Biotic Elements Research Articles

Assessment of Water Status, Bottom Sediments, Macrophytes in the Light of Index Analysis and Geochemical Parameters of Selected Dam Reservoirs of Kielce Upland (Poland)

Concentrations of trace elements such as Cr, Zn, Cd, Co, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Fe were investigated in water, bottom sediments, and macrophytes (Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia L.) collected from the Borków, Wilków, and Rejów water reservoirs in the Kielce Upland (Poland). The main objective of this study was to investigate the condition of water, bottom sediments, and macrophytes in selected three sedimentary basins of the Kielce Upland and to identify natural and anthropogenic factors influencing this condition. The secondary objectives were (i) to determine the contents of trace metals in water, bottom sediments, and macrophytes, (ii) to assess the quality of abiotic and biotic elements of the ecosystem based on selected criteria, (iii) to compare reservoirs in terms of pollution, and (iv) to determine the ability of macrophytes to be used as a bioindicator of water/sediment pollution. Field tests were conducted in 2021. The trace metals in water were determined by ETAAS (Cr, Cd, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb) and FAAS (Zn), and spectrophotometry method (Fe). The trace metals in sediments and macrophytes, including Cr, Zn, Cd, Co, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Fe, were detected using ICP-OES method. Contamination of bottom sediments with potentially toxic metals was determined based on the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollutant load index (PLI). Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistica PL 13.1. The analyses showed that the accumulation of trace elements in the surface layer of the reservoir sediments increases as follows: in Borków, Cd < Co < Ni < Cu < Pb < Cr < Zn < Mn < Fe; in Wilków, Cd < Co < Cu < Ni < Pb < Cr < Zn < Mn < Fe; and in Rejow, Cd < Co = Cu = Ni = Pb < Zn < Cr < Mn < Fe. It was shown that the average distribution of metals in the bottom sediments of the studied reservoirs was as follows: Borków > Wilków > Rejów. Research has shown that the degree of trace metal accumulation increases as follows: water < sediments < macrophytes (except Pb from the reservoir in Borków).

Optimizing phosphate application to improve soil quality and reduce phosphorus loss in rice-wheat rotation

How to determine the optimal dosage of phosphorus (P) fertilizer input for an agricultural field is important to maintain soil quality and crop production while minimizing environmental impact. In this study, we set up a 5-year rice-wheat rotation with contrasting P fertilization treatments (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 kg P2O5 ha−1, hereafter, P0, P25, P50, P75, P100, and P150, respectively) per season to explore the relationship between the amount of P input and crop yield, P use efficiency (PUE), balance of P accumulation and loss, ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), and soil quality. Our results indicate that increased P amounts significantly boosted rice and wheat production of both straw and grain, but the tendency slowed down when the input was over 75 kg P2O5 ha−1. The PUE declined with increased P input and soil P balance of 50 kg P2O5 ha−1 for wheat and 100 kg P2O5 ha−1 for rice. Runoff emerges as the main pathway for soil P loss and escalates with higher P application rates. We emphasize increasing ridge height and controlling water input for basal fertilizer to minimize P loss. The application of P fertilizer increased the soil P pool, with labile P (L-P) and moderately labile P (M-P) increasing by 13–114 % and 23–111 %, respectively, compared to P0. The transformation of M-P to L-P in paddy soil is associated with an increased abundance of Actinobacteria. Low P applications (P25 and P50) increased EMF by 3.27 and 3.58 times, while high P applications (P75, P100, and P150) decreased EMF. Furthermore, P application significantly improved the soil quality index (SQI) compared to P0. The impact of abiotic factors on yield and P loss is more significant than that of biotic elements, with the SQI serving as a dependable indicator for predicting yield. Central to minimizing P loss while maximizing yield is the reduction of Resin-P content and the maintenance of NaOH-Pi levels, suggesting that organic materials may be a good alternative strategy. These findings provide valuable data and theoretical support for optimizing P application in rice-wheat cropping systems, promoting a mutually beneficial scenario for agricultural production and ecological protection.

