End stage-renal-disease (ESRD) is associated with dyslipidemia and premature atherosclerosis. The study evaluates the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on HDL-remodeling between pre- and post-HD. Was conducted a cross-secti...End stage-renal-disease (ESRD) is associated with dyslipidemia and premature atherosclerosis. The study evaluates the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on HDL-remodeling between pre- and post-HD. Was conducted a cross-sectional study with 50 ESRD male patients, undergoing HD at Ana Neri Hospital, Salvador, Brazil. All individuals were on HD for at least 3 months, into a three sessions protocol for 3 - 4 hours per week, with a polysulfone low-flow basic-dialyzing-membrane and unfractionated-heparin. HDL Phospholipid-incorporation was measured by 14C-PL-scintillation-counting, expressed as %14C-PL/mL/hour. Paraoxonase (PON-1) activity was measured by spectrophotometry using paraoxon as substrate. Cardiovascular risk ratios and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated. Total cholesterol, HDL-C and non-HDL-C increased at post-HD on all age groups, but without triglycerides (TG) changes. TG/HDL-C decreased in 30 - 39 and 40 - 49 year (y) at post-HD (p 0.05). LDL-C/apoB increased in >60 y, after HD (p < 0.05). HDL-C/apo-AI increased in 40 - 49 y (p 0.05) and >60 (p 0.01). On the other hand, non-HDL-C/HDL-C reduced in 40 - 49 and >60 y, at post-HD (p 0.05). The linear-correlation between %14C-PL-incorporation and non-HDL-C/HDL-C was negative in 30 - 39 y, both at pre-HD (r = -0.90;p = 0.002) and post-HD (r = -0.78;p = 0.022). Linear-correlation between PON-1 and %14C-PL-incorporation was positive in >60 y, both at pre- (r = 0.63;p = 0.029) and post-HD (r = 0.65;p = 0.022). PON-1 activity increased at pre- (59 ± 30) and post-HD (73 ± 38) in 50 - 59 y (p 0.05). The %14C-PL-incorporation was reduced in >60 y (p 0.05), when compared to pre- and post-HD. ESRD patients undergoing HD shows important changes on lipid-profile, PON-1-activity, cardiac risk ratios and HDL-remodeling. These results demonstrate the influence of HD with a polysulfone low-flow basic-dialyzing-membrane and unfractionated-heparin on lipoprotein metabolism.展开更多
Nematode communities were monitored in a field study at depths of 0～10 cmand 10～20 cm throughout a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season in the black soil region of NortheastChina. Plots were cropped corn with (IF) and ...Nematode communities were monitored in a field study at depths of 0～10 cmand 10～20 cm throughout a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season in the black soil region of NortheastChina. Plots were cropped corn with (IF) and without (NF) nitrogen fertilization. Fifteen familiesand 16 genera were observed in the nematode suspensions. Cephalobidae, Rhabditidae, Aphelenchus,Filenchus, and Helicotylenchus were found to be dominant genera/families in both plots at bothdepths. Significant differences were found between treatments and corn growing stages in the totalnumbers of nematodes during the study period. The total numbers of nematodes at the 0～10 cm depthwere higher in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the control plot (no fertilizer applications)across jointing, filling, and mature stages. Bacterivores were the most abundant trophic groupsunder two treatments and at both depths, and the relative abundance averaged 42.8%.Omuivores-predators at both depths were lower in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the controlplot during the study period, excluding corn jointing stage. Maturity index (MI) and plant parasiteindex (PPI) were used to detect the differences between the two treatments, MI and PPI wereeffective in distinguishing differences in nematode communities during corn growing season. The roleof nematode communities as bioindicators of ecosystem disturbance due to fertilization is noted.展开更多
The indicator values of microfauna functional groups and species for treatment performancewere systematically evaluated based on the continuous monitoring of the entire microfauna communities including both protozoa a...The indicator values of microfauna functional groups and species for treatment performancewere systematically evaluated based on the continuous monitoring of the entire microfauna communities including both protozoa and metazoa over a period of 14 months, in two parallel full-scale municipalwastewater treatment systems in a plant in Beijing, China. A total of 57 species of ciliates, 14 species （units） of amoebae, 14 species （units） of flagellates and4 classes of small metazoawere identified,with Arcella hemisphaerica, Vorticella striata, Vorticella convallaria, Epistylis plicatilis and small flagellates （e.g. Bodo spp.） as thedominant protozoa, and rotifers as thedominant metazoa. The abundance of the sessile ciliateswas correlatedwith the removals of BOD 5 （Pearson＇s r = 0.410, p 〈 0.05） and COD Cr （r = 0.397, p 〈 0.05）while the testate amoebaewas significantly positively related to nitrification （r = 0.523, p 〈 0.01）. At the same time, some other associationswere also identified： the abundances of the large flagellates （r = 0.447, p 〈 0.01）, the metazoa （r = 0.718, p 〈 0.01） and species Aspidisca sulcata （r = 0.337, p 〈 0.05）were positively related to nitrification; the abundance of Aspidisca costatawas correlated to the TN （total nitrogen） removal （r = -0.374, p 〈 0.05 ）; the abundances of the sessile species Carchesium polypinum （r = 0.458, p 〈 0.01） and E. plicatilis （r = 0.377, p 〈 0.05）were correlatedwith the removal of suspended solids.展开更多
Organic contaminants can be detected at low concentrations in drinking water, raising concerns for human health, particularly in reproduction. In this respect, we attempted to use the zebrafish as a bioindicator to de...Organic contaminants can be detected at low concentrations in drinking water, raising concerns for human health, particularly in reproduction. In this respect, we attempted to use the zebrafish as a bioindicator to detect the possible presence of these substances in drinking water, aiming to define the most relevant parameters to detect these substances, which particularly affect the development and reproduction of zebrafish. To this end, batches of30 embryos with the chorion intact were cultured in drinking waters from different sources,throughout their full life-cycle up to 5 months, in 20 L tanks. Six replicates were performed in all water groups, with a total of 24 aquariums. Two generations（F0 and F1） were studied and the following parameters were tested： in the F0 generation, survival and abnormality rates evaluated at 5 dpf（days post-fertilization） and at 5 mpf（months post-fertilization）,the onset of spawning and the fertility rate from 3 mpf to 5 mpf, and the sex ratio and underdeveloped specimens at 5 mpf. Furthermore, in the F0 offspring（F1）, survival and abnormality rates were evaluated at 5 dpf and the hatching rate at 72 hpf. These results revealed that the hatching rate is the most sensitive parameter to distinguish different levels of effects between waters during the early life stages, whereas the rate of underdeveloped specimens is more suitable at later life stages. Regarding adult reproduction, fertility rate was the most sensitive parameter. The possible reversibility or accumulative nature of such effects will be studied in future work.展开更多
Indigenous grasses have been effectively used to rehabilitate degraded African drylands. Despite their success, studies examining their effects on soil bioindicators such as microbial biomass carbon(C) and enzyme acti...Indigenous grasses have been effectively used to rehabilitate degraded African drylands. Despite their success, studies examining their effects on soil bioindicators such as microbial biomass carbon(C) and enzyme activities are scarce. This study elucidates the effects of drought stress and phenological stages of a typical indigenous African grass, Enteropogon macrostachyus, on microbial biomass and enzyme activities(β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, and chitinase) in the rhizosphere soil. Enteropogon macrostachyus was grown under controlled conditions. Drought stress(partial watering) was simulated during the last 10 d of plant growth, and data were compared with those from optimum moisture conditions. The rhizosphere soil was sampled after 40 d(seedling stage), 70 d(elongation stage), and 80 d(simulated drought stress). A high root:shoot ratio at seedling stage compared with elongation and reproduction stages demonstrated that E. macrostachyus invested more on root biomass in early development, to maximise the uptake of nutrients and water. Microbial biomass and enzyme activities increased with root biomass during plant growth. Ten-day drought at reproduction stage increased the microbial biomass and enzyme activities, accompanying a decrease in binding affinity and catalytic efficiency. In conclusion, drought stress controls soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient mobilization, as well as the competition between plant and microorganisms for nutrient uptake.展开更多
