Rosa Freitas | University of Aveiro (original) (raw)
Papers by Rosa Freitas
Sustainability, Aug 24, 2020
Aquatic Toxicology, Sep 1, 2019
A vast variety of substances currently reaches the aquatic environment, including newly developed... more A vast variety of substances currently reaches the aquatic environment, including newly developed chemicals and products. Lack of appropriate analytical methods for trace determinations in aquatic ecosystem compartments and lack of information regarding their toxicity explains existing regulation gaps. However, suspicion of their toxicity assigned them as Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs). Among CECs are Pharmaceuticals including Salicylic Acid (SA), which is the active metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; aspirin). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of SA on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. For this, organisms were exposed for 28 days to different concentrations of SA (0.005; 0.05; 0.5 and 5 mg/L), resembling low to highly polluted sites, after which different physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated to assess organism's respiration rate, neurotoxic, metabolic and oxidative stress status. Our results clearly showed that SA strongly reduced the respiration capacity of mussels. Also, SA inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, but increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), which prevented the occurrence of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Nevertheless, oxidative stress was confirmed by the strong decrease of the ratio between reduce glutathione (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione in contaminated mussels. Moreover, neurotoxicity was observed in mussels exposed to SA. Overall, this study demonstrates the metabolic, neurotoxic and oxidative stress impacts of SA in M. galloprovincialis, which may result in negative consequences at the population level.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e‐waste) is increasing at an alarmin... more The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e‐waste) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. This may eventually lead to its accumulation in aquatic environments, mainly because of the presence of nonbiodegradable components. The rare‐earth element yttrium (Y) is particularly relevant because it is present in a wide variety of electro‐based equipment. Within this context, the present study investigated the biological consequences of anthropogenic Y exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to Y (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/L) for 28 days, and their bioaccumulation and biomarkers related to metabolism, oxidative stress defenses, cellular damage, and neurotoxicity were evaluated. The results revealed that tissue Y content increased at increasing exposure concentrations (though the bioconcentration factor decreased). At the lowest Y dosage (5 µg/L), mussels lowered their electron transport system (ETS) activity, consumed more energy reserves (glycogen), ...
Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum - synonym Venerupis philippinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850) is ... more Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum - synonym Venerupis philippinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850) is one of the most successful marine invaders worldwide and represents almost 20% of worldwide mollusc total production. Originally distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, the species was introduced for aquaculture and fisheries in North America, Polynesia, the US Virgin Islands, as well as in Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe. Due to the commercial value of the species, population genetics and stock composition are of primary importance both in natural and invaded environments. Moreover, molecular genetics can provide valuable data in invasion biology, as, for example, the structure of the exploited populations, the origin of source populations and the routes of invasions. Furthermore, molecular data might be useful for the tracking of seafood products, as requested by the European Commission for European seafood products (see EC laws n° 178/2002, 509/2006, 510/2006 and their imp...
This work presents a simplified map of the spatial distribution of surficial sediments and rock o... more This work presents a simplified map of the spatial distribution of surficial sediments and rock outcrops along the Portuguese continental shelf in ArcGIS format. Nearly 500 samples of soft bottom shelf sediments were collected in the scope of several research projects and analyzed for grain-size. Based on the raw grain-size data, the samples were classified according to a modified version of the Folk classification system and used to create a new sediment distribution map and develop an easy-to-use GIS interface Preliminary map preparation involved scanning, georeferencing and digitizing of pre-existing base maps from the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute (I1985, 1986, 2005, 2010) and harmonization with other published and non-published cartographic information. Grain-size analysis was performed using dry and wet sieving following the procedure described by Quintino et al. (1989). Raw grain-size data were expressed as weight percentages and classified according to a modified version...
