Microplastics in Marine Environment: Occurrence, Distribution, and Extraction Methods in Marine Organisms

The pervasive presence of microplastics in marine environments has raised significant concerns. This review addresses the pressing issue of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems and its potential implications for both the environment and human health. It outlines the current state of microplastic occurrence, distribution, and extraction methods within marine organisms. Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their harmful effects on ecosystems and their potential human health risks. These particles infiltrate marine environments through runoff and atmospheric deposition, ultimately contaminating beaches and posing threats to marine life. Despite the gravity of this issue, there has been limited research on the presence and distribution of microplastics in marine organisms. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by comprehensively examining the occurrence, distribution, and various extraction methods used to detect microplastics in marine organisms. It emphasizes the urgent need for targeted measures to manage microplastic pollution, highlights the significant role of human activities in contributing to this problem, and underscores the importance of reducing human-induced pollution to safeguard marine ecosystems. While this paper contributes to the understanding of microplastic pollution in marine environments and underscores the critical importance of taking action to protect marine organisms and preserve our oceans for future generations, it also emphasizes that, in effectively tackling the microplastic problem, a well-coordinated approach is essential, involving research initiatives, policy adjustments, public involvement, and innovative technologies. Crucially, prompt and resolute responses must exist to counteract the escalating peril posed by microplastics to the oceans and the global environment.

Recent Advances of Bioactive Marine Natural Products in Drug Discovery

Marine natural products(MNPs)are valuable resources for drug development.To date,17 drugs from marine sources are in clinical use,and 33 pharmaceutical compounds are in clinical trials.Presently the success of drug development from the marine resources is higher than the industry average.It is a feasible strategy to conduct the discovery of druglead compounds based on marine chemical ecology by fully exploiting the pharmacological potential of marine chemical defense matters.In the search for bioactive MNPs,our group has constructed a biological resources library including more than 1500 strains of fungi.Focusing on the strategy of Blue Drug Library,we have discovered a series of novel MNPs with abundant biological functions.Highly efficient and scalable total synthesis of(+)-aniduquinolone A(44)and pesimquinolone I(48)have been completed,which will facilitate access to sufficient quantities of candidates for in vivo pharmacological and toxicological studies.As a nucleoprotein(NP)inhibitor,QLA(75)possesses significant anti-influenza A virus(IAV)activities both in vitro and in vivo.CHNQD-00803(76)is a potent and selective AMP-activated kinase(AMPK)activator that can effectively inhibit metabolic disorders and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH)progression.Moreover,we identified two new candidate molecules with potent anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects.Particularly,as a natural guanine-nucleotide exchange factors for ADP-ribosylation factor GTPases(Arf-GEFs)inhibitor prodrug,CHNQD-01255(78)is qualified to be developed as a targeted candidate anticancer drug,which may be promising to apply for cancer immunotherapy.Hence,it is evident that MNPs play an important role in drug development.

Verify the Function of a Potential Growth-Regulating Gene in Marine Bivalve Using a Candidate Model Organism Mulinia lateralis

A better understanding of genetic bases of growth regulation is essential for bivalve breeding,which is helpful to improve the yield of the commercially important bivalves.While previous studies have identified some candidate genes accounting for variation in growth-related traits through genotype-phenotype association analyses,seldom of them have verified the functions of these putative,growth-related genes beyond the genomic level due to the difficulty of culturing commercial bivalves under laboratory conditions.Fortunately,dwarf surf clam Mulinia lateralis can serve as a model organism for studying marine bivalves given its short generation time,the feasibility of being grown under experimental conditions and the availability of genetic and biological information.Using dwarf surf clam as a model bivalve,we characterize E2F3,a gene that has been found to account for variation in growth in scallops by a previous genome-wide association study,and verify its function in growth regulation through RNA interference(RNAi)experiments.For the first time,E2F3 in dwarf surf clam,which is termed as MulE2F3,is characterized.The results reveal that dwarf surf clams with MulE2F3 knocked down exhibit a reduction in both shell size and soft-tissue weight,indicating the functions of MulE2F3 in positively regulating bivalve growth.More importantly,we demonstrate how dwarf surf clam can be used as a model organism to investigate gene functions in commercial bivalves,shedding light on genetic causes for variation in growth to enhance the efficiency of bivalve farming.