Protists are essential components of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. They play a vital role in the microbial food web as consumers of bacteria, fungi, and other small eukaryotes and are also involved in m...Protists are essential components of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. They play a vital role in the microbial food web as consumers of bacteria, fungi, and other small eukaryotes and are also involved in maintaining soil fertility and plant productivity. Protists also contribute to regulating and shaping the bacterial community in terrestrial ecosystems via specific prey spectra. They play a role in plant growth promotion and plant health improvement,mostly via nutrient cycling, grazing, and the activation of bacterial genes required for plant growth and phytopathogen suppression. Thus, protists may prove to be a useful inoculant as biofertilizer and biocontrol agent. They can also be applied as model organisms as bioindicators of soil health. Despite their usefulness and essentiality, they are often forgotten and under-researched components of the soil microbiome, as most of our research focuses on bacteria and fungi. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of protists in plant productivity and plant health management and in shifts in soil bacterial community composition, as well as their roles as bioindicator. We also discuss the perspectives of knowledge gaps and future prospects to further improve soil biology.More research in soil protistology will provide insights into sustainable agriculture and environmental health alongside the study of bacteria and fungi.展开更多
Most urban rivers play an important role in urban flood control and drainage in China, but pollution is fast becoming an issue of greater importance in water management. In this study, 63 zooplankton species were reco...Most urban rivers play an important role in urban flood control and drainage in China, but pollution is fast becoming an issue of greater importance in water management. In this study, 63 zooplankton species were recorded in four downtown rivers in Shanghai between November 2007 and October 2008. Of these, 44 species belonged to the Rotifera, 13 to Cladocera, and six to Copepoda. The three most frequently occurring zooplankton （Brachionus calyciflorus, Microcyclops Ieuckarti, and Asplanchna priodonta） accounted for 80.00%, 76.84%, and 53.68%, respectively. Rotifera were found to be dominant, comprising 86.26% of total zooplankton, while cladoceran and copepod abundance amounted to 5.08% and 8.67%, respectively. Water temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen were of the greatest significance in the occurrence of zooplankton. Two species （Schmackeria forbesi and Lepadella ovalis） were notably more sensitive to environmental factors such as salinity and electrical conductivity than other species. The population size and community were inversely correlated with the increasing nutrient levels of the four rivers, suggesting that the water quality of the four rivers had been gradually recovering from a severe eutrophic state and that water conditions of the rivers had been gradually improved.展开更多
Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance s...Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance since they are implicated in many pathological processes and exert effects beyond that of individual being active through following generations. A large number of methods have been applied to evaluate genotoxic damage in different aquatic species. Comet assay, as method for de- tecting DNA alterations, and micronucleus test, as an index of chromosomal damage are the most widely applied and validated methods in field studies. These methods were applied in different vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, but only mollusk and fish species have been employed in routine biomonitoring programs. Mussels, due to their widely geographical distribution and the suitability for caging represent the bioindicator of choice in field studies. Mytilus species is the most used marine mussel. The use of fish is limited to specific geographic areas. The present review mainly focuses on the application of comet assay and micronucleus test in mussels. A number of biomonitoring studies in mussels, using comet assay or micronucleus test, revealed exposure to different classes of genotoxic compounds with a good discrimination power. The different evidence from the two as- says, reflects different biological mechanisms for the two genetic endpoints, DNA damage and chromosomal damage, suggesting their combined application in the field. Different endogenous and exogenous factors have been shown to modulate the genotoxic responses in mussels, acting as confounding factors in environmental monitoring. The use of standardized protocol for caging, sampling and genotoxity evaluation is critical in biomonitoring studies. The use of a multimarker approach coupling genotoxicity biomarkers with physiological and biochemical factors allows to have a complete picture of the environmental pollution [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 273-284, 2014].展开更多
Coral reefs are in terminal decline.For conservation to be effective,naturally depauperate reefs must be distinguished from those recently degraded by humans.Traditional reef monitoring is time consuming and lacks the...Coral reefs are in terminal decline.For conservation to be effective,naturally depauperate reefs must be distinguished from those recently degraded by humans.Traditional reef monitoring is time consuming and lacks the longevity to make this distinction.Success in using foraminifera as bioindicators for reef health has hitherto levered their response to nutrients.Because ocean heat waves are the dominant driver of coral bleaching and death,there is compelling motivation to develop new foraminiferal bioindicators that inform on temperature stress over meaningful timescales.This study focuses on identifying which foraminifera respond systematically to the temperature stress that kills corals.Statistical models were used to compare endosymbiont-bearing foraminiferal families,collected along a heat-stress gradient spanning the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia,to live coral cover at the same sites.Results indicate that Amphisteginidae foraminifera and coral cover show a significant decline in abundance as heat stress increases along the transect sites.Furthermore,ocean productivity and salinity,both recognized environmental influences on foraminifera,are shown to be subordinate to temperature in their sway of this ecological patterning.These findings indicate the potential for using foraminifera to develop new indices capable of quantifying long-term thermal impacts on reefs.展开更多
