Potential Bioindicator Research Articles

Terrestrial isopods (Isopoda, Oniscidea) of Slovakia: an annotated checklist, new records, and bibliography

Woodlice (terrestrial isopods) represent an unmissable, often very numerous components of macrosaprophages inhabiting soil, rocky environments, rotting wood and subterranean habitats, as well as the dwellings of various organisms, including humans. The paper provides a comprehensive summary of the literature on woodlice in Slovakia, including a list of species with unpublished data on two exotic species first recorded in Slovakia. Research on Slovakian terrestrial isopods has been documented in 213 papers (from 1794 to 2024) and 25 theses. To date, 48 species from 14 families have been recorded in Slovakia. Of these, 30 species are autochthonous, while 18 species have been introduced into anthropogenic habitats, with eight species found exclusively in greenhouses. The list also includes an analysis of habitat preferences, bioindicator potential, and biogeographic comments. Notably, two species, Buddelundiella cataractae and Reductoniscus costulatus, are recorded in Slovakia for the first time. Carpathian elements are sparsely distributed within the mosaic of well-preserved natural forests. Hyloniscus mariae is likely the only surface-dwelling endemic species in the northern parts of the Carpathian range. Other species, such as Hyloniscus transsilvanicus, Trichoniscus carpaticus and Trachelipus difficilis, have a broader distribution within the Carpathians. Additionally, Mesoniscus graniger, Orthometopon planum and a few other taxa reach their northern distribution limits in Slovakia. Current research is predominantly focused on the fauna of subterranean habitats and urbanized landscapes.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in seabirds foraging across a heterogeneous landscape: Cross-species bioaccumulation patterns.

Seabirds are particularly susceptible to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) due to the tendency of biomagnification of some elements, thus serving as potential bioindicators for assessing environmental health. In this study, we analyzed As, Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations in liver samples from nine seabird species (51 specimens) collected along the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Results revealed substantial variations in PTE concentrations among species, with taxonomic orders influencing accumulation patterns. The observed PTE concentrations in seabirds suggest potential trends in bioaccumulation, influenced by species-specific behaviors and diets. For instance, As ranged from 0.47mgkg-1 in Nannopterum brasilianus to 70.25mgkg-1 in Thalassarche melanophris, while Cd ranged from 0.01mgkg-1 in N. brasilianus to 232.73mgkg-1 in Spheniscus magellanicus. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) results identified body length and species as the main factors influencing PTE concentrations for most elements. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between Cd and Cu (ρ=0.68), Cd and Zn (ρ=0.67) and between Zn and Cu (ρ=0.56), suggesting that seabirds with higher Cd levels also tend to have higher Cu and Zn concentrations. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated distinct PTE compositions among bird groups. Although significant variations in total concentrations of elements like Zn and Cu were observed among species, the relative contributions of each element to the overall load in the organism showed a convergence in proportions. This underscores the need for further research on homeostatic processes and the potential impacts of environmental PTEs on seabird health.

Fish as environmental sentinels for metal contaminants of human health concern in the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Industrial expansion and population growth have lowered water quality, polluting aquatic ecosystems world-wide. Metal pollution in the rivers across the United States are a major health concern. The level of metal contamination in fish from the Lower Mississippi River Basin and their threat to public health were last evaluated 20 years ago. The goals of this study were to measure metal contamination in various fish species from the Lower Mississippi River Basin, evaluate the human consumption risk, and estimate bioindicator potential of these species for monitoring toxic metals on a larger scale. Various fish species (n = 203) were analyzed for 15 metal contaminants (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn). Species included: blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), American gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), freshwater drum, (Aplodinotus grunniens), and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis). Fish consumption safety revealed toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) are a major human health concern in the Lower Mississippi River. Non-cancerous health hazard assessments indicated blue catfish, flathead catfish, gar species, and freshwater drum as species of concern. Consumption of all species posed human cancer risks. Computational modeling, with an accuracy of 98.5 %, identified Hg, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, As, and Cd as major drivers of fish consumption safety. Using bioaccumulation factor analysis, we estimated the bioindicator potential of toxic metals for each fish species, finding Hg and Cd to be greatly bioaccumulative in predatory gar species. Overall, our data indicated that gar can serve as select environmental sentinels useful for monitoring toxic metal pollutants of public health concerns providing valuable insight to research scientist and monitoring agencies throughout the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Assessing microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in bird lungs: evidence of ecological risks and bioindicator potential.

