Pharmaceuticals in the marine environment: a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Y. Ojemaye ◽  
Leslie Petrik
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Marine Environments ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Negative Impacts

Despite the increasing presence of pharmaceuticals in marine environments and their potential negative impacts, little research has been reported on the level and occurrence of these contaminants in the marine ecosystem. This review provides information on the occurrence (level–concentration) of pharmaceuticals in marine environments including seawater, sediments, and organisms within and (or) around this ecosystem. Also, the classification, sources, metabolism, and fate of these contaminants in the marine environment were discussed to identify knowledge gaps. We showed that antibiotics are the most commonly investigated and detected drugs in marine environments. In addition, this review suggested that focused case studies should be a priority for future research and highlighted the need for future assessments of the potential risks of pharmaceuticals to marine species. We also suggested that it is necessary to monitor the level of the most frequent and widespread pharmaceuticals like antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in sewage and marine outfalls. Finally, we concluded that there is a need for the development of effective treatment methods for the removal of these pollutants from wastewater before their discharge into the receiving marine environment or the main drinking water networks.

Endocrine disruption in marine fish

2003 ◽  
Vol 75 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 2249-2261 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Matthiessen
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Fish ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Marine Fish ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Freshwater Species ◽  
Top Predators

This topic reviews the whole field of endocrine disruption (ED) in marine fish and compares this with our knowledge of the situation in freshwater species. In broad terms, similar types of ED have been observed in the two groups, although effects in the marine environment tend to be less marked, presumably due to dispersion and dilution. There are, however, some data which suggest that marine fish that are top-predators can experience ED due to biomagnification of organochlorines. Processes such as smoltification, metamorphosis, and hermaphroditism, which are common in some marine species, may be particularly susceptible to ED, but have as yet been scarcely studied. As with freshwater fish, firm links to population-level effects have not yet been demonstrated, although it is not unreasonable to suppose that they are occurring in some locations. The topic concludes with some recommendations for future research.

Apply Optimarin Ballast System for Vietnam’s Fleet to Prevent Sea Pollution from Non-Indigenous Aquatic Species

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Dinh-Chien Dang ◽  
Ming-Hung Shu ◽  
Bi-Min Hsu ◽  
Thanh-Lam Nguyen ◽  
Phung-Kim Truong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ballast Water ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Global Environment ◽  
Aquatic Species ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Sea Pollution ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Local Ecosystem ◽  
Control And Management

Marine species are usually transported from one area to another by the ballast water used to provide safe operation for vessels. After entering a new environment, they may cause damage to the local ecosystem, leading to the disruptions of the entire marine ecosystem, and seriously affecting not only biodiversity but also several industries such as fishing and aquaculture. Therefore, the United Nations (UN) considers the presence of non-indigenous oceanic species to be one of the top four serious threats to the global environment; and, how to effectively control the non-indigenous aquatic species has captivated the special attentions of several scientists worldwide. With the significant development in the maritime industry, strict requirements the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments set by The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) have well shaped the trend in installing ballast water treatment systems. Among them, Optimarin Ballast System is preferably used in practice. However, currently, Vietnam’s fleets use a different chemical method which is not utilized elsewhere in the world. Because it is not environmentally friendly and its effectiveness hasn’t been validated yet, this paper suggests the application of OBS in the Vietnam’s fleet in order to prevent sea pollution from non-indigenous aquatic species and minimize its associated negative impacts as well as make the Vietnam’s fleet comply with IMO requirements in protecting the global environment for sustainable development.

Exploring Antimicrobials from the Flora and Fauna of Marine: Opportunities and Limitations

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishnamoorthy Venkateskumar ◽  
Subramani Parasuraman ◽  
Leow Y. Chuen ◽  
Veerasamy Ravichandran ◽  
Subramani Balamurgan
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Living Space ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Health Organization

About 95% of earth living space lies deep below the ocean’s surface and it harbors extraordinary diversity of marine organisms. Marine biodiversity is an exceptional reservoir of natural products, bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals and other potential compounds of commercial value. Timeline for the development of the drug from a plant, synthetic and other alternative sources is too lengthy. Exploration of the marine environment for potential bioactive compounds has gained focus and huge opportunity lies ahead for the exploration of such vast resources in the ocean. Further, the evolution of superbugs with increasing resistance to the currently available drugs is alarming and it needs coordinated efforts to resolve them. World Health Organization recommends the need and necessity to develop effective bioactive compounds to combat problems associated with antimicrobial resistance. Based on these factors, it is imperative to shift the focus towards the marine environment for potential bioactive compounds that could be utilized to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Current research trends also indicate the huge strides in research involving marine environment for drug discovery. The objective of this review article is to provide an overview of marine resources, recently reported research from marine resources, challenges, future research prospects in the marine environment.

scholarly journals The Bioactive Potential of Trawl Discard: Case Study from a Crinoid Bed Off Blanes (North-Western Mediterranean)