Pollution monitoring of marine organisms grown in the Zhoushan Sea of China

The sustainable regeneration of the biggest fishery resource in the Zhoushan Sea area of China has been adversely affected in recent years. Wastewater discharged into the marine ecosystem is the main source of pollution. Affected organisms such as hairtail prawn, jellyfish, crab, laver and kelp were monitored, and the contributions and fluxes of three sort of pollutants(oils, Cr and phenol) from the expansion of rural enterprises in the Yangtze River valley, the Qiantang River valley, the Ningbo coastal area and the Zhoushan islands were calculated. More than 16 chemical pollutants were jointly responsible for the decrease in the yield and quality of marine organisms. Furthermore, combined contamination effects and their joint toxicity differed between summer and winter, because they were varied with different temperature, salinity, pH and E h.

Effects of Climate Change on Marine Organisms

Global warming has become a global challenge having dire consequences on different aspects of the environment due to the melting of glaciers, excess carbon dioxide (CO2), and excess warming of water bodies among others. At a faster pace recently, climate change is affecting the marine environment, causing numerous alterations. Here, we address its consequences and the numerous alterations, which are more vital for researchers and global agencies to advocate more on why it’s essential to lessen the impact of climate change. Our review showed that the impacts of climate change are articulated at several stages of the marine ecosystem where it affects the inhabitants and their habitats. In response to climate change (ocean warming) marine species shift their latitudinal range to find suitable conditions leading to the redistribution of species. In addition, we found that growth reduction, sub-optimal behaviors, and reduced immune-competence of marine organisms, are as a result of thermal stress due to climate change. Also, the periodic changes in temperature above or below the optimum have a meditative reproductive effect on marine species, including fish. Finally, we discovered that due to higher water temperatures, several diseases showcase greater virulence in the sense that the marine species become less resistant to these diseases due to stress, increased virulence stimuli, or increased transmission.

Chlorophenols in marine organisms from the southern coast of Hangzhou Bay,China,and an assessment of risks posed to human health

The composition of chlorophenols in marine organisms from the southern coast of Hangzhou Bay, China, was analyzed and the health risks posed to humans assessed. A total of 19 chlorophenols from 16 types of marine organism were analyzed across nine survey sections in Hangzhou Bay. The chlorophenols were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using a DB-5MS quartz capillary column. The concentrations of monochlorophenol, dichlorophenol, trichlorophenol, tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol ranged from below the detection limit(ND) to 132 μg/kg, ND–51.0 μg/kg, ND–42.5 μg/kg, ND–69.0 μg/kg, and ND–9.06 μg/kg, respectively. Additionally, concentration differences between each type of chlorophenol were not significant( P >0.05). However, significant differences were found between monochlorophenol( F =8.13, P <0.01) and total chlorophenol(F =5.19, P <0.01) concentrations. As the noncarcinogenic risk indices were <0.1(10-5 –10-2) for all of the organisms, no high risk was posed by 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol to humans consuming marine organisms from the study area. Furthermore, the carcinogenic risks posed by 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol were lower than limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and the US Environmental Protection Agency. However, the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks posed by chlorophenols in marine organisms from four of the survey sections(Sizaopu, Niluoshan, Longshan Town and Xinhong zha) were higher than the other survey sections.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling as Targets for Developing Anticancer Agents from Marine Organisms

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most frequently dysregulated pathways in cancer.Targeting the PI3K-mediated pathway has been an important strategy for developing novel anticancer agents.In the past decades,more than 40 inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway have been developed at different clinical stages.Temsirolimus,everolimus,idelalisib,and copanlisib have been approved for clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States(FDA).However,the toxic-ity and drug resistance limit their efficiency in the treatment.Novel compounds with greater potency and selectivity,as well as im-proved therapeutic indices with reduced toxicity,are clearly required.Over the past three decades,a lot of bioactive ingredients with anticancer effects by affecting the PI3K-mediated pathways have been found from marine organisms.In the present mini-review,anticancer compounds from marine source that target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling were reviewed.The molecular entities and their modes of action were presented.The marine compounds targeting special factors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR were highlighted.

An electrochemical study on the effects of marine fouling organisms on steel used in the sea

-Study on the effects of microorganism secretive membrane and covering layer of macrofouling organisms-Balanus reticulatus, Ostrea plicatula, Membranipora, Corophium and Algae on the corrosion of carbon steel and low-alloy steel by the determination of natural corrosive potentials, linear polarization and the polarization curver of dynamic potential scanning through an electrochemical equipment.The results show that the microorganism secretion membrane formed on sample surface has some protective role, during the initial period of exposure (about ten days). Then protective role decreases and corrosive rate increases with the lapse of immersion time. The protective role of some macrofouling organisms is shown in order as follows: Corophium> Balanus reticulatus>Algae>Membranipora>Ostrea plicatula.