Microplastics (MPs, 1 µm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, < 1 µm), collectively termed micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), are pervasive airborne pollutants with significant ecological risks. Birds, recognized as bioindicators, are particularly vulnerable to MNP exposure, yet the extent and risks of MNP pollution in bird lungs remain largely unexplored. This study assessed MP exposure in bird lungs of 51 species and NP exposure in the lungs of five representative species using laser direct infrared (LDIR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) techniques, respectively. The LDIR analysis revealed different degrees of MP contamination in bird lungs, with an average abundance of 221.20 items per species and 416.22 MP particles per gram of lung. Among 32 identified MP types, chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and butadiene rubber (BR) predominated, with particles primarily in film and pellet forms, concentrated in the 20-50 μm size range. The polymer hazard index (PHI) indicated elevated ecological risks (levels Ⅲ or Ⅳ) in most bird lungs. Py-GC-MS detected nylon 66 (PA66), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) NPs at varying concentrations. Terrestrial, carnivorous, and larger-bodied birds exhibited higher MNP burdens. This study provides the first evidence of MNP contamination in bird lungs, highlighting their potential as bioindicators of airborne MNP pollution.

Use of continental gastropods as bioindicators of human impact in a subtropical region

ABSTRACT This study explores the potential of continental gastropods as bioindicators of human impact within a subtropical region and contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of this group. Their limited ability to disperse makes them effective in reflecting local environmental conditions. This study aimed to assess species abundance in an ecological gradient from rural to protected urban localities in a coastal area of northwest Mexico. A qualitative human impact index was established by assigning grades of qualitative attributes for each locality and then contrasted with the frequency and abundance of the gastropod species. A total of 859 gastropods of 21 species were collected, with the first report for Sinaloa state on the non-native terrestrial species: Allopeas gracile and the freshwater species: Biomphalaria glabrata, Melanoides tuberculata, and Pomacea sp. Our results indicate that four terrestrial species were completely absent in areas with moderate impact; their absence may indicate sensitivity to environmental disturbances, which makes them potential bioindicators: Bulimulus sp., Euglandina turris, Orthalicus melanocheilus, and Tryonigens remondi. The native species showed low abundances and diversity in localities with moderate human impact index, contrasting with introduced species that exhibited high abundances; the distribution and abundance of subtropical continental gastropods reflect the environmental conditions associated with anthropogenic impact.

The potential of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) as bioindicators at IPB Dramaga Campus

Abstract Insects such as longhorn beetles play a crucial role in the environment as they serve as indicators of ecosystem balance. Longhorn beetles are commonly utilized as bioindicators for assessing ecosystem damage due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. This research aims to analyze the presence of longhorn beetles as potential bioindicators in several stands at IPB Dramaga Campus, namely in the Segitiga Silvikultur (SS), Arboretum FAHUTAN (AF), and Taman Hutan Kampus (THK). The research method employed Artocarpus traps to capture longhorn beetles. The results indicate that the highest abundance of longhorn beetles was found in the THK plot due to the availability of sufficient food sources. The abundance of longhorn beetles was recorded at 27 individuals comprising 5 species, with Acalolepta rusticatrix dominating all research plots. Several factors influencing the presence of longhorn beetles include climatic factors, tree diversity, and human activities. Some longhorn beetle species have the potential to serve as bioindicators of forest ecosystem changes due to their distinctive habitats, such as Sybra fuscotriangularis, Epepeotes luscus, Pterolophia sp., and Ropica marmorata.

