Patricia Romero-Murillo

@unisinucartagena.edu.co

GIBEAM research group, Programa Biología Marina
Universidad del Sinú seccional Cartagena

Patricia Romero-Murillo


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https://researchid.co/patricia.romu

EDUCATION

2004. Undergraduate Marine Biology. Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Colombia
2013. Master in Science Biology-Line Marine Biology. National University of Colombia.
2018. Marine Coastal Systems PhD. Program. University of Antofagasta. Chile.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Pollution, Ecology, Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, Physiology
7

Scopus Publications

100

Scholar Citations

4

Scholar h-index

3

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis: Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020–2023
    Skasquia Ucros-Rodríguez, Freddy Araque-Romany, Luis Montero-Mendoza, Vanessa C. Sarmiento-Nater, Oriana M. Calvo-Carrillo, et al.
    Toxics, 2025
    The Colombian Caribbean faces environmental challenges due to urbanization, industrialization, and maritime activities, which introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics into aquatic ecosystems. Perna viridis (Asian green mussel), an invasive species that has been established in Cartagena Bay since 2009, exhibits potential bioaccumulation capacity, making it a promising biomonitor. This study assessed the concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in P. viridis across two key sites—a port area at the Cartagena Bay (CB) and Virgen marsh (VM) in Colombia—from 2020 to 2023. Seasonal variations driven by La Niña and El Niño phenomena significantly influenced metal concentrations, with transitional periods modulating pollutant accumulation. The levels of trace metals in soft tissue of P. viridis (dry weight) ranged from 0.0003 to 0.0039 µg/g (Cd), 0.04 to 0.21 µg/g (Hg), 0.05 to 1.18 µg/g (Pb), and 0.0029 to 0.0103 µg/g (Se). In suspended particulate matter (SPM), Cd ranged from 0.07 to 0.33 µg/g; Pb ranged from 4.94 to 25.66 µg/g; and Hg ranged from 0.18 to 1.20 µg/g. Results revealed differences in metal concentrations between sites and seasons, highlighting the role of environmental and anthropogenic factors in pollutant distribution. The findings confirm P. viridis as an effective biomonitor of complex pollution scenarios in Cartagena Bay. However, its invasive status highlights ecological risks to be addressed, such as interaction with native bivalves and benthic community structures. These results emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring efforts to mitigate pollution and preserve marine biodiversity in the Colombian Caribbean.
  • Temporal variability of plastic litter in two sand beaches of San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean
    Naida Del Carmen Castellón-Mena, Ricardo Sarmiento-Devia, Patricia Romero-Murillo
    Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 2024
    The majority of marine plastic waste is anthropogenic. Recently, several reports have documented negative impacts on tourist beaches in the Caribbean, especially on the fauna associated with marine coastal ecosystems. This study analyzes the characteristics and seasonal variation of plastic waste considering the most common sizes on two beaches (Spratt Bight and Los Charquitos) of San Andres Island in 2021. Nine hundred twenty-six plastic items were collected from three perpendicular transects established in three beach strips. The largest number of plastic debris (416 items) was found in the dry season (March), followed by the transition (August, 280 items) and rainy season (November, 230 items). Regarding relative abundance, microplastics are the most predominant size class, while fragments are the most common form of plastic debris on San Andres Island beaches.
  • Impressions of the scientific training in fishery and aquaculture biotechnology in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Communication, networking, and multidisciplinary research
    Ângelo Paggi Matos, Andressa Coimbra Pereira, Alejandro Perretta, Patricia Romero-Murillo, Luciana Melisa Del Gobbo, et al.
    Aquaculture, 2023
  • Metal concentrations in Isognomon alatus by stages and climatic seasons in San Andrés Island, Colombian Caribbean
    Patricia Romero-Murillo, Nestor Hernando Campos-Campos, Rodrigo Orrego
    Acta Biologica Colombiana, 2023
    This study evaluates the potential of the flat oyster Isognomon alatus as a biomonitor species for metal contamination, based on bioaccumulation patterns in adults and juveniles present in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve on San Andrés Island (Colombia) in three seasons climatic. The analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry of I. alatus specimens and water samples collected in SAI (2009 and 2010) allowed us to observe higher concentrations (Max: 2,235 μg/g dry weight) of Zn in seston, compared to Cd (Max: 0.078 μg/g dry weight) and Cu (Max: 0.069 μg/g dry weight). These concentrations varied seasonally in relation to the intensity of rainfall in the area. By means of a two-way ANOVA (p<0.05), statistically significant differences were determined between sampling sites and seasons for metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Zn) in organisms and for the Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), which corresponds to the relationship between the metal concentration in oysters and seston. Regarding the effect of age/size, the Cd concentration obtained and evaluated by ranges in juveniles is significantly lower than that observed in adults during the dry season, like what was recorded in other oyster studies. A comparison of the results obtained with the available data for I. alatus indicated that SAI had been impacted by Zn contamination. The results confirm the bioavailability of Cd previously reported; and the bioaccumulation of metals, especially Cu and Zn, according to FBC estimates.
  • Marine Pollution and Advances in Biomonitoring in Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean
    Patricia Romero-Murillo, Jorge Gallego, Vincent Leignel
    Toxics, 2023
    Coastal zones sustain extensive biodiversity, support key processes for ocean dynamics, and influence the balance of the global environment. They also provide resources and services to communities, determine their culture, and are the basis for their economic growth. Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean is the place of the establishment of one of the country’s main cities, which has a great historical and tourist attraction, and it is also the location of the main commercial port and a great variety of industries. Historically, it has been affected by several environmental impacts and intense pollution. This situation has gained the attention of different researchers, so herein is presented a literature review with a systematic approach using RStudio’s bibliometrix on the presence of pollutants and the impact on biodiversity in recent decades, providing a critical analysis of the state of Cartagena Bay and its future needs to ensure its recovery and conservation. In addition, the socioeconomic dynamics related to the environmental state of Cartagena Bay are presented from the framework drivers, pressures, status, impacts, and responses (DPSIR). The update and critical understanding of the sources, fate, and effects of pollution are important not only for the knowledge of the status of this singular ecosystem but also to encourage future research and entrench evidence to support decision makers’ actions. This review highlights that several pollutants that have been detected exceeding sediment quality guidelines, like As, Cd, Hg, and PAH, are also reported to bioaccumulate and cause damage throughout the trophic levels of the coastal environment. In addition, the potential use of sentinel species and biomarkers for their monitoring is discussed. Finally, the factors that cause pollution and threaten the state of the bay continue to exert pressure and impact; thus, there is a call for the further monitoring of this ecosystem and the strengthening of policies and regulations.
  • Embryo–larvae and juvenile toxicity of Pb and Cd in Northern Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus
    Patricia Romero-Murillo, Winfred Espejo, Ricardo Barra, Rodrigo Orrego
    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2018
  • Early succession of the taxocenosis Mollusca-Annelida-Crustacea on red mangrove submerged roots in San Andres Island, Colombiam Caribbean
    Revista De Biologia Marina Y Oceanografia, 2008

