Editorial: The physiological response of aquatic invertebrates to pollution

Article Biology

A broad-taxa approach as an important concept in ecotoxicological studies and pollution monitoring

Amalia Rosner et al.

Summary: Aquatic invertebrates are important for (eco)toxicological assessments due to their ethical, cost-effective, and repeatable testing options. However, current standardized protocols mainly focus on a limited number of aquatic invertebrate species, limiting the scope of basic ecotoxicological studies. This review emphasizes the need for a broader taxonomic approach and the use of diverse scientific techniques to comprehensively assess the impact of chemicals in aquatic environments.

BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS (2023)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Interactive effects of microplastic pollution and heat stress on reef-building corals

Jessica Reichert et al.

Summary: The study found that, at ambient temperatures, microplastic particles have minor effects on the physiology and health of coral species compared to heat stress. Heat stress had more severe impacts on corals, including decreased photosynthetic efficiency, bleaching, tissue necrosis, and mortality. Therefore, while efforts to reduce plastic pollution are important, more urgent action to address global warming is needed to protect coral reef ecosystems.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (2021)

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Article Biology

Multiple impacts of microplastics can threaten marine habitat-forming species

Cinzia Corinaldesi et al.

Summary: The study found that microplastics have various harmful effects on red corals, including feeding impairment, tissue damage, altered gene expression, oxidative DNA damage, and changes in the microbiome. These diverse effects may be applicable to other habitat-forming suspension and filter feeders due to the increasing levels of microplastic contamination in the world's oceans.

COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY (2021)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Pollution Biomarkers in the Framework of Marine Biodiversity Conservation: State of Art and Perspectives

Maria Giulia Lionetto et al.

Summary: Biomarkers are effective tools for detecting exposure and assessing the impact of pollutants on marine biodiversity. They can be used for monitoring pollution threat in marine environments, especially in protected areas, and for evaluating the health status of endangered species. Further development is needed for omics-based biomarkers, extending biomarker studies to more endangered species, and developing guidelines for conservation policies and management.

WATER (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences