Browsing by Author "Pardal, Miguel Ângelo"
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- CO-tucker: a new method for the simultaneous analysis of a sequence of paired tablesPublication . MENDES, SUSANA; Fernández-Gómez, M. José; Cotrim Marques, Sónia; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Azeiteiro, Ulisses Miranda; Galindo-Villardón, M. PurificaciónRelationships between species and their environment are a key com ponent to understand ecological communities. Usually, this kind of data are repeated over time or space for communities and their envi ronment, which leads to a sequence of pairs of ecological tables, i.e. multi-way matrices. This work proposes a new method which is a combined approach of STATICO and Tucker3 techniques and deals to the problem of describing not only the stable part of the dynamics of structure–function relationships between communities and their environment (in different locations and/or at different times), but also the interactions and changes associated with the ecosystems’ dynamics. At the same time, emphasis is given to the comparison with the STATICO method on the same (real) data set, where advan tages and drawbacks are explored and discussed. Thus, this study produces a general methodological framework and develops a new technique to facilitate the use of these practices by researchers. Fur thermore, from this first approach with estuarine environmental data one of the major advantages of modeling ecological data sets with the CO-TUCKER model is the gain in interpretability.
- Evaluation of antimicrobials residues in farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) after administration through medicated feedPublication . Rosa, João; Leston, Sara; Castro, Maria; Freitas, Andreia; Barbosa, Jorge; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Rema, Paulo; Dias, Jorge; Ramos, FernandoThe use of antimicrobials in aquaculture is a well-known fact and merits the focus of the scientific community. In the present study, five drugs (oxytetracycline, sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, oxolinic acid and flumequine) were selected to assess their retention in muscle tissues from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were placed in 150 L tanks at 18 °C, and fed for 7 days with experimental diets containing two concentrations of each antimicrobial (ranging from 5.51 to 131.16 mg kg−1). Edible tissues were then analyzed through a validated multi-class quantification method (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results indicate that sulfadiazine concentrations were the highest immediately after the feeding period and decreased towards day 3. Flumequine was only detected on the first day with concentrations below the MRL. Both trimethoprim and oxolinic acid concentrations were below the MRLs 3 days after the feeding period was over (oxolinic acid was not detected in muscle samples at day 14 for prophylaxis and day 28 for both treatments). Oxytetracycline residues in muscle tissues were the highest through time, with concentrations above the MRL for 7 days (Cday7 of 111.2 and 157.2 μg kg−1 for both dosages). Results suggest that these antimicrobials can be present in gilthead seabream muscle samples for longer periods than previously reported, when realistic conditions are tested. With the exception of oxytetracycline, concentrations were below the MRLs established 3 days after the feeding trial was over meaning that adverse effects related to human consumption are not likely. Nevertheless, allergic reactions or resistance to antimicrobials can be developed if low concentrations of such compounds are ingested on a frequent basis, as is the case of the Mediterranean diet.
- Evidence for changes in estuarine zooplankton fostered by increased climate variancePublication . Marques, Sónia Cotrim; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Primo, Ana Lígia; Martinho, Filipe; Falcão, Joana; Azeiteiro, Ulisses; Molinero, Juan CarlosEstuaries are among the most valuable aquatic systems in terms of their services to human welfare. They offer an ideal framework to assess multiscale processes linking climate and food web dynamics through the hydrological cycle. Resolving food web responses to climate change is fundamental to resilience management of these threatened ecosystems under global change scenarios. Here, we examined the temporal variability of the plankton food web in the Mondego Estuary, central Iberian Peninsula, over the period 2003 to 2012. The results pointed out a cascading effect from climate to plankton communities that follow a non-stationary behavior shaped by the climate variance envelope. Concurrent changes in hydrographic processes at the regional, that is, upwelling intensity, and local, that is, estuarine hydrology, scales were driven by climatic forcing promoted by the North Atlantic Oscillation; the influence of which permeated the physical environment in the estuary affecting both autotrophic and heterotrophic communities. The most conspicuous change arose around 2008 and consisted of an obvious decrease in freshwater taxa along with a noticeable increase in marine organisms, mainly driven by gelatinous zooplankton. The observed increase in small-sized cosmopolitan copepods, that is, Clausocalanus arcuicornis, Oithona plumifera, thermophilic species, that is, Penilia avirostris, and gelatinous zooplankton suggests a structural change in the Mondego plankton community. These results provide empirical support to the expectation that expanding climate variance changes plankton structure and functioning, likely fostering trophic interactions in pelagic food webs.
- Integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems: potential risks for food safetyPublication . Rosa, João; Lemos, Marco F.L.; Crespo, Daniel; Nunes, Margarida; Freitas, Andreia; Ramos, Fernando; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Leston, SaraBackground: The demand for fish and fish products is now higher than ever. However, several problems such as nutrient loading or excessive use of resources can be associated with the intensification of aquaculture systems. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems (IMTAs) refer to the co-culture of different species belonging to different trophic levels, and offer a sustainable approach to aquaculture development. In these systems, organic and inorganic extractive species will feed on other species waste or on uneaten feed nutrients, acting as bioremediators. Scope and approach: The extractive capacity that these organisms have to take up nutrients from the water also means they will accumulate chemicals that are often administered in intensive productions. The present review describes a vast number of substances that can be found in IMTAs, either intentionally administered or resulting from contamination, and subsequently accumulated in species reared afterwards in these systems. The presence of such chemicals in organisms produced in IMTAs raises several food safety and human health concerns, which need to be addressed. Key findings and conclusions: Although IMTAs still face many challenges in terms of large scale production, legislations are not yet ready to comprise co-cultivation of multiple species in proximity. Also, maximum residue limits already existent for fish must be set for other organisms also produced in IMTAs in order to protect consumer's health. An increase in extractive species consumption (e.g. seaweeds) has been noticed during the past few years, and as IMTAs gain importance as a sustainable production method, food safety issues must be tackled.
- A multiresidue approach for the simultaneous quantification of antibiotics in macroalgae by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometryPublication . Leston, Sara; Freitas, Andreia; Rosa, João; Barbosa, Jorge; Lemos, Marco; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Ramos, FernandoTogether with fish, algae reared in aquaculture systems have gained importance in the last years, for many purposes. Besides their use as biofilters of effluents, macroalgae’s rich nutritional profiles have increased their inclusion in human diets but also in animal feeds as sources of fatty acids, especially important for the fish industry. Nonetheless, algae are continuously exposed to environmental contaminants including antibiotics and possess the ability for bioaccumulation of such compounds. Therefore, the present paper describes the development and validation of an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of antibiotics in the green macroalgae Ulva lactuca. This multi-residue method enables the determination of 38 compounds distributed between seven classes and was fully validated according to EU Decision 2002/657/EC.
- Predicting zooplankton response to environmental changes in a temperate estuarine ecosystemPublication . Marques, Sónia Cotrim; Azeiteiro, Ulisses Miranda; Leandro, Sérgio Miguel; Queiroga, Henrique; Primo, Ana Ligia; Martinho, Filipe; Viegas, Ivan; Pardal, Miguel ÂngeloA novel strategy that allows to predict the responses of zooplanktonic species to environmental conditions in an estuarine temperate ecosystem (Mondego estuary) is presented. It uses 12 indicator species from the zooplanktonic Mondego database (102 species) that are common members of the different habitats, characterized by their specific hydrological conditions. Indicator-species analysis (ISA) was used to define and describe which species were typical of each of the five sampling stations in a 4-year study (2003–2006). First, a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was carried out to objectively identify the species-habitat affinity based on the relationship between species, stations and environmental data. Response curves for each of the zooplanktonic species, generated by univariate logistic regression on each of the independent variables temperature and salinity, were generally in agreement with the descriptive statistics concerning the occurrence of those species in this particular estuarine ecosystem. Species-specific models that predict probability of occurrence relative to environmental parameters like salinity, water temperature, turbidity, chlorophyll a, total suspended solids and dissolved oxygen were then developed for the zooplanktonic species. The multiple logistic models used contained between 1 and 3 significant parameters and the percentage correctly predicted was moderate to high, ranging from 62 to 95%. The predictive accuracy of the model was assured by direct comparison of model predictions with the observed occurrence of species obtained in 2006 (validation) and from data collected in the early 2000s in another Portuguese estuary - Ria de Aveiro (Canal de Mira), a complex mesotidal shallow coastal lagoon. The regression logistic model here defined, correctly suggested that the distribution of zooplankton species was mainly dependent on salinity and water temperature. The logistic regression proved to be a useful approach for predicting the occurrence of species under varying environmental conditions at a local scale. Therefore, this model can be considered of reasonable application (and should be tested in other estuarine systems) due to its ability to predict the occurrence of individual zooplanktonic species associated with habitat changes.
- Surf zone zooplankton communities from the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula: influence of season, substrate type and environmental factorsPublication . Guerreiro, Milene Alexandra; Marques, Sónia Cotrim; Martinho, Filipe; Azeiteiro, Ulisses Miranda; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Primo, Ana LígiaStudies on surf zone zooplankton biodiversity and population dynamics processes remain scarce in comparison to other coastal areas. In this work, we analysed the seasonal (winter/summer) variability of the surf zone zooplankton assemblage structure and copepod biomass of distinct areas with different substrate types (sandy beaches/rocky shores) at the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal). Cypris of Cirripedia and Acartia clausi prevailed during summer at both areas. In the winter, Paracalanus parvus and Temora longicornis were the most abundant species at sandy beaches, while Harpacticoida n.id.1 and Euterpina acutifrons dominated at rocky shores. Copepod biomass was higher during the winter and in sandy beaches. Zooplankton showed distinct community structure according to season and substrate type, with Harpacticoids and cirripeds being the main responsible for seasonal differences, while fish eggs and harpacticoids were mainly responsible for differences among substrates. Surf zone assemblages were influenced by temperature, chlorophyll a and local hydrodynamics, which reflects species seasonal reproduction and drift in the water column.