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Abundance of the sand dollar, Mellita quinquiesperforata (Mellitidae) in La Boquilla, Cartagena de Indias, Colombian Caribbean Sea
    M Cuentas-Pérez, M González-Anaya, R Sarmiento-Devia, ...
    Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research 53 (4), 638-650 , 2025
    2025
  • Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis : Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020–2023
    S Ucros-Rodríguez, F Araque-Romany, L Montero-Mendoza, ...
    Toxics 13 (2), 77 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 9
  • Temporal variability of plastic litter in two sand beaches of San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean
    NC Castellón-Mena, R Sarmiento-Devia, P Romero-Murillo
    Latin american journal of aquatic research 52 (5), 793-804 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Metal concentrations in Isognomon alatus by stages and climatic seasons in San Andrés Island, Colombian Caribbean
    P Romero-Murillo, NH Campos Campos, R Orrego
    Acta Biológica Colombiana 28 (3), 415-427 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Impressions of the scientific training in fishery and aquaculture biotechnology in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Communication, networking, and multidisciplinary research
    ÂP Matos, AC Pereira, A Perretta, P Romero-Murillo, LM Del Gobbo, ...
    Aquaculture 574, 739685 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Marine pollution and advances in biomonitoring in Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean
    P Romero-Murillo, JL Gallego, V Leignel
    Toxics 11 (7), 631 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 30
  • Impressions of the scientific training in fishery and aquaculture biotechnology in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Communication, networking, and multidisciplinary research
    Â Paggi Matos, A Coimbra Pereira, A Perretta, P Romero Murillo, ...
    Elsevier Science , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 2
  • Embryo–larvae and juvenile toxicity of Pb and Cd in Northern Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus
    P Romero-Murillo, W Espejo, R Barra, R Orrego
    Environmental monitoring and assessment 190 (1), 16 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 15
  • Estudio de la capacidad de acumulación de metales pesados en isognomon alatus (gmelin, 1791)(mollusca: bivalvia)
    PE Romero Murillo
    2012
    Citations: 1
  • Early succession of the taxocenosis Mollusca-Annelida-Crustacea on red mangrove submerged roots in San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean
    PE Romero-Murillo, J Polania
    REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA MARINA Y OCEANOGRAFIA 43 (1), 63-74 , 2008
    2008
    Citations: 1
  • Sucesión temprana de la taxocenosis Mollusca-Annelida-Crustacea en raíces sumergidas de mangle rojo en San Andrés Isla, Caribe colombiano
    PE Romero-Murillo, J Polanía
    Revista de biología marina y oceanografía 43 (1), 63-74 , 2008
    2008
    Citations: 33
  • Composición taxonómica y proceso sucesional de la fauna asociada a las raíces sumergidas de Rhizophora mangle (mangle rojo) de San Andrés isla
    PE Romero Murillo, J Polanía
    2004
    Citations: 2

