G. Boldrocchi

Bio: G. Boldrocchi is an academic researcher from University of Insubria. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Zooplankton. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 13 publications receiving 81 citations. Previous affiliations of G. Boldrocchi include Nova Southeastern University.

Distribution, ecology, and status of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract: The occurrence of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, in the Mediterranean Sea has been reported since the Middle Ages (476–1453). Several studies have documented its presence in various areas of the basin, but no comprehensive review of the distribution and status of this species is available for the area. We compiled a total of 628 white shark records from 476 to 2015. Data suggests that the white shark is more common in the western Mediterranean Sea, especially in the Adriatic Sea and in the Sicilian Channel and is more frequently observed during summer months. However, analysis using night-time satellite imagery showed the existence of an anthropogenic bias in the distribution of white sharks. All size classes have been recorded in the region. However, the highest occurrence of young of the year has been recorded in the Sicilian Channel, in the Adriatic Sea and in the Aegean Sea, in summer, suggesting these areas might serve as nursery grounds. In the Mediterranean Sea, the white shark exhibits a broad diet. The most common prey found include small cetaceans (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella coeruleoalba), tuna (Thunnus spp.), swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). A total of 53 white shark records refer to interactions between sharks and humans that resulted in a detrimental impact on humans, which include 42 bites and 11 reports of the presence of human remains in the stomach of captured animals. Analysis of the temporal variation in mean total lengths of white sharks found a decreasing trend from 1913 to 2012. The decreasing length of white sharks suggests this species might be declining in the Mediterranean Sea.

High-throughput, Multi-batch System for the Efficient Microwave Digestion of Biological Samples.

Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a high-throughput microwave digestion system based on multi-batch reactors (three quartz test tubes inside commercial PTFE vessels). This original configuration was validated by ICP-MS analysis of several elements in biological certified reference materials (fish tissues and plankton). The proposed system was proved to be free from contamination showing very low LODs. The improved hardware configuration is therefore highly beneficial for the detection of trace elements in microsamples from the marine food web.

The ecology of the whale shark in Djibouti

Abstract: Within the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti is an important site where whale sharks (Rhincodon typus Smith 1828) aggregate seasonally; however, up to now, only few studies have been carried out in the area (Rowat et al. in Environ Biol Fishes, 2007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-006-9148-7; Mar Freshw Res, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF10135; Rezzolla and Storai in Cybium 34:195–206, 2010). From 2015 to 2018, whale shark photo-id, skin biopsies, and zooplankton samples were collected to investigate the ecology of this species in Djibouti. Of the 190 photo-identified individuals, the majority were juvenile males, confirming a significant male-based aggregation (X2 = 65, df = 1, p < 0.0001). Within each season, the maximum number of times an individual was re-sighted was 11, while the inter-annual re-sighting rates varied between 11 and 32%. Animals were feeding on surface zooplankton, consisting primarily of copepods (85%); however, Chaetognatha and Ctenophora appeared to be important taxa as well, since the areas most visited were also those with higher concentration of these organisms. Feeding zooplankton patches had a mean biomass of 42.2 ± 31.9 mg m−3, almost 1.5 higher than control stations, indicating that the abundance of this species was positively related to food availability. Furthermore, whale sharks exhibited a clear temporal distribution associated with the variation in zooplankton biomass due to the monsoon winds. Sharks aggregated in October–February, with a peak in sightings in November, and dispersed outside the upwelling season. δ13C values suggested that whale sharks might migrate to other habitats or shift their activities to deeper areas outside the aggregation phase. Little intra-specific variation in δ15N and δ13C was found between animals, suggesting a similar habitat use.

Action Cameras: Bringing Aquatic and Fisheries Research into View

Abstract: Digital action cameras (ACs) are increasingly being utilized for aquatic research purposes due to their cost effectiveness, versatility, high-resolution imagery, and durability. Here we review the advantages of AC technology in research, with particular emphases on (a) research videography (both in the field and the laboratory), (b) animal-borne studies, and (c) outreach and education purposes. We also review some of the limitations of this technology as represented by environmental factors (e.g., depth, turbidity) and deployment considerations (e.g., lens choices, imaging settings, battery life). As AC technologies evolve in response to growing public interest in their application versatility, researchers are indirectly reaping the rewards, with technological advances that are innovative, cost-effective, and can withstand frequent use in dynamic and rugged field conditions. With such a diversity of options available, future usefulness of ACs in research will only be limited by the creativity of the scien...

Atomic Spectrometry Update: review of advances in elemental speciation

Abstract: This is the eighth Atomic Spectrometry Update (ASU) to focus on advances in elemental speciation and covers a period of approximately 12 months from December 2014. This ASU review deals with all aspects of the analytical atomic spectrometry speciation methods developed for: the determination of oxidation states; organometallic compounds; coordination compounds; metal and heteroatom-containing biomolecules, including metalloproteins, proteins, peptides and amino acids; and the use of metal-tagging to facilitate detection via atomic spectrometry. The review does not cover fractionation, which is sometimes termed operationally defined speciation. As with all ASU reviews the focus of the research reviewed includes those methods that incorporate atomic spectrometry as the measurement technique. However, because speciation analysis is inherently focused on the relationship between the metal(loid) atom and the organic moiety it is bound to, or incorporated within, atomic spectrometry alone cannot be the sole analytical approach of interest. For this reason molecular detection techniques are also included where they have provided a complementary approach to speciation analysis. As in previous years, As and Se speciation continues to dominate the current literature and there has also been an increase in the number of publications concerning solid state speciation. This is presumably due to the increase in the number of synchrotron facilities available and a greater awareness of their potential for speciation studies.

Comprehensive comparison of microalgae-derived biochar from different feedstocks: A prospective study for future environmental applications

Abstract: Biochar obtained from pyrolysis of biomass presents high potential for industrial applications owing to its beneficial physicochemical properties, such as high surface area. Microalgae are promising biomass feedstocks, with arising interest in the scientific community for fuel production (due to their high productivity and the absence of soil consumption), but the potential applications of biochar obtained from microalgae are poorly explored yet. This work aims at shedding light on the possible applications of biochar derived from the slow pyrolysis of three different microalgae species (Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina sp. and Nannochloropsis sp.) and compare them with a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock (nutshells). The pyrolysis process was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis and the resulting biochar was characterized through elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The characterization revealed the intrinsic presence of doping heteroatoms in microalgae-derived biochar (i.e., N and P, which present tenfold values in concentration compared with lignocellulosic biomass), as well as a higher presence of oxygen containing surface functional groups, suggesting their high potential for environmental applications. Finally, the low temperature (350 °C) slow pyrolysis of microalgae allows achieving noticeable yields of oil (up to 15% more than lignocellulosic biomass), a valuable fuel product for a more sustainable production process, avoiding waste of feedstock.

Lead, Mercury and Cadmium in Fish and Shellfish from the Indian Ocean and Red Sea (African Countries): Public Health Challenges

Abstract: The main aim of this review was to assess the incidence of Pb, Hg and Cd in seafood from African countries on the Indian and the Red Sea coasts and the level of their monitoring and control, where the direct consumption of seafood without quality control are frequently due to the poverty in many African countries. Some seafood from African Indian and the Red Sea coasts such as mollusks and fishes have presented Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations higher than permitted limit by FAOUN/EU regulations, indicating a possible threat to public health. Thus, the operationalization of the heavy metals (HM) monitoring and control is strongly recommended since these countries have laboratories with minimal conditions for HM analysis.