Environmental Research, 2021
Coastal organisms (i.e. intertidal or upper subtidal species) live in between the 27 terrestrial ... more Coastal organisms (i.e. intertidal or upper subtidal species) live in between the 27 terrestrial and aquatic realms, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change. In this 28 context, intertidal organisms may suffer from the predicted sea level rise (increasing their 29 submerged time) while subtidal organisms may suffer from anthropically-induced hypoxia and its consequences. Although there is some knowledge on how coastal organisms adapt to 31 environmental changes, the biochemical and physiological consequences of prolonged 32 submergence periods have not yet been well characterized. Thus, the present study aimed to 33 assess the biochemical alterations experienced by intertidal organisms maintained always 34 under tidal exposure (IT); intertidal organisms maintained submersed (IS); subtidal organisms 35 maintained always submersed (SS); subtidal organisms under tidal exposure (ST). For this, 36 Mytilus galloprovincialis specimens from contiguous intertidal and subtidal populations were 37 exposed to the above mentioned conditions for twenty-eight days. Results indicated that both 38 IT and ST mussels adapted to the oxidative stress pressure caused by tidal and submerged 39 conditions tested. Intertidal mussels did not seem to be negatively affected by submergence 40 while ST specimens were energetically challenged by tidal exposure. Both IT and ST mussels 41 consumed glycogen to fuel up mechanisms aiming to maintain redox homeostasis. Overall, 42 both intertidal and subtidal populations were capable of coping with tidal exposure, although 43 the strategies employed differed between them. These findings indicate that although IT 44 mussels may not significantly suffer from the longer-term submergence, hypoxic events 45 occurring in the context of global warming and other anthropogenic impacts may have 46 consequences on both IT and ST populations. Altogether, it is important to highlight that tides 47 may act as a confounding factor in experiments concerning coastal organisms, as it causes 48 additional physiological and biochemical perturbations.
Water, 2020
Marine organisms are frequently exposed to pollutants, including trace metals, derived from natur... more Marine organisms are frequently exposed to pollutants, including trace metals, derived from natural and anthropogenic activities. In order to prevent environmental pollution, different approaches have been applied to remove pollutants from waste water and avoid their discharge into aquatic systems. However, organisms in their natural aquatic environments are also exposed to physico-chemical changes derived from climate change-related factors, including temperature increase. According to recent studies, warming has a negative impact on marine wildlife, with known effects on organisms physiological and biochemical performance. Recently, a material based on graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) proved to be effective in the remediation of mercury (Hg) contaminated water. Nevertheless, no information is available on the toxic impacts of such remediated water towards aquatic systems, neither under actual nor predicted temperature conditions. For this, the presen...
Sustainability, 2020
Ultraviolet (UV) filters are present in a broad range of personal hygiene products, which may be ... more Ultraviolet (UV) filters are present in a broad range of personal hygiene products, which may be transported via aquatic environments and domestic wastewaters due to inefficient treating station sewage removal and direct human contact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of a UV filter, in particular benzophenone-3 (BP3) (also known as oxybenzone) on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to this organic substance for 96 h in environmentally relevant concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 ng/L). After exposure, biomarkers related with the mussels’ metabolism and oxidative stress were evaluated. The results revealed significantly higher activity of electron transport system and energy reserves (glycogen and protein (PROT)) at the intermediate concentration of 100 ng/L, suggesting that at lower concentrations mussels’ metabolism was not activated due to low stress. Conversely, at the highest concentration (1000 ng/L), mussels were ...
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2020
Environmental Pollution, 2020
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2020
The present study aimed to comparatively assess the effects caused by a non-steroidal inflammator... more The present study aimed to comparatively assess the effects caused by a non-steroidal inflammatory drug Diclofenac (DIC) in the clams Ruditapes philippinarum and Ruditapes decussatus and evaluate if these impacts were influenced by pH and temperature. Organisms were acclimated for 30 days at two different temperature and pH (control conditions: pH 8.1, 17ºC; climate change forecasted scenario: pH 7.7, 20ºC) in the absence of drugs (experimental period I) followed by a 7 days exposure under the same water physical parameters but in absence or presence of the pharmaceutical drug (at 1 µg/L, experimental period II). Biochemical responses covering metabolic capacity, oxidative stress and damage-related biomarkers were contrasted in clams at the end of the second experimental period. The results showed that under actual conditions, R. philippinarum individuals exposed to DIC presented enhanced antioxidant activities and reduced their respiration rate compared with non-contaminated clams. When exposed to the predicted climate change conditions, a similar response was observed in contaminated clams, but in this case clams increased their metabolic activities probably to fight the stress caused by the combination of both stressors. When R. decussatus was exposed to DIC, even at actual pH and temperature conditions, their antioxidant defences were also elevated but their baseline enzymatic activities were also higher in respect to R. philippinarum. Although both clams may use different strategies to prevent DIC damage, both clam species showed under low pH and high temperature limited oxidative stress impacts in line with a lower DIC bioaccumulation.