Evolving Synergy Between Synthetic and Biotic Elements in Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Bacteria Composite Improves Charge Transport and Mechanical Properties.

gLiving materials can achieve unprecedented function by combining synthetic materials with the wide range of cellular functions. Of interest are situations where the critical properties of individual abiotic and biotic elements improve via their combination. For example, integrating electroactive bacteria into conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) hydrogels increases biocurrent production. One observes more efficient electrical charge transport within the CPE matrix in the presence of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and more current per cell is extracted, compared to traditional biofilms. Here, the origin of these synergistic effects are examined. Transcriptomics reveals that genes in S. oneidensis MR-1 related to bacteriophages and energy metabolism are upregulated in the composite material. Fluorescent staining and rheological measurements before and after enzymatic treatment identified the importance of extracellular biomaterials in increasing matrix cohesion. The synergy between CPE and S. oneidensis MR-1 thus arises from initially unanticipated changes in matrix composition and bacteria adaption within the synthetic environment.

Boundary of ecosystem services: Differentiating between ecosystem services and geosystem services is needed

Geosystem services (GSs) and ecosystem services (ESs) are interconnected, both representing nature's contributions to people. Whether GSs are a subset of ESs depends on the definition of ESs. The answer would be “not necessarily” (i.e., some GSs are, while other GSs are not), if ESs are the benefits humans derive from ecological functions, processes, or characteristics. The boundary proposed by Chen et al. (2023) to differentiate ESs from other ecosystem-related benefits adopted this definition, and suggested that ESs are renewable and affected by biotic elements to occur. Gray et al. (2024) criticized this boundary for separating out bits of nature and ignoring the contributions of GSs and abiotic elements to ESs and human wellbeing. In fact, highlighting that ESs are affected by biotic elements to occur does not deny that ESs' occurrence is also affected by abiotic elements. However, ESs' dependence on abiotic elements cannot be a criterion to differentiate ESs from other benefits because abiotic elements are integral to geosystems, ecosystems, and many other natural and artificial systems, as well as to these systems' services. Conversely, while geosystems might persist without biotic elements, ecosystems cannot. Chen et al. (2023) only excluded those (not the whole) abiotic benefits, such as wind energy, that may occur independently of biotic elements, while allowing for integrating certain GSs into ESs. For example, geological structures can offer flood protection and water storage as GSs, which can also be classified as ESs when their qualities or quantities are affected by biotic elements. Differentiation between GSs and ESs should not be misinterpreted as splitting their interconnections or undervaluing or dividing nature. Instead, such differentiation and classification of nature's benefits serve to facilitate communication, management, education, research, and policy-making associated with nature's benefits, while also highlighting the richness and diversity of nature's benefits.

Habitat quality on the edge of anthropogenic pressures: Predicting the impact of land use changes in the Brazilian Upper Paraguay river Basin

Landscape changes driven by anthropogenic activities often have negative impacts on ecosystems, jeopardizing the provision of vital services that sustain biotic elements and wildlife. Predicting the effects of such transformations is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate ecological damage. This study explores the interaction of land use changes and habitat quality estimates in the Upper Paraguay River Basin in Brazil, using the InVEST Habitat Quality model to estimate spatiotemporal landscape trends and evaluate the potential impact of land use policies for the future. Under a business-as-usual scenario by 2050, potential land use changes are simulated for shaping habitat quality, habitat degradation, and habitat rarity estimates as landscape proxies for biodiversity conservation. Results show an extensive expansion of pastures through deforestation, leading to progressive habitat degradation with a significant decay in the predicted and observed habitat quality. The habitat quality index estimates show a spatial decrease from 0.78 to 0.57 for the 1989–2050 period. The same trend is observed in protected areas for the period 2019–2050, with an increase of anthropogenic land use and a decrease of the habitat quality from 0.80 to 0.57 in conservation units, and from 0.75 to 0.53 in indigenous lands. For improved conservation outcomes, this work introduces new insights for shaping environmental actions that can be flagged as sustainable land management practices and ecological perspectives towards spatial pressures at different scales. Therefore, government institutions responsible for the protection of conservation units and indigenous communities can be informed about potential land use impacts on their territories. The findings suggest that incorporating additional scenario trends and climate-related variables could be a valuable direction for future studies to extend further the modelling approaches explored in this work.

