Anthropogenic Origin Research Articles

Diversity and Distribution of Phytophthora Species Along an Elevation Gradient in Natural and Semi-Natural Forest Ecosystems in Portugal.

Globally, forests are constantly threatened by a plethora of disturbances of natural and anthropogenic origin, such as climate change, forest fires, urbanization, and pollution. Besides the most common stressors, during the last few years, Portuguese forests have been impacted by severe decline phenomena caused by invasive pathogens, many of which belong to the genus Phytophthora. The genus Phytophthora includes a large number of species that are invading forest ecosystems worldwide, chiefly as a consequence of global trade and human activities. This paper reports the results of a survey of Phytophthora diversity in natural and semi-natural forest ecosystems in Portugal along an elevation gradient. Isolations performed from 138 symptomatic plant tissues and rhizosphere samples collected from 26 plant species yielded a total of 19 Phytophthora species belonging to 6 phylogenetic clades, including P. cinnamomi (36 isolates), P. multivora (20), P. plurivora (9), P. cactorum (8), P. lacustris (8), P. pseudocryptogea (8), P. amnicola (6), P. hedraiandra (6), P. pseudosyringae (5), P. thermophila (5), P. bilorbang (4), P. inundata (4), P. asparagi (3), P. citricola (3), P. gonapodyides (3), P. rosacearum (3), P. chlamydospora (2), P. pachypleura (2), and P. syringae (1). Overall, the data obtained highlight the widespread occurrence of P. cinnamomi in natural ecosystems from sea level to mountain habitats. The results of the pathogenicity tests carried out on 2-year-old chestnut plants confirmed the key role of P. cinnamomi in the recrudescence of chestnut ink disease and the additional risk posed by P. pachypleura, P. plurivora, and P. multivora to Portuguese chestnut forests. Finally, three species, P. citricola, P. hedraiandra, and P. pachypleura, are reported for the first time in the natural ecosystems of Portugal.

Edaphic Diversity, Polychemical Soil Status of the Prinevskaya Lowland and Prospects for Soils Use

There will be a significant increase in anthropogenic load on the soils of the Prinevskaya lowland in the nearest decade due to the fact that a significant territory is occupied by St. Petersburg. The main objective is a study of the sanitary-hygienic state and soil diversity of the Prinevskaya lowland in case of a high degree of agricultural soil development there and the significant role of the lithological factor. Soils were studied at the following land use and land cover: agricultural and fallow soils of agrolandscapes; forest soils; and soils of industrial areas. Studies were carried out using morphological descriptions and analyses of chemical, physical, and biological properties. The most vulnerable land use are forest and agricultural and fallow zones, where active accumulation of priority toxicants of anthropogenic origin can occur. Geochemical peculiarities of studied soils are deficit of Mn, Cu, Mo, and Zn in soil-forming rock materials and accumulation of strontium and lead in arable horizons. The soils examined show minimal contamination with trace elements, as verified by a range of individual and combined ecotoxicological indicators. Urban development planning, particularly in St. Petersburg, should prioritize the preservation of biodiversity and soil resources.

Seawater Pools Versus Freshwater Pools to Treat Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Rheumatic Conditions: A Scoping Review

Seawater is a long-standing remedy against a number of skin or rheumatic conditions since ancient times, now popular in many countries, where spa, thalassotherapy and seawater pools have considerably boomed. Exposure to seawater and sunlight is an essential component of thalassotherapy, defined by any controlled interaction with marine environments and their natural elements, even in the absence of skin applications of algae, sands or muds. Seawater pools therefore offer the opportunity of thalassotherapy to patients unable to go the beach or during the winter months. The evidence from various studies seems to converge on combined exposure to solar radiation and seawater as a more effective approach than irradiation alone or bathing in freshwater followed by irradiation to reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin diseases or rheumatic conditions. An unwanted consequence of chlorine-based treatment of seawater is the formation of DBPs due to reactions of disinfectants with organic matter of anthropogenic origin released by bathers. Whilst chlorination of freshwater predominantly generates chlorinated DBPs, the prevailing DBPs produced by chlorination of seawater pools are brominated DBPs, reportedly more genotoxic. However, despite greater toxicity of brominated DBPs, there is evidence that DBPs concentration in freshwater pools is significantly higher (probably due to the larger number of users) compared to seawater pools. Containing the number of bathers could therefore reduce the risk of exposure to DBPs. The outdoor location of seawater pools can further contribute to reducing the risk of genotoxicity thanks to volatilization, airborne dispersion and photodegradation of some DBPs.