The analysis of stable isotopes of sulfur(δ34S) is a useful tool for identifying sources of sulfur in soils. Concentrations and sulfur(S)isotopes of water-soluble sulfate(WSS), adsorbed sulfate(AS), residual sulfur(R...The analysis of stable isotopes of sulfur(δ34S) is a useful tool for identifying sources of sulfur in soils. Concentrations and sulfur(S)isotopes of water-soluble sulfate(WSS), adsorbed sulfate(AS), residual sulfur(RS), and total sulfur(TS) in uncultivated surface soils of four Chinese provinces were systematically analyzed for identifying sources of S in the soils. Green and healthy mosses(Haplocladium microphyllum) were sampled as bioindicators. The mean WSS concentration(27.8 ± 23.4 mg kg-1) in the surface soils was lower than those of AS(101.4 ± 57.0 mg kg-1) and RS(381.5 ± 256.7 mg kg-1). The mean δ34S values of WSS and AS were very similar(about2.0‰), lower than those of RS(8.0‰) and TS(6.1‰). A significant linear correlation was found between the δ34S values of AS and WWS(y = 1.0002x- 0.0557, P < 0.0001), indicating that sulfate adsorption in the soils did not markedly fractionate S. All S species in the soils of Guizhou Province were characterized by the lowest δ34S values, consistent with the most34S-depleted rainwater sulfate reported at Guiyang of Guizhou Province. The δ34S values of sulfate in mosses and rainwater previously reported were significantly linearly correlated with those of both WWS and AS in surface soils, suggesting that atmospheric S input was an important source for soil WSS and AS. However, there were no significant correlations between isotopic composition of rainwater sulfate and RS or TS.The slopes of all these significant linear correlations(soil/rainwater or soil/moss isotopic ratio) were 0.4–0.6, indicating that inorganic sulfate in the surface soils should be a result of mixing of deposited atmospheric sulfate with a more34S-depleted sulfate component possibly from mineralization of RS.展开更多
Variations in physical-chemical factors, species composition, abundance and biomass of nano-and micro-phytoplankton assemblages, as well as their responses to environmental factors, were investigated over a complete c...Variations in physical-chemical factors, species composition, abundance and biomass of nano-and micro-phytoplankton assemblages, as well as their responses to environmental factors, were investigated over a complete cycle (6 months) in a semi-enclosed shrimp-farming pond near Qingdao, northern China. The aim was to establish the temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities and to evaluate protists as suitable bioindicators to water quality in mariculture systems. A total of 34 taxa with nine dominant species were identified, belonging to six taxonomic groups (dinoflagellates, diatoms, cryptophyceans, chlorophyceans, euglenophyceans and chrysophyceans). A single peak of protist abundance occurred in October, mainly due to chlorophyceans, diatoms and chrysophyceans. Two biomass peaks in July and October were primarily due to dinoflagellates and diatoms. Temporal patterns of the phytoplankton communities significantly correlated with the changes in nutrients, temperature and pH, especially phosphate, either alone or in combination with NO3-N and NH3-N. Species diversity, evenness and richness indices were clearly correlated with water temperature and/or salinity, whereas the biomass/abundance ratio showed a significant correlation with NO3-N. The results suggest that phytoplankton are potentially useful bioindicators to water quality in semi-enclosed mariculture systems.展开更多
Ciliated protozoa play important roles in micro-ecosystems, especially in marine biotopes. However, few studies have been carried out on the periphytic, or aufwuch, forms in mariculture waters so far. In this study, w...Ciliated protozoa play important roles in micro-ecosystems, especially in marine biotopes. However, few studies have been carried out on the periphytic, or aufwuch, forms in mariculture waters so far. In this study, we sampled periphytic ciliate communities in two closed mariculture ponds (ponds CP1 and CP2) and a natural seawater reservoir (pond RP) using a glass slide method to evaluate their colonizing processes and general ecological features, as well as their application as water quality indicators. We analyzed species compositions, structural parameters (species number, richness, diversity, evenness, abundance and dBP) and functional parameters (G, Seq and T90%). Pond RP was characterized by higher levels of structural parameters (except for abundance and dBP) and more equal proportion of the major taxonomic groups. The values of Seq were significantly higher in pond RP and similar in both pond CP1 and CP2. It was also demonstrated that environmental factors, including NO2-H, NO3-H, NH3-H, soluble reactive phosphate, temperature and pH, were the first principal factors affecting the communities. Among them, temperature and chemical factors were all significantly and negatively correlated with species number (P<0.01), richness (P<0.01), diversity (P<0.01), and positive correlated with abundance (P<0.01). Opposite correlations between pH and structural parameters were observed. This study showed that there were significant differences in species composition, structural parameters and functional parameters of the periphytic ciliate communities among the ponds, which were in agreement with the water quality. Results of this study confirmed the periphytic ciliate communities to be useful bioindicators of water quality in intensive mariculture waters.展开更多
We review 20 year long investigations by the Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology on radioecological and ecological consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe for wild animals in the Exclusion Zone （EZ） around the nucle...We review 20 year long investigations by the Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology on radioecological and ecological consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe for wild animals in the Exclusion Zone （EZ） around the nuclear plant. Using previous observations on bird migrations through Ukraine, we assessed the 137^Cs and 90^Sr carry-out with migrants from the EZ. In addition, we selected animal species as standard indicators of the state of the environment to map ： 1 ） contamination of vertebrates with 137^Cs in the EZ and 2） beta-activity of mollusc shells indicating 90^Sr, in the whole Dnieper drainage area, in the Kiev Administrative Region, and in the EZ. We revealed regular seasonal and long-term trends, relative radionuclide accumulation by different species, transfer and accumulation factors, and used these measurements to diminish the enormous variation and complexity of the data. Secondary ecological changes in forest, devastated by direct irradiation, were caused by the crash of trophic chains and an outbreak of insect pests on dead or sick trees. Ninety-nine percent of the EZ area was not affected directly by irradiation. Ecological changes in this area have been caused by evacuation of the public, cessation of agriculture and forest management, and decontamination on a large scale. After initial changes, animal density and distribution have been stabilized at a limit restricted by natural resources, predators and poachers. A herd of Przewalski horses was successfully introduced into the EZ years ago. We renewed the protected state of nature reserved sites, which existed before, and proposed to expand the area of nature reservation.展开更多
Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing,tropical ecosystems,which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality.The carbonatedominated habitats off Zanzibar w...Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing,tropical ecosystems,which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality.The carbonatedominated habitats off Zanzibar were chosen for study due to potential water quality degradation in a rapidly developing tourist destination heavily reliant on its coral reefs.These reefs are largely unmonitored and subject to local and global stressors.A widely used method for assessing reef health,as an early detection method of ecological changes,is the application of large benthic foraminiferal bioindicators,i.e.,the Fo RAM Index.We expected to find poor water quality conditions in the unmanaged reefs supported by stress-toelerant(opportunistic)foraminiferal assemblages.The dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate values derived from untreated sewage effluent from Stone Town were highly variable(ranging 0.05–3.77 and 0.05–1.45μM,respectively),moderate,and occasionally approached or exceeded critical threshold values for oligotrophic ecosystems.The analysis of total assemblages indicated an abundance of symbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera,dominated by prolific Amphistegina species,comparatively low-moderate diversity,high FI values(7.6 on average),and high coral cover.A water quality gradient was reflected by subtle assemblage differences,suggesting that LBF can provide early warning signals of benthic changes,indicating the importance of long-term monitoring programs in vulnerable,rapidly developing coastal ecosystems exposed to increasing pressures.展开更多
