@article{Caeiro2003, abstract = {The Sado Estuary is a coastal zone located in the south of Portugal where conflicts between conservation and development exist because of its location near industrialized urban zones and its designation as a natural reserve. The aim of this paper is to evaluate a set of multivariate geostatistical approaches to delineate spatially contiguous regions of sediment structure for Sado Estuary. These areas will be the supporting infrastructure of an environmental management system for this estuary. The boundaries of each homogeneous area were derived from three sediment characterization attributes through three different approaches: (1) cluster analysis of dissimilarity matrix function of geographical separation followed by indicator kriging of the cluster data, (2) discriminant analysis of kriged values of the three sediment attributes, and (3) a combination of methods 1 and 2. Final maximum likelihood classification was integrated into a geographical information system. All methods generated fairly spatially contiguous management areas that reproduce well the environment of the estuary. Map comparison techniques based on kappa statistics showed thatthe resultant three maps are similar, supporting the choice of any of the methods as appropriate for management of the Sado Estuary. However, the results of method 1 seem to be in better agreement with estuary behavior, assessment of contamination sources, and previous work conducted at this site.}, author = {Caeiro, Sandra and Goovaerts, Pierre and Painho, Marco and Costa, M. Helena and Helena Costa, M.}, doi = {10.1021/es0262075}, journal = {Environmental Science and Technology}, month = {sep}, pages = {4052-4059}, title = {Delineation of Estuarine Management Areas Using Multivariate Geostatistics: The Case of Sado Estuary}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pierre_Goovaerts/publication/9068316_Delineation_of_Estuarine_Management_Areas_Using_Multivariate_Geostatistics_The_Case_of_Sado_Estuary/links/0912f50eed6376c640000000.pdf}, volume = {37}, year = {2003} } @article{Caeiro2003_2, abstract = {Unusual difficulties are encountered when characterizing the spatial distribution of the properties that collectively define the state of estuaries. Due to the variability of these estuarine conditions, greater sampling efforts are often necessary to describe estuarine environments, as compared to other aquatic systems. That is why in coastal management studies, where the collection of data is sometimes very difficult and time-consuming, a robust sampling strategy is essential. The aim of this study is to design a spatial sampling strategy for estuarine sediments, using prior information on the spatial variation of sediment granulometry. Systematic unaligned sampling with a grid cell size of 750×500 m was chosen on the basis of semi-variogram analysis, and was shown to have distinct advantages. This design was sampled for sediment parameters using a GPS-receiver and mapped within the digitized shoreline of the estuary. The estuary shoreline was digitized on the basis of aerial ortho-photography with tidal ebb determination. The sampling is intended to define the boundaries of environmental management areas for the Sado Estuary, situated on the west coast of Portugal. The research represents one of the initial phases in the development of a Sado Estuary environmental management system integrated into a Geographic Information System.}, author = {Caeiro, Sandra and Painho, Marco and Goovaerts, Pierre and Costa, Helena and Sousa, Sandra}, doi = {10.1016/s1364-8152(03)00103-8}, journal = {Environmental Modelling and Software}, month = {dec}, pages = {853-859}, title = {Spatial sampling design for sediment quality assessment in estuaries}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pierre_Goovaerts/publication/222403665_Spatial_sampling_design_for_sediment_quality_assessment_in_estuaries/links/0912f50eed631cb8a5000000.pdf}, volume = {18}, year = {2003} } @article{Caeiro2005, abstract = {The Sado Estuary in Portugal is a good example of a site where human pressures and ecological values collide with each other. An overall contamination assessment has never been conducted in a way that is comprehensible to estuary managers. One of the aims of this work was to select different types of index to aggregate and assess heavy metal contamination in the Sado Estuary in an accessible manner. Another aim was to use interpolation surfaces per metal to compare and gauge the results of the indices and to assess the contamination separately per metal. Seventy-eight stations were sampled within the main bay of the estuary and a set of heavy metals and metalloids was established, Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr, Hg, Al, Zn and As. The sediment fine fraction content, organic matter and redox potential were also analysed. Various indices for contamination, background enrichment and ecological risk were used, tested, compared and performance-evaluated. All metals and metalloids were strongly correlated, and the indices appear to