Genetic identification of three CITES-listed sharks using a paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC).

Threatened shark species are caught in large numbers by artisanal and commercial fisheries and traded globally. Monitoring both which shark species are caught and sold in fisheries, and the export of CITES-restricted products, are essential in reducing illegal fishing. Current methods for species identification rely on visual examination by experts or DNA barcoding techniques requiring specialist laboratory facilities and trained personnel.

Ranking sediment samples from three Spanish estuaries in relation to its toxicity for two benthic species: the microalga Cylindrotheca closterium and the copepod Tisbe battagliai.

The present study assesses the sediment toxicity levels of three Spanish estuaries, as well as the suitability of two microorganisms, the benthic microalga Cylindrotheca closterium and the harpacticoid copepod Tisbe battagliai, as test organisms in whole-sediment toxicity assays. The sensitivity of both species to potentially polluted sediments was compared. Three sites at the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula were chosen: the Ría of Huelva, the Guadalquivir Estuary, and the Bay of Algeciras.

Sensitivity of Cylindrotheca closterium to copper: influence of three test endpoints and two test methods.

The present study checked the suitability of Cylindrotheca closterium (Bacillariophyceae) as a test species for ecotoxicology studies. To date, only limited use has been made of microphytobenthos in ecotoxicology, and C. closterium has been employed as a target organism in this study because the biological group is considered to be very relevant ecologically.

Short-term toxicity tests on the harpacticoid copepod Tisbe battagliai: lethal and reproductive endpoints.

Short-term bioassays based on lethal and reproductive responses of Tisbe battagliai were applied to determine responses of copepods to copper and LAS. Percentage of spawning females, fecundity (F), and total newborn production (N) for 48 and 72 h were calculated for both substances. It was observed percentage of spawning females was not affected by sublethal concentrations of both compounds.

Sediment integrative assessment of the Bay of Cádiz (Spain): an ecotoxicological and chemical approach.

This study consisted of the sediment toxicity assessment of the Bay of Cádiz based on two endpoints: growth inhibition for Cylindrotheca closterium (benthic microalgae) and fecundity inhibition for Tisbe battagliai (harpacticoid copepod). A new methodology to eliminate (but not as storage technique) the autochthonous biota present in the sediment samples by immersing them in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) was also assessed. Sediment toxicity data showed different toxicity levels for both organisms.

Effects of cold-dark storage on growth of Cylindrotheca closterium and its sensitivity to copper.

Cylindrotheca closterium cells were maintained at low temperature (4+/-1 degrees C) and dark conditions up to 21 weeks to assess the effect on survival and physiological status. From a control culture under standard conditions, three densities were prepared: (A) 2 x 10(4), (B) 10 x 10(4), and (C) 25 x 10(4) cells ml(-1). Weekly, inoculums of each stored density were exposed to continuous light and at 20+/-1 degrees C.