Anthropic Interference Research Articles

Chemical evaluation and bioactivity of humic substances isolated from the mangrove ecosystem

Mangroves are an ecosystem that features dark colored sediment, rich in organic matter, with humic substances as its main component, which were the target of this work that aimed to characterize those humic substances chemically and spectroscopically and compare the biological activity of different humic materials isolated from mangrove areas with different levels of anthropic interference (Maria Ortiz high and Canal dos Escravos low). The chemical and spectroscopic characterization of the humic materials was performed through the analysis of elemental composition, E4/E6 ratio, fluorescence intensity and infrared and their biological activity was tested by evaluating changes in the root growth of corn seedlings in hydroponics. The humic materials, from the Maria Ortiz area, presented higher values in the C/N ratio, higher values in the fluorescence index and lower values in the E4/E6 ratio, when compared with the humic materials from the area of Canal dos Escravos. The absorption bands of the infrared spectrum indicated similarities with respect to the chemical functionality of the humic materials, however, it was possible to notice clear differences between the study areas. All humic materials promoted, in general, changes in the root architecture of corn seedlings when compared to the control treatment. This work shows that there are differences in the chemical and spectroscopic characteristics and in the biological activity of the studied humic materials, demonstrating that the anthropic activity alters the quality of the organic matter of the mangrove sediments, which may interfere in the survival and development of the mangrove forests.

Coastal erosion and accretion on the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica long-term observations

Several studies show erosive processes on the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica. These processes may be accelerated as a result of an increase in the sea level. This study covered the entire Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica between 1986 and 2019. This allowed reporting new sites with accelerated coastal accretion and erosion processes, as well as confirming other processes that have already been identified. The methodology was based on shoreline rising images obtained from Landsat and on their processing in a Geographical Information System supported with the “Digital Shoreline Analysis System” (DSAS) tool. The presence of important accretion areas related to the mouth of significant fluvial systems, such as Colorado, Parismina, Matina, Estrella, and Sixaola rivers is highlighted. Moreover, eight beach sectors showing erosion problems have been analyzed. The beach located to the south of Isla Portillos and beaches located on Cahuita Point stand out due to their intensity. Additionally, an intense beach erosion process has been detected at Soropta in Panamá. It should be highlighted that six of the eight sites showing erosion are located within protected zones. This confirms the little anthropic interference on these processes. It was not possible to find a difference between the north and the south of the Caribbean Coast in terms of the magnitude of coastal erosion. The contribution of the rivers is a key factor in the North Caribbean while the responses to the 1991 earthquake conditioned the behavior on the South coast. The results may serve as a basis for management plans or adaptation to climate change proposals.

WITHDRAWN: The conversion of murundu fields into agricultural areas impacts soil attributes after several years of cultivation

The effect of Murundus Field conversion into agricultural areas on the physical, chemical and biological attributes of soil have been evaluated in 3 no-till chronosequences. The study was conducted at reminiscent Murundus Fields , at 3 other adjacent areas that were converted into agricultural fields in the state of Goiás-Brazil, over 11 (PD11), 15 (PD15) and 18 (PD18) years under a no-till system, and at a control area that suffered no anthropic interference. For this study, the native area was subdivided into mound bases (BM) and tops (TM) of murundus, due to environmental contrast among these environments. The physico-chemical and biochemical soil attributes evaluated were: fertility, texture, organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, basal respiration, metabolic and microbial quotients, urease activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. In addition to these, microbial group densities were determined, that will vary between: total heterotrophic bacteria (2.36 × 10 6 and 5.93 × 10 6 ), total fungi (2.90 × 10 3 and 9.30 × 10 3 ), total actinobacteria (2.26 × 10 4 and 8.92 × 10 4 ) phosphate solubilizers (2.80 × 10 3 and 4.20 × 10 3 ), cellulolytic organisms (7.99 × 10 4 and 1.18 × 10 4 ), associative nitrogen-fixing bacteria (1.25 × 10 4 and 4.24 × 10 4 ), nitrifiers (0.00 and 9.37 × 10 5 ) and ammonifiers (1.17 × 10 5 and 5.20 × 10 4 ). The conversion of native areas into no-till systems presented tall in areas with PD15 (184.2 μg g −1 ) and PD18 (316.0 μg g −1 ) microbial biomass carbon in relation to the control area, however, there was a reduction of actinobacteria density when comparing murundus mound bases to their tops, as well as reduced phosphate solubilizers, cellulolytic organisms and associative nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Murundus Fields conversions into agricultural areas alter soil microbiota, which may affect important functional processes, possibly aggravating the frailty of this phytophysiognomy.