reflect heavy metal variability satisfactorily. Difficulties were found in some indices regarding boundary definition (minimum and maximum) and comparability with other estuaries, thus better methods of standardization should be a priority issue. According to the index that has the highest performance score within the group of ecological risk indices – the Sediment Quality Guideline Quotient – only 3% of the stations are highly contaminated and register a high potential for observing adverse biological effects, whereas 47% display moderate contamination. This index can be complemented with the contamination index, which allows more site-specific and accurate information on contaminant levels. If the aim of work on contamination evaluation is to assess the overall contamination of a study area, the indices are highly appropriate. For spatial and source evaluation per metal, interpolation surfaces should also be used.}, author = {Caeiro, S. and Costa, M. H. and Ramos, T. B. and Fernandes, F. and Silveira, N. and Coimbra, A. and Medeiros, G. and Painho, M.}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2005.02.001}, journal = {Ecological Indicators}, month = {may}, pages = {151-169}, title = {Assessing heavy metal contamination in Sado Estuary sediment: An index analysis approach}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/M_Painho/publication/222564133_Assessing_heavy_metal_contamination_in_Sado_Estuary_sediment_An_index_analysis_approach_Ecological_Indicators_5_151-169/links/00463521c98b262ae1000000.pdf}, volume = {5}, year = {2005} } @article{Caeiro2005_2, abstract = {An integration of sediment physical, chemical, biological, and toxicity data is necessary for a meaningful interpretation of the complex sediment conditions in the marine environment. Assessment of benthic community is a vital component for that interpretation, yet their evaluation is complex and requires a large expenditure of time and funds. Thus, there is a need for new tools that are less expensive and more understandable for managers. This paper presents a benthic biotope index to predict from physical and chemical variables the occurrence of macrobenthic habitats. Parameters such as sediment type, organic matter, depth, and hydrodynamic parameters were selected, through a discriminant analysis, to compute the index. Other authors have used multivariate methods to determine the benthic biotopes for Sado Estuary. The index proved to be a valid tool to classify and assess the spatial patterns of benthic habitat and to synthesize stress biotope gradients.}, author = {Caeiro, S. and Costa, M. H. and Goovaerts, P. and Martins, F.}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2005.04.002}, journal = {Marine Environmental Research}, month = {dec}, pages = {570-593}, title = {Benthic biotope index for classifying habitats in the Sado Estuary: Portugal.}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pierre_Goovaerts/publication/7792949_Benthic_biotope_index_for_classifying_habitats_in_the_Sado_Estuary_Portugal/links/0fcfd50f55106f3722000000.pdf}, volume = {60}, year = {2005} } @article{Caeiro2009, abstract = {The purpose of this work was to integrate different methodologies to assess the potential ecological risk of estuarine sedimentary management areas, using the Sado Estuary in Portugal as case study. To evaluate the environmental risk of sediment contamination, an integrative and innovative approach was used involving assessment of sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity, benthic community structure, human driving forces and pressures and management areas organic load levels. The basis for decision-making for overall assessment was a statistical multivariate analysis appended into a score matrix tables, using a best expert judgment. The integrated approach allowed to identify from the 19 management areas analyzed, three with no risk but other three with high risk to cause adverse effects in the biota, related with the contaminants analyzed. The methodologies used showed to be effective as a support for decision making leading to future estuarine management recommendations.}, author = {Caeiro, Sandra and Costa, Maria Helena and DelValls, Angel and Repolho, Tiago and Gonçalves, Margarida and Mosca, Alice and Coimbra, Ana Paula and Ramos, Tomás B. and Painho, Marco}, doi = {10.1007/s10646-009-0372-8}, journal = {Ecotoxicology}, month = {jul}, pages = {1165-1175}, title = {Ecological risk assessment of sediment management areas: Application to Sado Estuary, Portugal}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Goncalves10/publication/26666636_Ecological_risk_assessment_of_sediment_management_areas_Application_to_Sado_Estuary_Portugal/links/09e4150871bc3456d8000000.pdf}, volume = {18}, year = {2009} } @article{Costa2007, abstract = {Metallothionein (MT) in the liver of gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata L., 1758) exposed to Sado estuary (Portugal) sediments was quantified to assess the MT induction potential as a biomarker of sediment-based contamination by copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). Sediments were collected from two control sites and four sites with different levels of contamination. Sediment Cu, Cd, Pb, As, total organic matter (TOM) and fine fraction (FF) levels were determined. Generalized linear models (GLM) allowed integration of sediment parameters with liver Cu, Cd, Pb, As and MT concentrations. Although sediment metal levels were lower than expected, we relate MT with liver Cd and also with interactions between liver and sediment Cu and between liver Cu and TOM. We suggest integrating biomarkers and environmental parameters using statistical models such as GLM as a more sensitive and reliable technique for sediment risk assessment than traditional isolated biomarker approaches.