Beach Soil Research Articles

Integrated uses of organic and inorganic fertilisers to increase sesame productivity on coastal sand fields

Sesame is recognised as a valuable oil plant with potential health benefits due to its disease mitigating properties. It shows exceptional growth rates in light soil types, such as sandy beach soils which are often deemed infertile. To address the issue, it is necessary to apply eco-friendly fertilisers derived from animal manure. Consequently, research has focused on performance evaluation over two growing seasons, namely the dry and rainy seasons, on coastal sandy soils. Employing a split-plot design across three replicates, the study investigated the influence of planting time and cultivar on the growth and yield of sesame. The study aimed to assess the impact of mixed fertiliser application timing on sesame growth and yield, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative parameters across the rainy and dry seasons. Results indicated that applying a mixture comprising chicken manure and inorganic fertiliser at the planting time significantly affected several growth parameters. These included plant height, chlorophyll content, flowering time, number of branches, net assimilation rate, root volume, and total sesame oil content, particularly in the dry season. Specifically, employing a dosage of 24.75 g of inorganic NPK fertiliser, comprising 1.45 g of nitrogen, 0.74 g of phosphorus, and 1.25 g of potassium per plant at planting time during the dry season, demonstrated the most favourable outcomes in terms of growth, yield components, and soil fertility. This approach also yielded a remarkable 54.51% oil content in the cultivar ‘Sbr-1’.

Determination of radon activity among beach soil samples in Jeddah and Al-Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia

Natural radioactive materials have a negative impact on public health, especially on people exposed to the sun on beaches. Due to the high temperature in Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, many people resort to going to the sea, and regarding the risks that the public is exposed to, we focus our research on studying and drawing a radiation map of the Red Sea beaches. Also, identify the risks that the public is exposed to while on the various beaches. The study was carried out using a CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detector. The results showed that the average concentration of radon gas on the beaches of Jeddah was 481.34 ± 40.63 Bq / cm3, while the average concentration of radon gas in the city of Al-Qunfudhah was 282.36 ± 38.40 Bq / cm3. 10% of the radon gas concentration values were higher than the safe limit. The mean values for radium for all measured samples were 4.41 ± 0.61 Bq/kg, while the mean values for uranium were 0.22 ± 0.03 ppm. All radium and uranium values were within the internationally permitted limits. The results of the measured beaches indicate that the Red Sea beaches in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region are safe for use and do not have high life-threatening rates, except for Al-Hamra Corniche Beach in Jeddah, which was higher than permissible. It is recommended to monitor the beach and remove any waste so that its percentage on the beach does not increase. It is also recommended to complete the study on the rest of the Red Sea beaches.

Pengaruh Kompos Blotong untuk Pertumbuhan Tebu Varietas Bululawang Fase Anakan pada Tanah Areal Pantai Firdaus Kecamatan Asembagus

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of Indonesia's white sugar producers. Sugar production which continues to soar needs to be balanced with the right cultivation pattern, one of which is by optimizing the growth phase of the sugarcane plant. In the growth phase of the sugarcane plant there is a tiller phase, the tiller phase itself results in the growth of tillers around the mother cane itself. This study examined the soil in the coastal area. In the coastal area there are obstacles to plant growth, such as a lack of nutrients in the soil so that the soil is easily leached which causes the soil to lack nitrogen. The addition of filter cake compost is expected to help maximize the elements in the soil of the coastal area. This study aims to determine the impact of the tillering phase of sugarcane growth from the application of beach area soil with filter cake compost and to determine the appropriate dose of bagasse compost in order to get the best sugarcane crop yields. This study used a non-factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 5 treatments, 4 plant units, and 4 replications. The results of the final project research that has been carried out can be concluded that the effect of filter cake compost on the soil in the coastal area for sugarcane tillering phase showed significantly different results on the parameters of plant height at 14 HST and 42 DAP, while plants aged 70 HST showed highly significant different results. The parameter of the number of tillers showed significantly different results at 42 HST observations. The most influential dose of filter cake compost on the beach area soil was 50% for the Firdaus Beach soil treatment and 50% for the filter cake compost, namely in the third treatment (P2) as evidenced by the results of the highest average plant height parameter compared to other treatments

Pollution Characteristics of Carbonaceous Components in PM10 and PM2.5 of Road Dust Fall and Soil Dust in Xi'an