Early human collective practices and symbolism in the Early Upper Paleolithic of Southwest Asia

Identifying communal rituals in the Paleolithic is of scientific importance, as it reflects the expression of collective identity and the maintenance of group cohesion. This study provides evidence indicating the practice of deep cave collective rituals in the Levant during the Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) period. It is demonstrated that these gatherings occurred within a distinct ritual compound and were centered around an engraved object in the deepest part of Manot Cave, a pivotal EUP site in southwest Asia. The ritual compound, segregated from the living areas, encompasses a large gallery partitioned by a cluster of remarkable speleothems. Within this gallery, an engraved boulder stands out, displaying geometric signs suggesting a unique representation of a tortoise. Isotopic analysis of calcite crusts on the boulder's grooves revealed alignment with values found in speleothems from the cave dated to ~37 to 35 ka BP. Additionally, meticulous shape analysis of the grooves' cross-section and the discernible presence of microlinear scratches on the grooves' walls confirmed their anthropogenic origin. Examination of stalagmite laminae (36 ka BP) near the engraved boulder revealed a significant presence of wood ash particles within. This finding provides evidence for using fire to illuminate the dark, deep part of the cave during rituals. Acoustic tests conducted in various cave areas indicate that the ritual compound was well suited for communal gatherings, facilitating conversations, speeches, and hearing. Our results underscore the critical role of collective practices centered around a symbolic object in fostering a functional social network within the regional EUP communities.

Characterizing and sourcing metal air contamination coupling concentrations and lead isotopes from moss biomonitoring in urban cemeteries

Populations are constantly exposed to airborne metals, in particular in urban areas. Despite their proven links to health issues, their origin and fate are still subject to debate. Bioindicators, by taking up and cumulating atmospheric metals over time, have been widely used to proxy environmental quality over large areas, at various time scales. Using the example of the Paris region, we investigated the potential for the Grimmia pulvinata moss species to both characterize air metal contamination and to identify its main sources. To this end, we coupled metal/metalloid (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V and Zn) concentrations and Pb isotope ratios from samples collected in cemeteries in the city and its suburbs. Metal enrichment factors ranged between 2 and 10 for As, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sr, V, between 50 and 100 for Cu, Pb and Zn and > 100 for Cd and Sb, indicating a dominant anthropogenic origin. Principal component analysis showed that 3 principal components explained 89% of the metal variations: (i) European atmospheric background, (ii) regional urban sources, and (iii) resuspension of regional soils. This was corroborated by Pb isotope ratios, whose variations were modelled by a ternary mixing that considered the same 3 emission sources. Using a MixSIAR isotope model, we reveal that the European atmospheric background contributes slightly (< ~ 5%) and that within 20 km of the city center bioindicators are mostly impacted by urban sources (contributions: 50–80%). Samples collected > 20 km show almost equal contributions of the endmembers representing urban activities and agricultural soil resuspension.

Development of Electrochemical Sensors for Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen Detection at Release Sites into the Great Barrier Reef