Marine Environmental Research, 2019
Science of The Total Environment, 2019
h i g h l i g h t s Mytilus galloprovincialis bioaccumulated titanium regardless the TiO 2 form. ... more h i g h l i g h t s Mytilus galloprovincialis bioaccumulated titanium regardless the TiO 2 form. Both forms of TiO 2 induced histopathological alterations in mussels. Higher oxidative stress was observed in mussels exposed to anatase. Neurotoxicity was induced by both forms of TiO 2 .
Environmental Research, 2019
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Environmental Pollution, 2019
In the present study Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were exposed for days to three salinities:... more In the present study Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were exposed for days to three salinities: 30 (control), 25 and 35. Simultaneously, organisms at each salinity were exposed to either the antimicrobial agent Triclosan (TCS) or the pharmaceutical drug Diclofenac (DIC) at 1 µg/L. Salinity alone and exposure to PPCPs exposures changed mussel's metabolic capacity and oxidative status, but no additive or synergetic effects resulting from the combined exposure to different stressors were observed. Overall the metabolic capacity of mussels was decreased when exposed to TCS and DIC under control salinity, which was less pronounced at salinities out of the control level. TCS had a notorious effect over glutathione peroxidase activity while DIC exposure enhanced catalase response. Such defence mechanisms were able to prevent cellular damage but still a clear reduction in GSH/GSSG ratio after PPCPs exposures indicates oxidative stress which could compromise bivalve's performance to further stressing events.
Environmental Research, 2019
Science of The Total Environment, 2019
Environmental research, 2018
Environmental hypercapnia in shallow coastal marine ecosystems can be exacerbated by increasing l... more Environmental hypercapnia in shallow coastal marine ecosystems can be exacerbated by increasing levels of atmospheric CO2. In these ecosystems organisms are expected to become increasingly subjected to pCO2 levels several times higher than those inhabiting ocean waters (e.g.: 10,000µatm), but still our current understanding on different species capacity to respond to such levels of hypercapnia is limited. Oysters are among the most important foundation species inhabiting these coastal ecosystems, although natural oyster banks are increasingly threatened worldwide. In the present study we studied the effects of hypercapnia on two important oyster species, the pacific oyster C. gigas and the mangrove oyster C. brasiliana, to bring new insights on different species response mechanisms towards three hypercapnic levels (ca. 1,000; 4,000; 10,000 µatm), by study of a set of biomarkers related to metabolic potential (electron transport system - ETS), antioxidant capacity (SOD, CAT, GSH), ce...
Journal of invertebrate pathology, Sep 1, 2017
Bivalve populations are controlled by several biotic and abiotic factors. Parasitism is among the... more Bivalve populations are controlled by several biotic and abiotic factors. Parasitism is among the biotic factors but is often neglected. In the present study, we focused on the transcriptomic and biochemical responses of Cerastoderma edule when parasitized as first intermediate host by the trematode Bucephalus minimus (sporocyst, the most damaging stage), and taking into account seasonal patterns. In order to test the hypothesis that the presence of B. minimus compromises cockle regular gene expression and biochemical performance and increases their vulnerability to other parasite species infection, cockles were sampled every other month during one year in Arcachon Bay (French Atlantic coast). Overall, results showed that B. minimus induced its first intermediate host defence mechanism against oxidative stress (mainly at gene level), increased host metabolism and energy demand especially in summer (revealed at both gene and biochemical level, although without significant differences...
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2017
The increase of temperature in marine coastal ecosystems due to atmospheric greenhouse gas emissi... more The increase of temperature in marine coastal ecosystems due to atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions is becoming an increasing threat for biodiversity worldwide, and may affect organisms' biochemical performance, often resulting in biogeographical shifts of species distribution. At the same time, the introduction of non-native species into aquatic systems also threatens biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Oysters are among the most valuable socio economic group of bivalve species in global fishery landings, and also provide numerous ecosystem services. However, the introduction of non-native oyster species, namely Crassostrea gigas for aquaculture purposes may threaten native oyster species, mainly by out competing their native congeners. It is therefore of upmost importance to understand physiological and biochemical responses of native and introduced oyster species in a scenario of global temperature rise, in order to provide knowledge that may allow for better species manag...