To investigate the pollution characteristics of carbonaceous components in PM10 and PM2.5 of road dust fall and soil dust in Xi'an and enrich their source profiles, samples from five sites of road dust fall and 16 sites of soil dust were collected in Xi'an from April to May 2015. The ZDA-CY01 particulate matter resuspension sampler was used to obtain PM10 and PM2.5 samples, and the Model5L-NDIR OC and EC analyzer were used to determine the concentrations of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in PM10 and PM2.5. The pollution and sources of carbonaceous aerosol in PM10 and PM2.5 were investigated by analyzing OC and EC characteristics, ratio, and the principal component analysis statistical model. The results showed that the proportions of OC in PM10 and PM2.5 at the various dust fall sites differed, ranging from 6.0% to 19.4% and 7.6% to 29.8%, respectively. The ratios of EC in PM10 and PM2.5at the different dust fall sites were relatively small, accounting for 0.6%-2.2% and 0.2%-3.6% in urban sites, respectively; however, EC was almost undetectable in most peripheral soil dust. The proportions of carbonaceous components in PM10 and PM2.5 followed the order of urban road dust fall>external control dust>river beach soil dust>soil dust and urban road dust fall>soil dust>external control dust>river beach soil dust, respectively. OC dominated the carbonaceous aerosols at the different sites, which was relatively low in urban road dust fall. The OC to total carbon (TC) ratios in PM10 and PM2.5 at urban road dust fall were 85.2%-95.3% and 87.9%-98.9%, respectively. The OC to TC ratios in PM10 and PM2.5 of soil dust were relatively high, exceeding 99%. Carbonaceous components were primarily concentrated in fine particles. The pollution distribution of carbonaceous components in the urban road dust fall sites was consistent, whereas that in the different soil dust sites were quite different. The carbonaceous components in urban road dust fall and soil dust were primarily affected by pollutant source emissions such as biomass burning, coal burning, gasoline, and diesel vehicle exhaust. There were differences in the source contribution rates of carbonaceous aerosols in PM10 and PM2.5.

Peningkatan Daya Dukung Tanah Litosol melalui Distribusi Mikroba dengan Teknologi Smart Bioosildam

This study aims to control the health and fertility of the soil naturally. This research was conducted on litosol land used for plantations by observing the distribution pattern of the electrolyte conductivity level at each soil depth through microbial activity. This study observed over a period of time through a microcontroller sensor the changes in soil parameters such as: soil acidity level, infiltration rate, electrolyte conductivity level and porosity level observed from the soil infiltration rate. Using the simulation method with two (2) types of bioholes, it can be seen the increase in EC at each depth at a certain time period. This method uses Smart Biosoildam (Biodam) technology which can be simulated to match the actual process (real time). From graphic observations and EC standards, it can be seen that the ability of the soil to provide nutrients in the root growth zone can be used as information to determine the schedule and distribution pattern of planting both during the vegetative growth period and the generative growth period. So that it can be known the effective planting distance and biohole distance in order to be able to provide nutrients during the vegetative and generative periods. The distribution of nutrients can be monitored through sensors that convert analog parameters on the microprocessor into digital information that is sent via wifi in real time. Simulation of sandy beach soil fertility based on the number of microbial population = 108/cfu. Variable 1: Soil fertility value of electrolyte conductivity/EC value at a depth of 26 cm from 580 uS/cm to 1238 uS/cm on day 35 and from 1238 uS/cm down to 1090 uS/cm on day 40. Variable 2: Soil fertility values from electrolyte conductivity / EC values at a depth of 24 cm from 550 uS / cm to 968 uS / cm on day 35 & from 968 uS / cm down to 842 uS/cm on day 40.

The influence of cinnamon and litsea cubeba essential oils on methylcellulose films

AbstractThe aim of this study was to prepare active, biodegradable methylcellulose films and evaluate their properties after incorporating cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and litsea cubeba (Litsea cubeba) essential oils. The properties of the methylcellulose films were modified with the addition of essential oils. The surfaces were smooth and homogeneous in all samples. The film with cinnamon oil showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and the film with litsea cubeba showed higher antioxidant activity against ABTS radical. The biodegradation time of the films in black sand and beach soil was 20 days. The films produced that presented the highest potential to become active packaging were the film with litsea cubabe oil as antioxidant packaging and the film with cinnamon oil as antibacterial packaging.

