Detecting marine hazardous substances and organisms: sensors for pollutants, toxins, and pathogens

Abstract

Abstract. Marine environments are influenced by a wide diversity of anthropogenic and natural substances and organisms that may have adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. Real-time measurements of pollutants, toxins, and pathogens across a range of spatial scales are required to adequately monitor these hazards, manage the consequences, and to understand the processes governing their magnitude and distribution. Significant technological advancements have been made in recent years for the detection and analysis of such marine hazards. In particular, sensors deployed on a variety of mobile and fixed-point observing platforms provide a valuable means to assess hazards. In this review, we present state-of-the-art of sensor technology for the detection of harmful substances and organisms in the ocean. Sensors are classified by their adaptability to various platforms, addressing large, intermediate, or small areal scales. Current gaps and future demands are identified with an indication of the urgent need for new sensors to detect marine hazards at all scales in autonomous real-time mode. Progress in sensor technology is expected to depend on the development of small-scale sensor technologies with a high sensitivity and specificity towards target analytes or organisms. However, deployable systems must comply with platform requirements as these interconnect the three areal scales. Future developments will include the integration of existing methods into complex and operational sensing systems for a comprehensive strategy for long-term monitoring. The combination of sensor techniques on all scales will remain crucial for the demand of large spatial and temporal coverage.

Requirements and approaches for a more cost-efficient assessment of ocean waters and ecosystems, and fisheries management

“…The development of multi-wavelength fluorescence sensors has gained interest due to a broader application range while limiting the integration costs. Inspired by the success of laboratory based excitation-emission-matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (EEMS) [5], NeXOS will proceed from multiwavelength to matrix-fluorescence in situ sensing. Initial setup will follow a combination of three excitation and four emission wavelengths in one sensor unit, resulting in a 3x4 matrix-fluorescence unit.…”

Objectives of the NeXOS project in developing next generation ocean sensor systems for a more cost-efficient assessment of ocean waters and ecosystems, and fisheries management

“…Either they use optics, acoustics or electrochemical techniques [1][2]. In NeXOS, large innovative and variable coverage potential, compatibility with several platforms, as well as relevant synergies have been identified in optical and acoustical sensor systems and a critical mass of expertise was brought together to be able to bring significant progress.…”

“…They also play an important role in carbon cycle and export 2. With an estimated figure of over one million species of marine life (excluding bacteria), the majority of which remain to be discovered Census of Marine Life : www.coml.org…”

Cytotoxicity and mycotoxin production of shellfish-derived Penicillium spp., a risk for shellfish consumers

“…Marine‐derived fungi form a group of potential contaminants for marine bivalves such as mussels (Zvereva and Vysotskaya ; Zielinski et al . ). In previous studies, it has been shown that Penicillium strains sampled from shellfish‐farming areas produced roquefortine C and patulin (Vansteelandt et al .…”