Aliens Among Us: Sensitivity of the Invasive Alien Fish Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas as a Bioindicator of Pollution and Its Safety for Human Consumption.

This study aims to evaluate the black bullhead Ameiurus melas, an invasive alien fish (IAF) in Serbia, as a bioindicator organism and assess the safety of natural and aquaculture specimens for human consumption. A set of biomarkers was analysed to assess the bioindicator potential at a site exposed to agricultural activities. The genotoxic response was determined by an alkaline comet assay and micronucleus assay in fish erythrocytes, and the metal pollution index (MPI) was calculated to assess the toxic element burden on fish. Water quality was evaluated using physicochemical parameters and faecal indicator bacteria, while sediment was analysed for the presence of pesticides. The concentration of metals and metalloids in fish muscle was monitored to assess the safety for human consumption, and the corresponding indices (MAC, THQ, HI) were calculated. All biomarker responses were linked by the integrated biomarker response (IBR). Water analyses indicated the absence of communal wastewater, while sediment analysis revealed the presence of paclobutrazol, bifenthrin, and cyfluthrin. The IBR showed that June and September had the highest stress indices, coinciding with peak pesticide use and precipitation. All indices confirmed the safety of black bullhead for human consumption. This study highlighted the uses of nature-based solutions to the problem of IAF.

Dragonflies (Odonata) as bioindicators of radioactivity

ABSTRACT Bioindicators are living organisms that are successfully used for monitoring changes in the environmental health due to natural and/or anthropogenic influences. Dragonflies (Odonata) are considered to be good indicators of water quality; however, research on dragonflies as potential indicators of radioactivity is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate dragonflies as potential biological indicators of ionising radiation in nature by measuring 137Cs activity concentrations in the dragonfly and river water samples. Altogether, 11 collective samples of dragonflies were collected from the bank of the Mura–Drava–Danube Biosphere Reserve, in the area of Virovitica–Podravina County. Following the initial sample preparation, the gamma spectrometry technique, employing an ORTEC HPGe detector system, was utilised to determine the activity concentrations of 137Cs. The results show that the activity concentrations of 137Cs in the river water were in the range from 4 to 13 Bq/m3. The results of dragonfly samples showed that 137Cs was in the range from 1.7 to 3 Bq/kg. This was more than a hundred times higher than in the river Drava water. According to the obtained results, we conclude that dragonflies could be used as potential bioindicators of radioactivity.

Impact of saflufenacil and glyphosate-based herbicides on the morphoanatomical and development of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae): new insights into a non-target tropical tree species.

The unregulated use and improper management of herbicides can cause negative effects on non-target species and promote changes in biological communities. Therefore, the current study is aimed at understanding morphoanatomical responses and effects on seedling development induced by the herbicides glyphosate and saflufenacil in Enterolobium contortisiliquum, a non-target tropical species. The plants were cultivated in a greenhouse and subjected to herbicides at doses of 0, 160, 480, and 1440g a.e ha-1 for glyphosate, and 0, 25, 50, and 100g a.i ha-1 for saflufenacil. We conducted visual and morphological assessments over 90days post-application. Leaf samples were collected 12days after the application for anatomical analysis, and we also performed a micromorphometric analysis of the leaf tissues. Biomarkers of phytotoxicity were identified in plants exposed to both herbicides, even at the lowest doses, including in leaves without visual symptoms. The main morphological alterations were the decrease in growth, stem diameter, and dry mass. Furthermore, the leaves and stems visually exhibited chlorosis and necrosis. Both herbicides triggered anatomical modifications such as significant changes (p < 0.05) in the thickness of leaf tissues, hypertrophy, cell collapse, and changes in epicuticular waxes. However, the alterations induced by glyphosate were more widespread compared to saflufenacil, encompassing alterations in the root system. We confirmed that the different mechanisms of action of each herbicide and the existence of an underground reserve system in this species are intrinsically linked to the morphological and developmental responses described. Our findings suggest that E. contortisiliquum could be a potential bioindicator species for these herbicides in the environment, even at concentrations lower than those typically recommended for field application.

