Biological Effects Assessment of Antibiofouling EDCs: Gaeta Harbor (South Italy) Benthic Communities' Analysis by Biodiversity Indices and Quantitative gpx4 Expression

Abstract

The most representative organisms of the Harbor of Gaeta Gulf in South Italy were analyzed for biofouling by visual census and confirmed later by molecular approach on an artificial Conatex panel dipped 3 m into a eutrophic area during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mitochondrial Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1(COI) gene was sequenced from 20 different marine species (flora: 2 families, 2 orders; fauna: 16 families, 11 orders) to test whether the morphology-based assignment of the most common biofouling member was supported by DNA-based species identification. Twelve months of submersion resulted in generation of sufficient data to obtain a facies climax represented mainly by the bivalve mollusk, Mytilus galloprovincialis . Specific diversity and variations of the biofouling biomasses were analyzed using two different anti-biofouling paints: an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC)-containing metal biocide, and a biocide-free paint. Also, their effects on detoxification and reproductive health of M. galloprovincialis were evaluated using glutathione S-transferase enzymatic activity and RTqPCR expression of the fertility antioxidant gene glutathione peroxidase 4 (gpx4). The obtained data provide useful indications on which future investigations may be focused and may become a potential management tool for a harbor biofouling database to assist local administrations in EDCs protection of autochthonous benthic communities and their fertility using innovative antifouling paints.

Review of Nature-Based Echo-Hydraulic Aqua-Forest Technology for Coastal Resilience and Sea Level Rise Climate-Induced Adaptation

“…Pollutants such as excess nutrients and sediments carried by rivers pose a severe threat to the coastal and marine ecosystems [24,25]. Changes in wastewater discharge, modification of physiographic features, and fluctuation in the amount and distribution of freshwater inflow are essential factors to consider [26,27]. Figure 2 shows the IPCC report warns about rising sea levels and coastal ecosystem threats.…”

Review of Nature based Ecohydraulic Aquaforest Technology for Coastal Resilience and Sea Level Rise Climate-Induced Adaptation - Part A

“…Excess nutrients and sediments transported by rivers, among other pollutants, constitute a serious threat to the coastal and marine ecosystem [24,25]. The discharge of wastewater, alterations of physiographic features, and alterations in the distribution and amount of freshwater inflow are critical parameters [26,27]. Figure 1 shows, that the IPCC report warns about the increasing sea-level rise and threat to coastal ecosystems.…”