Sustainability, Aug 24, 2020
Aquatic Toxicology, Sep 1, 2019
A vast variety of substances currently reaches the aquatic environment, including newly developed... more A vast variety of substances currently reaches the aquatic environment, including newly developed chemicals and products. Lack of appropriate analytical methods for trace determinations in aquatic ecosystem compartments and lack of information regarding their toxicity explains existing regulation gaps. However, suspicion of their toxicity assigned them as Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs). Among CECs are Pharmaceuticals including Salicylic Acid (SA), which is the active metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; aspirin). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of SA on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. For this, organisms were exposed for 28 days to different concentrations of SA (0.005; 0.05; 0.5 and 5 mg/L), resembling low to highly polluted sites, after which different physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated to assess organism's respiration rate, neurotoxic, metabolic and oxidative stress status. Our results clearly showed that SA strongly reduced the respiration capacity of mussels. Also, SA inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, but increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), which prevented the occurrence of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Nevertheless, oxidative stress was confirmed by the strong decrease of the ratio between reduce glutathione (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione in contaminated mussels. Moreover, neurotoxicity was observed in mussels exposed to SA. Overall, this study demonstrates the metabolic, neurotoxic and oxidative stress impacts of SA in M. galloprovincialis, which may result in negative consequences at the population level.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e‐waste) is increasing at an alarmin... more The production of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e‐waste) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. This may eventually lead to its accumulation in aquatic environments, mainly because of the presence of nonbiodegradable components. The rare‐earth element yttrium (Y) is particularly relevant because it is present in a wide variety of electro‐based equipment. Within this context, the present study investigated the biological consequences of anthropogenic Y exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to Y (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μg/L) for 28 days, and their bioaccumulation and biomarkers related to metabolism, oxidative stress defenses, cellular damage, and neurotoxicity were evaluated. The results revealed that tissue Y content increased at increasing exposure concentrations (though the bioconcentration factor decreased). At the lowest Y dosage (5 µg/L), mussels lowered their electron transport system (ETS) activity, consumed more energy reserves (glycogen), ...
Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum - synonym Venerupis philippinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850) is ... more Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum - synonym Venerupis philippinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850) is one of the most successful marine invaders worldwide and represents almost 20% of worldwide mollusc total production. Originally distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, the species was introduced for aquaculture and fisheries in North America, Polynesia, the US Virgin Islands, as well as in Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe. Due to the commercial value of the species, population genetics and stock composition are of primary importance both in natural and invaded environments. Moreover, molecular genetics can provide valuable data in invasion biology, as, for example, the structure of the exploited populations, the origin of source populations and the routes of invasions. Furthermore, molecular data might be useful for the tracking of seafood products, as requested by the European Commission for European seafood products (see EC laws n° 178/2002, 509/2006, 510/2006 and their imp...
This work presents a simplified map of the spatial distribution of surficial sediments and rock o... more This work presents a simplified map of the spatial distribution of surficial sediments and rock outcrops along the Portuguese continental shelf in ArcGIS format. Nearly 500 samples of soft bottom shelf sediments were collected in the scope of several research projects and analyzed for grain-size. Based on the raw grain-size data, the samples were classified according to a modified version of the Folk classification system and used to create a new sediment distribution map and develop an easy-to-use GIS interface Preliminary map preparation involved scanning, georeferencing and digitizing of pre-existing base maps from the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute (I1985, 1986, 2005, 2010) and harmonization with other published and non-published cartographic information. Grain-size analysis was performed using dry and wet sieving following the procedure described by Quintino et al. (1989). Raw grain-size data were expressed as weight percentages and classified according to a modified version...