Fertility capability classification for agricultural land use planning in the beach sands area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Soil survey and fertility capability classification (FCC) were carried out in an area mostly underlain by the beach ridge sands (BRS) parent material in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study applied the FCC in agricultural land use planning for efficient land management and optimal agricultural productivity of the beach soils. Field and laboratory data were obtained from 40 pedons located across eight Local Government Areas on the BRS parent material. From the results of field and laboratory studies, 11 FCC units were identified in the area. Based on similarities in certain soil profile characteristics, the 11 FCC units were grouped into four agro-ecological units (AEUs): (i) poorly drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over sandy subsoil, grouped to form AEU-A, covered 65.00% of study area; (ii) well drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over sandy subsoil, formed AEU-B and covered 22.50% of study area; (iii) poorly drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over loamy subsoil or loamy top- and sub- soils, formed AEU-C and covered 7.50% of study area; (iv) well drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over loamy subsoil, which formed AEU-D, occupied 5.00% of study area. The result of this study has shown that FCC can be employed as a simple but efficient tool in agricultural land use planning. Major soil profile characteristics used to differentiate land units within the beach sands area of Akwa Ibom State are drainage and texture.

Potential of Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata) and Cow Manure for Available Phosphor Supply on Sandy Beach Soil and P Uptake by Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract The low availability of phosphorus nutrients for onion plants resulted in disruption of the plant growth process such as blocking the extension of the root causing the uptake of nutrients decreased. This research was conducted to know the role of Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata) and cow manure for available phosphor of Sandy Beach Soil and P uptake by onion. The research method used was the Completely Randomized Design Method of 15 treatments, namely the mixture treatment of cow manure (S) and kirinyuh (K) at 10, 20 and 30 tons/ha equivalent doses. The treatment was: the dose of S and K mixture at without cow manure and kirinyuh (P0), 10 ton/ha comprised S/K ratios of 100/0 (P1), 75/25 (P2), 50/50 (P3), 25/75 (P4), 0/100 (P5); at 20 ton/ha comprised S/K ratios of 100/0 (P6), 75/25 (P7), 50/50 (P8), 25/75 (P9), 0/100 (P10); and at 30 ton/ha comprised S/K ratios of 100/0 (P11), 75/25 (P12), 50/50 (P13), 25/75 (P14), 0/100 (P15). Each treatment was repeated 3 (three) times. The results were analyzed by variance at 5% significant level and tested further with Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level if there was a significant influence. The results showed that the mixture of cow manure and kirinyuh could increase P available of Sandy Beach Soil and P uptake of onion. Giving a mixture of cow manure (S) 25% and kirinyuh (K) 75% at the equivalent dosage of 30 tons/ha significantly gave the higestes P available of Sandy Beach Soil and P uptake of onion.

Potential of Paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) and Cow Manure For Available Nutrients Supply On Sandy Beach Soil

The primary macronutrients are required in large amounts for optimum plant growth. Sandy beach soil that is widely distributed, has a granular structure and is poor in primary macronutrients. Cow manure can improve the struktur of soil and Paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) can increase the availability of primary macro nutrients. This study aims to determine the effect of cow manure and Paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) on the nutrient availability of sand beach soil. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors, the first factor was the dose of cow manure consisting of 3 levels 0; 2.5 and 5% of the weight of the soil. The second factor is the dose of Paitan (Thitonia diversifolia) which consists of 4 levels of 0; 2.5; 5 and 7.5%. of soil weight To determine the effect of treatment, variance analysis (ANOVA) was used and followed by a follow-up test using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a test level of 5%. The results showed that the application of cow manure and Paitan (Thitonia diversifolia) had a significant effect on increasing N available , P available and K available nutrients. The application of 5% cow manure and Paitan (Thitonia diversifolia) 5% has the potential to increase N available , P available and K available. sand beach soil is the highest

New Alkaloids From a Hawaiian Fungal Strain Aspergillus felis FM324.

Two new alkaloids tryptoquivaline Y (1) and pseurotin I (2), together with eight known compounds (3–10), were purified from a fungal strain Aspergillus felis FM324, which was isolated from a Hawaiian beach soil sample. The absolute configuration and physicochemical data of tryptoquivaline Z (3) were reported for the first time here in this paper. Compound 1 is an uncommon tryptoquivaline analog containing a 3-O-isobutanoyl group. The structures of the new compounds 1–2 and known compound 3 were elucidated through HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopy and ECD analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative, antibacterial and NF-κB inhibitory activities. Compound 4 showed weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with the same MIC value of 59.2 µM. Compounds 3 and 2 inhibited NF-κB with IC50 values of 26.7 and 30.9 μM, respectively.

