Chemical and Biological Characterization of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from the Red Sea Marine Sponge Hymedesmia sp.

Hymedesmiidae is one of the largest families of marine sponges and stands out as an exceptional source of variable metabolites with diverse biological activities. In this study, the ethyl acetate fraction (HE) of a Hymedesmia sp. marine sponge from the Red Sea, Egypt, was analyzed for the first time using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. The analysis tentatively identified 29 compounds in this fraction, including the isolation and identification of six compounds (two pyrimidine nucleosides, one purine, and two pyrimidine bases in addition to one cerebroside) for the first time. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), MS (mass spectrometry), and IR (infrared) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the ethyl acetate fraction were evaluated in vitro. The fraction exhibited strong DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 of 78.7 µg/mL, compared to ascorbic acid as a positive control with an IC50 of 10.6 µg/mL. It also demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 13.5 µg/mL and 25.3 µg/mL against HCT-116 and HEP-2 cell lines, respectively, compared to vinblastine as a positive control with IC50 values of 2.34 µg/mL and 6.61 µg/mL against HCT-116 and HEP-2, respectively. Additionally, the ethyl acetate fraction displayed promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL, compared to ciprofloxacin as a positive control with MIC values of 1.56 µg/mL for Gram-positive bacteria and 3.125 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. It also exhibited activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Briefly, this is the first report on the biological activities and secondary metabolite content of the ethyl acetate fraction of Hymedesmia sp. marine sponge, emphasizing the potential for further research against resistant bacterial and fungal strains, as well as different cancer cell lines. The ethyl acetate fraction of Hymedesmia sp. is a promising source of safe and unique natural drugs with potential therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits.

Halenaquinol Blocks Staphylococcal Protein A Anchoring on Cell Wall Surface by Inhibiting Sortase A in Staphylococcus aureus.

Sortase A (SrtA) is a cysteine transpeptidase that binds to the periplasmic membrane and plays a crucial role in attaching surface proteins, including staphylococcal protein A (SpA), to the peptidoglycan cell wall. Six pentacyclic polyketides (1-6) were isolated from the marine sponge Xestospongia sp., and their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and by comparing them to previously reported data. Among them, halenaquinol (2) was found to be the most potent SrtA inhibitor, with an IC50 of 13.94 µM (4.66 µg/mL). Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR data suggest that halenaquinol does not inhibit the transcription of srtA and spA, while Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy images suggest that it blocks the cell wall surface anchoring of SpA by inhibiting the activity of SrtA. The onset and magnitude of the inhibition of SpA anchoring on the cell wall surface in S. aureus that has been treated with halenaquinol at a value 8× that of the IC50 of SrtA are comparable to those for an srtA-deletion mutant. These findings contribute to the understanding of the mechanism by which marine-derived pentacyclic polyketides inhibit SrtA, highlighting their potential as anti-infective agents targeting S. aureus virulence.

A new 3,4-dinorsteroid from the marine sponge Cliona sp.

A new steroid, 2a-oxa-2-oxo-5ß-hydroxy-3,4-dinor-24-methylcholesta-22E-ene (1), together with 10 known ones (2-11), was isolated from the marine sponge Cliona sp. The structures of these compounds were determined by the spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, MS, and NMR) and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 was the third example of 3,4-dinorsteroid with a hemiketal at C-5 that was isolated from the natural source. In addition, the antibacterial activities of these compounds were also evaluated. However, none of them exhibited significant inhibition effects.

Taking inspiration from the natural tubular sponge to enhance momentum exchange in marine environments.

Coral reefs consist of various alive elements with specific biological functions. Tubular sponges, as the main coral reefs' constituents, have a marvelous mechanism. They receive nutrients by suctioning from the perforated body (Ostia) and pumping the un-digested materials through the water column from the top mouth (Osculum). This mechanism can be an inspiration for making a device to control or improve sediment/pollutant transport. In the current study, an attempt has been made to evaluate an inspired concept's effects on flow hydrodynamics. In this regard, OpenFOAM® V. 1812 (interFOAM solver) and image processing technique were deployed. The perforated finite-height cylinders (height to diameter ratio of 2.5) with various suction/pump discharges (i.e., J = 150, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 600 lit/h) were considered. The results indicated that increasing the outflow discharge (J ≥ 600 lit/h) could widen the wake by flapping the shear layer. In the vertical plane, the results showed that dipole vortices turned into quadrupole vortex. On the free surface, tip-vortices and counter-rotating vortex pairs (CRVP) generated saw-toothed vortices on two sides of the cylinder. Generating these unique vortices is proof of enhancing the momentum exchange through the water column.