Controlling Factors of Organic Nanopore Development: A Case Study on Marine Shale in the Middle and Upper Yangtze Region, South China

The Upper Ordovician Wufeng-Lower Silurian Longmaxi and the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi shales are the major targets for shale gas exploration and development in China.Although the two organic-rich shales share similar distribution ranges and thicknesses,they exhibit substantially different exploration and development results.This work analyzed the nanopore structures of the shale reservoirs in this region.Pore development of 51 shale samples collected from various formations and locations was compared using the petromineralogical,geochemical,structural geological and reservoir geological methods.The results indicate that the reservoir space in these shales is dominated by organic pores and the total pore volume of micropores,mesopores,macropores in different tectonic areas and formations show different trends with the increase of TOC.It is suggested that organic pores of shale can be well preserved in areas with simple structure and suitable preservation conditions,and the shale with smaller maximum ancient burial depth and later hydrocarbongeneration-end-time is also more conducive to pore preservation.Organic pore evolution models are established,and they are as follows:①Organic matter pore development stage,②Early stage of organic matter pore destruction,and③late stage of organic matter pore destruction.The areas conducive to pore development are favorable for shale gas development.Research results can effectively guide the optimization and evaluation of favorable areas of shale gas.

Biomarker geochemistry of marine organic matter in the Hushan and Chaohu areas,Lower Yangtze region

Marine strata are widely exposed in the Hushan and Chaohu areas, Lower Yangtze region. As biomarker geochemistry of the strata has not been well documented, this paper deals with the biomarker composition of representative samples collected from the Silurian, Carboniferous and Triassic systems and their geological implications, thus providing clues to marine organic matter. On the basis of experimental results, it is shown that abundant biomarkers (e.g. n-alkanes, isoprenoids, terpanes and steranes) were detected. As organic matter in the strata is highly to over mature in general based on petrologic microobservation, some biomarkers (mainly n-alkanes) except terpanes and steranes cannot reflect the source, depositional environment and maturity of organic matter. Thus, primarily based on analyses of the terpanes and steranes, it is suggested that organic matter in the Silurian and Carboniferous strata is derived mainly from lower organisms, while higher plants are predominant in the Triassic organic matter. This further indicates that the depositional environment may have transformed from the marine to continental facies in the Late Triassic. These results provide new evidence for the study of regional depositional evolution, and have enriched the study of biological composition of organic matter. In addition, the biomarker geochemistry of organic matter at high to over maturation stage is addressed.

Determining the Main Gas-generation Phase of Marine Organic Matters in Different Occurrence States using the Kinetic Method

This paper probes the determination of the main gas-generation phase of marine organic mattes using the kinetic method. The main gas-generation phase of marine organic matters was determined by coupling the gas generation yields and rates in geological history computed by the acquired kinetic parameters of typical marine organic matters （reservoir oil, residual bitumen, lowmaturity kerogen and residual kerogen） in both China and abroad and maturity by the EasyRo（%） method. Here, the main gas-generation phase was determined as Ro%=1.4%-2.4% for type Ⅰ kerogen, Ro%=1.5-3.0% for low-maturity type Ⅱ kerogen, Ro%=1.4-2.8% for residual kerogen, Ro%=1.5-3.2% for residual bitumen and Ro%=1.6-3.2% for reservoir oil cracking. The influences on the main gas-generation phase from the openness of the simulated system and the ＂dead line＂ of natural gas generation are also discussed. The results indicate that the openness of simulation system has a definite influence on computing the main gas-generation phase. The main gas-generation phase of type Ⅱ kerogen is Ro%=1.4-3.1% in an open system, which is earlier than that in a closed system. According to our results, the ＂dead line＂ of natural gas generation is determined as Ro=3.5 % for type Ⅰ kerogen, Ro=4.4-4.5% for type Ⅱ kerogen and Ro=4.6% for marine oil. Preliminary applications are presented taking the southwestern Tarim Basin as an example.

Pitfalls of acid leaching method for determining organic and inorganic carbon contents in marine sediments

Organic and inorganic carbon contents of marine sediments are important to reconstruct marine productivity,global carbon cycle, and climate change. A proper method to separate and determine organic and inorganic carbons is thus of great necessity. Although the best method is still disputable, the acid leaching method is widely used in many laboratories because of its ease-of-use and high accuracy. The results of the elemental analysis of sediment trap samples reveal that organic and inorganic carbon contents cannot be obtained using the acid leaching method, causing an infinitely amplified error when the carbon content of the decarbonated sample is 12%±1% according to a mathematical derivation. Acid fumigation and gasometric methods are used for comparison, which indicates that other methods can avoid this problem in organic carbon analysis. For the first time, this study uncovers the pitfalls of the acid leaching method, which limits the implication in practical laboratory measurement, and recommends alternative solutions of organic/inorganic carbon determination in marine sediments.