}, author = {Costa, P. M. and Repolho, T. and Caeiro, S. and Diniz, M. E. and Moura, I. and Costa, M. H.}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2007.05.012}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety}, month = {aug}, pages = {117-124}, title = {Modelling metallothionein induction in the liver of Sparus aurata exposed to metal-contaminated sediments}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/6221355_Modelling_metallothionein_induction_in_the_liver_of_Sparus_aurata_exposed_to_metal-contaminated_sediments/links/02e7e539daa6bba21d000000.pdf}, volume = {71}, year = {2007} } @article{Costa2008, abstract = {Juvenile Solea senegalensis (Senegalese sole) were exposed to freshly collected sediments from three sites of the Sado Estuary (West-Portuguese coast) in 28-day laboratory assays in order to assess the ecological risk from sediment contaminants, by measuring two genotoxicity biomarkers in peripheral blood: the percentage of Erythrocyte Nuclear Abnormalities (ENA) by use of an adaptation of the micronucleus test, and the percentage of DNA strand-breakage (DNA-SB) with the Comet assay. Sediments were surveyed for metallic (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) and organic (PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and DDTs (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane)) contaminants. Sediments from site A (farthest from hotspots of contamination) were found to be the least contaminated and weaker inducers of genotoxic damage, whereas sediments from sites B (urban influence) and C (affected by industrial effluents and agricultural runoffs) were responsible for a very significant increase in both ENA and DNA-SB, site B being most contaminated with metals and site C mainly with organic pollutants, especially PAHs and PCBs . Analysis of genotoxic effects showed a strong correlation between the concentrations of PAHs and PCBs and both biomarkers at sampling times T(14) and T(28), while the amounts of Cu, As, Cd and Pb were less strongly correlated, and at T(28) only, with ENA and DNA-SB. These results show that organic contaminants in sediment are stronger and faster acting genotoxic stressors. The results also suggest that metals may have an inhibitory effect on genotoxicity when interacting with organic contaminants, at least during early exposure. ENA and DNA-SB do not show a linear relationship, but a strong correlation exists between the overall increase in genotoxicity caused by exposure to sediment, confirming that they are different, and possibly non-linked effects that respond similarly to exposure. Although the Comet assay showed enhanced sensitivity, the two analyses are complementary and suitable for the biomonitoring of sediment contaminants in a benthic species like S. senegalensis.}, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Lobo, Jorge and Caeiro, Sandra and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and Angel Delvalls, T. and DelValls, T. Ángel and Costa, Maria H.}, doi = {10.1016/j.mrgentox.2008.04.007}, journal = {Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis}, month = {jun}, pages = {29-37}, title = {Genotoxic damage in Solea senegalensis exposed to sediments from the Sado Estuary (Portugal): Effects of metallic and organic contaminants}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/5322507_Genotoxic_damage_in_Solea_senegalensis_exposed_to_sediments_from_the_Sado_Estuary_Portugal_Effects_of_metallic_and_organic_contaminants/links/00463539daa1679a30000000.pdf}, volume = {654}, year = {2008} } @article{Costa2009, abstract = {Young juvenile Solea senegalensis were exposed to three sediments with distinct contamination profiles collected from a Portuguese estuary subjected to anthropogenic sources of contamination (the Sado estuary, western Portugal). Sediments were surveyed for metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc), a metalloid (arsenic) and organic contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and a pesticide, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane plus its metabolites), as well as total organic matter, redox potential and particle fine fraction. The fish were exposed to freshly collected sediments in a 28-day laboratorial assay and collected for histological analyses at days 0 (T(0)), 14 (T(14)) and 28 (T(28)). Individual