Irciniaplysins A-D: New Psammaplysin Derivatives from Philippine Marine Sponge Ircinia sp.

Four new psammaplysin derivatives (1-4) with fatty acyl substituents, designated irciniaplysins A-D, and three known psammaplysins (5-7) were isolated from a marine sponge Ircinia sp. Their structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analyses. The positions of the double bonds and the branch points of the fatty acyl side chains were determined by GC-MS analysis of their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derivatives. Irciniaplysins A (1) and B (2) contained an unusual long-chain fatty acyl substituent with a 5,9-diene unit. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the human colorectal carcinoma (HCT 116) cells, however, none of these compounds showed significant activity.

Marcytoglobosins A and B, Cytochalasans From a Marine Sponge Associated Chaetomium globosum 162105 Fungus.

Two new cytochalasans, marcytoglobosins A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the marine sponge associated fungus Chaetomium globosum 162105, along with six known compounds (3-8). The complete structures of two new compounds were determined based on 1D/2D NMR and HR-MS spectroscopic analyses coupled with ECD calculations. All eight isolates were evaluated for their antibacterial activity. Among them, compounds 3-8 displayed antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Edwardsiella piscicida with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 10 to 25 µg/mL.

Biodiversity of endosymbiont fungi associated with a marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and their potential as antioxidant producers.

This study aims to isolate endosymbiontic fungi from the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and to explore their antioxidant potential. Marine-derived fungi, with their vast biodiversity, are considered a promising source of novel antioxidants which can replace synthetic ones. Marine sponges have previously reported bioactive properties that could ameliorate oxidative stress, particularly their associated fungi, producing high-frequency bioactive molecules (adaptogenic molecules) in response to stressors. 19 endosymbiont fungi associated with marine sponges were isolated, and their extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. Extract of an endosymbiont fungus, isolate SPG6, identified as Alternaria destruens, through surface electron microscopy (SEM) and ITS gene sequencing, showed broad range antioxidant activities (EC50 values) (free radical scavenging 32.54 mg L-1, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, total reducing power 0.114 g L-1, Chelating power 0.262 g L-1, H2O2 scavenging activity < 0.078 g L-1, and Superoxide radical scavenging activity > 5.0 g L-1). The extract of isolate SPG6 was fractioned and analyzed through GC-MS. Marine sponge-associated endosymbiont fungi are a rich source of antioxidant molecules. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03972-1.

Unveiling antibiofilm potential: proteins from Priestia sp. targeting Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.

Staphylococcus aureus is the etiologic agent of many nosocomial infections, and its biofilm is frequently isolated from medical devices. Moreover, the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains from this pathogen, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is a worldwide public health issue. The inhibition of biofilm formation can be used as a strategy to weaken bacterial resistance. Taking that into account, we analysed the ability of marine sponge-associated bacteria to produce antibiofilm molecules, and we found that marine Priestia sp., isolated from marine sponge Scopalina sp. collected on the Brazilian coast, secretes proteins that impair biofilm development from S. aureus. Partially purified proteins (PPP) secreted after 24 hours of bacterial growth promoted a 92% biofilm mass reduction and 4.0 µg/dL was the minimum concentration to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. This reduction was visually confirmed by light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, biochemical assays showed that the antibiofilm activity of PPP was reduced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 1,10 phenanthroline (PHEN), while it was stimulated by zinc ions, suggesting an active metallopeptidase in PPP. This result agrees with mass spectrometry (MS) identification, which indicated the presence of a metallopeptidase from the M28 family. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing analysis of Priestia sp. shows that gene ywad, a metallopeptidase-encoding gene, was present. Therefore, the results presented herein indicate that PPP secreted by the marine Priestia sp. can be explored as a potential antibiofilm agent and help to treat chronic infections.