An improved method for quantitatively measuring the sequences of total organic carbon and black carbon in marine sediment cores

Understanding global carbon cycle is critical to uncover the mechanisms of global warming and remediate its adverse ef fects on human activities.Organic carbon in marine sediments is an indispensable part of the global carbon reservoir in global carbon cycling.Evaluating such a reservoir calls for quantitative studies of marine carbon burial,which closely depend on quantifying total organic carbon and black carbon in marine sediment cores and subsequently on obtaining their high-resolution temporal sequences.However,the conventional methods for detecting the contents of total organic carbon or black carbon cannot resolve the following specific difficulties,i.e.,(1)a very limited amount of each subsample versus the diverse analytical items,(2) a low and fluctuating recovery rate of total organic carbon or black carbon versus the reproducibility of carbon data,and(3)a large number of subsamples versus the rapid batch measurements.In this work,(i)adopting the customized disposable ceramic crucibles with the microporecontrolled ability,(ii)developing self-made or customized facilities for the procedures of acidification and chemothermal oxidization,and(iii)optimizing procedures and carbon-sulfur analyzer,we have built a novel Wang-Xu-Yuan method(the WXY method)for measuring the contents of total organic carbon or black carbon in marine sediment cores,which includes the procedures of pretreatment,weighing,acidification,chemothermal oxidation and quantification;and can fully meet the requirements of establishing their highresolution temporal sequences,whatever in the recovery,experimental efficiency,accuracy and reliability of the measurements,and homogeneity of samples.In particular,the usage of disposable ceramic crucibles leads to evidently simplify the experimental scenario,which further results in the very high recovery rates for total organic carbon and black carbon.This new technique may provide a significant support for revealing the mechanism of carbon burial and evaluating the capacity of marine carbon accumulation and sequestration.

Lower limit of thermal maturity for the carbonization of organic matter in marine shale and its exploration risk

Based on the drilling data of the Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin and periphery, SW China, the Ro lower limits and essential features of the carbonization of organic matter in over-high maturity marine shale were examined using laser Raman, electrical and physical property characterization techniques. Three preliminary conclusions are drawn:(1) The lower limit of Ro for the carbonization of Type I-II1 organic matter in marine shale is 3.5%; when the Ro is less than 3.4%, carbonization of organic matter won't happen in general; when the Ro ranges from 3.4% to 3.5%, non-carbonization and weak carbonization of organic matter may coexist; when the Ro is higher than 3.5%, the carbonization of organic matter is highly likely to take place.(2) Organic-rich shale entering carbonization phase have three basic characteristics: log resistivity curve showing a general "slender neck" with low-ultralow resistance response, Raman spectra showing a higher graphite peak, and poor physical property(with matrix porosity of only less than 1/2 of the normal level).(3) The quality damage of shale reservoir caused by the carbonization of organic matter is almost fatal, which primarily manifests in depletion of hydrocarbon generation capacity, reduction or disappearance of organic pores and intercrystalline pores of clay minerals, and drop of adsorption capacity to natural gas. Therefore, the lower limit of Ro for the carbonization of Type I-II1 organic matter should be regarded as the theoretically impassable red line of shale gas exploration in the ancient marine shale formations. The organic-rich shale with low-ultralow resistance should be evaluated effectively in area selection to exclude the high risk areas caused by the carbonization of organic matter. The target organic-rich shale layers with low-ultralow resistance drilled during exploration and development should be evaluated on carbonization level of organic matter, and the deployment plan should be adjusted according to the evaluation results in time.

Marine biological injuries and their medical management:A narrative review

The marine environment can be extremely dangerous,and the harm caused by marine organisms when they contact the human body can be especially harmful,even deadly.Contact includes stings,bites,wounds,and consumption as food.In this article,the characteristics of the common marine biological injuries are summarized,the major marine organisms causing damage in China’s marine waters are described,and injury prevention and treatment methods are discussed.

