The oxidative potential (OP) is defined as the ability of inhaled PM components to catalytically/non-catalytically generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and deplete lung antioxidants. Although several studies have measured the OP of particulate matter (PM OP) soluble components using different antioxidants under neutral pH conditions, few studies have measured PM OP with acidic lung fluids. This study provides new insights in...

Late in summer 2003, extensive mass mortality of at least 25 rocky benthic macro‐invertebrate species (mainly gorgonians and sponges) was observed in the entire Northwestern (NW) Mediterranean region, affecting several thousand kilometers of coastline. We were able to characterize the mortality event by studying six areas covering the main regions of the NW Mediterranean basin. The degree of impact on each study area was quant...