weighted histopathological indices were obtained, based on presence/absence data of eight and nine liver and gill pathologies, respectively, and on their biological significance. Although livers sustained more severe lesions, the sediments essentially contaminated by organic substances caused more damage to both organs than the sediments contaminated by both metallic and organic contaminants, suggesting a possible synergistic effect. Correlation analyses showed that some alterations are linked, forming distinctive histopathological patterns that are in accordance with the severity of lesions and sediment characteristics. The presence of large eosinophilic bodies in liver and degeneration of mucous cells in gills (a first-time described alteration) were some of the most noticeable alterations observed and were related to sediment organic contaminants. Body size has been found to be negatively correlated with histopathological damage in livers following longer term exposures. It is concluded that histopathological indices provide reliable and discriminatory data even when biomonitoring as complex media as natural sediments. It is also concluded that the effects of contamination may result not only from toxicant concentrations but also from their interactions, relative potency and sediment characteristics that ultimately determine bioavailability.}, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Diniz, Mário S. and Caeiro, Sandra and Lobo, Jorge and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and Angel DelValls, T. and DelValls, T. Ángel and Costa, M. Helena and Helena Costa, M.}, doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2008.12.009}, journal = {Aquatic Toxicology}, month = {may}, pages = {202-212}, title = {Histological biomarkers in liver and gills of juvenile Solea senegalensis exposed to contaminated estuarine sediments: A weighted indices approach}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Miguel_Caetano/publication/24196901_Histological_biomarkers_in_liver_and_gills_of_juvenile_Solea_senegalensis_exposed_to_contaminated_estuarine_sediments_A_weighted_indices_approach/links/0fcfd50aeb05655220000000.pdf}, volume = {92}, year = {2009} } @article{Costa2009_2, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Ángel DelValls, T. and Caeiro, Sandra and Diniz, Mário S. and Lobo, Jorge and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and DelValls, T. Ángel and Costa, Maria H.}, doi = {10.1007/s10646-009-0373-7}, journal = {Ecotoxicology}, month = {jul}, pages = {988-1000}, title = {Biochemical endpoints on juvenile Solea senegalensis exposed to estuarine sediments: The effect of contaminant mixtures on metallothionein and CYP1A induction}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Miguel_Caetano/publication/225364986_Biochemical_endpoints_on_juvenile_Solea_senegalensis_exposed_to_estuarine_sediments_The_effect_of_contaminant_mixtures_on_metallothionein_and_CYP1A_induction/links/0fcfd50aeb05627fce000000.pdf}, volume = {18}, year = {2009} } @article{Costa2010, abstract = {The effects of sediment-bound contaminants on kidney and gill chloride cells were surveyed in juvenile Solea senegalensis exposed to fresh sediments collected from three distinct sites of the Sado Estuary (Portugal) in a 28-day laboratorial assay. Sediments were analyzed for metallic contaminants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorines as well as for total organic matter, redox potential and fine fraction. The potential for causing adverse biological effects of each surveyed sediment was assessed by comparison of contaminant levels to available guidelines for coastal sediments, namely the Threshold Effects Level (TEL) and the Probable Effects Level (PEL). The Sediment Quality Guideline Quotient indices (SQGQ) were calculated to compare the overall contamination levels of the three stations. A qualitative approach was employed to analyze the histo/cytopathological traits in gill chloride cells and body kidney of fish exposed to each tested sediment for 0, 14 and 28 days. The results showed that sediment contamination can be considered low to moderate and that the least contaminated sediment (from a reference site, with the lowest SQGQ) caused lesser changes in the surveyed organs. However, the most contaminated sediment (by both metallic and organic xenobiotics, with highest SQGQ) was neither responsible for the highest mortality nor for the most pronounced lesions. Exposure to the sediment presenting an intermediate SQGQ, essentially contaminated by organic compounds, caused the highest mortality (48%) and the most severe damage to kidneys, up to full renal necrosis. Chloride cell alterations were similar in fish exposed to the two most contaminated sediments and consisted of a pronounced cellular hypertrophy, likely involving fluid retention and loss of mitochondria. It can be concluded that sediment contamination considered to be low or moderate may be responsible for severe injury to cells and parenchyma involved in the maintenance of osmotic balance, contributing for the high mortality levels observed. The results suggest that sediment-bound organic contaminants such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) may be very toxic to the analyzed organs, especially the kidney, even when present in low-risk concentrations.}, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Ángel DelValls, T. and Caeiro, Sandra and Diniz, Mário S. and Lobo, Jorge and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and DelValls, T. Ángel and Costa, M. Helena and Helena Costa, M.}, doi = {10.1016/j.seares.2010.01.005}, journal = {Journal of Sea Research}, month = {nov}, pages = {465-472}, title = {A description of chloride cell and kidney tubule alterations in the flatfish Solea senegalensis exposed to moderately contaminated sediments from the Sado estuary (Portugal)}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/222893234_A_description_of_chloride_cell_and_kidney_tubule_alterations_in_the_flatfish_Solea_senegalensis_exposed_to_moderately_contaminated_sediments_from_the_Sado_estuary_Portugal/links/53d16ecb0cf2a7fbb2e695bf.pdf}, volume = {64}, year = {2010} } @article{Costa2011, abstract = {Juvenile Senegalese soles (Solea senegalensis) were exposed to estuarine sediments through 28-day laboratory and in situ (field) bioassays. The sediments, collected from three distinct sites (a reference plus two contaminated) of the Sado Estuary (W Portugal) were characterized for total organic matter, redox potential, fine fraction and for the levels of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorines, namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichloro diphenyl tricholoethane plus its main metabolites (DDTs). Genotoxicity was determined in whole peripheral blood by the single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or "comet") assay and by scoring erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA). Analysis was complemented with the determination of lipid peroxidation in blood plasma by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) protocol and cell type sorting. The results showed that exposure to contaminated sediments induced DNA fragmentation and clastogenesis. Still, laboratory exposure to the most contaminated sediment revealed a possible antagonistic effect between metallic and organic contaminants that might have been enhanced by increased bioavailability. The laboratory assay caused a more pronounced increase in ENA whereas a very significant increase in DNA fragmentation was observed in field-tested fish exposed to the reference sediment, which is likely linked to increased lipid peroxidation that probably occurred due to impaired access to food. Influence of natural pathogens was ruled out by unaltered leukocyte counts. The statistical integration of data correlated lipid peroxidation with biological variables such as fish length and weight, whereas the genotoxicity biomarkers were more correlated to sediment contamination. It was demonstrated that laboratory and field bioassays for the risk assessment of sediment contamination may yield different genotoxicity profiles although both provided results that are in overall accordance with sediment contamination levels. While field assays may provide more ecologically relevant data, the multiple environmental variables may produce sufficient background noise to mask the true effects of contamination.}, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Neuparth, Teresa S. and Caeiro, Sandra and Lobo, Jorge and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and Ángel DelValls, T. and Angel DelValls, T. and Costa, Maria H.}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2010.09.011}, journal = {Environmental Research}, month = {jan}, pages = {25-36}, title = {Assessment of the genotoxic potential of contaminated estuarine sediments in fish peripheral blood: Laboratory versus in situ studies}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/47519294_Assessment_of_the_genotoxic_potential_of_contaminated_estuarine_sediments_in_fish_peripheral_blood_Laboratory_versus_in_situ_studies/links/0c960539cc8deb6375000000.pdf}, volume = {111}, year = {2011} } @article{Costa2011_2, abstract = {Juvenile Senegalese soles were exposed through 28-day laboratory and field (in situ) bioassays to sediments from three sites of the Sado estuary (W Portugal): a reference and two contaminated by metallic and organic contaminants. Fish were surveyed for ten hepatic histopathological alterations divided by four distinct reaction patterns and integrated through the estimation of individual histopathological condition indices. Fish exposed to contaminated sediments sustained more damage, with especial respect to regressive changes like necrosis. However, differences were observed between laboratory- and field-exposed animals, with the latest, for instance, exhibiting more pronounced fatty degeneration and hepatocellular eosinophilic alteration. Also, some lesions in fish exposed to the reference sediment indicate that in both assays unaccounted variables produced experimental background noise, such as hyaline degeneration in laboratory-exposed fish. Still, the field assays yielded results that were found to better reflect the overall levels of contaminants and physico-chemical characteristics of the tested sediments.}, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Ángel DelValls, T. and Caeiro, Sandra and Lobo, Jorge and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and DelValls, T. Ángel and Costa, Maria H.}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.09.009}, journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin}, month = {jan}, pages = {55-65}, title = {Estuarine ecological risk based on hepatic histopathological indices from laboratory and in situ tested fish}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/47155708_Estuarine_ecological_risk_based_on_hepatic_histopathological_indices_from_laboratory_and_in_situ_tested_fish/links/00463539ccb7c61c0e000000.pdf}, volume = {62}, year = {2011} } @article{Costa2011_3, abstract = {The transcription of contaminant response-related genes was investigated in juvenile Senegalese soles exposed to sediments from three distinct sites (a reference plus two contaminated) of a Portuguese estuary (the Sado, W Portugal) through simultaneous 28-day laboratory and in situ bioassays. Transcription of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), metallothionein 1 (MT1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), caspase 3 (CASP3) and 90 kDa heat-shock protein alpha (HSP90AA) was surveyed in the liver by real-time PCR. CASP3 transcription analysis was complemented by surveying apoptosis through the TUNEL reaction. After 14 days of exposure, relative transcription was either reduced or decreased in fish exposed to the contaminated sediments, revealing a disturbance stress phase during which animals failed to respond to insult. After 28 days of exposure all genes' transcription responded to contamination but laboratory and in situ assays depicted distinct patterns of regulation. Although sediments revealed a combination of organic and inorganic toxicants, transcription of the CYP1A gene was consistently correlated to organic contaminants. Metallothionein regulation was found correlated to metallic and organic xenobiotic contamination in the laboratory and in situ, respectively. The transcription of oxidative stress-related genes can be a good indicator of general stress but caution is mandatory when interpreting the results since regulation may be influenced by multiple factors. As for MT1, HSP90 up-regulation has potential to be a good indicator for total contamination, as well as the CASP3 gene, even though hepatocyte apoptosis depicted values inconsistent with sediment contamination, showing that programmed cell death did not directly depend on caspase transcription alone.}, author = {Costa, Pedro M. and Miguel, Célia and Caeiro, Sandra and Lobo, Jorge and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Vale, Carlos and DelValls, T. A. and DelValls, T. À. and Costa, Maria H.}, doi = {10.1007/s10646-011-0708-z}, journal = {Ecotoxicology}, month = {jun}, pages = {1749-1764}, title = {Transcriptomic analyses in a benthic fish exposed to contaminated estuarine sediments through laboratory and in situ bioassays}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/51208024_Transcriptomic_analyses_in_a_benthic_fish_exposed_to_contaminated_estuarine_sediments_through_laboratory_and_in_situ_bioassays/links/0deec532e298485567000000.pdf}, volume = {20}, year = {2011} } @article{Cunha2007, abstract = {Sparus aurata biomarkers were used to rank sediments from the Sado River estuary (Portugal) according to their toxicity. Initially, the activities of liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, liver and gill glutathione S-transferases, muscle lactate dehydrogenase, and brain acetylcholinesterase were tested in a laboratory bioassay with the reference compound benzo[a]pyrene. Enzymatic activities were determined in different tissues of fish exposed for 48, 96, or 240 h to three concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (25, 50, and 100 microg/L). Induction of liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase was observed at all the exposure periods and concentrations, suggesting a continuous response of this system to toxicant exposure. Induction of liver glutathione S-transferases activity was only observed after 240 h of exposure, whereas gill glutathione S-transferases activity was significantly inhibited at all the exposure periods, suggesting a direct or indirect effect of the toxicant on these enzymes. Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenases activity was only observed after 96 h of exposure to 25 microg/L of benzo[a]pyrene. No significant effects were observed on acetylcholinesterase activity, suggesting that cholinergic function of S. aurata is not affected by benzo[a]pyrene. In a second phase, fish were exposed for 240 h to sediments collected at five sites of the Sado River estuary, and the same biomarkers were analyzed. For all the enzymes assayed, significant differences among sites were found. In this study, the battery of biomarkers used allowed to discrimination among sites with different types of contamination, levels of contamination, or both, after multivariate data analysis. Discrimination of sites was similar to the ranking provided by a more complex and parallel study (including chemical analysis of sediments, macrobenthic community analysis, amphipod mortality toxicity tests, and sea urchin abnormality embryo assays), suggesting its suitability to evaluate the toxicity of estuarine sediments.}, author = {Cunha, Isabel and Neuparth, Teresa and Caeiro, Sandra and Costa, Maria Helena and Guilhermino, Lúcia}, doi = {10.1897/06-119r.1}, journal = {Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry}, month = {jan}, pages = {444}, title = {Toxicity ranking of estuarine sediments on the basis of Sparus aurata biomarkers}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Teresa_Neuparth/publication/6432928_Toxicity_ranking_of_estuarine_sediments_on_the_basis_of_Sparus_aurata_biomarkers/links/09e415030c67e3fde8000000.pdf}, volume = {26}, year = {2007} } @article{Lobo2010, abstract = {Common cockles (Cerastoderma edule, L. 1758, Bivalvia: Cardiidae) were subjected to a laboratory assay with sediments collected from distinct sites of the Sado Estuary (Portugal). Cockles were obtained from a mariculture site of the Sado Estuary and exposed through 28-day, semi-static, assays to sediments collected from three sites of the estuary. Sediments from these sites revealed different physico-chemical properties and levels of metals and organic contaminants, ranging from unimpacted (the reference site) to moderately impacted, when compared to available sediment quality guidelines. Cockles were surveyed for bioaccumulation of trace elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) and organic contaminants (PAHs, PCBs and DDTs). Two sets of potential biomarkers were employed to assess toxicity: whole-body metallothionein (MT) induction and digestive gland histopathology. The bioaccumulation factor and the biota-to-soil accumulation factor were estimated as ecological indices of exposure to metals and organic compounds. From the results it is inferred that C. edule responds to sediment-bound contamination and might, therefore, be suitable for biomonitoring. The species was found capable to regulate and eliminate both types of contaminants. Still, the sediment contamination levels do not account for all the variation in bioaccumulation and MT levels, which may result from the moderate metal concentrations found in sediments, the species' intrinsic resistance to pollution and from yet unexplained xenobiotic interaction effects.}, author = {Lobo, Jorge and Costa, Pedro M. and Caeiro, Sandra and Martins, Marta and Ferreira, Ana M. and Caetano, Miguel and Cesário, Rute and Vale, Carlos and Costa, Maria H.}, doi = {10.1007/s10646-010-0535-7}, journal = {Ecotoxicology}, month = {aug}, pages = {1496-1512}, title = {Evaluation of the potential of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule L.) for the ecological risk assessment of estuarine sediments: bioaccumulation and biomarkers}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pedro_Costa23/publication/45695748_Evaluation_of_the_potential_of_the_common_cockle_Cerastoderma_edule_L_for_the_ecological_risk_assessment_of_estuarine_sediments_bioaccumulation_and_biomarkers/links/00463539daae3d6885000000.pdf}, volume = {19}, year = {2010} } @inproceedings{Nunes2005, author = {Nunes, L. M. and Caeiro, S. and Ramos, T. and Cunha, M. C. and Ribeiro, L. and Costa, M. H.}, month = {jan}, title = {Monitoring programmes: The fundamental component of estuaries management. how to design one?}, year = {2005} } @article{Nunes2006, abstract = {An objective function based on geostatistical variance reduction, constrained to the reproduction of the probability distribution functions of selected physical and chemical sediment variables, is applied to the selection of the best set of compliance monitoring stations in the Sado river estuary in Portugal. These stations were to be selected from a large set of sampling stations from a prior field campaign. Simulated annealing was chosen to solve the optimisation function model. Both the combinatorial problem structure and the resulting candidate sediment monitoring networks are discussed, and the optimal dimension and spatial distribution are proposed. An optimal network of sixty stations was obtained from an original 153-station sampling campaign. ; http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WJ7-4GX6J7S-8/1/a856112ea58d8f9d6bf0b51627b5e2a2}, author = {Nunes, L. M. and Caeiro, S. and Cunha, M. C. and Ribeiro, L.