Spectro-temporal analysis of anthropic interference in water production in the Guarani Aquifer

The Guarani Aquifer System is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the world and has been widely exploited due to the quantity and quality of the stored water. The outcropping areas are considered highly vulnerable, and anthropic interference can influence the recharge potential and cause changes in water quality. The purpose of this research was to spectrally and temporally analyze the anthropic interference in water production in the Guarani Aquifer in four distinct areas located in the outcrop and recharge areas located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, from 2012 to 2018. Rainfall data were obtained using the CHIRPS dataset, and the actual evapotranspiration rate was obtained using the MODIS product. The lithology and piezometric level data were obtained through RIMAS of the Geological Service of Brazil. The piezometric level monitoring wells were used as a reference to delimit the study areas and the distance to eliminate overlapping spatial resolutions of the remote sensing products. The area bounded by the buffer is equivalent to 31,412 ha. The recharge was estimated with the ESPERE using the water table fluctuation method. The end classifications of land use were obtained using the normalized difference vegetation index through remote sensing data. The study area located in the municipality of Boa Esperança do Sul - SP had the largest area of exposed soil with a median of 2936 (ha) and the lowest recharge potential with a median of 338 mm/year. The study area located in the municipality of Bofete - SP had the smallest area of exposed soil with a median of 516 (ha) and the highest recharge potential with a median of 502 mm/year. The study area located in the municipality of Brotas - SP showed the lowest evapotranspiration rate, with a median of 639 mm/year. The municipality of São Simão - SP had the largest forest area, with a median of 18,009 ha. Although water resource policies have significantly influenced the valuation of groundwater, studies that assess changes in land use variables using time series analysis and evaluate how these changes influence water dynamics in the hydrological cycle are still lacking. The study aims to contribute technical support to the decision-making process of the National System of Water Resources Management (SINGREH) and State Law 9866/1997 to contribute to the sustainability of the Guarani Aquifer System.

COVID-19 Lockdowns Promoted Recovery of the Yangtze River’s Aquatic Ecosystem

The impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on human life, air quality, and river water quality around the world have received significant attention. In comparison, assessments of the implications for freshwater ecosystems are relatively rare. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on aquatic ecosystems in the Yangtze River by comparing river water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish data collected at the site in the middle reach of the Yangtze River in 2018 and 2020. The results show that during COVID-19 lockdowns, the reduction in industrial and domestic effluent discharge led to a reduction in organic pollution and industrial plant nutrient pollution in rivers. Among them, PO43−−P, CODMn, and TP were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). During lockdowns, nutrient supplies such as TN and TP were reduced, which led to inhibition of algae growth and decreased phytoplankton abundance. Phytoplankton affects the abundance of zooplankton through a bottom-up effect, and a decrease in phytoplankton density leads to a decrease in zooplankton density. The decrease in plankton density led to lower primary productivity in rivers, reduced fish feed supplies, intensified competition among fish populations, with increases in population dominated by high trophic level carnivorous fish. In addition, the decrease in fishing intensity has contributed to an increase in the number of rivers–sea migratory fish; the fish community was earlier mainly dominated by small-sized species with a short life cycle, and the number of supplementary populations has now increased. As a consequence, the fish community structure shows a tendency toward high complexity and high fish diversity. Overall, these observations demonstrate that the rapid revival of the retrogressive Yangtze River ecosystem is possible through limitation of anthropic interferences.

Serological and Molecular Evidence of the Circulation of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Subtype IIIA in Humans, Wild Vertebrates and Mosquitos in the Brazilian Amazon.

Understanding the interaction between viruses and ecosystems in areas with or without anthropic interference can contribute to the organization of public health services, as well as prevention and disease control. An arbovirus survey was conducted at Caxiuanã National Forest, Pará, Brazil, where 632 local residents, 338 vertebrates and 15,774 pools of hematophagous arthropods were investigated. Neutralization antibodies of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, subtype IIIA, Mucambo virus (MUCV) were detected in 57.3% and 61.5% of humans and wild vertebrates, respectively; in addition, genomic fragments of MUCV were detected in pool of Uranotaenia (Ura.) geometrica. The obtained data suggest an enzootic circulation of MUCV in the area. Understanding the circulation of endemic and neglected arboviruses, such as MUCV, represents an important health problem for the local residents and for the people living in the nearby urban centers.

