Combined exposure of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microplastics and global warming affects the population dynamics of a coastal copepod.

Microplastics induce ecotoxicological effects on coastal and estuarine organisms, but their combined effects with other environmental stressors such as climate change are poorly understood. The goal of the present work was to assess the combined effects of microplastics and water warming on the benthic copepod Nitokra spinipes at individual-level and to estimate population effects. Nitokra spinipes were exposed to Poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) microbeads (5 μm) at 0, 0.

Ocean for Health: A Transdisciplinary Framework to Accelerate Research on Ocean-Human Health Connections.

The ocean has an important impact on human health. Observational studies suggest that ocean-related stimuli can improve human health, but there is limited research investigating the underlying mechanistic and epidemiological principles. Research on the interactions between the ocean and human health remains fragmented, leading to a patchy understanding of these complex connections.

Temperature and salinity affect growth and toxin content of cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (PCC 7806) in estuarine environments.

Microcystis aeruginosa is considered a harmful cyanobacterial species due to its ability to produce microcystins (MCs) and its increasing prevalence in estuarine environments. While previous studies have demonstrated the effects of individual environmental factors on either growth or toxin content of M. aeruginosa, potential interactive effects and resulting changes in its toxicity remain unclear.

Quantitative approach for assessing risks and benefits to the supply of ecosystem services in response to human activities.

Escalating human activities threaten ecosystems and the benefits they provide, known as ecosystem services (ES). Despite the recognized importance of ES for both ecological health and human well-being, integrated methods for evaluating ES within decision-making frameworks remain limited. Current environmental assessments, such as ecological risk assessment (ERA), typically focus on risks to specific endpoints such as survival, growth and reproduction of test species without capturing broader ecosystem risks and benefits.

Cellular and tissue-level responses of mussels (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastic particles.

Micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) are pollutants of global concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and associated risks. Laboratory studies, however, have predominantly focused on pristine MNPs, which do not adequately reflect the characteristics of environmental plastic debris. To address this gap, this study investigated the cellular and tissue-level responses of mussels (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MNPs (diameter 600 nm to 3.

Evaluating the toxicity of sea-dumped conventional and chemical munition degradation products to fish and human cells using a combination of cell viability assays.

The disposal of munitions in marine coastal areas after World Wars I and II has raised significant concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. This study investigates the acute cytotoxicity of munition-related chemicals commonly detected near marine dumpsites, focusing on degradation products of explosives and related compounds (E&RC) and degradation products of chemical warfare agents and related compounds (CWA&RC). The research examines three CWA&RC (1,4-oxathiane, 1,4-dithiane, thiodiglycol) and four E&RC (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, tetryl, 1,3-dinitrobenzene, picric acid) using the RTgill-W1 cell line (rainbow trout gill cells) as a proxy for fish toxicity and human cell lines (Caco2 and HepG2) to model potential human exposure via contaminated seafood.

Visualization of labeled micro- and nanoplastics in interaction with algae, using super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging.

In contrast to microplastics, studying the interactions of nanoplastics (NPs) with primary producers such as marine microalgae remains challenging. This is attributed to the lack of adequate visualization methods that can distinguish NPs from autofluorescent biological material such as marine algae. The aim of this study was to develop a method for labeling and visualizing nonfluorescent micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) of various polymer types, shapes, and sizes, in interaction with marine primary producers, which are autofluorescent.

Exploring seasonal dynamics of sea spray aerosol bioactivity: Insights into molecular effects on human bronchial epithelial cells.

Sea spray aerosol (SSA) is a complex mixture of natural substances that can be inhaled by coastal residents. Previous studies have suggested that SSA may have positive effects on human health, but the molecular mechanisms and the factors influencing these effects are poorly understood. In this study, we exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) to natural SSA samples, collected monthly using quartz microfiber filters mounted on tripods within 15 m of the waterline, with air drawn through pumps, throughout a one-year period at the Ostend coast, Belgium, and measured cellular gene expression changes using RNA sequencing.

Seasonal dynamics of bacterial community structure and function in the surf zone seawater of a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium.

Despite the importance of bacteria in surf zone water quality, detailed insights into their community composition, functions, and seasonal dynamics at recreational beaches are scarce. This study conducted year-long, weekly monitoring of bacterial communities and environmental factors at a recreational beach in Ostend, Belgium. Using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we correlated bacterial composition and predicted functions with environmental factors to identify potential drivers.

Differential sensitivity of hemocyte subpopulations (Mytilus edulis) to aged polyethylene terephthalate micro- and nanoplastic particles.

Bivalve hemocytes, particularly granulocytes and hyalinocytes, play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity. However, their interactions with aged plastic particles, exhibiting altered properties that more closely resemble those in natural environments, remain largely underexplored. This study assesses the differential responses of hemocyte subpopulations (Mytilus edulis) to chemically aged polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastic (MPs) and nanoplastic (NPs) particles across multiple cellular effect endpoints.

The D*Phase-study: Comparing short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy for major depressive disorder in a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial.

Background: Given both the large volume and manifold preferences of patients with depression, the availability of various effective treatments is important. Psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) has received less research in comparison to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to establish whether short-term psychodynamic supportive psychotherapy (SPSP) is non-inferior to CBT in the treatment of MDD.