Landscape Analysis and Coastal Planning: Ría de Arosa (Pontevedra, Spain)

Coastal areas are fundamental enclaves for economic and recreational development, attracting a large population worldwide. However, these factors have generated significant pressure on the coastal landscape, requiring territorial management strategies to protect and control its degradation. The coastal landscape, composed of abiotic and biotic elements, plays a crucial role in human wellbeing and the conservation of the natural environment. This study focuses on the southeast area of the Ría de Arosa, on the western coast of Galicia, known for its unique geomorphological features such as estuaries. The main objective is to generate high-resolution thematic maps for territorial planning and conservation of the natural and cultural landscape. Using methodologies based on geographic information systems, various factors of the natural environment will be analyzed to obtain objective results, presenting cartography of landscape units, along with quality and fragility landscape maps. In addition, active strategies are proposed such as multiple land uses or the development of geotourism to preserve, exploit, and manage the landscape better. This work contributes to better understanding the vulnerability of the coastal landscape and provides practical tools for its sustainable management in a context of accelerated global change.

Late Cretaceous-Early Palaeocene Lepisosteiform and Siluriform fish remains from Central India: palaeoecological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeobiogeographical implications

Late Cretaceous-Early Palaeocene geo-climatic events played an important role in the diversification of the modern ichthyofauna. Lepisosteiformes and Siluriformes are two diverse clades of freshwater fishes, poorly known from India in this time interval. Their fossil record documents their early diversification and can be used to reconstruct palaeobiogeographic relationships among the continental masses during the Late Mesozoic. Indeed, the Cretaceous-Palaeocene is an exceptional time span for the Indian plate as it underwent a primary spatial reorganisation and remarkable geologic and climatic changes with extensive outpouring of the Deccan basaltic magma. Field investigation in a Deccan sedimentary sequence at Kisalpuri, Central India has yielded new, rich, and taxonomically important fossil material of Lepisosteiformes (Lepisosteus indicus, Lepisosteidae) and Siluriformes (Siluriformes indet.), which significantly improves their Cretaceous-Palaeocene fossil record from the Indian subcontinent. These fish lived in freshwater environments such as large rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Their presence along with other aquatic biotic elements suggests that the Kisalpuri was an abundant aquatic ecosystem rich in nutrients, which attracted a diverse range of organisms to live together with fish. Biostratigraphically, these fishes first emerged in the Late Cretaceous-Early Palaeocene on the Indian subcontinent, and later, they spread to other parts of subcontinent throughout the Cenozoic. Their earliest intra-continental distribution was controlled by the palaeodrainage network influenced by the volcanic flows of the Deccan traps. Their inter-continental palaeobiogeographic distribution was broadly controlled by the sequential break-up of Pangaea. There appear to be close palaeobiogeographic linkages between South America and India during the Cretaceous-Palaeocene era based on the similarity between the Lepisosteiformes and Siluriformes remnants from India and those reported from the Upper Cretaceous of the Bauru Group, Brazil.

Divergent behaviour of soil nutrients imprinted by different land management practices in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China

Soil nutrients are essentially regulated by land management practices via modulating biotic element input and metabolism. The Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China was dominated by a farming landscape, but land management has become diversified over recent decades. How these restorative management practices may have affected soil nutrients is not completely understood. In this study, a space-time substitution approach was applied to evaluate soil nutrients and their stoichiometric changes in response to post-farming land management practices. Soil samples (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–40 cm) were collected from present-day croplands, cypress plantations, eucalyptus plantations, abandoned croplands, and citrus plantations. Soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus were determined. The results showed that soil organic matter and total nitrogen in abandoned croplands, cypress plantations, eucalyptus plantations and citrus plantations were increased by 186% and 190%, 184% and 107%, 45% and 33%, 45% and 54%, respectively, in comparison with those of present-day croplands. Soil nutrients except for total phosphorus decreased with soil depth by exclusion of tillage mixing. Comprehensive soil nutrient index showed that abandoned croplands (0.90) and cypress plantations (0.72) exhibited favorable nutrient recovery capacity. Soil C:P and N:P ratios increased in abandoned croplands, cypress plantations, and eucalyptus plantations. Phosphorus may become a limiting factor for plant growth with prolonged recovery in abandoned croplands, cypress plantations, and eucalyptus plantations, while soil organic matter and total nitrogen deficiencies were exacerbated in citrus plantations and present-day croplands. Therefore, cropland abandonment and reforestation (particularly cypress trees plantation) are recommended options for restoring soil nutrients in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.