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Alfredo García-de-Vinuesa ◽  
Montserrat Demestre ◽  
Arnau Carreño ◽  
Josep Lloret
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trawl Survey ◽  
Bioactive Potential

Although knowledge of the bioactive compounds produced by species inhabiting coastal waters is increasing, little is known about the bioactive potential produced by marine species occupying deeper habitats with high biodiversity and productivity. Here, we investigate about the bioactive potential of molecules produced by species that inhabit the crinoid beds, a poorly known essential fish habitat affected by trawling, wherein large amounts of commercial and noncommercial species are discarded. Based on a trawl survey conducted in 2019, 14% of the 64 species discarded on crinoid beds produce molecules with some type of bioactive potential, including; soft corals (Alcyonium palmatum); tunicates (Ascidia mentula); bony fish, such as horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus); European hake (Merluccius merluccius); and chondrichthyans, such as small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula). In addition, 16% of the discarded species had congeneric species that produce compounds with bioactive potential, indicating that such species might also possess similar types of bioactive molecules. Molecules with antioxidant, antitumour, antihypertensive, and antibacterial properties were the most frequent, which could provide the basis for future research aiming to discover new marine-based drugs and compounds for other human uses. Among all species or genera that produce compounds with bioactive potential, 68% presented medium or high vulnerability to trawling. Results show that the discarded catch contains many species, which produce different bioactive compounds that represent an added-value resource. These results highlight the importance of manage properly crinoid beds, to ensure that species that produce molecules with bioactive potential inhabiting these habitats are protected.

scholarly journals New Approaches for the Observation of Transient Phenomena in Critical Marine Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 578
Author(s):  
Roberta Ferretti ◽  
Massimo Caccia ◽  
Massimo Coltorti ◽  
Roberta Ivaldi
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Marine Environments ◽  
Transient Phenomena ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
Marine Vehicles ◽  
New Methodologies ◽  
Biogeochemical Parameters ◽  
Very High

This paper focuses on the development of new approaches to observe transient phenomena in critical marine environments using autonomous marine vehicles (AMVs) for the acquisition of physical and biogeochemical parameters of water and seabed characterization. The connection with metrological principles, together with the adoption of observing methodologies adjustable according to the specific marine environment being studied, allows researchers to obtain results that are reliable, reproducible, and comparable with those obtained through the classic monitoring methodologies. Tests were executed in dramatically dynamic, sensitive, and fragile areas, where the study and application of new methodologies is required to observe phenomena strongly localized in space and requiring very high resolutions, in time. Moreover, the harsh environmental conditions may present risks not only for the quality and quantity of the acquired data but also for the instrumentation and the operators. This is the case, for instance, in polar marine environments in proximity of tidal glaciers and in the Mediterranean Sea in areas characterized by seabed degassing activities, where AMV-supported monitoring procedures can allow for the safe observation of not repeatable and not completely predictable events.

scholarly journals Efficiency of Arsenic and Iron Removal Plants (AIRPs) for Groundwater Treatment in Rural Areas of Southwest Bangladesh

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 354
Author(s):  
Md. Aminur Rahman ◽  
Sazal Kumar ◽  
A. S. M. Fazle Bari ◽  
Abhishek Sharma ◽  
Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Cancer Risk Assessment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Treated Water ◽  
Post Monsoon ◽  
Drinking Water Standard ◽  
Guideline Value ◽  
Removal Efficiencies

Arsenic (As) removal plants were installed in As-endemic areas of Bangladesh to remove As from well water. In many cases, these removal plants did not perform satisfactorily. This study evaluated the efficiency of 20 As and iron (Fe) removal plants (AIRPs) during pre- and post-monsoon conditions in rural Bangladesh. Results revealed that As removal efficiencies ranged from 67% to 98% and 74 to 93% during the pre- and post-monsoons periods, respectively. In the post-monsoon season As removal at individual AIRP sites was on average (4.01%) greater than in the pre-monsoon season. However, two removal plants were unable to remove As below 50 µg L−1 (Bangladesh drinking water standard) during pre-monsoon, while 11 samples out of 20 were unable to remove As below the WHO provisional guideline value of 10 µg L−1. During post-monsoon, none of the samples exceeded 50 µg L−1, but eight of them exceeded 10 µg L−1. The Fe removal efficiencies of AIRPs were evident in more than 80% samples. Although As removal efficiency was found to be substantial, a cancer risk assessment indicates that hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in treated water for adults and children are above the threshold limits. Thus, additional reductions of As concentrations in treated water are needed to further reduce the excess cancer risk due to As in drinking water. Since 55% and 40% of the AIRPs were unable to remove As < 10 µg L−1 during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, further improvement including changes in AIRP design, regular cleaning of sludge, and periodic monitoring of water quality are suggested. Future research is needed to determine whether these modifications improve the performance of AIRPs.

scholarly journals Autonomous Marine Robot Based on AI Recognition for Permanent Surveillance in Marine Protected Areas