The accumulation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN); nitrate, nitrite and ammonium species of anthropogenic origin within water bodies remains a key environmental challenge. It causes detrimental effects to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Regular monitoring of nutrient levels in vulnerable sites is therefore the first crucial step in managing water quality. Sensor technologies that work in real time, on-site, reliably and frequently with immediate data-transfer to end-users are necessary for effective monitoring. One ideal detection system is based on electrochemical sensors. To this end, a low-cost, easy-to-use DIN sensor device was developed using modified screen-printed electrodes. Sample delivery and extrication was possible via an automated Arduino-pump attachment, with scheduled readings and imbedded algorithms for data processing. Additionally, data captured by the sensor was capable of being wirelessly transferred to a separate CPU unit. The screen-printed electrodes were immobilized with nanomaterials specific to the target analyte, and the solid-state reference electrodes were also modified to compensate for matrix effects, particularly from chloride. Nitrate and ammonia electrodes were based on ion-selective membranes; nitrate ionophores and nonactin respectively. Nitrite electrodes were immobilized with gold nanoparticles, nickel oxide nanoparticles, and electrochemically deposited with reduced graphene oxide. To determine operational success in the field, the automated sensor systems were tested on water samples from waterways draining into the Great Barrier Reef. Inter-laboratory comparisons were undertaken for quality control. This research exhibits promising applications for more affordable, miniaturized, real-time field sensors with strong potential for improving water quality and management.

Погляд усередину: гніздові матеріали і деякі закономірності гніздової біології коноплянки Linaria cannabina (Linnaeus, C 1758) на Львівщині

The article deals with some aspects of the nesting biology of Linnaria cannabina (Linnaeus, C 1758) in Lviv region. The question of placement, the composition of the nests and the factors that affect this is revealed. The material for writing this article was the data of the Bank of bird nests of Western Ukrainian Ornithological Society (ZUOT) (n=181) and own data (n=18) for 40 years (from 1973 to 2012). Nests were collected in different biotopes and, depending on the distance to the human settlement, were divided into three groups (within settlements, on their outskirts and far beyond in natural biotopes). It was found that for the placement of nests, the common linnet often chooses coniferous (mainly young spruce, thuja or juniper). Among deciduous found trees, a significant variety of bushes and twisted vines (ivy). To choose a place for linnet nest, the architectonics of the aboveground part of the plant is important, so even trees were chosen that are similar to bushes. Very often common linnet places nests in various hedges (spirea, acacia yellow, etc.). Probably due to the fact that the nest is well disguised, its placement height is small (0.2–2.2 m, on average 1.10±0.03 m). The main materials that L. cannabina chooses to build nests are typical of birds of this species in Europe. Linnet nests consisted of plant (in 100 % of the studied nests), animal (98.4 %) and sometimes (23.2 %) materials of anthropogenic origin. From plant materials, linnet most often chose for the nest the roots and stems of herbaceous plants, less often the branches and leaves of trees, plant fluff and moss. Among the materials of animal origin, animal hair and bird feathers were often found in the lining of the nest. Some of the nests contained components of anthropogenic origin (СAО) in different quantities (most often cotton wool). The basic nesting materials of the linnet in Lviv region were small roots and stems of single- and dicotyledonous herbaceous plants, and in the inner part – hair of mammals, feathers of birds, cotton wool. The presence of CAO in bird nests depends on the distance to human settlements and the time of nest construction. In the last couple of decades, the frequency of use of CAO in the nests of the linnet has increased rapidly, which may indicate a growing environment pollution, as well as, perhaps, the habituation to use such materials by common linnet.