Artificial night lighting is gaining attention as a new type of pollution;however, studies of its impacts are scarce. Fireflies provide good models to investigate its effects on nocturnal wildlife, since they depend o...Artificial night lighting is gaining attention as a new type of pollution;however, studies of its impacts are scarce. Fireflies provide good models to investigate its effects on nocturnal wildlife, since they depend on their bioluminescence for reproduction. This study investigated the impact of artificial illumination on firefly activity at the new campus of the Federal University of São Carlos (Sorocaba, Brazil). The flashing activity of different firefly species, especially Photinus sp1 (82% of all occurrences), was investigated during 3 years, before and after the installation of multi metal vapor spotlights. Quantitative and qualitative analysis, performed in transects at different distances from the artificial light sources, showed significant negative effects on Photinus sp1 occurrence. This study proposes fireflies as potential flagship species and bioindicators for artificial night lighting and for the first time quantifies its effects, providing subsidies for future conservationist legislations regarding photopollution.展开更多
Vertebrates have particular habitat needs as a function of life cycle and reproductive stage. This paper uses four species as examples to illustrate a paradigm of environmental assessment that includes physical, biolo...Vertebrates have particular habitat needs as a function of life cycle and reproductive stage. This paper uses four species as examples to illustrate a paradigm of environmental assessment that includes physical, biological, toxicological and human dimensions. Species used include Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), northern pine snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus), and red knot (Calidris canutus rufa, a sandpiper). The life cycles of these species include reliance on habitats that are aquatic, terrestrial, aerial, or combinations of these. Two species (frog, snake) are sedentary and two (salmon, sandpiper) are long-distance migrants. While some measurement endpoints are similar for all species (reproductive success, longevity, contaminant loads), others vary depending upon life cycle and habitat. Salmon have a restricted breeding habitat requiring coarse sand, moderate current, and high oxygen levels for adequate egg incubation. Leopard frogs require still water of appropriate temperature for development of eggs. Pine snakes require sand compaction sufficient to sustain a nest burrow without collapsing, and full sun penetration to the sand to allow their eggs in underground nests to incubate and hatch. Red knots migrate to high Arctic tundra, but incubate their own eggs, so temperature is less of a constraint, but feedinging habitat is. These habitat differences suggest the measurement endpoints that are essential to assess habitat suitability and to manage habitats to achieve stable and sustainable populations. Habitat use and population stability have implications for human activities for some, but not all species. Salmon are important economically, recreationally, and as part of Native American culture and diet. Red knots are of interest to people mainly because of their long, intercontinental migrations and declining populations. Other measurement endpoints for these four species illustrate the differences and similarities in metrics necessary to assess habitat needs. The implications of these differences are discussed.展开更多
A biomonitoring study on lichens was conducted to assess the levels of atmospheric heavy metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) at ten sites at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Campus, Bangi, Selangor, Mala...A biomonitoring study on lichens was conducted to assess the levels of atmospheric heavy metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) at ten sites at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Campus, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. Dirinaria picta, epiphytic lichen which commonly found at lowland areas was used as the bioindicator in this study where samples were collected from the bark of palm trees at sites ranging from areas with high volume of traffic to isolated areas in the campus. Eight metals (Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn , Al, Pb), and ten PAH;naphthalene (PAH1), acenaphtylene (PAH2), acenaphthene (PAH3), fluorine (PAH4), anthracene (PAH5), phenanthrene (PAH6), fluoranthene (PAH7), pyrene (PAH8), benzo (b) anthracene (PAH9) and chrysene (PAH10) were analyzed in the naturally growing thallus of Dirinaria picta. The average concentration of the metals was observed to be in the range of 230.6 ppm (Fe) to 0.3 ppm (Co) and for PAH, it was observed in the range of 612 ppm (PAH1) to 79.5 ppm (PAH10). The One-way ANOVA analysis for both the heavy metals and the PAHs showed Ho was rejected. There are significant differences in heavy metals and PAHs concentrations between sites. The selectivity sequence of heavy metals were Fe > Cr > Ni > Al > Zn > Pb > Cu. Meanwhile for PAH, the sequence is PAH1 > PAH3 > PAH2 > PAH6 > PAH5 > PAH7 > PAH4 > PAH8 > PAH9 > PAH10.展开更多
In Ayapel floodplain periphyton associated to macrophyte roots on the basis of material was collected in fourteen sampling sites in nine moments of compilation. From the analysis of the samples were recorded 550 algal...In Ayapel floodplain periphyton associated to macrophyte roots on the basis of material was collected in fourteen sampling sites in nine moments of compilation. From the analysis of the samples were recorded 550 algal species, of which 56% were diatoms. Furthermore it was valued relative abundances of taxa and the average physicochemical variables to identify the optimal values and tolerance ranges of species. In the case of nitrates optimal value was below 2 mg/L for all algae except for Actinella sp. and Euastrum sinuosum which optimal values were close to zero with low variability. Regarding all species the algal nitrite concentration showed optimum values below 2 mg/L except Encyonema minutum and E. sinuosum whose optimum were 0.4 and 0.5 mg/L respectively. About nitrogen as ammonia was repeated the above situation, i.e. optimum values below 2 mg/L except for E. minutum and E. sinuosum. Respect to phosphorus the species with optimum greater than 0.6 mg/L are the diatoms, in contrast, the lowest values were optimal for E. sinuosum and Actinella sp. From the viewpoint of bioindication high abundance of Synedra goulardii indicates high transparency, Ulnaria ulna and Planothidium lanceolatum indicate lower concentration of dissolved oxygen and water temperature between 29°C - 30°C, Actinella aff. robusta, E. minutum, Cylindrospermopsis raciborski, Lyngbya cf. limnetica, Eunotia naegueli, Navicula cryptocephala, Diadesmis confervaceae, Frustulia rhomboides and Aulacoseira granulata.(For more information,please refer to the PDF.)展开更多
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Zn nutritional status on the content of pigments, nonstructural carbohydrates, foliage proteins and amino acids of the pecan tree, as possible bioindicators of Zn...The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Zn nutritional status on the content of pigments, nonstructural carbohydrates, foliage proteins and amino acids of the pecan tree, as possible bioindicators of Zn deficiency. The experimental design was completely random with three Zn nutritional statuses: Normal, Intermediate and Deficient, being selected considering visual symptomatology. On all three nutritional statuses, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments was determined as well as of total soluble proteins and amino acids. Obtained results indicate that Zn deficient nutritional status was characterized by minimum photosynthetic pigment, protein concentrations, maximum amino acid and nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations. While the normal Zn nutritional status presented maximum photosynthetic pigments, proteins concentrations, minimum amino acids and carbohydrate concentrations. On the other hand, intermediate Zn nutritional status was characterized by a medium level between the other two Zn nutritional statuses. Finally, we stress the fact that pigments, proteins, amino acids and nonstructural carbohydrates may be good physiological indicators related to Zn nutritional status on pecan trees.展开更多
