Histopathological alterations in Senegal sole, Solea Senegalensis, from a polluted Huelva estuary (SW, Spain)

As a component of a large research project to evaluate the effects of contaminants on fish health in the field, histopathological studies have been conducted to help establish causal relationship between pollutants (heavy metals and aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons—PAHs) and histopathological responses in Senegal sole, Solea senegalensis, from an estuary of SW Spain. Heavy metals (As, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu and Fe) and 16 PAHs (proprietary USEPA) concentrations in water, sediment and tissues (liver and gills) and histopathological alterations in S. senegalensis from three sampling sites of Ria de Huelva estuary during 2004–2006 years have been analysed. The histopathological studies revealed seasonal and spatial differences in the lesion grade of alterations observing the highest lesion grades in fish from Odiel River and autumn season. No significant differences were observed in the alterations prevalence between sampling sites, but significant differences were observed between seasons observing the highest prevalence in autumn season. However, calculated IPAT demonstrated a low–moderate impact of pollutants on health fish. Correlations between histopathological alterations and pollutants analysed were observed being heavy metals the group that presented a major number of correlations with alterations in several organs of S. senegalensis. In evaluating the general health of fish, the use of histopathological studies in recommended for making more reliable assessment of biochemical responses in fish exposed to a variety of environmental stressors. Statistical analysis using semiquantitative data on pathological lesions can help to establish correlation between cause (stressor) and effect (biomarker)

ACTIVAGE - D9.6 Final results report & sustainability plan (I to IX)

We have reached the end of a challenging and rewarding journey, after 45 months of ACTIVAGE, this is the last report that aims at providing a taste of the huge work done by the teams at the local sites. This is a testimony of the more than 45 partners that have participated in this WP. We started with 9 DS in 7 countries and we finish with 12 DS in 9 countries, having incorporated three new DS through the open call, and expanding ACTIVAGE vision and ecosystem to Portugal and Bulgaria. We have been able to reach the target of deploying AHA-IoT solutions for more than 7.200 users, we hit the mark of 7.776 and almost 97% of the expected deployments. All DS have been able to perform the evaluation, at local and global level, generating the evidence that ACTIVAGE vision is pertinent, relevant, and effective. Details are provided in the individual results and in D6.5. By the end of the project, still 80% of participants continue operation, and almost all DS have in place sustainability plans to continue providing ACTIVAGE services in one way or another. Even in the cases where no clear plans have been possible, there are opportunities for exploiting the services and the knowledge gained in the project