Bacteriology and Physicochemical Analysis of Borehole Water in Some Hostels of a Tertiary Institution in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Several factors influence the quality of water for human consumption. Most of these factors are more of anthropogenic origin than nature and thus exercises an untold health effect on the end-users of such water body. Bacteriology and Physicochemical Analysis of Borehole Water in Some Hostels of a Tertiary Institution in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from six (6) hostels for each study period, and subjected to standard laboratory procedures to analyze for parameters such as pH, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), Phosphate, as well as standard procedures for antibiotics susceptibility and molecular characterization. Result of the physicochemical parameters showed that the parameters ranged from 5.26±3.53 mg/L to 7.61±0.01 mg/L forpH; 0.61±0.01 to 2.56±0.01 mg/L for Dissolved Oxygen (DO); 96±1.41 μS/cm to 503.5±0.71μS/cm for electrical conductivity; 4.56±0.03 mg/L to 20.3±0.01 mg/L for nitrate; 0.003±0mg/L to 0.03±0mg/L for nitrite; 0.12±0mg/L to 0.17±0mg/L for phosphate. Statistical evaluation showed there was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the mean values of physicochemical parameters studied, except for pH that recorded no statistical difference (p &gt; 0.05). From the study, 5.6% of Staphylococcus species were resistant to Pefloxacin and Rocephin, while 5.9% of Bacillus species were resistant to Ampiclox. Similarly, 3.33% of Salmonella species were resistant to Augmentin, while the rest of the gram negative isolates were either susceptible or within an intermediate range of susceptibility to the antibiotics tested. Molecular characterization of some bacterial species isolated had pairwise identity with Klebsiella pneumonia strain CP27 and Escherichia coli strain RIZHAO 498.1, Staphylococcus haemolyticus strain SH1. The study has shown that the physicochemical water quality variables were all within the WHO limits, with bacterial species having high percentage susceptibility to the antibiotics tested. Regular water quality monitoring is however recommended to ensure continuous access to water of good quality in hostels within the university community.

О проблеме идентификации одноименных сел в отечественных документах XVI–XX вв. и инструментах ее изучения

The historical cases of the existence of jointly accounted rural with the same names in settlements are considered, and the reasons that led to a change in the number of such rural areas are also revealed. The historically used methods of resolving the ambiguity of identifying rural settlements with the same names are analysed. It is shown that this was achieved by taking them into account among smaller accounting units, by indicating their locations relative to local objects of natural or anthropogenic origin as well as indicating their other specific features. It was found that the methods of identification of rural with the same names used in the materials compiled by various departments could be different. Identification could be provided by: grouping objects by accounting units, indicating their distinctive features and locations relative to local objects, as well as by forming unique names for rural settlements that were previously of the same name. Cases have been identified in which certain identification methods could be used. It is shown that this could depend on the department in which the documents and cartographic materials were compiled (secular or spiritual; metropolitan, provincial or county); on the circle of persons who compiled the documents (their profession and type of activity); on the form of existence of the materials (hand-written or printed); on the number of settlements simultaneously taken into account in them (several tens or several thousand); depending on the number of copies of documents (several units or whole copies) and other circumstances. Based on the performed analysis, recommendations have been developed for finding places to store information about rural settlements in problematic cases. The research was performed using the Big Data tool on the example of 8 rural settlements of the Ruzsky district that had the same names at different time intervals of the XVI–XX centuries. It is shown that the use of the Big Data tool makes it possible to carry out research in this direction. The results of the presented research may be in demand by specialists searching for information about rural settlements of the XVIII–XX centuries in historical sources, researching the history of the Ruzsky and adjacent counties, as well as working in the fields of the history of surveying and the history of cartography.

Snow as an Indicator of Atmospheric Transport of Anthropogenic Particles (Microplastics and Microfibers) from Urban to Arctic Regions

We report anthropogenic particles (AP) &gt; 100μm, including microplastics and microfibers, from 70 surface snow samples collected from the urban Greater Toronto Area (GTA), remote and sparsely inhabited regions in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, and the unpopulated high Arctic. Concentrations and proportions of particles of anthropogenic origin were conservatively estimated after blank and ‘anthropogenic origin’ corrections were performed based on visual analysis and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR). AP were dominated by microfibers (95-100%), with variable concentrations across and within regions. Microfibers were distinguished as synthetic, regenerated semi-synthetic, anthropogenically modified cellulosic, and natural cellulosic or proteinaceous. Among microfibers with confirmed anthropogenic origin, most were polyester/PET (8-22%) and semi-synthetic rayon (1-18%), with anthropogenic cellulose comprising a small proportion (3-7%) across all regional areas. Greater diversity of coloured non-fibrous particles (fragments, films and foams) in settled regions (i.e., GTA and Carcross, Yukon) suggests direct input from local sources. Back trajectory analyses performed for days leading up to sample collection showed high frequency transport (&gt;10%) from population centres exceeding 200km distance. Our findings of APs in snow from uninhabited areas support the hypothesis that APs, especially microfibers, undergo long-range atmospheric transport whereby snow can scavenge and deposit APs in remote northern regions.