The influence of temperature on oxygen uptake of red alga Hildenbrandia rivularis – the next step of the indicatory potential revision

Hildenbrandia rivularis belongs to the freshwater red algae and is cosmopolitan. In some European countries, this species is protected, e.g., in Poland, where it mainly inhabits highly oxygenated, fast-flowing ecosystems. This alga is often considered both a bioindicator of oligotrophic waters and a relatively rare species in Europe. However, the expansion and ecological tolerance of H. rivularis have increased over the last decades; thus, there is an urgent call to retest its environmental optima and significance for bioindicative potential. In this paper, H. rivularis from Welna River (Poland) growing on hard substrates was tested. In addition to genetic, microscopic, and physicochemical analyses, we also delivered for the first time the relationship between the transient temperature changes (15 – 45 °C, with 5 °C intervals) and oxygen uptake of H. rivularis (based on ex situ measurements of O2 consumption by thalli). Interestingly, for the eurythermal H. rivularis, at the lowest temperature (15 °C) treatment, the O2 uptake was undetectable, but the respiratory rate reached maximal velocity at the two highest temperatures (40 and 45 °C). Importantly, the respiration of this alga was relatively stable across temperature gradient 20 – 35 °C. This observation could explain why this species has been disappearing from colder waters of uplands and mountains and started to prefer warmer lowland water ecosystems. The further increase in global warming can significantly accelerate this tendency, thus causing a significant change in the H. rivularis distribution pattern known from the previous literature. Finally, our research sheds new light on the bioindicative potential of H. rivularis.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals contaminated mining sites of eastern india using soil and moss.

The blooming industrialization and urbanization is leading to increased mining operations. These intensified mining activities emit heavy metals into the environment, posing serious threats to ecosystems. Hence, this study focused on assessing heavy metal pollution in mining soil, utilizing mosses as bioindicators. The ecological risk, geo-accumulation factor, and contamination factor have been calculated to know the harmful effect of heavy metals on ecosystem. The study covered three distinct mining sites of eastern India within Odisha: Jajpur's Sukinda Valley (SP1, Cr), Keonjhar's Joda-Barbil (SP2, Fe and Mn), and Sundargarh's Koira-Joda (SP3, Fe). The collection of 48 soil samples through random sampling revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations. SP1 recorded Cr concentration of 6572 ± 445mg/kg and Ni of 8042.47 ± 501.38mg/kg, surpassing eco-toxicological levels. The storage site in SP2 exhibited the highest Fe concentration at 9872 ± 502mg/kg, and Mn levels in SP3 were at 7884 ± 432mg/kg. Storage areas in all three regions held the highest concentrations of heavy metals. Mosses in studied area demonstrated as potential bioindicators for monitoring heavy metal pollution. EF and Igeo assessments showed Cd, Pb, Hg, and other heavy metal contamination compared to earlier investigations. This study indicated higher ecological risks for Pb, As, Cu, Ni, and Zn. The Hyophila involuta accumulates Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Hg, while Barbula arcuata accumulates Mn, As, and Cu in SP1. Hyophila involuta and Trematodon longicollis accumulate Mn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Hg, and Zn in SP2. Trematodon ambiguous accumulates Cd, Fe, and Ni, while Fissidens diversifolius accumulates Mn, Cr, Hg, As, Cu, and Zn in SP3. These findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring heavy metal pollution in contaminated zones using moss as a potential bioindicator.

