scholarly journals Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppa Di Bella ◽  
Roberta Tardugno ◽  
Nicola Cicero
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Weekly Intake ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
Direct Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
The Mediterranean

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable ranging between 0,015-2,562 mg kg-1 for T. thynnus specie, 0,477-3,182 mg kg-1 for X. gladius, 0,434-1,730 mg kg-1 for T. belone and 0,004-0,019 mg kg-1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and % tolerable weekly intake (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.

scholarly journals Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes

Separations ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppa Di Bella ◽  
Roberta Tardugno ◽  
Nicola Cicero
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Weekly Intake ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
Direct Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
The Mediterranean

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with a direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable, ranging between 0.015–2.562 mg kg−1 for T. thynnus species, 0.477–3.182 mg kg−1 for X. gladius, 0.434–1.730 mg kg−1 for T. belone and 0.004–0.019 mg kg−1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and tolerable weekly intake % (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.

Intake of Essential Minerals and Metals via Consumption of Seafood from the Mediterranean Sea

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1116-1120 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. STORELLI
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Essential Metals ◽  
Weekly Intake ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Species Specific

Edible marine species (fish and cephalopod molluscs) from the Mediterranean Sea were analyzed for their metal content (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni). Human health risks posed by these elements via dietary intake of seafood were assessed based on the provisional tolerable weekly intake, reference dose, and recommended dietary allowances. Metal concentrations varied widely among the different organisms, indicating species-specific accumulation. On a wet weight basis, the maximum concentrations of Hg were found in fish (1.56 μg g−1), and the maximum concentrations of cadmium were found in cephalopod molluscs (0.82 μg g−1), whereas for Pb the concentrations were generally low (fish, 0.01 to 1.18 μg g−1; cephalopod molluscs, 0.03 to 0.09 μg g−1). For the essential metals, cephalopods had higher concentrations (Cr, 0.40 μg g−1; Zn, 33.03 μg g−1; Cu, 23.77 μg g−1; Ni, 2.12 μg g−1) than did fish (Cr, 0.17 μg g−1; Zn, 8.43 μg g−1; Cu, 1.35 μg g−1; Ni, 1.13 μg g−1). The estimated weekly intake of Cd and Pb indicated increased health risks through the consumption of various seafoods. Conversely, a health risk was ascribed to the intake of Hg from consumption of certain fish, such as albacore (10.92 μg kg−1 body weight) and thornback ray (5.25 μg kg−1 body weight). Concerning the essential metals, cephalopod mollusc consumption made an important contribution to daily dietary intake of Cu, Zn, and Ni.

scholarly journals A Synergetic Approach for the Space-Based Sea Surface Currents Retrieval in the Mediterranean Sea

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Ciani ◽  
Marie-Hélène Rio ◽  
Milena Menna ◽  
Rosalia Santoleri
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Sea Surface ◽  
Reconstruction Method ◽  
Surface Currents ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Sicily Channel

We present a method for the remote retrieval of the sea surface currents in the Mediterranean Sea. Combining the altimeter-derived currents with sea-surface temperature information, we created daily, gap-free high resolution maps of sea surface currents for the period 2012–2016. The quality of the new multi-sensor currents has been assessed through comparisons to other surface-currents estimates, as the ones obtained from drifting buoys trajectories (at the basin scale), or HF-Radar platforms and ocean numerical model outputs in the Malta–Sicily Channel. The study yielded that our synergetic approach can improve the present-day derivation of the surface currents in the Mediterranean area up to 30% locally, with better performances for the the meridional component of the motion and in the western section of the basin. The proposed reconstruction method also showed satisfying performances in the retrieval of the ageostrophic circulation in the Sicily Channel. In this area, assuming the High Frequency Radar-derived currents as reference, the merged multi-sensor currents exhibited improvements with respect to the altimeter estimates and numerical model outputs, mainly due to their enhanced spatial and temporal resolution.

scholarly journals Medusa-Aqua system: simultaneous measurement and evaluation of novel potential halogenated transient tracers HCFCs, HFCs and PFCs in the ocean

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingyang Li ◽  
Toste Tanhua
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Montreal Protocol ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Hfc 134A ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Historic Record ◽  
Measurement And Evaluation ◽  
Analytical System ◽  
Transient Tracer ◽  
Hcfc 142B