Usos e cobertura da terra e a sua relação com a naturalidade de paisagens culturais: o caso de Sorocaba (SP)

As paisagens culturais consistem em um elemento resultante da conversão de componentes naturais em outros usos da terra, processo que acarreta na perda de naturalidade das paisagens e interfere na provisão de serviços ecossistêmicos. Nesse sentido, a análise dos padrões de mudanças do uso da terra e avaliação da naturalidade fornecem bases para a compreensão dos problemas ambientais e da interferência humana nos sistemas naturais. Frente ao exposto, o presente trabalho buscou verificar às mudanças de uso e cobertura da terra no município de Sorocaba (SP) entre 2007 e 2017, bem como a realização da análise da naturalidade através do Índice de Urbanidade (IB). Os resultados mostraram o predomínio de atividades do agronegócio e áreas urbanas. Reduções na classe agrícola e aumento da vegetação nativa foram constatadas. Em relação à Urbanidade, ocorreu o predomínio de categorias que indicam baixa naturalidade e alta interferência antrópica, mas com o incremento da vegetação nativa, ocorreu um aumento das áreas com alta e média naturalidade. O IB possibilitou verificar a relação dos usos da terra e naturalidade em uma paisagem cultural e apontou elementos que podem ser considerados no planejamento.

Fire ants: What do rural and urban areas show us about occurrence, diversity, and ancestral state reconstruction?

In South America, Solenopsis saevissima and S. invicta are the most common fire ants. Nests are founded in areas under anthropic interference like urban or rural areas, but S. invicta is found preferentially in those with the greatest anthropic interference. However, we do not know the rates at which they exist in anthropized areas next to high density of native vegetation. Areas with 60 to 90% of native Atlantic Forest were selected to verify the occurrence of both species in rural and urban areas. We investigated the molecular diversity and applied the reconstruction of the ancestral state analysis for each species. A total of 186 nests were analyzed and we found that the two species had the same proportion in the urban area. However, S. saevissima had a higher rate of prevalence in the rural area, in addition to having a greater number of haplotypes and ancestry associated with this type of habitat for the region. S. invicta had the same number of haplotypes in both rural and urban regions, and less haplotypic diversity. We conclude that S. saevissima is a species typically associated with rural areas and S. invicta, although present, is not dominant in urban areas.

Agonistic and mating behaviour of the endemic lizard Trachylepis atlantica from the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

The skink Trachylepis atlantica is endemic to the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. Although this species is abundant in the archipelago, it is increasingly threatened by invasive species, predation, and anthropic interference. However, little is known about its natural history. Here we report on territory use, male-male combat, and mating behaviour of freeranging T. atlantica. During the dry season, we observed two bouts of male combat and two copulations, which suggests some mating seasonality. In male combat, T. atlantica displays ritualised agonistic behaviour with escalated aggressiveness that include - i) visualisation, approaching or following, ii) visual display, iii) bite and body confrontation, and iv) dominance. Adult males were always alert to invaders within their territories. After combat, resident males showed scars on their heads resulting from agonistic encounters. During the two copulations, we observed courtship, immobilisation, and mating.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of land use changes of an intense anthropized basin in the Brazilian semi-arid region

The temporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes affect natural resources and biodiversity on a local and global scale. The negative impacts of LULC changes can be enhanced in arid and semi-arid areas, where vegetations are more sensitive to changes due to limited water availability. The present study aimed to explore the detailed spatio-temporal LULC changes in the Jaguaribe River basin, Ceará state, Brazil. Specifically, we aimed to identify the dynamics of LULC changes from 1985 to 2018, including the main LULC conversations and the sub-basins that presented the most intense dynamics. For this, we used annual LULC maps generated by the national Mapbiomas project. The LULC conversions were determined through cross-tabulation analysis and pixel comparison analysis. Our results indicate that in the last three decades there was a significant conversion of the natural vegetation Caatinga (Arboreal and Herbaceous) to agricultural and livestock areas, showing that the anthropic activities are the main factors behind the historical landscape changes in the Jaguaribe River basin. The Middle Jaguaribe and the Lower Jaguaribe sub-basins were the most affected by LULC changes during the study period. While the LULC changes in Middle Jaguaribe sub-basin reveal that this area has been impacted by anthropic interference with similar areas of pasture and the caatinga class since 1985, the Lower Jaguaribe sub-basin was continuously impacted mainly by the expansion of the annual and perennial culture and reduction of natural vegetation areas. The Lower Jaguaribe sub-basin had a higher percentage of altered areas, LULC classes per pixel and LULC changes during the study period. The spatio-temporal analysis presented can orient planning actions to conserve natural resources and preserve the biodiversity in this semi-arid region of Brazil.