Report on high density population of a Cladoceran, Moina macrocopa and their gut microbes in anoxic sewage water: a potential bio-indicator of aquatic pollution

Report on high density population of a Cladoceran, Moina macrocopa and their gut microbes in anoxic sewage water: a potential bio-indicator of aquatic pollution

Which Fish Predators Can Tell Us the Most about Changes in the Ecosystem of the Pomeranian Bay in the Southwest Baltic Proper?

The results of our preliminary studies indicated that the diets of predatory fishes can be bioindicators of faunistic changes in ecosystems and indirectly of changes taking place in aquatic environments in the Pomeranian Bay. We examined the diet composition of top predators Gadus morhua, Sander lucioperca, Perca fluviatilis, and the mesopredator Neogobius melanostomus. The diet composition of the perch, pikeperch, and round goby in the Pomeranian Bay was analyzed for the first time. Our findings indicated that perch, an euryphagous species, is the best potential bioindicator because it is present in the area studied most of the year and has a low to moderate feeding index (FI). Baltic cod, also an euryphagous species, could be a good bioindicator in the areas where it is abundant and occurs frequently, but not in the Pomeranian Bay, where it is caught mainly in the fall. Round goby, which is present in the area studied and had a low FI, is a stenophagous species that preys mainly on benthic species, while pikeperch had a very high FI and the least number of prey species in its diet. The results of trophic interaction analysis among the predators analyzed and their non-native/invasive prey are also provided.

Wild birds as potential bioindicators of environmental antimicrobial resistance: A preliminary investigation

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an issue of global concern that includes human, animal, and environmental health. To tackle this phenomenon, a One Health approach is required through the involvement of all these interconnected elements. The environment poses challenges for investigation, but wildlife animals, not directly exposed to antibiotic treatments and interacting with their habitats, can serve as indicators of AMR contamination. Specifically, wild birds could play a significant role in dissemination of AMR, as they can acquire AMR bacteria from wildlife reservoirs and disperse them through environments. This study aims to assess the prevalence of AMR in commensal bacteria isolated from wild birds and their role as bioindicators of environmental AMR. A total of 73 birds belonging to various species were sampled in the Emilia-Romagna region with buccal, cloacal and feather samplings. The samples were cultured on selective media, colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF technology and antimicrobial susceptibility to different drugs was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method. The birds' data were statistically evaluated in relation to AMR percentages. In total, 117 bacterial strains were isolated, belonging to 23 genera and 46 different bacterial species. The highest non-susceptibility percentages were observed for tetracycline (12.2 %) and enrofloxacin (8.6 %) considering all bacterial isolates, as well as for oxacillin (46.8 %), clindamycin (29.3 %) and rifampicin (20.8 %), among Gram-positive isolates. In the statistical analysis, a higher AMR percentage was correlated with Gram-positive isolates from birds belonging to rural/urban habitat (p = 0.01). Among Gram-positives, a higher oxacillin non-susceptibility percentage was found to be associated with isolates from birds sampled in province of Bologna (p = 0.007), a higher enrofloxacin non-susceptibility percentage revealed an association with rural/urban habitat (p = 0.02), while a higher non-susceptibility percentage towards rifampicin resulted associated with isolates from migratory birds (p = 0.031). In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests a potential role of wild birds as bioindicators for monitoring AMR contamination in the environment.

Environmental drivers of mesozooplankton dynamics in the Munroe Island, adjacent to Ashtamudi Estuary, India.