- Tissue depletion of five antibiotic residues in farmed European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)Publication . Rosa, João; Leston, Sara; Freitas, Andreia; Barbosa, Jorge; Rema, Paulo; Dias, Jorge; Lemos, Marco F. L.; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Ramos, FernandoConcerns about antibiotic use led to stricter legislations and overall better practices in aquaculture production. However, depletion time periods in tissues vary greatly with different antimicrobials, fish species, or experimental setup. In the present work, five drugs (sulfadiazine (SDZ), trimethoprim (TRI), flumequine (FLU), oxolinic acid (OXO), and oxytetracycline (OTC)) were incorporated into medicated feed, and their retention in European seabass muscle tissues assessed. Juveniles were placed in 300 L tanks at 18 °C and were manually fed with medicated feeds for a 7 day period (two concentrations per antimicrobial, ranging from 6 to 220 mg kg−1 , which were based on previous studies on the occurrence of these antimicrobials). Residues were analyzed through a multi-class quantification method (UHPLC-MS/MS). Data on residues concentration through time followed a one-compartment model, with TRI concentrations above the established Maximum Residue Level (MRL) throughout the experiment. Similarly, OTC concentrations at the highest dose were also above 100 μg kg−1 up to 14 days after the medication period. Results obtained for TRI may indicate the presence of a dose dependency for this antimicrobial. FLU concentrations in muscle samples were the lowest through time (Cday7 of 279.70 and 386.63 μg kg−1 , for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments, respectively). Half-life values of 14.37, 10.87, 5.36, 7.20, and 27.22 h (prophylactic treatment), and 20.95, 8.41, 5.61, 11.22, and 17.99 h (therapeutic treatment), were determined for SDZ, TRI, FLU, OXO, and OTC, respectively. Withdrawal times of 0, 2, and 5 days were determined for FLU, OXO, and SDZ, but sampling times for OTC and TRI should be longer, since antimicrobial concentrations were above the MRL 14 days after the end of the feeding period with medicated feed. Therefore, special attention should be given since they are the most used antibiotics in aquaculture and European seabass plays a major part in human nutrition in the Mediterranean region.
- Uptake of enrofloxacin from seawater to the macroalgae Ulva and its use in IMTA systemsPublication . Rosa, João; Leston, Sara; Crespo, Daniel; Freitas, Andreia; Pouca, Ana Sofia Vila; Barbosa, Jorge; Lemos, Marco F.L.; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; Ramos, FernandoIntegrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems can minimize the environmental impacts of aquaculture, while delivering economical benefits. However, the use of extractive species such as seaweeds can accumulate pharmaceuticals commonly used in these systems. Therefore, this work evaluated the exposure of the seaweed Ulva to enrofloxacin (ENR), a vastly used antimicrobial in aquaculture, at two dosages (C1, 7.5 μg L−1 and C2, 15 μg L−1), and concentrations in water and in Ulva were measured through time. Traditional endpoints such as growth and mortality were assessed as ENR effects in the macroalgae. Enrofloxacin presented good stability in seawater, and degradation rates were influenced by the presence of seaweed at the lowest concentration tested. The seaweed was able to assimilate the antibiotic, reaching internal concentrations of 7.76 ± 1.11 ng g−1 WW after 30 min of exposure for C1, and 14.51 ± 1.22 ng g−1 WW, after 15 min for C2. Lowest concentrations detected at the end of experimental time were 4.08 ± 0.42 ng g−1 WW and 5.09 ± 1.57 ng g−1 WW for C1 and C2, respectively, which nonetheless, corresponds to ∼5% of the maximum residue limit established for fish for ENR by the European regulation. The presence of ENR stimulated Ulva growth, with differences observed 96 h after the beginning of the trial.
- Using multitable techniques for assessing the temporal variability of species–environment relationship in a copepod community from a temperate estuarine ecosystemPublication . Cotrim Marques, Sónia; Pardal, Miguel Ângelo; MENDES, SUSANA; Azeiteiro, Ulisses Manuel de MirandaThis study investigated copepod assemblages' distribution patterns and determined the main hydrological and physical factors structuring it at different temporal scales. Copepod and hydrographic surveys were conducted seasonally during a one-year period, at a fixed station in Mondego estuary. Hourly samples were collected, during a diel cycle from sub-surface and 1m above the bottom, at spring tides. Temporal variability of copepod community was analyzed using the STATICO method. Seasonal variability of the environmental conditions, linked with periods of higher freshwater flow, were the main drivers responsible for copepod community structure observed. Seasonal changes related to environmental factors showed to be strongest in spring and in winter, which accounted with higher species density. Marine and estuarine copepods showed maximal abundance in spring and summer, while the period of higher river flow, coincidently with autumn and winter, imposed changes in the copepods composition, emphasizing the changes in saline zonation within the estuary due to regime of river discharge. STATICO also emphasized the effects of physical forcing at short-term temporal scales. The stable part of the species–environment relationships resulted from the combination of a salinity gradient linked to a fresh, brackish- and marine species gradient, which was dependent on tidal cycle. The STATICO method proved to be a valuable statistical tool to get a clear representation of temporal organization of the copepod assemblages.