Hymenobacter properus sp. nov., Hymenobacter ruricola sp. nov., and Hymenobacter jeongseonensis sp. nov., three new species isolated from mountain and beach soil in South Korea.

Three Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, circular, convex, red-colored and rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated BT439T, BT662T and BT683T were obtained from soil collected in South Korea. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strains revealed a distinct lineage within the genus Hymenobacter. The complete genome sequence of strains BT439T, BT662T and BT683T is 5,542,738bp, 5,964,541bp, and 5,192,601bp size, respectively. All three strains were found to have MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids of strains BT439T and BT662T were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipids and amino lipids. Strain BT683T contained phosphatidylethanolamine. The major cellular fatty acids of strain BT439T were iso-C15:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c) and anteiso-C15:0; strain BT662T possessed iso-C15:0 and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c); strain BT683T were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c), C16:1 ω5c, iso-C15:0 and anteiso-C15:0. Based on the polyphasic analysis, strains BT439T, BT662T and BT683T can be suggested as three novel bacterial species within the genus Hymenobacter and the proposed names are Hymenobacter properus sp. nov., Hymenobacter ruricola sp. nov. and Hymenobacter jeongseonensis sp. nov., respectively. The type strain of Hymenobacter properus is BT439T (= KCTC 72900T = NBRC 114849T), Hymenobacter ruricola is BT662T (= KACC 21966T = NBRC 114855T) and the type strain of Hymenobacter jeongseonensis is BT683T (= KACC 22013T = NBRC xxxxxT).

Could soil granulometry and permeability drive the occurrence of the dune-dwelling ants from the genus Mycetophylax?

Species distribution can be influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors. Physical soil properties, such as granulometry and permeability, can, therefore, be key determinant factors of the occurrence of ground-dwelling species. Here, we evaluate whether the physical properties of soil, such as granulometry and the resulting soil permeability, could drive nesting occurrence of the endemic psammophilous ants from the genus Mycetophylax and, in turn, their distribution. To accomplish this goal, we tested the hypothesis that variations in the granulometry and the resulting permeability (high or low D10 values) of beach soils contribute to explain the distribution pattern of dune endemic species from the genus Mycetophylax. We sampled sand soils from 26 beaches across the known distribution of the species along the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Sorting through seven mesh sieves, we determined the proportion of sand grain size of each sample and then calculated the effective diameter (D10). Therefore, we investigated the occurrence of the three ant species in relation to the soil permeability determined by D10. The spatial variation in sand grain size and its permeability across the beaches of the Atlantic coast is likely one of the contributors that influence the pattern of distribution of psammophilous ants such as Mycetophylax simplex, M. conformis, and M. morschi.

Halomonas icarae sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from beach soil in India.

A moderately halophilic, Gram-stain-negative, aerobic bacterium, strain D1-1T, belonging to the genus Halomonas, was isolated from soil sampled at Pentha beach, Odisha, India. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on 16S rRNA genes and multilocus sequence analysis of gyrB and rpoD genes revealed that strain D1-1T belonged to the genus Halomonas and was most closely related to Halomonas alimentaria YKJ-16T (98.1 %) followed by Halomonas ventosae Al12T (97.5 %), Halomonas sediminicola CPS11T (97.5 %), Halomonas fontilapidosi 5CRT (97.4 %) and Halomonas halodenitrificans DSM 735T (97.2 %) on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Sequence identities with other species within the genus were lower than 97.0 %. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 22.4-30 % and 79.5-85.4 % with close relatives of H. halodenitrificans DSM 735T, H. alimentaria YKJ-16T, H. ventosae Al12T and H. fontilapidosi 5CRT were lower than the threshold recommended for species delineation (70 % and 95-96 % for dDDH and ANI, respectively). Further, strain D1-1T formed yellow-coloured colonies; cells were rod-shaped, motile with optimum growth at 30 °C (range, 4-45 °C) and 2-8 % NaCl (w/v; grew up to 24 % NaCl). The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c) and C16 : 0 and the main respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-9 in line with description of the genus. Based on its chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics and genome uniqueness, strain D1-1T represents a novel species in the genus Halomonas, for which we propose the name Halomonas icarae sp. nov., within the family Halomonadaceae. The type strain is D1-1T (=JCM 33602T=KACC 21317T=NAIMCC-B-2254T).

