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Projeto de investigação
Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network
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Publicações
Phthalates as plastic tracers in a pelagic food web from an open oceanic environment
Publication . Sambolino, Annalisa; Cordeiro, Nereida Maria Abano; Kaufmann, Manfred Josef; Dinis, Ana Margarida Brites Caetano
A investigação científica nas ciências ambientais e biológicas preocupa-se cada vez
mais dos efeitos adversos das atividades humanas. A poluição por plásticos tem recebido
atenção global devido ao seu evidente impacto ambiental, especialmente nos ecossistemas
marinhos. Os microplásticos (MPs), definidos como partículas de plástico com menos de 5
mm, são de particular preocupação devido à sua persistência e capacidade de se infiltrar nas
cadeias alimentares. No entanto, o ambiente pelágico continua a ser um dos ambientes menos
explorados e mais desafiantes para estudar. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a
presença de microplásticos numa cadeia alimentar pelágica num ecossistema oceânico,
examinando em simultâneo a ocorrência de aditivos plásticos, especificamente os ftalatos
(PAEs), como potenciais “tracers”. A amostragem ao longo de um ano das águas superficiais
ao redor de uma ilha oceânica revelou uma presença consistente de MPs, especialmente
microfibras, com flutuações sazonais significativas na razão entre MPs e zooplâncton. A análise
do conteúdo estomacal das espécies de peixes pelágicos e lulas mais prevalentes que habitam
estas águas confirmou que a maioria dos indivíduos ingeriu MPs, e foi observada uma
correlação entre a abundância de MPs e a concentração de PAEs, particularmente DIBP (di isobutyl phthalate), nos seus tecidos. A análise de PAEs em amostras de biópsia de cetáceos
que se alimentam destas presas, revelou uma presença persistente e alarmantemente elevada
destes aditivos plásticos. Isso sugere uma exposição crônica e duradoura, provavelmente por
meio de transferência trófica. A utilização de indicadores indiretos, como os aditivos plásticos,
revela-se de grande importância em ambientes de difícil acesso e investigação, especialmente
ao estudar animais protegidos, como a megafauna marinha, na qual as amostras são limitadas
e de difícil obtenção. Neste estudo, foram desenvolvidas e validadas metodologias inovadoras
para a deteção e quantificação de PAEs em biota marinho. A deteção de MPs e PAEs em vários níveis desta teia trófica oceanopelágica destaca a presença generalizada destes contaminantes
antropogénicos mesmo em regiões oceânicas remotas.
Microplastic ingestion and plastic additive detection in pelagic squid and fish: implications for bioindicators and plastic tracers in open oceanic food webs
Publication . Sambolino, Annalisa; Iniguez, Eva; Herrera, Inma; Kaufmann, Manfred ; Dinis, Ana; Cordeiro, Nereida ; Sambolino, Annalisa; Iñiguez Santamaría, Eva; Kaufmann, Manfred; cordeiro, nereida
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in the ocean represents a potential threat to marine organisms, with
poorly understood long-term adverse effects, including exposure to plastic additives. The present study investigated
the ingestion of MPs in two epipelagic fish species (Trachurus picturatus and Scomber colias) and three pelagic squid spe cies (Loligo vulgaris, Ommastrephes caroli and Sthenoteuthis pteropus) from an open oceanic region of the Northeast Atlan tic. Seven phthalate esters (PAEs) were also analysed in the organisms' tissue, and the potential correlation between
PAEs concentrations and ingested MPs was investigated. Seventy-two fish and 20 squid specimens were collected
and analysed. MPs were found in the digestive tract of all species and in the squid species' gills and ink sacs. The highest
occurrence of MPs was in the stomach of S. colias (85 %) and the lowest in the stomach and ink sac of O. caroli and
L. vulgaris (12 %). Most of the particles identified (>90 %) were fibres. Among all the ecological and biological factors
considered (dietary preferences, season, body size, total weight, liver weight, hepatosomatic index and gastrosomatic
index), only gastrosomatic index (GSI) and season were significant predictors of MPs ingestion in fish species, with a
greater likelihood of ingestion in the cold season and in specimens with higher GSI values (i.e. higher feeding inten sity). Four PAEs (DEP, DIBP, BBP, DEHP) were detected in all the species analysed, with average ∑PAEs concentrations ranging between 10.31 and 30.86 ng/g (wet weight). DIBP was positively correlated with ingested MPs, suggesting
this compound might represent a “plastic tracer”. This study looks into the problem of MPs ingestion for pelagic species
in an open oceanic region, highlighting the most suitable bioindicators and providing essential insights into the factors
that may influence ingestion rates. Additionally, the detection of PAEs in all species indicates the need for further re search on the contamination sources, the effects of these chemicals on marine organisms, and the potential risks to
human health through seafood consumption.
UV-filters from insular ocean-cities. Impact on the marine sustainability
Publication . Íñiguez Santamaría, Eva; Cordeiro, Nereida Maria Abano; Dinis, Ana Margarida Brites Caetano; Kaufmann , Manfred Josef
Organic ultraviolet filters (oUVFs) are synthetic chemical compounds widely used in industrial
applications and personal care products to protect human skin and materials from solar
radiation. Over recent decades, increasing demand for these products has resulted in a
substantial rise in production and consumption, leading to their release into the environment.
Despite widespread use, information on environmental concentrations, chemical behaviour,
spatial distribution, persistence, and potential adverse effects on marine organisms remains
limited. Consequently, oUVFs are classified as Contaminants of Emerging Concern. Coastal
ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to oUVF contamination due to intensified tourism and
recreational activities, which constitute the main direct input pathways through activities such
as swimming and bathing. Indirect pathways, including wastewater treatment plant effluents,
industrial discharges, and terrestrial runoff, also contribute to inputs to marine environments
and may influence their persistence and distribution. This doctoral thesis investigates the
distribution, accumulation, and persistence of oUVFs, as well as their potential trophic transfer,
using an oceanic island as a representative study scenario. This approach enables the
assessment of oUVF contamination across a spatial gradient from coastal zones to deep-sea
environments and across multiple trophic levels through the analysis of diverse marine
organisms. Results indicate that areas influenced by direct coastal activities exhibit higher
oUVF concentrations than locations affected by indirect sources. Sessile organisms, such as
macroalgae, were particularly vulnerable, displaying elevated concentrations in areas subjected
to higher anthropogenic pressure. Herbivorous species exhibited the highest diversity and
concentrations of oUVFs, consistent with greater exposure and bioaccumulation potential at
lower trophic levels. Similar patterns were observed at higher trophic levels, including pelagic
species such as skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), bathypelagic species such as black
scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo), and deep-diving cetaceans. While sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) showed higher concentrations, resident short-finned pilot whales
(Globicephala macrorhynchus) exhibited a higher frequency of occurrence. Furthermore,
oUVFs were more prevalent in water column compartments characterized by elevated organic
matter, including the surface microlayer associated with zooplankton communities, and the
deep-sea bottom, associated with black scabbardfish habitat. In contrast, highly mobile species
with broad vertical and horizontal distributions showed low or undetectable concentrations.
Among the analyzed compounds, OC, EHS, HMS, BDBDM, and DTS were the most
frequently detected, underscoring their persistence. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the
widespread distribution of oUVFs beyond coastal environments, their impact on commercial
species, and their accumulation in top predators. It also presents the first validated methodology
for detecting oUVFs in marine zooplankton and provides concentration data across multiple
species and habitats, thereby addressing critical knowledge gaps.
Unidades organizacionais
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Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Número da atribuição
LA/P/0069/2020