Occurrence of Highly Mature Organic Matter in Marine Black Shale Petroleum Source Rocks of Basal Cambrian from Northern Tarim Basin, China

More and more evidence indicates that organic matter (OM) in immature organic-rich sediments and sedimentary rocks is chemically adsorbed onto the outer surfaces of minerals and into interlayer (inner) surfaces of smectitic clay minerals in the form of amorphous molecular-scale carbon. But there have been few reports about the occurrence of highly mature OM in marine black shales (petroleum source rocks). The occurrence of highly mature OM in the black shales of basal Cambrian from northern Tarim Basin is studied in this paper. Based on the comprehensive analyses of total organic carbon contents (TOC), maximum thermolysis temperatures (T-max) of OM, mineral surface areas (MSA), and scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) and transmission electronic microscopic (TEM) observations of the black shales, it is concluded that the highly mature OM in the marine black shales of the basal Cambrian from northern Tarim Basin occurs in particulates ranging in size from 1 to 5 μm in diameter. Through the contrast of the occurrence of the highly mature OM in the black shales with that of the immature ones in modern marine continental margin sediments, some scientific problems are proposed, which are worth to study further in detail.

MARINE SOURCE ROCKS AND THEIR DEPOSITIONAL CONDITIONS OF MESOZOIC—CENOZOIC IN THE GAMBA—TINGRE BASIN,SOUTH TIBET:ORGANIC GEOCHEMICAL STUDY

The Gamba—Tingri basin lies in south Tethys Himalaya subzone. It is 400km in length from east to west, and 30～50km in width from north to south. The basin is mainly made up of marine Mesozoic and Lower Cenozoic, i.e., Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Lower Tertiary. Its total strata are more than 3100m in thickness. The passive continental margin of the India plate developed during Jurassic—Cretaceous after a Triassic rifting stage. Collision took place between the India and the Eurasian plate during the latest Cretaceous and earliest Tertiary (Liu and Einsele, 1994), which resulted in a Tertiary residual basin.The Jurassic stratigraphic system in the Gamba—Tingri basin were not carried out until recently (Wan et al., 1999), which is divided into three formations, i.e.., Pupuga Fm., Nieniexiongla Fm., and Menkadun Fm.. The Cretaceous and Tertiary stratigraphic system is after Wan (1985) and Xu et al.(1990), which the Cretaceous is divided into six formations: Dongsan Fm., Chaqiela Fm., Lengqingle Fm., Xiawuchubo Fm., Jiubao Fm., and Zongshan Fm, whereas the Tertiary is divided into Jiabula Fm. Zongpu Fm., and Zhepure Fm.

Application of Hydrocarbons Biomarkers in Marine Organic Geochemistry

Biomarker is an important tool in the study of marine organic geochemistry. Its development and application makes it possible to elucidate the process and mechanism of the organic matter in the ocean. Hydrocarbons are the most useful molecular markers. They are used as tracers in many aspects, such as source indication; the degradation of organic matter; diagensis process; environmental pollution and paleooceanic study, etc. They are studied in the estuaries, coastal area and deep sea to give the knowledge of marine organic geochemistry. The paper deals with the characteristics, development and application of biomarkers as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Chlorsiliconorganic Compound Formed during Lipid Separation from Japan Marine Ascidia

The crystal substance has been isolated from?chloroform-ethanol extract of sea organism?Halocynthia?aurantium. A set of spectrometry methods was used to describe a structure of this compound. It was appeared that element analysis showed ≈60% chlorine, less silicon, carbon and hydrogen. Another spectroscopy method (UV, IR, NMR) did not give an additional information. The data obtained suggests us that we have the matter with unusual compound. X-ray-phase analysis was used also. On the basis of an element analysis and X-ray diffraction parameters the formula of compound С2H2Si4Cl12?has been offered.

Application of Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometer for Analysis of Organic Carbon in Marine Sediments

The performance of a portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer to determine organic carbon (OC) in marine sediments was evaluated. The NIR reflection spectra of 180 samples in the range 950 - 1650 nm were acquired using an ultra-compact spectrometer. NIR spectroscopy combined with the partial least squares (PLS) regression and Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing was successfully applied to rapid and reagent-free determination of OC. Using the PLS-SG model with 1nd order derivative, 2th polynomial and eleven smoothing points, the root-mean-square errors (RMSEPM) and correlation coefficients (RP,M) of prediction for modeling were 0.073% and 0.894, respectively, the root-mean-square errors (RMSEPV) and correlation coefficients (RP,V) of prediction for validation were 0.075% and 0.883, respectively. Results showed that the small portable NIR instrument achieved well prediction effect for the analysis of OC in marine sediments, which had advantages of rapid, easy to carry and operate suitable for large-scale applications to analyze marine sediments.