Middle Holocene marine and land-tetrapod biodiversity recovered from Galeão shell mound, Guanabara Bay, Brazil

Pristine environmental conditions and wide biodiversity are the best evidence of pre-colonial times, before anthropic interference in the Anthropocene. The Galeão shell mound represents the main example of an insular archaeological site located in the context of the Guanabara Bay in the Middle Holocene. The faunal remains from this shell mound were identified through comparative anatomy, to access the ichthyofauna and also amphibian, reptile and mammal paleodiversity. The diagnostic elements revealed the presence of predominantly demersal teleost fish, typical inhabitants of estuarine and marine systems, along with the usual species inhabiting rocky shores and rocky bottoms. Additionally, it revealed an exceptional diversity of sharks, including the presence of pelagic taxa, as well as stingrays. The local wildlife consists of species commonly found in swampy, mangrove, Brazilian restinga and Atlantic forest biomes. This study shows widely practiced fishery and hunting by the Amerindian using the resources of the Guanabara Bay and indicates specific targets during the Middle Holocene. Degradation of coastal environments and/or overfishing threaten the local biodiversity, with species now absent and some with statuses which go from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.

Effects of river dams on the fish guilds in the northwest region of the Brazilian Amazon

Fishing activity in the Amazon basin has been declining in regards to fish production and the diversity of the catch has been altered due to anthropic interferences due to hydro-electric dams built on the main rivers of this region. Data were collected regarding the landings of the fisheries together with the fishing colonies in the Guaporé River basin for the decade before and after 2009. This benchmark is important since it relates to the installation of two hydroelectric dams in the Madeira River in the State of Rondônia, Brazil. We recorded 37 groups of fish species belonging mainly to the orders Siluriformes and Characiformes, which together represented 86.39 % of fish landed. Of this total, 59.46 % showed significant differences in mean production before and after damming of the rivers in the state of Rondônia. The average fish landings between the two periods showed distinct linearities of growth (r² = 0.66) and decline (r² = 0.02) during the study period. The results showed variations in both fishing production and reorganization (trophic plasticity) in the fish diversity of the region.

Phytogeographic regions and geographic distance do not predict genetic structure in the orchid bee Euglossa cordata

Herein, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of Euglossa cordata L., an orchid bee species widely distributed at the heterogeneous set of vegetal physiognomies encompassed in a transition zone (TZ) of different Brazilian biomes. We then tested whether phytogeographic regions would play some rule for the genetic diversity. Results revealed that only 12 and 28 out 78 pairs of samples showed some degree of genetic structure for microsatellites (F ST≤ 0.029; Dest ≤0.091; p < 0.05) and mtDNA(0.138 ≤mt-ϕST≤ 0.495; p < 0.05) markers, respectively. We found evidence of two and three genetic clusters in nuclear and mtDNA markers, but no significant structure based on phytogeographic regions or geographic distances. These findings point out that local idiosyncrasies and historic factors, but not different types of vegetation or geographic distances drive the patterns of the observed genetic structure. Drops in the diversity index and other estimators highlight that E. cordata may have experienced some local bottlenecks despite its resilience to anthropic interferences. These are the first records of relatively high genetic structure in E. cordata populations and have important implications for orchid bees’ conservation.