Avian Diversity in and around Wetland of National Importance ‘Pariyej Community Reservoir’, Gujarat, India

The Pariyej Community Reservoir (PCR) is a freshwater reservoir in the Kheda district of Gujarat State, India. The PCR is also listed in Asian Directory of Wetlands. It is an important water storage reservoir; falls in the 4-B Gujarat Rajwara region of Central Gujarat, India. The present study was carried out for the period of one year (March, 2021 to February, 2022) to assess the status of avian diversity in terms of its species richness, abundance, and density. 116 bird species from 20 orders, 51 families, and 100 genera were documented. 75 species (64.4%) were resident, whereas 41 (35.3%) were migratory or seasonal. With respect to abundance, 41species (35.34%) were abundant, 39 species (33.6%) common, and 36 rare species (31.0%). The maximum total abundance (1707 individuals) was found at Site 1 in winter season with mean abundance of 427 individuals, total density (114 individuals/sq.km)and mean density (29 individuals/sq.km). The minimum total abundance (288 individuals) was recorded at Site2 in monsoon season with mean abundance of 72 individuals, total density (19individuals/sq.km) and mean density (5 individuals/sq.km).The present investigation reflects the good species richness of avian specieswith respect to order: family: genera: species ratioi.e., 1: 2.55: 5.0: 5.8. This indicates the flourishing harboring capability of PCR during peak winter period, which could be due to sustenance of rich biotic elements. The PCR has been declared as Sanctum sanctorumfor the refuge of migratory as well as local migrant birds, which is proved to be a wetland of national importance.

Niche conservatism and convergence in birds of three cenocrons in the Mexican Transition Zone.

The niche conservatism hypothesis postulates that physiological and phylogenetic factors constrain species distributions, creating richness hotspots with older lineages in ancestral climatic conditions. Conversely, niche convergence occurs when species successfully disperse to novel environments, diversifying and resulting in areas with high phylogenetic clustering and endemism, low diversity, and lower clade age. The Mexican Transition Zone exhibits both patterns as its biotic assembly resulted from successive dispersal events of different biotic elements called cenocrons. We test the hypothesis that biogeographic transitionallity in the area is a product of niche conservatism in the Nearctic and Typical Neotropical cenocrons and niche convergence in the Mountain Mesoamerican cenocron. We split the avifauna into three species sets representing cenocrons (sets of taxa that share the same biogeographic history, constituting an identifiable subset within a biota by their common biotic origin and evolutionary history). Then, we correlated richness, endemism, phylogenetic diversity, number of nodes, and crowning age with environmental and topographic variables. These correlations were then compared with the predictions of niche conservatism versus niche convergence. We also detected areas of higher species density in environmental space and interpreted them as an environmental transition zone where birds' niches converge. Our findings support the expected predictions on how niches evolved. Nearctic and Typical Neotropical species behaved as predicted by niche conservatism, whereas Mountain Mesoamerican species and the total of species correlations indicated niche convergence. We also detected distinct ecological and evolutionary characteristics of the cenocrons on a macroecological scale and the environmental conditions where the three cenocrons overlap in the Mesoamerican region.