Abstract. This study evaluates the potential usefulness of the halogenated compounds HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-23, PFC-14 and PFC-116 as the time-dependent oceanographic transient tracers in order to better constrain ocean ventilation processes. We collected seawater samples and improved on an established analytical technique, the Medusa-Aqua system, to simultaneous measure them, and estimate their stability in seawater following previous work on the atmospheric history and solubility. HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HFC-134a and HFC-125 have been measured in profiles in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time. We estimated the historic surface saturation anomalies of transient tracers in the Mediterranean Sea by evaluating the historic record. Their stability in seawater was estimated by analysis of their ocean partial lifetimes, seawater surface saturations and concentrations compared to CFC-12 measurements by a well-established technique. Of the investigated compounds, HCFC-141b was found to be the most promising transient tracer in the ocean; it fulfills several essential requirements by virtue of well-documented atmospheric history, established seawater solubility, inertness in seawater and feasible measurements and indication of conservative behavior in seawater by having mean ages in agreement to be expected from both CFC-12 and SF6 observations. However, more information on degradation is needed to further identify its stability in seawater, and HCFC-141b has restrictions on production and consumption imposed by the Montreal Protocol leading to its decreasing atmospheric mole fractions since 2017. The most potential oceanic transient tracers were PFC-14 and PFC-116 due to their stability in seawater, the long and well-documented atmospheric concentrations histories and constructed seawater solubility functions, although the low solubility in seawater creates challenging measurement conditions (i.e. low concentration). Measurements of PFCs can be potentially improved by modifying the Medusa-Aqua analytical system. With the exception of providing the information on the novel potential alternative oceanic transient tracers, this study also provides a method on how to evaluate the feasibility for a compound to be a transient tracer in the ocean.

scholarly journals Acoustic correction factor estimate for compensating vertical diel migration of small pelagics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANGELO BONANNO ◽  
MARCO BARRA ◽  
ANDREA DE FELICE ◽  
MARIANNA GIANNOULAKI ◽  
MAGDALENA IGLESIAS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Correction Factor ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Tyrrhenian Sea ◽  
Fish Community Structure ◽  
Northern Spain ◽  
Small Pelagic Fish ◽  
Acoustic Data ◽  
The Mediterranean

Differences in acoustic estimates of small pelagic fish biomass, due to data acquisition during daytime and nighttime surveys, have been recognized for many years as a problem in acoustic surveys. In the absence of a single rule for all species and for all locations, some expert groups identified specific time intervals for acoustic data acquisition in relation to the schooling behavior of the target species. In the Mediterranean Sea, the research groups working in the MEDIAS (Mediterranean International Acoustic Survey) agreed on the importance that acoustic sampling are conducted only during day-time. Only when available time does not permit to complete the survey during daytime, data collection might be extended. In this case, working on data collected during both daytime and nighttime, a bias may occur in the biomass estimates. In order to evaluate and correct such bias, specific experiments were performed in some geographical sub-areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The data analysis allowed the estimation of a mean correction factor for the Strait of Sicily, where five surveys were carried out in different years. The correction factor was estimated also for the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Northern Spain; the observed variability among areas highlighted the importance of the spatial and temporal coverage of the survey area in order to obtain reliable estimates of the correction factor. Further studies are necessary to improve the interpretation of the obtained estimates in relation to area-related peculiarities such as zooplankton composition and abundance along with small pelagic fish community structure. 

scholarly journals Non-susceptible landslide areas in Italy and in the Mediterranean region

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 2813-2849
Author(s):  
I. Marchesini ◽  
F. Ardizzone ◽  
M. Alvioli ◽  
M. Rossi ◽  
F. Guzzetti
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Landslide Susceptibility ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Moving Window ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Srtm Dem ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. We used landslide information for 13 study areas in Italy and morphometric information obtained from the 3 arc-second SRTM DEM to determine areas where landslide susceptibility is expected to be null or negligible in Italy, and in the landmasses surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The morphometric information consisted in the local terrain slope computed in a square 3 × 3 cell moving window, and in the regional relative relief computed in a circular 15 × 15 cell moving window. We tested three different models to determine the non-susceptible landslide areas, including a linear model (LR), a quantile linear model (QLR), and a quantile non-linear model (QNL). We tested the performance of the three models using independent landslide information represented by the Italian Landslide Inventory (Inventario Fenomeni Franosi in Italia – IFFI). Best results were obtained using the QNL model. The corresponding zonation of non-susceptible landslide areas was intersected in a GIS with geographical census data for Italy. The result allowed determining that 57.5% of the population of Italy (in 2001) was located in areas where landslide susceptibility is expected to be null or negligible, and that the remaining 42.5% was located in areas where some landslide susceptibility is expected. We applied the QNL model to the landmasses surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, and we tested the synoptic non-susceptibility zonation using independent landslide information for three study areas in Spain. Results proved that the QNL model was capable of determining where landslide susceptibility is expected to be negligible in the Mediterranean area. We expect our results to be applicable in similar study areas, facilitating the identification of non-susceptible and susceptible landslide areas, at the synoptic scale.