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Sucesión temprana de la taxocenosis Mollusca-Annelida-Crustacea en raíces sumergidas de mangle rojo en San Andrés Isla, Caribe colombiano
    PE Romero-Murillo, J Polanía
    Revista de biología marina y oceanografía 43 (1), 63-74 , 2008
    2008
    Citations: 33
  • Marine pollution and advances in biomonitoring in Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean
    P Romero-Murillo, JL Gallego, V Leignel
    Toxics 11 (7), 631 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 30
  • Embryo–larvae and juvenile toxicity of Pb and Cd in Northern Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus
    P Romero-Murillo, W Espejo, R Barra, R Orrego
    Environmental monitoring and assessment 190 (1), 16 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 15
  • Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis : Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020–2023
    S Ucros-Rodríguez, F Araque-Romany, L Montero-Mendoza, ...
    Toxics 13 (2), 77 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 9
  • Temporal variability of plastic litter in two sand beaches of San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean
    NC Castellón-Mena, R Sarmiento-Devia, P Romero-Murillo
    Latin american journal of aquatic research 52 (5), 793-804 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Metal concentrations in Isognomon alatus by stages and climatic seasons in San Andrés Island, Colombian Caribbean
    P Romero-Murillo, NH Campos Campos, R Orrego
    Acta Biológica Colombiana 28 (3), 415-427 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Impressions of the scientific training in fishery and aquaculture biotechnology in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Communication, networking, and multidisciplinary research
    Â Paggi Matos, A Coimbra Pereira, A Perretta, P Romero Murillo, ...
    Elsevier Science , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 2
  • Composición taxonómica y proceso sucesional de la fauna asociada a las raíces sumergidas de Rhizophora mangle (mangle rojo) de San Andrés isla
    PE Romero Murillo, J Polanía
    2004
    Citations: 2
  • Impressions of the scientific training in fishery and aquaculture biotechnology in Mar del Plata, Argentina: Communication, networking, and multidisciplinary research
    ÂP Matos, AC Pereira, A Perretta, P Romero-Murillo, LM Del Gobbo, ...
    Aquaculture 574, 739685 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 1
  • Estudio de la capacidad de acumulación de metales pesados en isognomon alatus (gmelin, 1791)(mollusca: bivalvia)
    PE Romero Murillo
    2012
    Citations: 1
  • Early succession of the taxocenosis Mollusca-Annelida-Crustacea on red mangrove submerged roots in San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean
    PE Romero-Murillo, J Polania
    REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA MARINA Y OCEANOGRAFIA 43 (1), 63-74 , 2008
    2008
    Citations: 1
  • Abundance of the sand dollar, Mellita quinquiesperforata (Mellitidae) in La Boquilla, Cartagena de Indias, Colombian Caribbean Sea
    M Cuentas-Pérez, M González-Anaya, R Sarmiento-Devia, ...
    Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research 53 (4), 638-650 , 2025
    2025

Publications

Romero-Murillo, P. E., & Polanía, J. (2008). Sucesión temprana de la taxocenosis Mollusca-Annelida-Crustacea en raíces sumergidas de mangle rojo en San Andrés Isla, Caribe colombiano. Revista de biología marina y oceanografía, 43(1), 63-74.

Romero-Murillo, P., Espejo, W., Barra, R., & Orrego, R. (2018). Embryo–larvae and juvenile toxicity of Pb and Cd in Northern Chilean scallop Argopecten purpuratus. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 190(1), 16.

Romero-Murillo, P., Campos Campos, N. H., & Orrego, R. (2023). Metal concentrations in Isognomon alatus by stages and climatic seasons in San Andrés Island, Colombian Caribbean. Acta Biológica Colombiana, 28(3), 415-427.

Romero-Murillo, P., Gallego, J. L., & Leignel, V. (2023). Marine pollution and advances in biomonitoring in cartagena bay in the Colombian Caribbean. Toxics, 11(7), 631.

Castellón-Mena, N. D. C., Sarmiento-Devia, R., & Romero-Murillo, P. (2024). Temporal variability of plastic litter in two sand beaches of San Andres Island, Colombian Caribbean. Latin american journal of aquatic research, 52(5), 793-804.

Ucros-Rodríguez, S., Araque-Romany, F., Montero-Mendoza, L., Sarmiento-Nater, V. C., Calvo-Carrillo, O. M., Johnson-Restrepo, B., ... & Romero-Murillo, P. (2025). Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis: Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020–2023. Toxics, 13(2), 77.