In this study,we provide evidence that oil sands process-affected waters(OSPW)contain factors that activate the antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses of immune cells.Specifically,using the murine macrophage RAW ...In this study,we provide evidence that oil sands process-affected waters(OSPW)contain factors that activate the antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses of immune cells.Specifically,using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line,we establish the bioactivity of two different OSPW samples and their isolated fractions.Here,we directly compared the bioactivity of two pilot scale demonstration pit lake(DPL)water samples,which included expressed water from treated tailings(termed the before water capping sample;BWC)as well as an after water capping(AWC)sample consisting of a mixture of expressed water,precipitation,upland runoff,coagulated OSPW and added freshwater.Significant inflammatory(i.e.macrophage activating)bioactivity was associated with the AWC sample and its organic fraction(OF),whereas the BWC sample had reduced bioactivity that was primarily associated with its inorganic fraction(IF).Overall,these results indicate that at non-toxic exposure doses,the RAW 264.7 cell line serves as an acute,sensitive and reliable biosensor for the screening of inflammatory constituents within and among discrete OSPW samples.展开更多
文摘End stage-renal-disease (ESRD) is associated with dyslipidemia and premature atherosclerosis. The study evaluates the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on HDL-remodeling between pre- and post-HD. Was conducted a cross-sectional study with 50 ESRD male patients, undergoing HD at Ana Neri Hospital, Salvador, Brazil. All individuals were on HD for at least 3 months, into a three sessions protocol for 3 - 4 hours per week, with a polysulfone low-flow basic-dialyzing-membrane and unfractionated-heparin. HDL Phospholipid-incorporation was measured by 14C-PL-scintillation-counting, expressed as %14C-PL/mL/hour. Paraoxonase (PON-1) activity was measured by spectrophotometry using paraoxon as substrate. Cardiovascular risk ratios and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated. Total cholesterol, HDL-C and non-HDL-C increased at post-HD on all age groups, but without triglycerides (TG) changes. TG/HDL-C decreased in 30 - 39 and 40 - 49 year (y) at post-HD (p 0.05). LDL-C/apoB increased in >60 y, after HD (p < 0.05). HDL-C/apo-AI increased in 40 - 49 y (p 0.05) and >60 (p 0.01). On the other hand, non-HDL-C/HDL-C reduced in 40 - 49 and >60 y, at post-HD (p 0.05). The linear-correlation between %14C-PL-incorporation and non-HDL-C/HDL-C was negative in 30 - 39 y, both at pre-HD (r = -0.90;p = 0.002) and post-HD (r = -0.78;p = 0.022). Linear-correlation between PON-1 and %14C-PL-incorporation was positive in >60 y, both at pre- (r = 0.63;p = 0.029) and post-HD (r = 0.65;p = 0.022). PON-1 activity increased at pre- (59 ± 30) and post-HD (73 ± 38) in 50 - 59 y (p 0.05). The %14C-PL-incorporation was reduced in >60 y (p 0.05), when compared to pre- and post-HD. ESRD patients undergoing HD shows important changes on lipid-profile, PON-1-activity, cardiac risk ratios and HDL-remodeling. These results demonstrate the influence of HD with a polysulfone low-flow basic-dialyzing-membrane and unfractionated-heparin on lipoprotein metabolism.
基金the National Key Basic Research Support Foundation(NKBRSF)of China(G1999011804-04) the Foundation of Knowledge Innovation Program of IAE-CAS(Institute of Applied Ecology,the Chinese Academy of Science).
文摘Nematode communities were monitored in a field study at depths of 0～10 cmand 10～20 cm throughout a corn (Zea mays L.) growing season in the black soil region of NortheastChina. Plots were cropped corn with (IF) and without (NF) nitrogen fertilization. Fifteen familiesand 16 genera were observed in the nematode suspensions. Cephalobidae, Rhabditidae, Aphelenchus,Filenchus, and Helicotylenchus were found to be dominant genera/families in both plots at bothdepths. Significant differences were found between treatments and corn growing stages in the totalnumbers of nematodes during the study period. The total numbers of nematodes at the 0～10 cm depthwere higher in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the control plot (no fertilizer applications)across jointing, filling, and mature stages. Bacterivores were the most abundant trophic groupsunder two treatments and at both depths, and the relative abundance averaged 42.8%.Omuivores-predators at both depths were lower in the inorganic fertilizer plot than in the controlplot during the study period, excluding corn jointing stage. Maturity index (MI) and plant parasiteindex (PPI) were used to detect the differences between the two treatments, MI and PPI wereeffective in distinguishing differences in nematode communities during corn growing season. The roleof nematode communities as bioindicators of ecosystem disturbance due to fertilization is noted.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KZCX2-YW-JC407)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20921140094)
文摘The indicator values of microfauna functional groups and species for treatment performancewere systematically evaluated based on the continuous monitoring of the entire microfauna communities including both protozoa and metazoa over a period of 14 months, in two parallel full-scale municipalwastewater treatment systems in a plant in Beijing, China. A total of 57 species of ciliates, 14 species （units） of amoebae, 14 species （units） of flagellates and4 classes of small metazoawere identified,with Arcella hemisphaerica, Vorticella striata, Vorticella convallaria, Epistylis plicatilis and small flagellates （e.g. Bodo spp.） as thedominant protozoa, and rotifers as thedominant metazoa. The abundance of the sessile ciliateswas correlatedwith the removals of BOD 5 （Pearson＇s r = 0.410, p 〈 0.05） and COD Cr （r = 0.397, p 〈 0.05）while the testate amoebaewas significantly positively related to nitrification （r = 0.523, p 〈 0.01）. At the same time, some other associationswere also identified： the abundances of the large flagellates （r = 0.447, p 〈 0.01）, the metazoa （r = 0.718, p 〈 0.01） and species Aspidisca sulcata （r = 0.337, p 〈 0.05）were positively related to nitrification; the abundance of Aspidisca costatawas correlated to the TN （total nitrogen） removal （r = -0.374, p 〈 0.05 ）; the abundances of the sessile species Carchesium polypinum （r = 0.458, p 〈 0.01） and E. plicatilis （r = 0.377, p 〈 0.05）were correlatedwith the removal of suspended solids.
文摘Organic contaminants can be detected at low concentrations in drinking water, raising concerns for human health, particularly in reproduction. In this respect, we attempted to use the zebrafish as a bioindicator to detect the possible presence of these substances in drinking water, aiming to define the most relevant parameters to detect these substances, which particularly affect the development and reproduction of zebrafish. To this end, batches of30 embryos with the chorion intact were cultured in drinking waters from different sources,throughout their full life-cycle up to 5 months, in 20 L tanks. Six replicates were performed in all water groups, with a total of 24 aquariums. Two generations（F0 and F1） were studied and the following parameters were tested： in the F0 generation, survival and abnormality rates evaluated at 5 dpf（days post-fertilization） and at 5 mpf（months post-fertilization）,the onset of spawning and the fertility rate from 3 mpf to 5 mpf, and the sex ratio and underdeveloped specimens at 5 mpf. Furthermore, in the F0 offspring（F1）, survival and abnormality rates were evaluated at 5 dpf and the hatching rate at 72 hpf. These results revealed that the hatching rate is the most sensitive parameter to distinguish different levels of effects between waters during the early life stages, whereas the rate of underdeveloped specimens is more suitable at later life stages. Regarding adult reproduction, fertility rate was the most sensitive parameter. The possible reversibility or accumulative nature of such effects will be studied in future work.