Evaluating Cultural Routes for a Network of Competitive Cities in the Mediterranean Sea: The Eastern Monasticism in Western Mediterranean Area

2014 ◽  
Vol 1073-1076 ◽  
pp. 1418-1422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Calabrò ◽  
Daniele Campolo ◽  
Giuseppina Cassalia ◽  
Carmela Tramontana
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
General Assembly ◽  
Mediterranean History ◽  
Geographical Position ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The One ◽  
Cultural Routes

Calabria region (Southern Italy) has become the nerve center of historical events, decisive for the Mediterranean sea destiny, because of its geographical position, its centrality in the Mediterranean area, the peculiarities of the district and the wealth of natural resources. The effects of its role in the Mediterranean history are still visible in its natural, urban and social structure, thus giving the region a large number of cultural and environmental values, which find root in the three preceding millennia. The paper, starting from the most historic routes that have affected the Calabrian coast, aims to highlight the one that has the greatest impact on the culture of the region trying to figure out if it is possible to identify, protect and promote a cultural route according to the ICOMOS Charter of Cultural Routes criteria, devised by the ICOMOS’ international Scientific Committee of Cultural Routes (CIIC) and ratified by the 16th General Assembly of ICOMOS, in Quebec (Canada), October 4, 2008.

The genus Echinofabricia (Annelida: Fabriciidae) in the Mediterranean Sea with the description of E. rousei sp. nov.

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 1773-1776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Giangrande ◽  
Margherita Licciano ◽  
Alberto Castelli
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
East Pacific ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time

The new species Echinofabricia rousei is described for the Mediterranean Sea based on specimens collected along the Sardinia Coast (Porto Conte). The genus Echinofabricia is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean area. At present three species are described within the genus: E. goodhartzorum, described from the Caribbean, E. dubia, described from the East Pacific (Hawaii) and E. alata from Australia.

Space utilization by key species of the pelagic fish community in an upwelling ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea

Hydrobiologia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 821 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bonanno ◽  
M. Barra ◽  
R. Mifsud ◽  
G. Basilone ◽  
S. Genovese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Space Utilization ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Pelagic Fish Community ◽  
The Mediterranean

Separate but together: Mediterranean identity in three countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Petruzzellis ◽  
C. Samuel Craig
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Political Ideologies ◽  
Political Boundaries ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
The Mediterranean

Purpose – The present study aims to understand how a culture associated with proximity to the Mediterranean Sea transcends political boundaries fostering common values and beliefs across three countries. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Italy, Spain and France to assess similarities and differences between respondents. The qualitative data were augmented with the literature pertaining to Mediterranean identity, culture and the influence of contextual factors on its development. Findings – The three geographically proximate countries all border on the Mediterranean Sea. The interviews revealed common cultural elements that transcend political boundaries suggesting that the common context fosters similar cultural elements. At the same time, there are important cultural elements that are uniquely associated with each country. Research limitations/implications – The geographic composition of the sample limits the generality of the results. By design, it focuses on three countries to limit other sources of variation such as affluence and religion. A sample across additional countries would have provided greater confidence in the results, although the selected countries are representative of a large portion of the Mediterranean area, especially in terms of values. Inclusion of respondents from countries with different levels of wealth, religious and political ideologies would likely uncover additional facets of Mediterranean identity. Practical implications – A key implication relates to the extent that similar values and beliefs appear to cut across political boundaries suggesting the existence of transnational segments. It also suggests the importance of considering contextual factors when developing an understanding of consumer behavior. Originality/value – The paper provides insights into the concept of Mediterranean identity, through an examination of the literature and respondents’ perceptions and attitudes about the sense of belonging and attachment to Europe, their country of birth and about being Mediterranean. The notion of a Mediterranean culture has been examined conceptually, but not empirically. This study begins the process of establishing the degree to which Mediterranean identity and the extent to which it exists across multiple countries.

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