This research report provides a comprehensive overview of the historical trends in heavy metal concentrations in the Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) populations from both the Danube River and the Black Sea, while also exploring the potential influence of global warming on metal accumulation. Through bibliometric modeling analysis, it reveals significant limitations in existing international research, particularly the lack of comprehensive data on the impact of hydroclimatic changes on heavy metal accumulation in Alosa immaculata. Recognizing the critical importance of studies on heavy metal bioaccumulation in Danube shad, this research underscores their significance in defining tolerance thresholds, quantifying the impact of toxic elements along the aquatic food chain, and enhancing the economic sustainability of ichthyofauna monitoring efforts. Furthermore, these studies contribute invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, offering essential decision-making support for optimizing commercial fishing management practices on the Danube and ensuring robust support systems for industrial fishing endeavors.

Growing population, industrialisation, and demand for resources put pressure on the delicate balance of the planet’s ecosystems. From alternative sources of energy, healthier foods, cleaner water, and an overall more sustainable economy, the integration of microalgae in various industries, that otherwise are based on practices that hurt the environment, could be a successful solution. To reach that goal, further research is required on the complex relationship between microalgae and growth parameters (temperature, light intensity and spectrum, nutrient distribution, inhibiting factors, and so on). The scientific community successfully used microalgae to produce healthier foods, pigments, biofuel, animal fodder, methods for sequestering heavy metals, toxic compounds from water, and much more. In this review article, we approach the use of microalgae in municipal wastewater treatment, mainly for using nitrogen and phosphorous present in water as nutrients. Data were collected from articles published in the last 7 years (2018–2024). The results show that microalgae are very efficient at using N and P compounds from wastewater, as well as carbon, converting them in high-value substances (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, etc.) with further applications in multiple industries.

Evaluating the bioaccessibility and health risks of seafood is extremely important because, although it is a significant source of vital minerals, it may also contain potentially toxic elements. This study aimed to determine the content of metals and minerals in different seafood species before and after thermal processing. Also, given the risk of overestimating the actual final concentration available in the body, a study was carried out to determine the bioaccessibility of these elements by simulating the digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract. Assessment of the potential toxic effects on consumer health in terms of exposure to heavy metals was carried out through risk analysis by Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Index, and Cancer Risk parameters. Three bivalve mollusks, one gastropod mollusk, four cephalopod mollusks, and one crustacean species were analyzed in terms of minerals (P, S, K, Ca, and Se) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, and As) content. The lead (Pb) concentration recorded the strongest bioaccessibility increase, even reaching 100% in P. vannamei. Generally, the bioaccessibility of all metalloids dropped below 100%, which suggests that only a part of the amount of metal in the initially ingested sample can be absorbed by the human organism. Potassium and sulfur registered the greatest value, up to 23% for minerals’ bioaccessibility in the same samples. The highest intake rate of metals occurred after the consumption of M. gigas, which registered the highest Estimated Daily Intake for Cr (chromium) (0.321 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), Cu (copper) (10.15 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹), and Zn (zinc) (12.67 mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹). The Hazard Index values indicated no significant risk of poisoning. All calculated Cancer Risk scores remained below the acceptable threshold. Moreover, the Pearson coefficient revealed a positive correlation between the Hazard Index and the most abundant elements in the samples, Cr, Zn, and Cu. This study could provide a framework for evaluating both the nutritional benefits and toxicological concerns of seafood intake in public health applications.

This study investigated the effect of total substitution of NaCl with KCl and MgCl₂ on the physicochemical, microbiological, and textural characteristics of pickled apples during 35 days of fermentation. The results showed that the pH for all brine-pickled apples decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during the fermentation process. The highest quantity (1077.59 ± 17.56 mg lactic acid/100 g product) of lactic acid was detected on the 28th day for the samples fermented with NaCl. The concentration of metallic ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺) in the brine-pickled apple samples showed a peak on the 14th day of fermentation, followed by a decrease on the 21st day. The antioxidant activity for all types of saline solutions increased as fermentation progressed. The total LAB count increased rapidly until the seventh day for all the samples. At the end of the storage period, a decrease in LAB count was observed for all tested samples. The obtained results revealed that replacing NaCl with KCl or MgCl₂ led to small changes in the characteristics of the pickled apples, and is thus a promising option for dietary sodium reduction.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence for multi-element analysis in mussels, focusing on sensitivity, precision, and detection limits. Additionally, it offers a cross-regional comparison of elemental composition in mussels from aquaculture farms in Italy, Spain, and Chile. TXRF, using suspensions of mussel samples, proved effective in detecting minor and trace elements, with recovery rates over 80% for Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Sr. The research offers a chemical element comparison of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mytilus chilensis mussels, revealing significant variation based on geographic origin. Correlation matrices demonstrated variable associations between elements, indicating that regional environmental conditions influence bioaccumulation. These findings deepen our understanding of how mussels accumulate elements in different environments. However, further research is needed to develop comprehensive elemental databases and to account for seasonal and temporal variations in mussels’ elemental composition. This study may bring insight for food safety and public health monitoring.

Various innovative fish feeds were tested for the production of koi carp in a recirculating aquaculture system, considering insect meal (Acheta domestica) as the main protein source and phytogenic additives (Curcuma longa—turmeric and Beta vulgaris—beetroot) as antioxidants, in the spirit of sustainable aquaculture practice. The growth performance, metabolic rate (respirometry), hematological profile, blood biochemical indicators, and oxidative stress of koi carp were determined, using feeds according to the following experimental design: CF—commercial feed, IF—innovative feed based on cricket meal, BIF—innovative feed (IF) with beetroot, and TIF—innovative feed (IF) with turmeric. The TIF recorded the best growth rate. The lowest values of lipid peroxidation (MDA), standard metabolic rate (SMR), and routine metabolic rate (RMR) were registered for the IF and TIF variants. A reduction in MDA was noted, correlated to the decrease in the metabolic rate regarding SMR and RMR for the IF and TIF. An intensification in amylase was recorded in the TIF and BIF. Compared with the CF, it seems that the IF, TIF, and BIF had a beneficial effect on the koi carp by reducing cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, and urea and by increasing the concentration of calcium and growth hormone in the blood plasma.