The use of different nanoparticles (NPs) is growing every year since discoveries of their unique properties. The wide use of nanomaterials has raised concerns about their safety and possible accumulation in the aquatic environment. Mussels are being considered as one of the most suitable organisms for bioaccumulation monitoring. Within our study, we focused on developing the method that can be applied in field studies of ecotoxicity and can be nondestructive and informative at early times of exposure, while at the same time being based on changes of physiological parameters of fresh water mussels. The changes in the cardiovascular and neural systems of mollusks (Anodonta anatina and Unio tumidus) were measured as biomarkers of toxic effects. Different monometallic and bimetallic NPs, silicon NPs with various ligands were applied as test substances. Changes in cardiovascular and neural functions were in good correlation with accumulation tests for all tested NPs.

Biogeochemical cycles of carbon transformation throughout the euphotic zone of the sea are controlled by physical processes, e.g., daily thermocline, variation in solar irradiance, thermohaline convection, and intermittent mixing. These processes should be regularly observed with sufficient time resolution at fixed geographical locations. This study provides a brief overview of the carbon observational site in the Northeastern Black Sea. The focus is on the design of a new tethered profiler Winchi for the inner continental shelf part of the site. The profiler hull and two outriggers comprise an open trimaran platform that is positively buoyant and tends to maintain a horizontal position in the water. The lower end of the winch wire is secured to the bottom anchor. By unwinding/winding the wire, the profiler ascends/descends while measuring the depth profiles of marine environment parameters ranging from the seafloor to air–sea interface. After surfacing, the profiler determines its location using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and transmits data to (and from) a server on land through the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Initial field tests with the Winchi profiler at the Northeastern Black Sea shelf exhibited promising results. We report these early tests to demonstrate the use of Winchi.

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