文摘Indigenous grasses have been effectively used to rehabilitate degraded African drylands. Despite their success, studies examining their effects on soil bioindicators such as microbial biomass carbon(C) and enzyme activities are scarce. This study elucidates the effects of drought stress and phenological stages of a typical indigenous African grass, Enteropogon macrostachyus, on microbial biomass and enzyme activities(β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, and chitinase) in the rhizosphere soil. Enteropogon macrostachyus was grown under controlled conditions. Drought stress(partial watering) was simulated during the last 10 d of plant growth, and data were compared with those from optimum moisture conditions. The rhizosphere soil was sampled after 40 d(seedling stage), 70 d(elongation stage), and 80 d(simulated drought stress). A high root:shoot ratio at seedling stage compared with elongation and reproduction stages demonstrated that E. macrostachyus invested more on root biomass in early development, to maximise the uptake of nutrients and water. Microbial biomass and enzyme activities increased with root biomass during plant growth. Ten-day drought at reproduction stage increased the microbial biomass and enzyme activities, accompanying a decrease in binding affinity and catalytic efficiency. In conclusion, drought stress controls soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient mobilization, as well as the competition between plant and microorganisms for nutrient uptake.
基金supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB), New Delhi, India under an ECRA grant for researchers to NA (ECR/2017/001977)。
文摘Protists are essential components of soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. They play a vital role in the microbial food web as consumers of bacteria, fungi, and other small eukaryotes and are also involved in maintaining soil fertility and plant productivity. Protists also contribute to regulating and shaping the bacterial community in terrestrial ecosystems via specific prey spectra. They play a role in plant growth promotion and plant health improvement,mostly via nutrient cycling, grazing, and the activation of bacterial genes required for plant growth and phytopathogen suppression. Thus, protists may prove to be a useful inoculant as biofertilizer and biocontrol agent. They can also be applied as model organisms as bioindicators of soil health. Despite their usefulness and essentiality, they are often forgotten and under-researched components of the soil microbiome, as most of our research focuses on bacteria and fungi. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of protists in plant productivity and plant health management and in shifts in soil bacterial community composition, as well as their roles as bioindicator. We also discuss the perspectives of knowledge gaps and future prospects to further improve soil biology.More research in soil protistology will provide insights into sustainable agriculture and environmental health alongside the study of bacteria and fungi.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.30700064,41372365)the Key Project of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(Nos.08DZ1203102,09DZ120010A)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai City(No.13ZR1413100)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
文摘Most urban rivers play an important role in urban flood control and drainage in China, but pollution is fast becoming an issue of greater importance in water management. In this study, 63 zooplankton species were recorded in four downtown rivers in Shanghai between November 2007 and October 2008. Of these, 44 species belonged to the Rotifera, 13 to Cladocera, and six to Copepoda. The three most frequently occurring zooplankton （Brachionus calyciflorus, Microcyclops Ieuckarti, and Asplanchna priodonta） accounted for 80.00%, 76.84%, and 53.68%, respectively. Rotifera were found to be dominant, comprising 86.26% of total zooplankton, while cladoceran and copepod abundance amounted to 5.08% and 8.67%, respectively. Water temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, and total nitrogen were of the greatest significance in the occurrence of zooplankton. Two species （Schmackeria forbesi and Lepadella ovalis） were notably more sensitive to environmental factors such as salinity and electrical conductivity than other species. The population size and community were inversely correlated with the increasing nutrient levels of the four rivers, suggesting that the water quality of the four rivers had been gradually recovering from a severe eutrophic state and that water conditions of the rivers had been gradually improved.
文摘Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance since they are implicated in many pathological processes and exert effects beyond that of individual being active through following generations. A large number of methods have been applied to evaluate genotoxic damage in different aquatic species. Comet assay, as method for de- tecting DNA alterations, and micronucleus test, as an index of chromosomal damage are the most widely applied and validated methods in field studies. These methods were applied in different vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, but only mollusk and fish species have been employed in routine biomonitoring programs. Mussels, due to their widely geographical distribution and the suitability for caging represent the bioindicator of choice in field studies. Mytilus species is the most used marine mussel. The use of fish is limited to specific geographic areas. The present review mainly focuses on the application of comet assay and micronucleus test in mussels. A number of biomonitoring studies in mussels, using comet assay or micronucleus test, revealed exposure to different classes of genotoxic compounds with a good discrimination power. The different evidence from the two as- says, reflects different biological mechanisms for the two genetic endpoints, DNA damage and chromosomal damage, suggesting their combined application in the field. Different endogenous and exogenous factors have been shown to modulate the genotoxic responses in mussels, acting as confounding factors in environmental monitoring. The use of standardized protocol for caging, sampling and genotoxity evaluation is critical in biomonitoring studies. The use of a multimarker approach coupling genotoxicity biomarkers with physiological and biochemical factors allows to have a complete picture of the environmental pollution [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 273-284, 2014].
基金supported by the National Science Foundation(NSF)(No.EAR-2035135)。
文摘Coral reefs are in terminal decline.For conservation to be effective,naturally depauperate reefs must be distinguished from those recently degraded by humans.Traditional reef monitoring is time consuming and lacks the longevity to make this distinction.Success in using foraminifera as bioindicators for reef health has hitherto levered their response to nutrients.Because ocean heat waves are the dominant driver of coral bleaching and death,there is compelling motivation to develop new foraminiferal bioindicators that inform on temperature stress over meaningful timescales.This study focuses on identifying which foraminifera respond systematically to the temperature stress that kills corals.Statistical models were used to compare endosymbiont-bearing foraminiferal families,collected along a heat-stress gradient spanning the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia,to live coral cover at the same sites.Results indicate that Amphisteginidae foraminifera and coral cover show a significant decline in abundance as heat stress increases along the transect sites.Furthermore,ocean productivity and salinity,both recognized environmental influences on foraminifera,are shown to be subordinate to temperature in their sway of this ecological patterning.These findings indicate the potential for using foraminifera to develop new indices capable of quantifying long-term thermal impacts on reefs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41173027,41273027,and 40721002)the West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘The analysis of stable isotopes of sulfur(δ34S) is a useful tool for identifying sources of sulfur in soils. Concentrations and sulfur(S)isotopes of water-soluble sulfate(WSS), adsorbed sulfate(AS), residual sulfur(RS), and total sulfur(TS) in uncultivated surface soils of four Chinese provinces were systematically analyzed for identifying sources of S in the soils. Green and healthy mosses(Haplocladium microphyllum) were sampled as bioindicators. The mean WSS concentration(27.8 ± 23.4 mg kg-1) in the surface soils was lower than those of AS(101.4 ± 57.0 mg kg-1) and RS(381.5 ± 256.7 mg kg-1). The mean δ34S values of WSS and AS were very similar(about2.0‰), lower than those of RS(8.0‰) and TS(6.1‰). A significant linear correlation was found between the δ34S values of AS and WWS(y = 1.0002x- 0.0557, P < 0.0001), indicating that sulfate adsorption in the soils did not markedly fractionate S. All S species in the soils of Guizhou Province were characterized by the lowest δ34S values, consistent with the most34S-depleted rainwater sulfate reported at Guiyang of Guizhou Province. The δ34S values of sulfate in mosses and rainwater previously reported were significantly linearly correlated with those of both WWS and AS in surface soils, suggesting that atmospheric S input was an important source for soil WSS and AS. However, there were no significant correlations between isotopic composition of rainwater sulfate and RS or TS.The slopes of all these significant linear correlations(soil/rainwater or soil/moss isotopic ratio) were 0.4–0.6, indicating that inorganic sulfate in the surface soils should be a result of mixing of deposited atmospheric sulfate with a more34S-depleted sulfate component possibly from mineralization of RS.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 40976075, 30700069),a post-doctoral fellowship awarded to XU Henglong by Inha Universitya grant from the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, King Saud University and the 111 Project of China (No. B08049)