“Bats are part of us”: The role of bats in shaping community identity in Watansoppeng city, Indonesia

The study of the relationship between biotic elements and communities within the literature of urban identity in the context of urban planning and design is presently constrained. This research aimed to elucidate the role of biotic elements in community identity through an investigation into the case of bats in the city center. Various data collection methods were employed, encompassing documentation (including the scrutiny of texts and images), observation, and interviews. The research concentrated on the city of Watansoppeng, Indonesia, conducting semi-informal interviews with purposively selected residents, such as cultural leaders, academics, and officials from pertinent institutions. The research variables comprised history, collective memory, and culture, and the analysis adopted a biocultural approach. Digital qualitative analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti 23 software. The findings underscored the significant role played by bats in shaping community identity in Watansoppeng. These nocturnal creatures contribute substantially to the development of the community's historical narrative across generations, including the emergence of myths associating them with signaling impending disasters in the city. Moreover, bats function as custodians of the collective memory of the community, serving as reminders of the glory of the Soppeng Kingdom and the greatness of their First King. The interaction between bats and the community is also reflected in various cultural expressions, spanning language and linguistics, literature, cultural materials, science and technology, economic relations, social interactions, and belief systems.

Fishes of the upper rio Paraná basin: diversity, biogeography and conservation

Abstract The upper rio Paraná basin drains the most developed and environmentally degraded region in South America: the Brazilian southeast. While it is one of the most well-known Neotropical fish assemblages, it is also one of the most threatened by anthropic activity. Urbanization, deforestation, dam construction, invasive species, and water pollution not only reduce the living area of species but also alter our perception of the basin and its biotic elements. Such changes are so profound and pervasive that raise uncertainties about the native or non-native status of several species. This paper aims to offer a detailed picture of the native diversity and historical biogeography of the fishes in the upper rio Paraná basin, which we hope will offer a solid foundation for future conservation policies. We update the list of native species, analyze geographical distributions, and identify biogeographical patterns, emphasizing areas requiring recognition as distinct biotas for conservation efforts. Over the past 15 years, more than 100 additional species have been described or recorded, expanding the total to 341 native species belonging to six orders and 30 families, making it the richest river basin in Brazil outside the Amazonian region. Unlike most neotropical basins where Characidae dominates, loricariids make up nearly one-fourth of the total fish diversity in the region. Species and clades concentrate in the central basin, while endemics are confined to peripheral areas due to the complex biogeographical history shared with neighboring basins. Eighteen distinct biogeographical regions are identified, discussing their composition, histories, and conservation implications. The upper rio Paraná basin has 10% of its fish fauna ranked as endangered and present 128 non-native species, including three hybrids. This places it as the major drainage with the largest number of endangered taxa in the neotropics and at the same time the one with the most numerous non-native elements. Existing protected areas are deemed ineffective in preserving diverse assemblages and fail to safeguard the majority of threatened and narrowly-endemic species.

Seasonal Variations in Ostracod Community Structure and Physicochemical Parameters in Khanki Headworks, Pakistan

Protozoans, rotifers, ostracods and copepods are principal groups of zooplanktons. These organisms are crucial biotic elements, and impact all functional features of aquatic ecosystems. Objective: To assess the impacts of environmental variables on the abundance, biodiversity and seasonal distribution of ostracods in Khanki Headworks, Pakistan. To evaluate the contribution of ostracods as bio-monitors of contamination in freshwater ecosystems. Methods: Month wise separate water samples were taken for different environmental variables from four sampling sites (each with 3 sub-sites), for study period of one year (February 2021 to January 2022), whereas, samples of microcrustaceans (ostracods) were collected with planktonic net (mesh size: 37µm). Results: In total, 5 species of ostracods, associated to 4 genera and 2 families were identified from February 2021 to January 2022. Heterocypris incongruence was the most abundant species, whereas, Dolerocypris sinensis was noted as least abundant species. Ostracods abundance and biodiversity were monitored highest in June and minimum in the month of January. Results of Pearson correlation showed that physicochemical parameters, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and pH have positive effects on the density and diversity of ostracods. In contrast, dissolved oxygen (DO) showed negative relationship with the abundance and diversity of planktonic ostracods. These findings were further validated by Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Conclusions: This investigation revealed that physicochemical parameters generally govern the population dynamics of ostracods.