Moss biomonitoring in areas affected by ashfalls of Shiveluch volcano (Kamchatka).

The moss bag technique was applied on Kamchatka to assess the effect of Shiveluch volcano on the air quality. Moss bags were exposed in settlements located at different distances from the volcano and affected by ashfall to varying degrees. The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used for the determination of the content of Al, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, P, Pb, Sr, S, V, and Zn in both exposed and unexposed moss samples. Relative accumulation factor revealed enrichment of mosses exposed in the area affected by ashfall with Al, Cr, V, and Zn. Correlation and principal component analysis allowed to identify elements of volcanogenic, geogenic, and anthropogenic origin. Ecological risk values less than 150 indicate low potential ecological risk in the region. Active moss biomonitoring can be considered a cheap and efficient tool for in-depth study of the influence of volcanic activity on air quality on the peninsula.

Evaluation of Urbanization Influences on Beach Sediment Contamination with Heavy Metals Along the Littoral Zone of Alexandria City, Egypt

The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities.

Mercury Detection in Novel Foods by a Smart Pocket Sensor

AbstractMercury is one of the most well‐known toxic contaminants of natural and anthropogenic origin in aquatic ecosystems that can bioaccumulate in vegetal and animal organisms. In this work, we propose a smart detection system for Hg(II) ions by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry at nanocomposite graphite screen‐printed electrodes, as an analytical tool to be applied in food quality control. The nanocomposite surfaces were obtained by the modification of screen‐printed graphite electrodes with poly(l‐aspartic acid) and gold nanoparticles and were characterized by means of electrochemical techniques. An exhaustive study of the experimental conditions involved both in the electropolymerization and in the voltammetric stripping measurements was addressed to develop a reliable method capable of measuring Hg(II) concentration in the low μg/L range, both in conventional and drop configurations. The sensor was integrated in a smart setup, comprising a Sensit Smart pocket instrument connected to a smartphone, thus proving its applicability for in situ analysis due to its cost‐effectiveness. The analytical significance of the developed sensor was assessed by detecting Hg(II) in novel food samples.

Integrated geochemical analysis of urban and peri-urban soils: a case study of Lamia City, Greece.

The occurrence of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) and other chemical elements in urban and peri-urban soils impacts human health and quality of life, posing a challenge for geoscientists. This study investigated the soil geochemistry of Lamia City, focusing on identifying the geogenic and anthropogenic origins of elements. A total of 168 topsoil samples (0-10cm) were collected in April 2023, and the analysis included the near-total concentrations of 51 elements. Descriptive, correlation, multivariate statistics (i.e., Factor Analysis-FA and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis-HCA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, and mineralogical analysis were employed to identify potential element sources. The results indicated that the elements in soils originated from geogenic, anthropogenic, and mixed sources. Geogenic origins are associated with ultramafic rocks (e.g., Mg, Cr, Ni, Co, Fe, Sc, Mn), carbonate rocks (e.g., Ca, Sr), and Quaternary sediments (e.g., K, Na, Ba, Tl, Be, Rb, Ti, V, Ga, and Rare Earth Elements-REEs); associations are linked to specific identified minerals. All applied statistical analyses reveal that the mobility of chemical elements in the urban and peri-urban soils of Lamia city is primarily affected by geochemical processes such as element substitution, chemical weathering, pedogenesis, adsorption, precipitation, evaporation, and organic matter presence. The P, Ag, Hg, Pb, Sn, Zn, Sb, Cd, Cu, and U were associated with anthropogenic influences, particularly in areas with high population density, heavy vehicle traffic, and intensive agricultural practices. Additionally, some elements (e.g., Ca, Cd, Cu, Mo, Mn, and Li) exhibited mixed origins. This integrated approach offers valuable insights into the spatial distribution and sources of PTEs in urban and peri-urban environments, providing critical information for environmental management and public health protection strategies.