文摘Variations in physical-chemical factors, species composition, abundance and biomass of nano-and micro-phytoplankton assemblages, as well as their responses to environmental factors, were investigated over a complete cycle (6 months) in a semi-enclosed shrimp-farming pond near Qingdao, northern China. The aim was to establish the temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities and to evaluate protists as suitable bioindicators to water quality in mariculture systems. A total of 34 taxa with nine dominant species were identified, belonging to six taxonomic groups (dinoflagellates, diatoms, cryptophyceans, chlorophyceans, euglenophyceans and chrysophyceans). A single peak of protist abundance occurred in October, mainly due to chlorophyceans, diatoms and chrysophyceans. Two biomass peaks in July and October were primarily due to dinoflagellates and diatoms. Temporal patterns of the phytoplankton communities significantly correlated with the changes in nutrients, temperature and pH, especially phosphate, either alone or in combination with NO3-N and NH3-N. Species diversity, evenness and richness indices were clearly correlated with water temperature and/or salinity, whereas the biomass/abundance ratio showed a significant correlation with NO3-N. The results suggest that phytoplankton are potentially useful bioindicators to water quality in semi-enclosed mariculture systems.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.U0633006,30700069,41076089)from the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research,King Saud University
文摘Ciliated protozoa play important roles in micro-ecosystems, especially in marine biotopes. However, few studies have been carried out on the periphytic, or aufwuch, forms in mariculture waters so far. In this study, we sampled periphytic ciliate communities in two closed mariculture ponds (ponds CP1 and CP2) and a natural seawater reservoir (pond RP) using a glass slide method to evaluate their colonizing processes and general ecological features, as well as their application as water quality indicators. We analyzed species compositions, structural parameters (species number, richness, diversity, evenness, abundance and dBP) and functional parameters (G, Seq and T90%). Pond RP was characterized by higher levels of structural parameters (except for abundance and dBP) and more equal proportion of the major taxonomic groups. The values of Seq were significantly higher in pond RP and similar in both pond CP1 and CP2. It was also demonstrated that environmental factors, including NO2-H, NO3-H, NH3-H, soluble reactive phosphate, temperature and pH, were the first principal factors affecting the communities. Among them, temperature and chemical factors were all significantly and negatively correlated with species number (P<0.01), richness (P<0.01), diversity (P<0.01), and positive correlated with abundance (P<0.01). Opposite correlations between pH and structural parameters were observed. This study showed that there were significant differences in species composition, structural parameters and functional parameters of the periphytic ciliate communities among the ponds, which were in agreement with the water quality. Results of this study confirmed the periphytic ciliate communities to be useful bioindicators of water quality in intensive mariculture waters.
文摘We review 20 year long investigations by the Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology on radioecological and ecological consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe for wild animals in the Exclusion Zone （EZ） around the nuclear plant. Using previous observations on bird migrations through Ukraine, we assessed the 137^Cs and 90^Sr carry-out with migrants from the EZ. In addition, we selected animal species as standard indicators of the state of the environment to map ： 1 ） contamination of vertebrates with 137^Cs in the EZ and 2） beta-activity of mollusc shells indicating 90^Sr, in the whole Dnieper drainage area, in the Kiev Administrative Region, and in the EZ. We revealed regular seasonal and long-term trends, relative radionuclide accumulation by different species, transfer and accumulation factors, and used these measurements to diminish the enormous variation and complexity of the data. Secondary ecological changes in forest, devastated by direct irradiation, were caused by the crash of trophic chains and an outbreak of insect pests on dead or sick trees. Ninety-nine percent of the EZ area was not affected directly by irradiation. Ecological changes in this area have been caused by evacuation of the public, cessation of agriculture and forest management, and decontamination on a large scale. After initial changes, animal density and distribution have been stabilized at a limit restricted by natural resources, predators and poachers. A herd of Przewalski horses was successfully introduced into the EZ years ago. We renewed the protected state of nature reserved sites, which existed before, and proposed to expand the area of nature reservation.
基金carried out within the framework and through funding provided by the Leibniz Graduate School SUTAS(Sustainable Use of Tropical Aquatic Systems)to HWthe Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research(ZMT)based in Bremen,GermanyOpen Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL。
文摘Coastal marine management is vital for socio-ecological sustainability of developing,tropical ecosystems,which calls for diverse tools to monitor and assess water quality.The carbonatedominated habitats off Zanzibar were chosen for study due to potential water quality degradation in a rapidly developing tourist destination heavily reliant on its coral reefs.These reefs are largely unmonitored and subject to local and global stressors.A widely used method for assessing reef health,as an early detection method of ecological changes,is the application of large benthic foraminiferal bioindicators,i.e.,the Fo RAM Index.We expected to find poor water quality conditions in the unmanaged reefs supported by stress-toelerant(opportunistic)foraminiferal assemblages.The dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate values derived from untreated sewage effluent from Stone Town were highly variable(ranging 0.05–3.77 and 0.05–1.45μM,respectively),moderate,and occasionally approached or exceeded critical threshold values for oligotrophic ecosystems.The analysis of total assemblages indicated an abundance of symbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera,dominated by prolific Amphistegina species,comparatively low-moderate diversity,high FI values(7.6 on average),and high coral cover.A water quality gradient was reflected by subtle assemblage differences,suggesting that LBF can provide early warning signals of benthic changes,indicating the importance of long-term monitoring programs in vulnerable,rapidly developing coastal ecosystems exposed to increasing pressures.
文摘Artificial night lighting is gaining attention as a new type of pollution;however, studies of its impacts are scarce. Fireflies provide good models to investigate its effects on nocturnal wildlife, since they depend on their bioluminescence for reproduction. This study investigated the impact of artificial illumination on firefly activity at the new campus of the Federal University of São Carlos (Sorocaba, Brazil). The flashing activity of different firefly species, especially Photinus sp1 (82% of all occurrences), was investigated during 3 years, before and after the installation of multi metal vapor spotlights. Quantitative and qualitative analysis, performed in transects at different distances from the artificial light sources, showed significant negative effects on Photinus sp1 occurrence. This study proposes fireflies as potential flagship species and bioindicators for artificial night lighting and for the first time quantifies its effects, providing subsidies for future conservationist legislations regarding photopollution.