The response of mesozooplankton is critical in assessing the health of an estuarine ecosystem. Reports on the spatial and temporal dynamics of mesozooplankton community in estuarine and backwaters of the Southern parts of India are scanty. In this scenario, we appraised the community structure of mesozooplankton and their spatio-temporal dynamics based on various multivariate statistical assessments. A total of 31 taxa were identified and the abundance was principally dominated by Copepoda followed by Luciferidae during three sampling seasons. The most abundant species were: Paracalanus parvus parvus, Pseudodiaptomus aurivillii, Temora stylifera, and Pseudodiaptomus serricaudatus. Canonical correspondence analysis and Spearman's correlation coefficients underlined that salinity, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a (Chl-a), and nutrients were the principal environmental variables strongly linked with mesozooplankton dynamics in Munroe Island. The highest abundance of mesozooplankton was recorded in MoN (monsoon), followed by PrM (pre-monsoon), and PoM (post-monsoon). Hierarchical clustering confirmed that the grouping of sampling stations is based on the estuarine and freshwater influences on mesozooplankton abundance. During the entire investigation, various ecological indices were observed in good condition. Moreover, the optimum environmental conditions during the PoM season are marked with the highest indices values. Overall, multivariate investigations undoubtedly proved the suitability of mesozooplankton communities as potential bioindicators for spatial and seasonal ecological assessments. Our investigation emphasizes the high assemblages of mesozooplankton and their responses to various environmental variables and highlights the significance of long-term ecological monitoring in a threatened ecosystem like Munroe Island.

Understanding the effects of lithium exposure on castor bean (Ricinus communis) plants, a potential bioindicator of lithium-contaminated areas.

As lithium (Li) stands out as a crucial component of batteries, the inappropriate disposal of electronic gadgets might drive Li pollution in environmentally sensitive environments, such as dumps, where castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant communities are usually found. The exposure to high Li concentration is potentially harmful to the environment and humans. Therefore, it is opportune to evaluate the potential of bioindicator species to monitor Li contamination. In this scenario, the present study assessed the effects of Li exposure on the development of castor bean plants exposed to lithium chloride at five Li dosages (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30mgdm-3). Significant symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed at all doses. Li dosage exhibited increasing impairment effects on plant biometrics, such as stem diameter and the number of leaves, as well as on the SPAD index, nutritional balance, and biomass production. Our findings suggest castor bean as a potential model species for biomonitoring Li-contaminated areas.

Protozoan communities serve as a strong indicator of water quality in the Nile River

The relationship between the protozoan communities and environmental variables was studied in the Nile River to evaluate their potential as water quality indicators. Protozoans were sampled monthly at six sampling sites in the Nile's Damietta Branch across a spatial gradient of environmental conditions during a 1-year cycle (February 2016–January 2017). The Protozoa community was comprised of 54 species belonging to six main heterotrophic Protozoa phyla. The abundance (average, 1089 ± 576.18 individuals L−1) and biomass (average, 86.60 ± 106.13 μg L−1) were comparable between sites. Ciliates comprised the majority of protozoan species richness (30 species), abundance (79.72%), and biomass (82.90%). Cluster analysis resulted in the distribution of protozoan species into three groups, with the most dominant species being the omnivorous ciliate Paradileptus elephantinus. Aluminium, fluoride, and turbidity negatively affected abundance and biomass, while dissolved oxygen and potassium positively impacted biomass. Of the dominant species recorded over the study area, the amoebozoa Centropyxis aculeata was associated with runoff variables, while the bacterivorous ciliates Colpidium colpoda, Glaucoma scintillans, and Vorticella convallaria were related to the abundance of heterotrophic bacteria, phytoplankton biomass, and total organic carbon. Total dissolved salts, PO4, NH3, NO2, dissolved oxygen, and total organic carbon were the strongest causative factors for protozoa distribution. The α-Mesosaprobic environment at site VI confirmed a high load of agricultural runoffs compared to other sites. This study demonstrates that protozoans can be a potential bioindicator of water quality status in this subtropical freshwater river system.