Human impacts alter the distribution of fish functional diversity in Neotropical stream system

AbstractEvaluation of traits and functional diversity make assessments more robust when determining the nature and strength of the relationship between species and ecosystem processes. We investigated how anthropic interference and physical and limnological characteristics of streams changed fish functional trait distribution and their functional diversity in Neotropical streams located in Southern Brazil, encompassing Paraná, Paranapanema, Ivaí, and Pirapó river basins. We tested the hypotheses (a) that streams with very low human pressure show higher values of functional diversity due to the great variety of habitats and food resources; (b) streams with higher human pressure and more deforested are more related to fish functional traits as body morphologies indicative of weaker swimming ability and scraping feed morphology. We found that current velocity and stream width were correlated with compression and depression indices of the ventral region of the animals. Faster‐flow environments favored higher values of relative height of the caudal peduncle, relative head width, and relative mouth height values. These functional traits relate to habitat use and the size of consumed food. Altogether, these findings indicate possible partitioning of resources that would enable the co‐occurrence of species. Our results showed that human impacts influenced functional diversity and functional trait distribution. Urban land use and high conductivity were correlated with detritivorous species and species with internal reproduction. Poecilia reticulata dominated urban streams. We argue that the conservation of fish diversity in Neotropical streams requires orderly land use and occupation to avoid reducing species and functional diversity, and hence ecosystem function.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Quality reference values for rare earth elements in soils from one of the last agricultural frontiers in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Environmental impacts caused by the addition of rare earth elements (REEs) to agricultural soils are a growing concern. The sedimentary basin of the Gurgueia River is located in one of the last agricultural frontiers in Brazil; nevertheless, data regarding quality reference values (QRVs) for REEs in soils are still scarce. The objective of this study was therefore to determine the natural concentration and establish the QRVs of REEs in soils of Gurgueia watershed, Brazil. Fifty-five composite soil samples were collected at sites under no or minimal anthropic interference. The average REE natural concentrations in soils from the Gurgueia watershed were lower than those found in other regions of Brazil and worldwide, following the order (mg kg−1): Ce (14.01) > Nd (6.19) > La (5.52) > Pr (2.51) > Sm (1.45) > Gd (0.93) > Dy (0.63) > Er (0.42) > Yb (0.39) > Tb (0.28) > Eu (0.26) > Lu (0.20). The parent material was the main factor that controlled the distribution of REEs in soils. The QRVs in soils followed the order (mg kg−1): Ce (18.8) > Nd (7.92) > La (6.32) > Pr (3.3) > Sm (1.97) > Gd (1.35) > Dy (0.85) > Er (0.55) > Yb (0.47) > Tb (0.37) > Lu (0.25). These values serve as a basis to assist the development of legislation, including REE thresholds for Brazilian soils.

Endocrine disrupting effects of copper and cadmium in the oocytes of the Antarctic Emerald rockcod Trematomus bernacchii

Antarctica has long been considered a continent free from anthropic interference. Unfortunately, recent evidence indicate that metal contamination has gone so far and that its effects are still unknown. For this reason, in the present work, the potential endocrine disrupting effect of two highly polluting metals, copper and cadmium, were examined in the Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii. After a 10 days waterborne exposure, ovarian metal uptake was determined by atomic absorption; in parallel, classical histological approaches were adopted to determine the effects on oocyte morphology, carbohydrate composition and presence and localization of progesterone and estrogen receptors. Results show that both metals induce oocyte degeneration in about one third of the previtellogenic oocytes, no matter the stage of development. In apparently healthy oocytes, changes in cytoplasm, cortical alveoli and/or chorion carbohydrates composition are observed. Cadmium but not copper also induces significant changes in the localization of progesterone and beta-estrogen receptors, a result that well correlates with the observed increase in ovarian metals concentrations. In conclusion, the acute modifications detected are suggestive of a significantly impaired fecundity and of a marked endocrine disrupting effects of copper and cadmium in this teleost species.

Landslide Risk Mapping in an Urban Area of the City of Natal, Brazil

Landslides are part of the natural processes of Earth’s surface dynamic, which could be accelerated or triggered by anthropic interference. Inadequate occupation of areas highly susceptible to landslide processes is the principal cause of accidents on Brazilian urban slopes, especially those occupied by settlements and slums. In Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil, the existence of areas with steep and densely occupied slopes makes the municipality susceptible to landslides. In this context, the present study aimed to map the risk of landslides in an urban area located in the city of Natal. Using the quali-quantitative model proposed by Faria (2011), adapted for the conditions of the study area, which applies a multicriteria analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to a Geographic Information System (GIS), 11 risk indicators were submitted to pairwise comparisons by 10 risk management specialists in order to determine the relative importance (weighting) for each of these factors as a function of their contribution to the risk. The weightings obtained were combined to produce the final risk map of the study area, using a map algebra framework. The results show the existence of a critical risk for the resident population, primarily related to the possibility of a landslide, with potentially negative economic, environmental, and mainly social impacts.

