Chemical and Microbiological Contamination in Limpet (Patella spp.) of the Portuguese Coast

Coastal production areas can be impacted by anthropogenic contamination from urban, agro-industrial and leisure activities. Some contaminants, such as chemical substances might also have a telluric origin. Non filter feeding univalve mollusks, such as limpets, which are collected in rocky shores either for sale or for auto-consumption, are very appreciated in Portugal, but have been excluded from provisions on the classification of production areas, although can present relevant contamination. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the microbiological and toxic metal contaminations in limpets (Patella spp) of the Portuguese coast, taking into account the production area and seasonal variation, and comparing their contamination levels with those occurring in bivalve mollusk indicator species, mussel (Mytilus edulis). The risks associated to the consumption of limpet meals were also assessed. For that, microbial total and fecal levels and cadmium, lead and mercury contents in limpets and mussels samples from three coastal areas over several months were analyzed based on standard methodologies. Contents of mercury and lead in limpets from the three areas studied, were always below the limits of 0.50 mg kg-1 and 1.5 mg kg-1 allowed by the EU, respectively. Regarding cadmium, levels in limpet were always above the limit of 1.0 mg kg-1, reaching about 3.0 mg kg-1 in some samples. These values probably indicate contamination from telluric origin (soil or rocks) in the coastal studied areas. Results indicated that microbiological contamination of fecal origin was low and in general below the detection level. Contamination levels did not show a clear seasonal pattern. The two mollusk species, limpets and mussels, differed statistically in all contaminants analyzed, being cadmium the most of concern, and always higher in limpets than in mussel samples. Thus, the potential risk associated with limpet consumption, taking into account the cadmium tolerable weekly intake (TWI), was investigated, being possible to reach a reliable recommendation of less than a monthly meal of 160 g. As recreational picking of limpets is common in Portugal, official 4recommendations of maximum periodic human consumption should be published and enforcement increased in forbidden areasinfo:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Elemental composition and in vitro bioaccessibility assessment of holothuroids

The elemental composition and bioaccessibility of the wild holothuroids Holothuria arguinensis, Holothuria forskali, and Holothuria mammata was studied. Nutritional and toxicological aspects were evaluated. H. mammata was the richest in Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg; H. forskali had the highest Cu and I contents, 4.12–4.93 mg/kg dw and 28.02–28.26 mg/kg dw, respectively; and Summer H. arguinensis had high Se content, 4.26 ± 0.08 mg/kg dw. Holothuroids as food may be a dietary Se and I source, with Pb as main hazard. In order to meet the Se Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), 15–18 g of dried H. arguinensis and 18–33 g of dried H. mammata would have to be consumed everyday. For I, 10 g of dried H. arguinensis, 6–11 g of dried H. forskali, and 20–21 g of dried H. mammata everyday would be required to achieve the I Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI). For meeting Cu dietary requirements, consumption frequencies would have to exceed 330 g dw/day in the most favourable case (Winter H. forskali). Regarding other essential elements, quantities would be much higher. Regarding contaminants, a consumption above 20–21 g/day of dried H. mammata would constitute a Pb risk. Overall, holothuroids can substantially contribute to elemental nutritional requirements.Highlights: Holothuria forskali was rich in I, ∼28 mg/kg dw, and Cu, up to 5 mg/kg dw; H. mammata was the richest sea cucumber in Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg; Sea cucumbers may be a significant dietary source of Se and I, with Pb as main hazard; For I, 6–11 g of dried H. forskali everyday meet the I Dietary Recommended Intake.Sabrina Sales acknowledges the Doctoral Grant (Ref. SFRH/BD/128813/2017) funded by the “Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia” (FCT). Experimental work was funded by the projects AQUAMAX (Ref.: 16-02-01-FMP-0047) and NEWCUMBER (Ref.: MAR-02.01.01-FEAMP 0052) as well as FCT-funded through CIIMAR (UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020) and the strategic projects (UID/MAR/04292/2020, LA/P/0069/2020) granted to MARE and ARNET).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pseudomonas aeruginosa septic shock associated with ecthyma gangrenosum in an infant with agammaglobulinemia Choque séptico por Pseudomonas aeruginosa associado a éctima gangrenosa em criança com agamaglobulinemia

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rare and invasive infection that can be associated with agammaglobulinemia. The cornerstone of the treatment is based on prompt recognition with appropriate antibiotic coverage and intravenous immunoglobulin. The authors report a case of EG emphasizing the clinical and therapeutic aspects of this condition.<br>Éctima Gangrenosa (EG) por Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma infecção rara e invasiva que pode ser associada com agamaglobulinemia. O tratamento fundamental é baseado no pronto reconhecimento com cobertura de antibiótico apropriada e imunoglobulina intravenosa. Os autores relatam caso de EG dando ênfase aos aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos desta condição

A predictive modelling tool for assessing climate, land use and hydrological change on reservoir physicochemical and biological properties

Reservoirs are fundamental for water and energy supply but vulnerable to impacts including climate change. This paper outlines the steps in the development of a model to predict how climate, land use and hydrological change could affect the physiochemical and ecological quality of reservoirs in Portugal’s Douro region. Climatic data will be downscaled for subsequent finer spatial scale models to develop scenarios and outputs. Field observations and satellite imagery analysis will create dynamic maps providing data on change in land use and vegetation cover, while Artificial Neural Networks will determine how climate, land use and vegetation cover change may influence catchment hydrology. Data from field surveys of biological indicators, greenhouse gas emissions plus additional research will be applied in the Stochastic Dynamic Methodology, a sequential modelling process based on statistical parameter estimation, developed to predict and model physiochemical and ecological changes in reservoirs. This interdisciplinary approach will provide vital modelling tools for end users essential for water resource management in Portugal and to comply with the EU Water Framework Directive