Bioindication potentials of the grass stand and soil macrofauna for assessing the level of anthropogenic transformation of an urban park are complementary

Changes in the environment induced by anthropogenic impact or natural stressors are subject to bioindication. Most often, the anthropogenic stressors are the main object of bioindication research. Hemeroby and naturalness are considered as indicators of the level of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems. Hemeroby is frequently used to assess disturbances in different types of vegetation. However, this concept has rarely been used to assess the impact on animals. According to the method of indicator values, species richness of a community is a marker of bioindication potential. The article compares the patterns of response of species richness of soil macrofauna and herbaceous cover communities in a city park, taking into account gradients of environmental factors, naturalness, and hemeroby. Within the study area, test plots were located. Soil macrofauna samples were taken at 105 points in each of the test sites, and soil hardness, electrical conductivity and soil temperature, litter height, and grass cover height were also measured. A geobotanical description of the vegetation cover was made within each plot. In the survey plots, 7.6 ± 3.0 plant species were found in the herbaceous layer. In soil samples, 6.8 ± 2.9 species of macrofauna were found. With an increase in the number of plant species in the herbaceous layer, the number of soil macrofauna species showed a downward trend. An increase in the number of soil macrofauna species is accompanied by a decrease in both naturalness and hemeroby of the plant community. The naturalness index does not depend on the number of plant species, but the largest number of plant species was observed under conditions of naturalness level from 0 to 1. With an increase in hemeroby, the number of plant species increases, although this relationship also has a nonlinear component. The largest number of plant species is observed at hemeroby levels from 45 to 65. Environmental factors and indicators of hemeroby and naturalness were able to explain 27% of the variation in the number of soil macrofauna species. Humidity regime and continentality did not affect the number of species. Increased variability in moisture conditions, carbonate content, and indicators of frost and cryoclimate contributed to an increase in the number of invertebrate species. Increases in acidity, mineral salts, nitrates, and soil aeration had a negative impact on the number of soil macrofauna species. Soil properties were able to explain 21% of the variation in the number of soil macrofauna species. Environmental factors and indicators of hemeroby and naturalness were able to explain 72% of the variation in the number of herbaceous plant species. Increases in moisture, acidity, mineralization, thermocline, and cryoclimate indicators had a negative impact on the number of plant species. Biological indicators can be used to assess complex environmental factors that are difficult to measure using instrumental methods. Bioindicators are also used to assess the level of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems. The key concepts for solving this problem are the naturalness and hemeroby of plant communities, which are used as markers of ecosystem disturbance in general. Vegetation cover as a source of bioindication information can provide a biased assessment of the level of anthropogenic transformation due to its greater sensitivity to certain types of anthropogenic pressure. The potential of soil animals as a source of information on the level of anthropogenic transformation in the urban environment is quite significant. Species richness is a marker of the potential ability of a plant or animal community to provide reliable bioindication information. The bioindication complementarity of animal and plant communities is that the highest species richness of soil macrofauna is observed at a relatively low level of species richness of plant communities. Therefore, soil macrofauna can complement and clarify estimates of the level of anthropogenic transformation made using plant communities or can be an independent source of information for such estimates.

Corticolous Lichen Communities and Their Bioindication Potential in an Urban and Peri-Urban Ecosystem in the Central Region of Colombia

Corticolous Lichen Communities and Their Bioindication Potential in an Urban and Peri-Urban Ecosystem in the Central Region of Colombia

Metal concentrations in echinoderms: Assessing bioindicator potential and ecological implications

This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in five echinoderm species: Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori, Arbacia lixula, Coscinasterias tenuispina, Ophioderma longicaudum, and Antedon bifida. Given their ecological significance and potential as a food source, understanding the presence and transfer of heavy metals in these species is crucial. Sampling was conducted in 2022 in Canary Islands. Analysis using ICP-OES revealed concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Fe in mg/kg. The results showed a consistent sequence of metals across all species, with Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd. Holothurians exhibiting the highest levels, followed by sea urchins. Starfish and brittle stars showed similar, lower concentrations, while crinoids exhibited the lowest levels, consistent with their filter-feeding behavior. The findings highlight the potential of holothurians as bioindicators for environmental pollutants. Understanding the role of these echinoderms as bioindicators is essential for assessing ecosystem health and informing conservation efforts in subtropical marine environments.