Temperature dependent sensitivity of the harpacticoid copepod Nitokra spinipes to marine algal toxins.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) - proliferated algae densities, often producing toxins - have increasingly been found in ocean and coastal areas. Recent studies show that rising temperatures contribute to HAB occurrence, but the broader influence of climate change on these outbreaks is less quantified. Of particular concern is the limited research on HAB toxin effects under varying temperatures, especially regarding primary consumers such as copepods, a crucial component of aquatic ecosystems.

Health risks associated with the consumption of sea turtles: A review of chelonitoxism incidents and the presumed responsible phycotoxins.

Consuming the meat of some marine turtles can lead to a specific type of seafood poisoning known as chelonitoxism. A recent poisoning event (March 2024) on the Tanzanian island Pemba, resulting in the death of 9 people and hospitalization of 78 others, underscores the need to obtain an up to date overview and understanding of chelonitoxism. Here, we document a global overview of poisoning incidents resulting from the consumption of sea turtle flesh worldwide.

Impact of weathered and virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastics on growth dynamics and the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of microalgae.

The ever-increasing plastic waste accumulation in the marine environment necessitates a deeper understanding of microalgae interactions with micro- and nanoplastics (MNP), and the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS, known for its adhesive properties and produced as an algal stress response, may facilitate aggregation of both algae and MNPs, thereby impacting ecological and hydrodynamic processes such as the trophic transfer or vertical transport of MNPs. Moreover, gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of weathering processes on the potential toxicological effects of plastic particles, and the comparative significance of plastic-specific effects relative to those of naturally occurring particles such as kaolin clay, is imperative.

Towards reliable data: Validation of a machine learning-based approach for microplastics analysis in marine organisms using Nile red staining.

Microplastic (MP) research faces challenges due to costly, time-consuming, and error-prone analysis techniques. Additionally, the variability in data quality across studies limits their comparability. This study addresses the critical need for reliable and cost-effective MP analysis methods through validation of a semi-automated workflow, where environmentally relevant MP were spiked into and recovered from marine fish gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) and blue mussel tissue, using Nile red staining and machine learning automated analysis of different polymers.

Probing Long-Term Impacts: Low-Dose Polystyrene Nanoplastics Exacerbate Mitochondrial Health and Evoke Secondary Glycolysis via Repeated and Single Dosing.

Nanoplastics (NPs) are omnipresent in the environment and contribute to human exposure. However, little is known regarding the long-term effects of NPs on human health. In this study, human intestinal Caco-2 cells were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (nanoPS) in an environmentally relevant concentration range (10-10 particles/mL) under two realistic exposure scenarios.

Aerosolization of micro- and nanoplastics via sea spray: Investigating the role of polymer type, size, and concentration, and potential implications for human exposure.

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can enter the atmosphere via sea spray aerosols (SSAs), but the effects of plastic characteristics on the aerosolization process are unclear. Furthermore, the importance of the transport of MNPs via these SSAs as a possible new exposure route for human health remains unknown. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to examine if a selection of factors affects aerosolization processes of MNPs, and (2) to estimate human exposure to MNPs via aerosols inhalation.

The immunostimulatory activity of sea spray aerosols: bacteria and endotoxins activate TLR4, TLR2/6, NF-κB and IRF in human cells.

Frequent exposure to sea spray aerosols (SSA) containing marine microorganisms and bioactive compounds may influence human health. However, little is known about potential immunostimulation by SSA exposure. This study focuses on the effects of marine bacteria and endotoxins in SSA on several receptors and transcription factors known to play a key role in the human innate immune system.

Contribution of combined stressors on density and gene expression dynamics of the copepod Temora longicornis in the North Sea.

The impact of multiple environmental and anthropogenic stressors on the marine environment remains poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the contribution of environmental variables to the densities and gene expression of the dominant zooplankton species in the Belgian part of the North Sea, the calanoid copepod Temora longicornis. We observed a reduced density of copepods, which were also smaller in size, in samples taken from nearshore locations when compared to those obtained from offshore stations.

Microplastic-specific biofilm growth determines the vertical transport of plastics in freshwater.

Understanding the sinking behavior of microplastics in freshwater is essential for assessing their environmental impact, guiding research efforts, and formulating effective policies to mitigate plastic pollution. Sinking behavior is a complex process driven by plastic density, environmental factors and particle characteristics. Moreover, the growth of biological entities on the plastic surface can affect the total density of the microplastics and thus influence the sinking behavior.

Assessing the risk of booster biocides for the marine environment: A case study at the Belgian part of the North Sea.

The biofouling of submerged surfaces such as ship hulls is often prevented by using anti-fouling components in combination with booster biocides. These booster biocides enter the water column and may affect non-target organisms. Although different negative effects have been associated with the use of booster biocides, their effects on non-target organisms are often unknown.

Bioenergetic effects of pristine and ultraviolet-weathered polydisperse polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene nanoplastics on human intestinal Caco-2 cells.

The ubiquitous human exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) increasingly raises concerns regarding impact on our health. However, little is known on the biological effects of complex mixtures of weathered NPs with heterogenous size and irregular shape present in the environment. In this study, the bioenergetic effects of four such NPs mixtures on human intestinal Caco-2 cells were investigated.