Assessing the Distribution and Concentration of Heavy Metals in Soils of an Agricultural Frontier in the Brazilian Cerrado

The continuous use of agricultural inputs for grain, fiber, and energy production in the Brazilian savannah can increase heavy metal (HM) concentrations in the soils. In this context, we aimed to determine the natural concentrations and establish the quality reference values (QRVs) of HMs in reference soils of a sedimentary watershed under native vegetation in one of the latest agricultural frontiers of Brazil in order to assess the impact of cultivation on the metal concentrations in cropped soils. Additionally, we studied the spatial variability of HMs and the efficiency of the multivariate analyses to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources of metals in the soils. Thirty-two and 30 composite soil samples were collected in areas under agricultural exploration and natural vegetation with minimal anthropic interference (low impact areas), respectively. The QRVs established could be ranked as follows (mg kg−1): Fe (18,700) > V (47.83) > Cr (43.44) > Ba (9.11) > Pb (2.73) > Ni (0.80) > Cu (0.74) > Zn (0.46) > Mo (0.34) > Cd (0.05) > Sb ( Co (< 0.00008). Natural concentrations observed in non-anthropogenic soils are lower than those found in other regions, with the exception of Cr. Also, we found that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Mo, Mn, Ni, Sb, V, and Zn in agricultural soil were far higher than their background values of the watershed topsoil. Based on our findings, the increased metal concentration in the agricultural soils increases the ecological risk. On the other hand, the mean metal concentrations remain close to the prevention value for soils established by the Brazilian Council for the Environment for agricultural land, which indicates that these areas require monitoring to guarantee foodstuff safety. Our results are useful for public policies not only in the studied area but also worldwide where soils are derived predominantly from sedimentary rocks such as sandstones, siltstones, shales, and limestones.

Stromatolites in Caves in Southeastern Brazil and their Importance to Geoconservation

This article presents a detailed description of stromatolites formed simultaneously with caves’ bedrock, within karstic areas in Southeastern Brazil. We discuss the importance of such fossils for geoconservation and their legal preservation under the Brazilian law. Six caves are described with occurrences of Conophyton-type stromatolites. All those caves are located in the State of Minas Gerais, one of which in the Arcos-Pains-Doresopolis Karst (Bambui Group) and the others in the Vazante-Paracatu-Unai Karst (Vazante Group). In general, the stromatolite columns are not exquisitely preserved, yet conspicuously exposed in cross section and lateral view. The stromatolite caves are easily accessed, making them suitable for scientific and educational activities to both academic and non-specialized public. Yet, such activities should rely on the implementation of a management plan for monitoring potential damage due to anthropic interference. Given the rarity of caves with fossils embedded in their host rocks, these structures should be treated with the status of maximum importance for conservation, according to the Brazilian legislation, thereby ensuring their permanent protection, with the support of the public entities for environment and nature.

Anthropic interferences in the nutritional status of tree species growing in urban and peri-urban Atlantic forest remnants

This study was conducted with the purpose to evaluate the hypothesis that the air pollution deposition in the remaining Brazilian Atlantic Forest surrounded by diversified land uses, has altered the nutritional status of its tree species. The leaf concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients were determined to estimate Concentration Factors – CF (plant/soil concentration ratios) and leaf nutrient ratios (N/P, N/K, N/Ca, N/Mg, N/S, S/K, S/Ca, S/Mg) of the most abundant tree species found in four remnants at the Metropolitan Region of Campinas, SE Brazil: Cosmopolis, Holambra, Paulínia and Campinas. The leaf samplings occurred during three dry and wet seasons. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) determined if CF for nutrients and ratios varied between forest remnants and seasons. Variations in CF values indicated that the nutritional status of the forest remnants is defined by both physical/chemical soil attributes and atmospheric deposition. The clay soils of the Campinas forest appeared to provide the highest buffering capacity against acidic deposition and nutritional imbalances induced by the anthropic activities. The air pollution emissions from diversified land uses has increased the CF medians above a reliable baseline of the nutritional plant/soil relationship in the forest remnants studied. Agriculture activities seemed to be responsible for increasing P, K, Ca, and Mg depositions; industries for N, S and Mn depositions; soil resuspension for Ca, Fe and Mg. Considering these sources, Paulínia and Campinas seemed to be the most and least forest remnants affected by air pollution, respectively.