A multi-disciplinary approach based on chemical characterization of foreshore sediments, ecotoxicity assessment and statistical analyses for environmental monitoring of marine-coastal areas

The present work aims at providing a multi-disciplinary approach for environmental monitoring in marine-coastal areas. A monitoring campaign of 13 months (October 2022–October 2023) was carried out on sandy foreshore sediments (SFSs). The SFSs were analysed for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) content determination. In the investigated area, variable contamination trends were assessed through Friedman and Nemenyi tests. Further results also indicated the usefulness of statistical data elaboration in the identification of potential contamination sources. In fact, from Spearman test, significant positive correlations (between 0.650 and 0.981) were observed among PTEs of possible anthropogenic origin (such as Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, V, and Zn). For REEs, La and Nd showed strong correlations with Ce (0.909 and 0.920, respectively). The study also integrated luminescence inhibition (Aliivibrio fischeri), algal growth inhibition (Phaeodactylum tricornutum), and embryotoxicity assessment (Paracentrotus lividus) on sediment elutriates showing varying degrees of toxicity. Also these data were analysed through statistics in order to highlight possible correlations between contaminants and observed ecotoxicological effects on the involved bioindicators. The results outline an approach useful for more comprehensive monitoring of marine areas quality and identification of suitable environmental restoration strategies.

Characterization of maritime traffic noise in two areas of the Mediterranean

One of the objectives of the European JPI Oceans DeuteroNoise project is to investigate the soundscapes within different sea basins. Measurement campaigns, including the recording of raw noise data (wave files), have been carried out in the Venice Lagoon, in the North Adriatic and on Barcelona shore. In this work we will present the first results. The data acquired were processed to obtain the characteristic spectrum and noise levels; subsequently the velocity of the particles will be acquired and analysed. The analysis of the recorded data involves the design of a taxonomy of anthropogenic noise sources, e.g. large ships, small boats or any other existing noise source. The recorded data were labelled with these sources, describing their main audio characteristics (spectral distribution, temporal evolution, etc.) for their characterization and future blind identification. Throughout the measurement period, ship and route data were acquired using AIS (Automatic Identification System) and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) in the measurement sites. The preliminary analysis and labelling, together with ship and route data, will allow the reproduction of acoustic environments of anthropogenic origin in laboratories and the creation of acoustic maps of the basins investigated using commercial software.

Towards an open digital catalogue of sound signatures from the underwater soundscape

Passive acoustic monitoring plays a crucial role to study the underwater soundscape. Identifying the sound signatures of specific marine species and anthropogenic contributions is a key step in assessing the impact of human activities on the acoustic environment. The project COSS (Catalogue of Sound Signatures) aims to build an open library of sound signatures from the coastal seascape of European waters. In this framework, a data management workflow is developed within FAIR principles from the storage of the metadata, ensuring integrity and traceability of the recorded datasets, to the analysis and the annotation method, providing interoperability classification of sound signatures. An interactive map provides an overview of the database. Sound events are analyzed using a home-made annotation software. Labeling is based on a tree-structure ontology with respect to the biological species, human activities and geophony. This labels standardization makes it possible to extract information at several levels of precision. In particular, this library will serve as a learning and testing base for open source AI algorithms for the automatic classification of signals of anthropogenic origin. A long-term objective is to provide a means of determining the acoustic impact of human activities on the marine environment.

The Isotopic Composition of Selected Phosphate Sources (δ18O-PO4) from the Area of the Vistula and Bug Interfluve (Poland)

