentada, alavancando a interação sobre as Baleias Francas do Atlântico Norte (BFAN), educando os utilizadores sobre a sua contribução para ambientes marinhos, ameaças e curiosidades com essa interação. A dissertação relata o uso de tecnologias imersivas e aprendizagem móvel, fornecendo informações sobre as BFANs. Três estudos foram conduzidos em diferentes etapas do desenvolvimento da aplicação, em ambientes internos, externos e em praças públicas, estudando: (i) como a Realidade Aumentada pode influenciar os utilizadores, (ii) como o público entende as interações e (iii) quão eficaz é a AR para aprender em espaços públicos. Os estudos revelaram as seguintes respostas: (i) a Realidade Aumentada tem um impacto emocional nos utilizadores que pode ser positivo dependendo do tema abordado. A imersão e a absorção são elementos cruciais, e o ambiente externo, seja com sombra ou não, pode não influenciar significativamente na experiência. (ii) Os infográficos sem textos podem ser entendidos pelo público considerando dois factores: a clareza dos desenhos que representam os dados e o conjunto de conhecimentos da população-alvo. (iii) AR demonstra resultados positivos na educação dos utilizadores sobre as Baleias Francas do Atlântico Norte em espaços públicos.

2022-11-18Master thesis

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Public perceptions, knowledge, responsibilities, and behavior intentions on marine litter: Identifying profiles of small oceanic islands inhabitants

Publication . Bettencourt, Sara; Freitas, Diogo Nuno; Costa, Sónia; Caeiro, Sandra

Marine litter is a global threat, particularly on oceanic islands where the problem is exacerbated. Perceptions, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards the theme are crucial in its mitigation and prevention. This study assessed these points through a questionnaire to the inhabitants of a Portuguese archipelago. Data revealed that people associate marine litter with plastic and its impacts and are well informed about its sources and pathways. Yet, the degradation rates of marine items were frequently underestimated and the problem of marine litter was attributed, among others, to littering, single-use products, and excessive packaging. Some individuals did not consider themselves responsible for reducing marine litter, attributing responsibilities to third parties. The youngest group, men, and students were the ones who reported less litter-reducing intentions and behaviors. Distinct profiles were traced using the questionnaire’s answers, highlighting who needs marine litter literacy. Individuals who do not consider marine litter a current threat and live in a community that does not care about marine litter (profiles 1 and 2) were the groups that needed deeper intervention, due to their low perception and understanding of the problem. Marine litter literacy, management, and governance measures are necessary so that the public recognizes marine litter as a current threat, is worried about its impacts, avoids plastic use, and choses re-useable products (profile 4). In the studied oceanic islands, results indicated marine litter is not fully perceived by the public. A global and transformative shift in the way people are educated and behave towards waste and pollution is required, thereby highlighting the importance of increasing public perceptions assessment and marine litter literacy in the society.

2023Journal article

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Interactive geodesic structures for attracting wider audience to marine concerns

Publication . Abreu, Pedro Miguel Cabral; Radeta, Marko

Recent surveys indicate that there is a greater emotional disconnect between the European population and Europe’s aquatic environments [1]. Although a wider audience recognizes anthropogenic issues (i.e. litter pollution, overfishing, noise pollution, etc) where most people can feel connected to nature, however, they do not exhibit pro-environmental behaviors towards them. Interactive environ ments, which depict marine concerns, remain passive and informative, i.e. not being able to engage with the audience, failing to provide a long-term positive effect. This thesis explores the usage of geodesic structures in depicting marine concerns, exploring possible interactive environments among them in effort to increase the awareness of marine concerns. Dissertation performs five geodesic dome iterations and validations. In first, it studies the role of the open and porous geodesic structure, resembled as four marine species (seabird, sea turtle, dolphin and whale). In second, it enhances the first with the covers, studying more immersive experiences. Third setup contributed to the scaling-down of the geodesic dome marine species. Fourth setup showcased its deployment in wider public spaces. Fifth setup streamlined further the structures, so they can be used at diverse public spots. Two additional Augmented Reality modalites were used, with the former with interaction with the sea turtle and the latter, interacting with the whale.

2023-01-26Master thesis

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