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2664
Author(s):  
J. Carlos Molina-Molina ◽  
Marouane Salhaoui ◽  
Antonio Guerrero-González ◽  
Mounir Arioua
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Marine Protected Areas ◽  
Recognition Accuracy ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Base Station ◽  
Autonomous Surface Vehicle ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Illegal Activities ◽  
Marine Areas

The world’s oceans are one of the most valuable sources of biodiversity and resources on the planet, although there are areas where the marine ecosystem is threatened by human activities. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are distinctive spaces protected by law due to their unique characteristics, such as being the habitat of endangered marine species. Even with this protection, there are still illegal activities such as poaching or anchoring that threaten the survival of different marine species. In this context, we propose an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) model system for the surveillance of marine areas by detecting and recognizing vessels through artificial intelligence (AI)-based image recognition services, in search of those carrying out illegal activities. Cloud and edge AI computing technologies were used for computer vision. These technologies have proven to be accurate and reliable in detecting shapes and objects for which they have been trained. Azure edge and cloud vision services offer the best option in terms of accuracy for this task. Due to the lack of 4G and 5G coverage in offshore marine environments, it is necessary to use radio links with a coastal base station to ensure communications, which may result in a high response time due to the high latency involved. The analysis of on-board images may not be sufficiently accurate; therefore, we proposed a smart algorithm for autonomy optimization by selecting the proper AI technology according to the current scenario (SAAO) capable of selecting the best AI source for the current scenario in real time, according to the required recognition accuracy or low latency. The SAAO optimizes the execution, efficiency, risk reduction, and results of each stage of the surveillance mission, taking appropriate decisions by selecting either cloud or edge vision models without human intervention.

Exploring the Relationship Between Organizational Politic and Knowledge Sharing in Brazilian Modular Consortium

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 76-92
Author(s):  
Indira Arias Rodriguez ◽  
Jorge Muniz Jr. ◽  
Timothy P. Munyon
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Organizational Politics ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assembly Lines ◽  
Perceptions Of Organizational Politics ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Relationship

This research aimed to explore the relationship between employees' perceptions of organizational politics (POPS) and their predisposition to involve in knowledge sharing (KS) behaviors at individuals and workgroups level in the Brazilian automotive Modular Consortium. The sample included 144 shop floor employees of Modular Consortium (six connected companies in assembly lines). The POPS-KS relationship was analyzed using different referents, seeking to understand how individuals and groups respond to the presence of organizational politics, and POPS and KS were tested in a Brazilian context, shedding new light on potential cultural influences impacting this relationship. The results evidenced that positive interpersonal communication can contribute to KS, and in turn, KS can counteract the negative impacts of POPS. There was a positive relationship between POPS-KS, indicating that POPS may have functional effects in facilitating KS of individuals and workgroups. Key findings and implications for future research were discussed.

Conclusion: What academia can contribute to refugee policy

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Idean Salehyan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Humanitarian Assistance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Public ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Potential Risks

This conclusion to the special issue highlights the role of scholars in advancing the public discussion about forced migration. As countries around the world are adopting increasing restrictions on the entry of refugees, academic research can help to dispel some of the myths and apprehensions regarding the risks that forced migration entails. While refugees may be linked to conflict and violence in limited circumstances, the research generally demonstrates that robust international cooperation to manage refugee settlements, provide adequate humanitarian assistance, and integrate refugees into host communities, among other policies, can help to mitigate potential risks. Directions for future research and analysis are also discussed. Forced migration scholars should endeavor to collect more individual-level data; seek to understand factors that exacerbate or reduce security risks associated with cross-border militancy; conduct research on the long-term integration of refugees; and seek to understand the causes and consequences of resettlement and repatriation policies.

Workplace Fatigue Within Summer Camp: Perspectives From Camp Health Care Providers and Directors

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-87
Author(s):  
Alexsandra Dubin ◽  
Barry A. Garst ◽  
Tracey Gaslin ◽  
Beth E. Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Summer Camps ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Frontline Staff ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Negative Impacts

Background: Summer camps engage millions of youth in enrichment opportunities during the summertime while employing a substantial young adult workforce to provide high-quality programs and services to camp participants. Workplace fatigue has been implicated in camp-related injury and illness events, yet few studies have targeted fatigue among camp employees. Purpose: This study aimed to better understand how fatigue impacted employee performance as well as strategies for reducing the negative impacts of fatigue within camp settings. Methodology/Approach: Focus groups were conducted with camp health care providers and directors, and their responses were analyzed using directed content analysis. The analysis process was guided by sensitizing concepts from the literature. Findings/Conclusions: Emergent themes suggested that camp-related fatigue is conceptualized as a construct of time, types, and causes; is a distinct experience leading to setting-specific outcomes; is managed using administrative and peer supports; and is sometimes perceived in positive ways. Implications: This exploratory study highlighted the unique challenges associated with working in a camp setting and the potential development of fatigue as a starting point informing future research. It suggests that future research should include a broader study population, including frontline staff, as well as possible quantitative measures.

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