Aaptamine-rich Fraction from the Indonesian Marine Sponge, Aaptos suberitoides, Exhibits a Cytotoxic Effect on DLD-1 Colorectal Cancer Cells.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Aaptos suberitoides on colorectal cancer cells (DLD-1) and murine fibroblast cells (NIH-3T3). METHODS: A. suberitoides was collected from Putus Island, Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was processed with maceration and ethyl acetate extraction. The sponge extract was characterized based on Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and then identified by using LCMS/MS analysis. DLD-1 and NIH-3T3 cells were treated with the ethyl acetate extract and then followed by 3- [4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] -2.5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess their cytotoxicity effect. RESULTS: LCMS/MS analysis showed that the most abundant compounds in this extract were identified as aaptamine (1). Furthermore, this study revealed that the active ethyl acetate fraction of A. suberitoides has cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer DLD-1 cells with an IC50 value of 9.597 µg/mL, higher than NIH-3T3 cells with an IC50 value of 12.23 µg/mL Thus, the active ethyl acetate fraction of A. suberitoides is considered more toxic to cancer cells than normal cells. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence to support the role of the ethyl acetate extract of A. suberitoides sponge extracts to be developed as a colorectal anticancer agent.

Aurantoside L, a New Tetramic Acid Glycoside with Anti-Leishmanial Activity Isolated from the Marine Sponge Siliquariaspongia japonica.

A new tetramic acid glycoside, aurantoside L (1), was isolated from the sponge Siliquariaspongia japonica collected at Tsushima Is., Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The structure of aurantoside L (1) composed of a tetramic acid bearing a chlorinated polyene system and a trisaccharide part was elucidated using spectral analysis. Aurantoside L (1) showed anti-parasitic activity against L. amazonensis with an IC50 value of 0.74 µM.

Meroterpenoids from Marine Sponge Hyrtios sp. and Their Anticancer Activity against Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Two new meroterpenoids, hyrtamide A (1) and hyrfarnediol A (2), along with two known ones, 3-farnesyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (3) and dictyoceratin C (4), were isolated from a South China Sea sponge Hyrtios sp. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS data. Compounds 2-4 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116), showing IC50 values of 41.6, 45.0, and 37.3 µM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 3 and 4 significantly suppressed the invasion of HCT-116 cells while also downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and vimentin proteins, which are key markers associated with angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our findings suggest that compounds 3 and 4 may exert their anti-invasive effects on tumor cells by inhibiting the expression of VEGFR-1 and impeding the process of EMT.

Hydroxytakakiamide and Other Constituents from a Marine Sponge-Associated Fungus Aspergillus fischeri MMERU23, and Antinociceptive Activity of Ergosterol Acetate, Acetylaszonalenin and Helvolic Acid.

An unreported prenylated indole derivative hydroxytakakiamide (4) was isolated, together with the previously described ergosterol (1), ergosterol acetate (2), and (3R)-3-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-3, 4-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione (3), from the column fractions of the crude ethyl acetate extract of the culture of a marine sponge-associated fungus, Aspergillus fischeri MMERU 23. The structure of 4 was elucidated by the interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectral data and high-resolution mass spectrum. The absolute configuration of the stereogenic carbon in 3 was proposed to be the same as those of the co-occurring congeners on the basis of their biogenetic consideration and was supported by the comparison of its sign of optical rotation with those of its steroisomers. The crude ethyl acetate extract and 2 were evaluated, together with acetylaszonalenin (5) and helvolic acid (6), which were previously isolated from the same extract, for the in vivo antinociceptive activity in the mice model. The crude ethyl acetate extract exhibited antinociceptive activity in the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests, while 2, 5, and 6 displayed the effects in the late phase of the formalin test. On the other hand, neither the crude ethyl acetate extract nor 2, 5, and 6 affected the motor performance of mice in both open-field and rotarod tests. Additionally, docking studies of 2, 5, and 6 were performed with 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, PDE4 and PDE7, which are directly related to pain and inflammatory processes. Molecular docking showed that 6 has low affinity energy to PDE4 and PDE7 targets while retaining high affinity to 5-LOX. On the other hand, while 2 did not display any hydrogen bond interactions in any of its complexes, it achieved overall better energy values than 6 on the three antinociceptive targets. On the other hand, 5 has the best energy profile of all the docked compounds and was able to reproduce the crystallographic interactions of the 5-LOX complex.

Natural Products Derived from Marine Sponges with Antitumor Potential against Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, has been extensively investigated in the last decade in terms of developing new therapeutic options that increase patient survival. In this context, marine animals are a source of new, interesting bioactive molecules that have been applied to the treatment of different types of cancer. Many efforts have been made to search for new therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of lung cancer patients, including new bioactive compounds and cytotoxic drugs from marine sponges. Their antitumoral effect can be explained by several cellular and molecular mechanisms, such as modulation of the cell cycle or induction of apoptosis. Thus, this systematic review aims to summarize the bioactive compounds derived from marine sponges and the mechanisms by which they show antitumor effects against lung cancer, exploring their limitations and the challenges associated with their discovery. The search process was performed in three databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science), yielding a total of 105 articles identified in the last 10 years, and after a screening process, 33 articles were included in this systematic review. The results showed that these natural sponge-derived compounds are a valuable source of inspiration for the development of new drugs. However, more research in this field is needed for the translation of these novel compounds to the clinic.