4D modeling of concentrating mill tailings dam protecting dike soil consolidation

Introduction. The research aims to study concentrating mill tailings dam protecting dike soil consolidation on the example of a mining enterprise of the Kola Peninsula. Research methodology. The research is based on 4D modeling (taking into account a time factor) using PLAXIS software solution. The computer hydro-geomechanical 3D model of the concentrating mill tailings dam fragment has been developed allowing to investigate both geomechanical and fi ltration processes, and their collateral infl uence on protecting dike and alluvial beach soil consolidation. The following options of tailings dam hydro-geomechanical condition development are considered: a reference state at the current parameters of operation, increase in the level of water-saturated tail deposits and the subsequent consolidation of bulk and alluvial soils within 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50 and 80 days. Research results and analysis. The received results have been analyzed on the dynamics of the tailings dam hydro-geomechanical condition therefore revealing its behavior in time. It has been established that the nature of bulk and alluvial soils consolidation is identical, however, differs signifi cantly in terms of quantity. Conclusions. Dependences of bulk and alluvial soils consolidation of the tailings dam hydraulic engineering construction on consolidation time are established providing a scientifi c and technical basis for its mechanical state and stability assessment, and for engineering recommendations about the terms of the following stage of dams building.

Draft Genome Sequences of Spirosoma agri KCTC 52727 and Spirosoma terrae KCTC 52035.

Spirosoma agri S7-3-3 (KCTC 52727) and Spirosoma terrae 15J9-4 (KCTC 52035) are type strains isolated from an apple orchard and beach soil in South Korea, respectively; their draft genome sequences were assembled and annotated. The draft genome sequences of S7-3-3T (7,239,915 bp; G+C content, 50.6%) and 15J9-4T (7,551,610 bp; G+C content, 47.3%) are reported.

Evaluation of Secondary Metabolites of Some Fungi Isolated From Beach Soils of Lagos, Nigeria Against Some Pathogens

Three beach soils in Lagos, Nigeria were screened for the presence of antibiotic producing fungi against 8 test pathogenic bacteria & fungi. The physiochemical parameters of the soils were determined following standard procedures. Soil plate dilution method was employed for isolation of marine fungi and they were identified based on cultural and microscopic characteristics. Primary screening of isolated fungi for antibiotic potential was determined by perpendicular streak method against known pathogenic test organisms (Escherichia coli, Saphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae,Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus). Further sreening of the product of secondary metabolism [antibiotic] of the active fungi was done by agar disc diffusion assay. The fungus with the highest secondary activity was subjected to molecular analysis for further identification. pH of beach soils was alkaline ranging from 7.6-8.0, while temperature and moisture were normal ranging from 26.333 ± 1.155a-30.333 ± 0.577aand 7.142 ± 1.497a-10.030 ± 3.130a respectively. A total of four fungal species of 2 different genera were isolated from the beaches ;Aspergillus niger,Aspergillus flavus,Penicillium purpurogenum and Penicillium islandicum. Both primary and secondary assays revealed only antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Psedomonas aeruginosa with no effect on all test fungi. Highest antibacterial activity[28+0.2a] was exhibited by the fungus identified as Penicillium purpurogenum. Fungi from beaches in Lagos, Nigeria may be a promising source of antibacterial agent useful in the treatment of infections caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

Assessment of mercury pollution sources in beach sand and coastal soil by speciation analysis

BackgroundAn essential requisite for controlling and monitoring mercury in the environment is to identify its species in different types of soils and sediments, as this will help not only to establish its mobility in the environment and ecosystem and the degree of its toxicity, but also to establish the source of contamination. The objective of this work was to identify the origin of mercury in beach sands and soil taken from a coastal region with previously high mining and industrial activity by characterizing the mercury species using the technique known as thermal desorption (HgTPD).ResultsApart from quartz, the main mineral species identified in the raw sands and soil were calcite, fluorite and barite. The concentration of mercury ranges from 5 to 23 µg g−1, and although it is distributed in different proportions in the function of the size, thermal desorption profiles demonstrated that the mercury species present in the samples do not vary with the mercury concentration and the particle size. By means of HgTPD, mercury oxide (HgO) was identified in the beach sands, whereas mercury sulfide (HgS) was found in the soil sample taken from the vicinity of the beach. Complementary methodologies foster the HgTPD conclusions and verify that mercury is present mostly in insoluble stable (HgS) or low-mobility (HgO) forms in the samples studied. Analyses by ICP-MS after sequential extraction and HPLC separation of mercury species show that inorganic mercury is the predominant form in the samples.ConclusionsThe technique HgTPD is a very useful tool to ascertain the origin of mercury in contaminated beach sands and shoreline soils. In the particular area studied in this work, the species identified indicate that previous mining activity was the source of the mercury and rule out the possibility that contamination is derived from coal combustion activities ongoing in the region.