Phosphorus belongs to the crucial bioelements that cause eutrophication, and phosphates, easily assimilated by organisms, are widespread in the environment. Phosphates can be of natural or anthropogenic origin and can derive from various point or non-point sources. Knowledge about the origin of nutrients is necessary to effectively manage, protect, and revitalize water resources. To recognize various phosphate sources in the study area of our research, i.e., the Vistula and Bug interfluve (SE Poland), we used the oxygen isotopic signature of phosphate ions (δ18O-PO4), which has been successfully used in recent decades as a tracer of phosphorus cycling in water studies. We measured the δ18O-PO4 of dissolved inorganic phosphates (DIPs) extracted from various phosphate sources. The obtained results are as follows: For springs, the δ18O-PO4 value varied from +14.8‰ to +18.5‰; for riverine samples, from +10.3‰ to +18.6‰, which were significantly location-dependent; while waste water treatment plant effluents ranged from +12.4‰ to +15.6‰. Two tested drainage water samples had similar isotopic compositions (+16.7‰ and +17.3‰). In the case of two analyzed bedrock samples, the δ18O-PO4 values, which were similar (+20.5‰ and +21.7‰), are close to the existing data on sedimentary bedrocks derived from similar geological periods. The obtained results can be helpful in future research aimed at identifying phosphate sources and P cycling in the studied area.

Compositional-geochemical characterization and multi-element pollution and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the urban landfill soil

Urban areas are characterized by the presence of various pollution sources including landfills. During the recent decade, urban landfills were investigated as a source of pollution by potentially toxic elements and potential deposits for landfill mining. The contents of Cr, V, Ti, Ca, K, Mo, Zr, Sr, Rb, As, Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ba in soils of Vanadzor city landfill site (VL) were determined using the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to assess multi-element pollution and ecological risk and to identify potentially toxic elements geochemical associations through the application of compositional data analysis. The results showed that Cr, Mo, Zn, Cu, and Pb displayed significant values (>100%) of coefficient of variation suggesting their anthropogenic origin. Moreover, these elements, except Cr, displayed outliers and extreme values in the same sampling sites located directly on the reclaimed part of the landfill. The median contents of Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, and As exceeded the global median values by 8.2, 9.8, 19.0, 4.6, 6.1, and 4.5 times, respectively. The multi-element pollution assessment showed that an extremely hazardous level of pollution was observed on the reclaimed part of the VL. From this site, a trend of decrease in the pollution level was observed in the eastern and western directions. In contrast, an allowable level of pollution was observed in the northern part - toward the direction of the above-located hill. The VL was found to be in an inferior ecological condition (a very high level of potential ecological risk was observed), which might also have a negative impact on the ecosystems located in its vicinity. The hierarchical clustering has revealed that the studied elements are grouped in two geochemical associations: a naturally formed - Co, Fe, V, Ti, Mn, Sr, Zr, Rb, K, Ba, As; and an anthropogenic one - Zn, Pb, Cu, Ca.

Microparticles of anthropogenic origin (microplastics and microfibers) in sandy sediments: A case study from calabria, italy

Microparticles of anthropogenic origin, such as microplastics and microfibers, are pervasive pollutants in the marine environment of the world. These microparticles pollute water and can be ingested by biota; however, while microplastics are often monitored, very few studies focus on microfibers. Coastal areas, such as beaches, are more vulnerable to pollution due to their location between terrestrial and marine environments and their recreational and touristic functions. In this study, microparticle occurrence frequency was investigated along the Calabria coast, Italy, in one touristic beach in comparison with an unpopular one. High amounts of microparticles of anthropogenic origin were found in all sediment samples, despite the evident different tourist exploitation of the two examined beaches. Sediments of the most touristic beach had values between 729.5 ± 212.3 and 1327 ± 125.8 items/kg, instead, the less popular beach between 606.3 ± 102.8 and 1116.5 ± 226.9 items/kg (average and st. dev). Microparticle abundance varied before and after the touristic summer season, increasing in the most popular beach and decreasing in the unpopular one. Differences in microparticle abundance between foreshore and backshore were present too; however, statistical analyses did not show evident relations between microparticle abundance and the distance from the see. Grain size influenced the abundance of microparticles in sediments. Our results improve knowledge on microparticle pollution in marine environments, highlighting information about micropollution in coastal areas. Future studies are needed to understand better microparticle dynamics and ecological impacts in marine and terrestrial systems, implementing new strategies to monitor pollution state, enhancing the natural intermediate environments, and providing useful and sustainable measure of conservation.