Environmental Research, 2021
Coastal organisms (i.e. intertidal or upper subtidal species) live in between the 27 terrestrial ... more Coastal organisms (i.e. intertidal or upper subtidal species) live in between the 27 terrestrial and aquatic realms, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change. In this 28 context, intertidal organisms may suffer from the predicted sea level rise (increasing their 29 submerged time) while subtidal organisms may suffer from anthropically-induced hypoxia and its consequences. Although there is some knowledge on how coastal organisms adapt to 31 environmental changes, the biochemical and physiological consequences of prolonged 32 submergence periods have not yet been well characterized. Thus, the present study aimed to 33 assess the biochemical alterations experienced by intertidal organisms maintained always 34 under tidal exposure (IT); intertidal organisms maintained submersed (IS); subtidal organisms 35 maintained always submersed (SS); subtidal organisms under tidal exposure (ST). For this, 36 Mytilus galloprovincialis specimens from contiguous intertidal and subtidal populations were 37 exposed to the above mentioned conditions for twenty-eight days. Results indicated that both 38 IT and ST mussels adapted to the oxidative stress pressure caused by tidal and submerged 39 conditions tested. Intertidal mussels did not seem to be negatively affected by submergence 40 while ST specimens were energetically challenged by tidal exposure. Both IT and ST mussels 41 consumed glycogen to fuel up mechanisms aiming to maintain redox homeostasis. Overall, 42 both intertidal and subtidal populations were capable of coping with tidal exposure, although 43 the strategies employed differed between them. These findings indicate that although IT 44 mussels may not significantly suffer from the longer-term submergence, hypoxic events 45 occurring in the context of global warming and other anthropogenic impacts may have 46 consequences on both IT and ST populations. Altogether, it is important to highlight that tides 47 may act as a confounding factor in experiments concerning coastal organisms, as it causes 48 additional physiological and biochemical perturbations.
Water, 2020
Marine organisms are frequently exposed to pollutants, including trace metals, derived from natur... more Marine organisms are frequently exposed to pollutants, including trace metals, derived from natural and anthropogenic activities. In order to prevent environmental pollution, different approaches have been applied to remove pollutants from waste water and avoid their discharge into aquatic systems. However, organisms in their natural aquatic environments are also exposed to physico-chemical changes derived from climate change-related factors, including temperature increase. According to recent studies, warming has a negative impact on marine wildlife, with known effects on organisms physiological and biochemical performance. Recently, a material based on graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) proved to be effective in the remediation of mercury (Hg) contaminated water. Nevertheless, no information is available on the toxic impacts of such remediated water towards aquatic systems, neither under actual nor predicted temperature conditions. For this, the presen...
Sustainability, 2020
Ultraviolet (UV) filters are present in a broad range of personal hygiene products, which may be ... more Ultraviolet (UV) filters are present in a broad range of personal hygiene products, which may be transported via aquatic environments and domestic wastewaters due to inefficient treating station sewage removal and direct human contact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of a UV filter, in particular benzophenone-3 (BP3) (also known as oxybenzone) on the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis. Mussels were exposed to this organic substance for 96 h in environmentally relevant concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 ng/L). After exposure, biomarkers related with the mussels’ metabolism and oxidative stress were evaluated. The results revealed significantly higher activity of electron transport system and energy reserves (glycogen and protein (PROT)) at the intermediate concentration of 100 ng/L, suggesting that at lower concentrations mussels’ metabolism was not activated due to low stress. Conversely, at the highest concentration (1000 ng/L), mussels were ...
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2020
Environmental Pollution, 2020
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2020
The present study aimed to comparatively assess the effects caused by a non-steroidal inflammator... more The present study aimed to comparatively assess the effects caused by a non-steroidal inflammatory drug Diclofenac (DIC) in the clams Ruditapes philippinarum and Ruditapes decussatus and evaluate if these impacts were influenced by pH and temperature. Organisms were acclimated for 30 days at two different temperature and pH (control conditions: pH 8.1, 17ºC; climate change forecasted scenario: pH 7.7, 20ºC) in the absence of drugs (experimental period I) followed by a 7 days exposure under the same water physical parameters but in absence or presence of the pharmaceutical drug (at 1 µg/L, experimental period II). Biochemical responses covering metabolic capacity, oxidative stress and damage-related biomarkers were contrasted in clams at the end of the second experimental period. The results showed that under actual conditions, R. philippinarum individuals exposed to DIC presented enhanced antioxidant activities and reduced their respiration rate compared with non-contaminated clams. When exposed to the predicted climate change conditions, a similar response was observed in contaminated clams, but in this case clams increased their metabolic activities probably to fight the stress caused by the combination of both stressors. When R. decussatus was exposed to DIC, even at actual pH and temperature conditions, their antioxidant defences were also elevated but their baseline enzymatic activities were also higher in respect to R. philippinarum. Although both clams may use different strategies to prevent DIC damage, both clam species showed under low pH and high temperature limited oxidative stress impacts in line with a lower DIC bioaccumulation.