文摘Vertebrates have particular habitat needs as a function of life cycle and reproductive stage. This paper uses four species as examples to illustrate a paradigm of environmental assessment that includes physical, biological, toxicological and human dimensions. Species used include Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), northern pine snake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus), and red knot (Calidris canutus rufa, a sandpiper). The life cycles of these species include reliance on habitats that are aquatic, terrestrial, aerial, or combinations of these. Two species (frog, snake) are sedentary and two (salmon, sandpiper) are long-distance migrants. While some measurement endpoints are similar for all species (reproductive success, longevity, contaminant loads), others vary depending upon life cycle and habitat. Salmon have a restricted breeding habitat requiring coarse sand, moderate current, and high oxygen levels for adequate egg incubation. Leopard frogs require still water of appropriate temperature for development of eggs. Pine snakes require sand compaction sufficient to sustain a nest burrow without collapsing, and full sun penetration to the sand to allow their eggs in underground nests to incubate and hatch. Red knots migrate to high Arctic tundra, but incubate their own eggs, so temperature is less of a constraint, but feedinging habitat is. These habitat differences suggest the measurement endpoints that are essential to assess habitat suitability and to manage habitats to achieve stable and sustainable populations. Habitat use and population stability have implications for human activities for some, but not all species. Salmon are important economically, recreationally, and as part of Native American culture and diet. Red knots are of interest to people mainly because of their long, intercontinental migrations and declining populations. Other measurement endpoints for these four species illustrate the differences and similarities in metrics necessary to assess habitat needs. The implications of these differences are discussed.
文摘A biomonitoring study on lichens was conducted to assess the levels of atmospheric heavy metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) at ten sites at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Campus, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. Dirinaria picta, epiphytic lichen which commonly found at lowland areas was used as the bioindicator in this study where samples were collected from the bark of palm trees at sites ranging from areas with high volume of traffic to isolated areas in the campus. Eight metals (Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn , Al, Pb), and ten PAH;naphthalene (PAH1), acenaphtylene (PAH2), acenaphthene (PAH3), fluorine (PAH4), anthracene (PAH5), phenanthrene (PAH6), fluoranthene (PAH7), pyrene (PAH8), benzo (b) anthracene (PAH9) and chrysene (PAH10) were analyzed in the naturally growing thallus of Dirinaria picta. The average concentration of the metals was observed to be in the range of 230.6 ppm (Fe) to 0.3 ppm (Co) and for PAH, it was observed in the range of 612 ppm (PAH1) to 79.5 ppm (PAH10). The One-way ANOVA analysis for both the heavy metals and the PAHs showed Ho was rejected. There are significant differences in heavy metals and PAHs concentrations between sites. The selectivity sequence of heavy metals were Fe > Cr > Ni > Al > Zn > Pb > Cu. Meanwhile for PAH, the sequence is PAH1 > PAH3 > PAH2 > PAH6 > PAH5 > PAH7 > PAH4 > PAH8 > PAH9 > PAH10.
文摘In Ayapel floodplain periphyton associated to macrophyte roots on the basis of material was collected in fourteen sampling sites in nine moments of compilation. From the analysis of the samples were recorded 550 algal species, of which 56% were diatoms. Furthermore it was valued relative abundances of taxa and the average physicochemical variables to identify the optimal values and tolerance ranges of species. In the case of nitrates optimal value was below 2 mg/L for all algae except for Actinella sp. and Euastrum sinuosum which optimal values were close to zero with low variability. Regarding all species the algal nitrite concentration showed optimum values below 2 mg/L except Encyonema minutum and E. sinuosum whose optimum were 0.4 and 0.5 mg/L respectively. About nitrogen as ammonia was repeated the above situation, i.e. optimum values below 2 mg/L except for E. minutum and E. sinuosum. Respect to phosphorus the species with optimum greater than 0.6 mg/L are the diatoms, in contrast, the lowest values were optimal for E. sinuosum and Actinella sp. From the viewpoint of bioindication high abundance of Synedra goulardii indicates high transparency, Ulnaria ulna and Planothidium lanceolatum indicate lower concentration of dissolved oxygen and water temperature between 29°C - 30°C, Actinella aff. robusta, E. minutum, Cylindrospermopsis raciborski, Lyngbya cf. limnetica, Eunotia naegueli, Navicula cryptocephala, Diadesmis confervaceae, Frustulia rhomboides and Aulacoseira granulata.(For more information,please refer to the PDF.)
文摘The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of Zn nutritional status on the content of pigments, nonstructural carbohydrates, foliage proteins and amino acids of the pecan tree, as possible bioindicators of Zn deficiency. The experimental design was completely random with three Zn nutritional statuses: Normal, Intermediate and Deficient, being selected considering visual symptomatology. On all three nutritional statuses, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments was determined as well as of total soluble proteins and amino acids. Obtained results indicate that Zn deficient nutritional status was characterized by minimum photosynthetic pigment, protein concentrations, maximum amino acid and nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations. While the normal Zn nutritional status presented maximum photosynthetic pigments, proteins concentrations, minimum amino acids and carbohydrate concentrations. On the other hand, intermediate Zn nutritional status was characterized by a medium level between the other two Zn nutritional statuses. Finally, we stress the fact that pigments, proteins, amino acids and nonstructural carbohydrates may be good physiological indicators related to Zn nutritional status on pecan trees.
基金This work was supported by a research grant from Alberta Innovates,a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC)Senior Industrial Research Chair(IRC)in Oil Sands Tailings Water Treatment through the support of Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance(COSIA),Syncrude Canada Ltd.,Suncor Energy Inc.,Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.,Imperial Oil Resources,Teck Resources Limited,EPCOR Water Services,Alberta Innovates,and Alberta Environment and Parks.We also acknowledge an NSERC Collaborative Research and Development(CRD)grant for financial support and the Helmholtz-Alberta Initiative(HAI)through the Alberta Environment and Parks’ecoTrust Programfor analytical supportDML was supported in part by an NSERC research grant RGPIN 06395 and a University of Alberta Faculty of Science research transition fund.The authorswould like to acknowledge graduate student scholarships from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Alberta(to NASH and YYC).Lastly,the authors would also like to thank the University of Alberta Flow Cytometry Facility(Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry)and the University of Alberta Molecular Biology Service Unit(Faculty of Science)for their use of equipment.
文摘In this study,we provide evidence that oil sands process-affected waters(OSPW)contain factors that activate the antimicrobial and proinflammatory responses of immune cells.Specifically,using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line,we establish the bioactivity of two different OSPW samples and their isolated fractions.Here,we directly compared the bioactivity of two pilot scale demonstration pit lake(DPL)water samples,which included expressed water from treated tailings(termed the before water capping sample;BWC)as well as an after water capping(AWC)sample consisting of a mixture of expressed water,precipitation,upland runoff,coagulated OSPW and added freshwater.Significant inflammatory(i.e.macrophage activating)bioactivity was associated with the AWC sample and its organic fraction(OF),whereas the BWC sample had reduced bioactivity that was primarily associated with its inorganic fraction(IF).Overall,these results indicate that at non-toxic exposure doses,the RAW 264.7 cell line serves as an acute,sensitive and reliable biosensor for the screening of inflammatory constituents within and among discrete OSPW samples.
