A multi-compartment monitoring approach to assess the impact of marine litter in a Mediterranean coastal area.

Marine litter, particularly microplastics, is a growing threat to the Mediterranean Sea, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, most studies conducted in the Mediterranean Sea have focused on monitoring of only specific environmental compartments, and rarely have highlighted the overall impacts affecting an area. Therefore, using a new multi-compartment monitoring approach and a standardized methodology, this study investigates the abundance, distribution, composition and impact of marine litter on beaches, surface waters, fish and mussels in a coastal area of Tuscany (Italy).

Epidemiological Assessment of Malaria Prevalence among Children Under 5 in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Cameroon, particularly affecting children under 5 years of age. Despite these efforts, its prevalence persists, highlighting the need for comprehensive epidemiological studies to guide interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected health areas across five regions of Cameroon.

Parasitological investigation and potential effects of parasitism on hematological, genotoxic and immune parameters in free ranging sea turtles rescued along the Southern Adriatic coast (Eastern Mediterranean Sea).

Sea turtles can host a wide range of parasitic taxa, some of which may lead to severe diseases, weakening and endangering their health. Assessing free-ranging sea turtles' responses to these potential pathogens using biomarkers can provide valuable insights into the cellular and molecular impacts of parasites. This information can serve as a crucial tool for conservation efforts.

Plasticizers levels in four fish species from the Ligurian Sea and Central Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea) and potential risk for human consumption.

Plastic materials contain additives such as plasticizers and flame retardants, which are not covalently bound to plastic polymers and can therefore be unintentionally released into the marine environment. This study investigated three families of compounds, phthalates (PAEs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs) currently used as plastic additives, in 48 muscle samples of bogue (Boops boops), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), and European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) sampled in the Central Adriatic and the Ligurian Seas. The additional goal of this study is to assess the potential risk to human health from fish consumption with the objective of determining whether the detected levels might potentially pose a concern.

Metal accumulation in female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Eastern Atlantic affects their egg quality with potential implications for embryonic development.

Sea turtles, with their global distribution and complex life cycle, often accumulate pollutants such as metals and metalloids due to their extended lifespan and feeding habits. However, there are limited studies exploring the impact of metal pollution on the reproductive health of female sea turtles, specifically focusing on the quality of their eggs, which has significant implications for the future generations of these charismatic animals. São Tomé Island, a crucial nesting and feeding habitat for green sea turtles, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research in this ecologically significant area.