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Exploring the Impact of Contaminants of Emerging Concern on Fish and Invertebrates Physiology in the Mediterranean Sea
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This study examines how emerging pollutants including pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics affect marine organisms in the Mediterranean Sea. Researchers used catsharks and mussels as indicator species to measure contamination levels and biological effects. The findings are relevant to human health because contaminated seafood from the Mediterranean is widely consumed across Europe.
In this historical context, the Mediterranean Sea faces an increasing threat from emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, pesticides and microplastics, which pose a serious risk to the environment and human health. In this regard, aquatic invertebrates and fish are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of these pollutants, and several species have been identified as bio-indicators for their detection. Among these, bivalve molluscs and elasmobranchs are now widely used as bio-indicators to accurately assess the effects of contaminants. The study focuses on the catshark Scyliorhinus canicular and on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. The first one is a useful indicator of localised contamination levels due to its exposure to pollutants that accumulate on the seabed. Moreover, it has a high trophic position and plays an important role in the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem. The bivalve mollusc Mytilus galloprovincialis, on the other hand, being a filter-feeding organism, can acquire and bioaccumulate foreign particles present in its environment. Additionally, because it is also a species of commercial interest, it has a direct impact on human health. In conclusion, the increasing presence of emerging pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Bivalve molluscs and elasmobranchs are two examples of bio-indicators that must be used to precisely determine the effects of these pollutants on the marine ecosystem and human health.
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This systematic review summarizes research on microplastics found in fish and seafood from the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, focusing on potential hormonal and health effects in humans. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination in popular seafood species may expose consumers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which could interfere with hormones and overall health.
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