Isolation and absolute configuration of alkylpyridine alkaloids from the marine sponge Hippospongia lachne.

Marine sponges are well known as prolific producers of structurally diverse molecules with valuable pharmacological potential. As part of our ongoing program to discover bioactive compounds from marine sponges collected from the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, a chemical study on the specimens of Hippospongia lachne was conducted. As a result, eight undescribed compounds, including four zwitterionic alkylpyridinium salts, hippospondines A-D (1-4), and four 3-alkylpyridine alkaloids, hippospondines E (5), F (6), and (±)-hippospondine G (7), were isolated from the marine sponge H. lachne, together with one known 3-alkylpyridine alkaloid (8). The undescribed structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR, DP4+ and CP3 probability analysis, and the Snatzke's method. Hippospondines A-D (1-4) represent the rare example of inner salt type alkylpyridinium alkaloid with a farnesyl moiety. Compounds 1-3 and 8 were subjected to cytotoxic and lymphocyte proliferation assays. Compound 3 exhibited a weak promotion effect on the ConA-induced T lymphocyte proliferation.

An in silico analysis of the interaction of marine sponge-derived bioactive compounds with type 2 diabetes mellitus targets DPP-4 and PTP1B.

Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition involving elevated blood glucose levels resulting from impaired or improper insulin utilization. As the number of type 2 diabetes cases increases each year, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs having new targets and/or complementing existing therapeutic protocols. In this regard, marine sponge-derived compounds hold great potential due to their potent biological activity and structural diversity. In this study, a small library of 50 marine sponge-derived compounds were examined for their activity towards type 2 diabetes targets, namely dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The compounds were first subjected to molecular docking on protein models based on their respective co-crystal structures to assess binding free energies (BFE) and conformations. Clustering analysis yielded BFE that ranged from 24.54 kcal/mol to -9.97 kcal/mol for DPP-4, and from -4.98 kcal/mol to -8.67 kcal/mol for PTP1B. Interaction analysis on the top ten compounds with the most negative BFE towards each protein target showed similar intermolecular interactions and key interacting residues as in the previously solved co-crystal structure. These compounds were subjected to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiling to characterize drug-likeness and combining the results from these analyses, (S)-6'-debromohamacanthin B was identified as a potential multi-target inhibitor of DPP-4 and PTP1B, having favorable protein interaction, no Lipinski violations, good gastrointestinal (GI) tract absorption, blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, and no predicted toxicity. Finally, the interaction of (S)-6'-debromohamacanthin B with the two proteins was validated using molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns through RMSD, radius of gyration, PCA, and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) confirming favorable interactions with the respective proteins.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A 50-compound library previously reported from marine sponges was docked to putative T2DM targets, DDP-4 and PTP1B.(S)-6'-debromohamacanthin B was identified as a probable dual-targeting compound based on binding interactions and ADMET evaluation.Interaction of (S)-6'-debromohamacanthin B with DPP-4 and PTP1B was validated by MD simulations.

Two New Isocoumarins Isolated from the Marine-Sponge-Derived Fungus Setosphaeria sp. SCSIO41009.

Two new dihydroisocoumarins, exserolides L and M (1 and 2), along with six known compounds (3-8) were isolated from the extract of the marine-sponge-derived fungus Setosphaeria sp. SCSIO41009. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configurations of two new compounds were determined by modified Mosher's method and ECD data. Compounds 1 and 4 showed significant antiviral activities against A/Puerto Rico/8/34 H274Y (H1 N1) with IC50 values of 4.07±0.76 µM and 20.06±4.85 µM, respectively.

Comparative Chemical Profiling and Antimicrobial/Anticancer Evaluation of Extracts from Farmed versus Wild Agelas oroides and Sarcotragus foetidus Sponges.