}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.04.024}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Management}, month = {jan}, pages = {294-304}, title = {Optimal estuarine sediment monitoring network design with simulated annealing}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sandra_Caeiro2/publication/7649064_Optimal_estuarine_sediment_monitoring_network_design_with_simulated_annealing/links/09e41513e52de8131c000000.pdf}, volume = {78}, year = {2006} } @article{Ramos2004, abstract = {Monitoring is fundamental to environmental impact assessment (EIA) both to assess adherence to standards and to support management options. The use of indicators assures that a monitoring program addresses only the key variables associated with significant environmental impacts and also improves monitoring communication and reporting processes. This paper develops a conceptual framework to design and assess an environmental post-decision monitoring program under EIA procedures - INDICAMP. It also discusses how current indicator frameworks can be used to design and evaluate the performance of environmental monitoring programs in projects. A coastal infrastructure case study demonstrates the usefulness of this methodology.}, author = {Ramos, Tomás B. and Caeiro, Sandra and de Melo, João Joanaz}, doi = {10.3152/147154604781766111}, journal = {Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal}, month = {mar}, pages = {47-62}, title = {Environmental indicator frameworks to design and assess environmental monitoring programs}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tomas_Ramos2/publication/247896809_Environmental_indicator_frameworks_to_design_and_assess_environmental_monitoring_programs/links/0a85e53c7e0859a117000000.pdf}, volume = {22}, year = {2004} } @article{Ramos2009, abstract = {This paper compares Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practices and effectiveness in the Portuguese islands of the Azores and Madeira. This was accomplished by qualitative appraisal and evaluation of the contents of EIA statements and the characterisation of the EIA practices. Data was collected from the islands' regional environmental agencies and from the Environmental Portuguese Agency internet database. The findings reveal that most EIA project practitioners and consultants in the islands are associated with the regional government agencies. Proposals were generally approved with 'conditions' and the diversity of project types were lower in the islands than in the mainland. There was limited follow-up on the EIA process so that evaluation of conditions compliance was scanty. Key areas identified for consideration in the development of good impact assessment practice in the islands included, the Islands' unique geographical and ecological characteristics, scale effects, intra-insular regional dimension, impact significance evaluation approaches, and training, education and development skills in EIA processes.}, author = {Ramos, Tomas B. and Caeiro, Sandra and Douglas, Calbert H. and Ochieng, Cocker}, doi = {10.1504/ijetm.2009.023523}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management}, month = {jan}, pages = {223}, title = {Environmental and sustainability impact assessment in small islands: The case of Azores and Madeira}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tomas_Ramos2/publication/249921184_Environmental_and_sustainability_impact_assessment_in_small_islands_The_case_of_Azores_and_Madeira/links/0a85e53c7e08479ebb000000.pdf}, volume = {10}, year = {2009} } @article{Ramos2010, abstract = {There are many different kinds of frameworks for evaluating environmental and sustainability performance at the organizational level (profit or not-for-profit, private or public), sectoral level (e.g. industry, transport, agriculture and tourism), and local, regional or country levels. Despite the diversity of methods and tools to measure sustainable development, indicators are one of the approaches most used. However, these tools do not usually include evaluation of the performance measurement instrument itself. The main objective of this research is to develop a conceptual framework to design and assess the effectiveness of the sustainability indicators themselves. To put the proposed tool into practice, a set of key good-practice factors and meta-performance evaluation indicators is proposed for adoption in a national case study—the national sustainable development indicators system, SIDS Portugal, and the usefulness of this methodology is demonstrated. This approach aims to evaluate how appropriate a set of sustainability indicators is and allow an evaluation of overall performance-monitoring activities and results. Stakeholder involvement is an essential component of the proposed framework. The tool developed could support continuous improvement in the performance of ongoing sustainability indicator initiatives, allowing greater guidance, objectivity and transparency in sustainability assessment processes.}, author = {Ramos, Tomás B. and Caeiro, Sandra}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecolind.2009.04.008}, journal = {Ecological Indicators}, month = {mar}, pages = {157-166}, title = {Meta-performance evaluation of sustainability indicators}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sandra_Caeiro2/publication/221986924_Meta-performance_evaluation_of_sustainability_indicators/links/543e85380cf2eaec07e64607.pdf}, volume = {10}, year = {2010} }