Marine Environmental Research, 2019
Science of The Total Environment, 2019
h i g h l i g h t s Mytilus galloprovincialis bioaccumulated titanium regardless the TiO 2 form. ... more h i g h l i g h t s Mytilus galloprovincialis bioaccumulated titanium regardless the TiO 2 form. Both forms of TiO 2 induced histopathological alterations in mussels. Higher oxidative stress was observed in mussels exposed to anatase. Neurotoxicity was induced by both forms of TiO 2 .
Environmental Research, 2019
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Environmental Pollution, 2019
In the present study Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were exposed for days to three salinities:... more In the present study Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels were exposed for days to three salinities: 30 (control), 25 and 35. Simultaneously, organisms at each salinity were exposed to either the antimicrobial agent Triclosan (TCS) or the pharmaceutical drug Diclofenac (DIC) at 1 µg/L. Salinity alone and exposure to PPCPs exposures changed mussel's metabolic capacity and oxidative status, but no additive or synergetic effects resulting from the combined exposure to different stressors were observed. Overall the metabolic capacity of mussels was decreased when exposed to TCS and DIC under control salinity, which was less pronounced at salinities out of the control level. TCS had a notorious effect over glutathione peroxidase activity while DIC exposure enhanced catalase response. Such defence mechanisms were able to prevent cellular damage but still a clear reduction in GSH/GSSG ratio after PPCPs exposures indicates oxidative stress which could compromise bivalve's performance to further stressing events.
Environmental Research, 2019
Science of The Total Environment, 2019
Environmental research, 2018
Environmental hypercapnia in shallow coastal marine ecosystems can be exacerbated by increasing l... more Environmental hypercapnia in shallow coastal marine ecosystems can be exacerbated by increasing levels of atmospheric CO2. In these ecosystems organisms are expected to become increasingly subjected to pCO2 levels several times higher than those inhabiting ocean waters (e.g.: 10,000µatm), but still our current understanding on different species capacity to respond to such levels of hypercapnia is limited. Oysters are among the most important foundation species inhabiting these coastal ecosystems, although natural oyster banks are increasingly threatened worldwide. In the present study we studied the effects of hypercapnia on two important oyster species, the pacific oyster C. gigas and the mangrove oyster C. brasiliana, to bring new insights on different species response mechanisms towards three hypercapnic levels (ca. 1,000; 4,000; 10,000 µatm), by study of a set of biomarkers related to metabolic potential (electron transport system - ETS), antioxidant capacity (SOD, CAT, GSH), ce...
Journal of invertebrate pathology, Sep 1, 2017
Bivalve populations are controlled by several biotic and abiotic factors. Parasitism is among the... more Bivalve populations are controlled by several biotic and abiotic factors. Parasitism is among the biotic factors but is often neglected. In the present study, we focused on the transcriptomic and biochemical responses of Cerastoderma edule when parasitized as first intermediate host by the trematode Bucephalus minimus (sporocyst, the most damaging stage), and taking into account seasonal patterns. In order to test the hypothesis that the presence of B. minimus compromises cockle regular gene expression and biochemical performance and increases their vulnerability to other parasite species infection, cockles were sampled every other month during one year in Arcachon Bay (French Atlantic coast). Overall, results showed that B. minimus induced its first intermediate host defence mechanism against oxidative stress (mainly at gene level), increased host metabolism and energy demand especially in summer (revealed at both gene and biochemical level, although without significant differences...
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2017
The increase of temperature in marine coastal ecosystems due to atmospheric greenhouse gas emissi... more The increase of temperature in marine coastal ecosystems due to atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions is becoming an increasing threat for biodiversity worldwide, and may affect organisms' biochemical performance, often resulting in biogeographical shifts of species distribution. At the same time, the introduction of non-native species into aquatic systems also threatens biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Oysters are among the most valuable socio economic group of bivalve species in global fishery landings, and also provide numerous ecosystem services. However, the introduction of non-native oyster species, namely Crassostrea gigas for aquaculture purposes may threaten native oyster species, mainly by out competing their native congeners. It is therefore of upmost importance to understand physiological and biochemical responses of native and introduced oyster species in a scenario of global temperature rise, in order to provide knowledge that may allow for better species manag...