Sphingomonas edaphi sp. nov., a novel species isolated from beach soil in the Republic of Korea.

A yellow-coloured, Gram-negative, motile, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated strain DAC4T, was isolated from a soil sample collected at Ahnmok Beach (Busan, Republic of Korea). The cells of strain DAC4T were rod-shaped and the colonies that formed were round and convex. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain DAC4T revealed that the bacterium belongs to the genus Sphingomonas, family Sphingomonadaceae, and that it was most closely related to Sphingomonas jaspsi DSM 18422T (98.01 %), Sphingomonas rhizophila KACC 19189T (97.76 %), Sphingomonas mesophila KCTC 62179T(97.30 %), Sphingomonas sedimincola KCTC 12629T (97.16 %) and Sphingomonas oryziterrae KCTC 22476T (97.05 %). The major respiratory quinone was Q-10, and the major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c). The whole genome DNA G+C content of strain DAC4T was 62.16 mol%. Phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipids, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, four undefined glycolipids and an undefined lipid were detected in strain DAC4T, and the strain had sym-homospermidine as a major polyamine. The in silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain DAC4T and the closely related taxa S. jaspsi and S. mesophila were 75.5/23.5 % and 73.5 /18.5%, respectively. The fluorimetric DNA-DNA hybridization results showed that strain DAC4T and S. rhizophila, S. sediminicola and S. oryziterrae have 37.1, 35.2 and 32.2 % DNA similarity, respectively. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strain DAC4T (=KCTC 62107T=JCM 32377T) is classified as a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas edaphi sp. nov. is proposed.

Difference Analysis Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing of Different Soil Bacterial Communities.

Objective To study the structure and differences of bacterial communities in different soils, and to explore the effectiveness of 16S rRNA sequencing in identification of different soil. Methods Soil samples from 7 places in Shanghai were collected, then bacterial genomic DNA were extracted from them. The fragments of hypervariable region from 16S rRNA sequences were sequenced with high-throughput sequencing techniques. The results were quantified or visualized with bioinformatics software. The differences in diversity and abundance among the three kinds of bacterial communities in soil samples from grassland, forests and beaches were compared and analyzed. Results The statistical differences that existed among the alpha diversity indexes of bacterial communities in soil samples of grassland, forests and beaches had statistical significance. The relative abundance and diversity of bacterial communities in these three kinds of soil were significantly different. Grassland soil had higher Acidobacteria abundance, forest soil had higher Proteobacteria abundance, beach soil had higher Actinobacteria abundance. However, the differences in soil bacterial communities in artificial grasslands, natural grasslands and industrial district grasslands did not have statistical significance. Conclusion 16S rRNA sequencing can effectively distinguish different soils. This method may be able to provide clues for first crime scene inference in criminal cases.

Salinity as a predominant factor modulating the distribution patterns of antibiotic resistance genes in ocean and river beach soils

Growing evidence points to the pivotal role of the environmental factors in influencing the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the propagation of resistant human pathogens. However, our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary environmental factors that contribute to development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance is lacking. Here, we profiled a wide variety of ARGs using the high-throughput quantitative PCR analysis in 61 soil samples collected from ocean and river beaches, which are hotspots for human activities and platforms for potential transmission of environmental ARGs to human pathogens. We identified the dominant abiotic and biotic factors influencing the diversity, abundance and composition of ARGs in these ecosystems. A total of 110 ARGs conferring resistance to eight major categories of antibiotics were detected. The core resistome was mainly affiliated into β-lactam and multidrug resistance, accounting for 66.9% of the total abundance of ARGs. The oprJ gene conferring resistance to multidrug was the most widespread ARG subtype detected in all the samples. The relative abundances of total ARGs and core resistome were significantly correlated with salinity-related properties including electrical conductivity and concentrations of sodium and chloride. Random forest analysis and structural equation modelling revealed that salinity was the most important factor modulating the distribution patterns of beach soil ARGs after accounting for multiple drivers. These findings suggest that beach soil is a rich reservoir of ARGs and that salinity is a predominant factor shaping the distribution patterns of soil resistome.