Effects of CO enrichment on two microalgae species: A toxicity approach using consecutive generations.

As a result of the increasing pressure provoked by anthropogenic activities, the world climate is changing and oceans health is in danger. One of the most important factors affecting the marine environment is the well-known process called ocean acidification. Also, there are other natural or anthropogenic processes that produce an enrichment of CO in the marine environment (CO leakages from Carbon Capture and Storage technologies (CCS), organic matter diagenesis, volcanic vents, etc).

Biomarker responses of the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea in acid mine drainage polluted systems.

The environmental quality of an acid mine drainage polluted river (Odiel River) in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain) was assessed by combining analyses of biomarkers (DNA strand breaks, LPO, EROD, GST, GR, GPx) in freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea) exposed during 14 days and correlated with metal(loid) environmental concentrations. Results pointed that enzymatic systems are activated to combat oxidative stress in just 24 h. Along exposure, there were homeostatic regulations with the glutathione activity that influenced in lipid peroxidation oscillations, provoking significant DNA strand damage after 14 exposure days.

Metal fractionation in marine sediments acidified by enrichment of CO: A risk assessment.

Carbon-capture and storage is considered to be a potential mitigation option for climate change. However, accidental leaks of CO can occur, resulting in changes in ocean chemistry such as acidification and metal mobilization. Laboratory experiments were performed to provide data on the effects of CO-related acidification on the chemical fractionation of metal(loid)s in marine-contaminated sediments using sequential extraction procedures.

Will temperature and salinity changes exacerbate the effects of seawater acidification on the marine microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum?

To evaluate the effects related to the combination of potential future changes in pH, temperature and salinity on microalgae, a laboratory experiment was performed using the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Populations of this species were exposed during 48h to a three-factor experimental design (3×2×2) with two artificial pH values (6, 7.4), two levels of temperature (23°C, 28°C), two levels of salinity (34psu, 40psu) and a control (pH8, Temp 23°C, Sal 34psu).

Simulating CO₂ leakages from CCS to determine Zn toxicity using the marine microalgae Pleurochrysis roscoffensis.

Due to the current climate change and ocean acidification, a new technology for CO2 mitigation has been proposed, the Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS). However, there is an ecological risk associated with potential CO2 leakages from the sub-seabed storages sites. To evaluate the effects related to CO2 leakages, laboratory-scales experiments were performed using the marine microalgae Pleurochrysis roscoffensis.