Marine sponges are highly efficient in removing organic pollutants and their cultivation, adjacent to fish farms, is increasingly considered as a strategy for improving seawater quality. Moreover, these invertebrates produce a plethora of bioactive metabolites, which could translate into an extra profit for the aquaculture sector. Here, we investigated the chemical profile and bioactivity of two Mediterranean species (i.e., Agelas oroides and Sarcotragus foetidus) and we assessed whether cultivated sponges differed substantially from their wild counterparts. Metabolomic analysis of crude sponge extracts revealed species-specific chemical patterns, with A. oroides and S. foetidus dominated by alkaloids and lipids, respectively. More importantly, farmed and wild explants of each species demonstrated similar chemical fingerprints, with the majority of the metabolites showing modest differences on a sponge mass-normalized basis. Furthermore, farmed sponge extracts presented similar or slightly lower antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, compared to the extracts resulting from wild sponges. Anticancer assays against human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) revealed marginally active extracts from both wild and farmed S. foetidus populations. Our study highlights that, besides mitigating organic pollution in fish aquaculture, sponge farming can serve as a valuable resource of biomolecules, with promising potential in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Rhabdastrellosides A and B: Two New Isomalabaricane Glycosides from the Marine Sponge Rhabdastrella globostellata, and Their Cytotoxic and Cytoprotective Effects.

Investigation of the Vietnamese marine sponge Rhabdastrella globostellata led to the isolation of two new polar isomalabaricanes: rhabdastrellosides A (1) and B (2). Their structures and stereochemistry were elucidated with the application of 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and HRESIMS/MS methods, as well as chemical modifications and GC-MS analysis. Metabolites 1 and 2 are the first isomalabaricanes with non-oxidized cyclopentane ring in the tricyclic core system. Moreover, having a 3-O-disaccharide moiety in their structures, they increase a very rare group of isomalabaricane glycosides. We report here a weak cytotoxicity of 1 and 2 toward human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and normal rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes, as well as the cytoprotective activity of rhabdastrelloside B (2) at 1 µM evaluated using CoCl2-treated SH-SY5Y and H9c2 cells.

Muricauda myxillae sp. nov., isolated from a marine sponge (Myxilla rosacea), and reclassification of Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis as Muricauda symbiotica nom. nov.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and non-motile rods strain, designated as strain 2012CJ39-3T, was isolated from a marine sponge, Myxilla rosacea, collected on Chuja Island, Republic of Korea. Optimal growth of strain 2012CJ39-3T was observed at 25 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain 2012CJ39-3T contained menaquinone-6 as the respiratory quinone, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the predominant fatty acids, and phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified glycolipid, three unidentified aminolipids and nine unidentified lipids as major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 38.4 mol%. Results of phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences revealed that strain 2012CJ39-3T formed a distinct phyletic lineage in the genus Muricauda. Strain 2012CJ39-3T was most closely related to Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis 176CP5-101T, Muricauda spongiicola 2012CJ35-5T, Muricauda algicola AsT0115T, Muricauda flava DSM 22638T and Muricauda parva SW169T with 96.5, 96.4, 96.3, 95.8 and 95.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 2012CJ39-3T and M. spongiicola 2012CJ35-5T, F. hymeniacidonis 176CP5-101T, M. algicola AsT0115T, M. flava DSM 22638T and M. parva SW169T were 75.6, 74.2, 78.6, 75.3 and 74.8 % and 27.4, 19.9, 36.3, 24.2 and 18.9 %, respectively. Based on these results, strain 2012CJ39-3T represents a novel species of the genus Muricauda, for which the name Muricauda myxillae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2012CJ39-3T (=KACC 22644T= LMG 32582T). In addition, Flagellimonas hymeniacidonis is reclassified as Muricauda symbiotica nom. nov.

The use of marine sponge species as a bioindicator to monitor metal pollution in Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.

The existing data on trace elements of benthic sea organisms is scarce. Yet, the pressing issue of environmental contamination has spurred a surge in the use of organisms as biomonitors. In this study, sediment cores were sampled with the sponges, and metal concentrations were determined in both samples using ICP-MS. The mean concentrations of metals in benthic sediments and sponge species analyzed in this study differed significantly (Sediment > Phorbas species > Negombata magnifica > Callyspongia species > Amphimedon chloros). This could be due to the varying capacity of each sponge species to accumulate a particular metal by different means. Negombata magnifica and Phorbas species appear to be indicators, accumulators, or hyper-accumulators of Cu and Mn, while Callyspongia species is an indicator, accumulator, or hyper-accumulator of Cu only due to bioconcentration factor > 1 for the aforementioned metals. Concentrations of Cu and As in sediment were below the Effects Range Median but above the Effects Range Low threshold, hence the need to give more attention to these metals. This research provides a baseline dataset for designing monitoring strategies on this ecosystem and using sponge species for biomonitoring.