Quantitative Assessment of Macrophytes Diversity and their Status in Wetlands of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh (India)

The most significant and taxonomically varied biotic element in every aquatic environment is aquatic macrophytes. They play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem's structure and functionality. Additionally serving as bioindicators of the general health of a water body are macrophyte kinds, variety, density, and depth. In present study, the quantitative diversity of aquatic macrophytes was assessed from different wetlands of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya which is a central university and holds four important water bodies in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh state, India. A total of 33 aquatic macrophytes species were identified belonging to 21 families from wetlands of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya. These macrophytes were grouped as floating, submerged and emergent mainly dominated by emergent macrophyte species followed by floating and submerged i.e., 23, 8 and 2 species respectively. The highest species diversity was observed in Pond 1 and 4 with 26 species each and highest species richness was observed in Pond 4 with 158 individual counts, the highest IVI was achieved by emergent Ipomoea carnea (16.492) and the highest occurring family was found to be Cyperaceae (12.12% of total species). Other diversity indices were calculated as 3.451, 0.042, 33 and 0.946 for Shannon-Wiener Index (H’), Simpson's Index (D), Species Richness (R), and Evenness (E) respectively. However, for the conservation and sustainable utilization of aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to understand the status and importance of macrophytes to the ecosystem and its functioning.

In search of generality: Revised distribution data and regionalization of Cerrado endemic tetrapods

AbstractAimTo search for a general regionalization pattern using verified records of endemic terrestrial vertebrates. To test previous hypotheses of congruent distribution patterns for Cerrado biotas. To study the role of elevation as a driver of endemism and distribution in the Cerrado region.LocationCerrado domain, central South America.TaxonTetrapoda.MethodsWe used a species occurrence matrix to implement a biotic element (BE) analysis to test for non‐random spatial congruence of raw distributions of Cerrado endemic amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We implemented a Kruskal–Wallis test on elevational records to classify species as occurring predominantly in plateaus or depressions, and to classify all delimited BEs in such categories.ResultsWe compiled and revised 13,800 unique distribution records of 340 Cerrado endemic tetrapods and detected a significant, non‐random co‐distribution pattern formed by 29 BEscomprising 182 species, corroborating the first general prediction of the vicariant model. Most BEs were composed of at least three vertebrate groups, reflecting general tetrapod endemism patterns. Congeneric species were segregated among different BEs, corroborating the second prediction of the vicariant model. Our regionalization scheme was broadly congruent with previous results and revealed three previously undetected areas. Most (89%) partial or restricted BEs are clearly segregated in elevation, and we recognized 14 ‘Plateau units’ and 12 ‘Depression units’.Main ConclusionsOur results support an emergent consensual biotic regionalization pattern in the Cerrado. We also revealed three novel regions and complex biogeographical patterns. The clear altitudinal segregation among BEs validates previous hypotheses on the role of geomorphological changes in shaping Cerrado and Neotropical endemism patterns. Our recovered units should serve as a template for the description of new taxa, for delimiting poorly studied ranges, and for guiding urgent conservation action in the richest and most imperilled tropical savanna in the globe.

“Bats are our identity”: the role of bats as urban identity in Watansoppeng city, Indonesia

ABSTRACTThe study of urban identity in urban planning and design literature often pays attention to architectural elements and geographical landscapes. These components are considered features that make a city easy to remember and distinguish it from others, but biotic elements also have the potential to form these identities. Reports showed that these elements are not maintained in urban regeneration projects. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the role of biotic elements as urban identity, with the case of bats in Watansoppeng. Data were collected using interviews, observation, and documentation. They were then analyzed qualitatively with the directed content analysis method using the ATLAS.ti 22 software. The results showed the significant role of bats as a form of urban identity through visual, behavioural, and cerebral components. Another role was found through the cosmological component of the community. Bats are not only the city’s uniqueness but have also become an élan vital.

Influence of Elevation and Anthropogenic Disturbance on Woody Species Composition, Diversity, and Stand Structure in Harego Mountain Forest, Northeastern Ethiopia

Environmental variables like elevation affect species composition, diversity, distribution, density, and horizontal and upward growth. Ecologists are constantly working to better understand how species diversity varies along elevational gradients, particularly in mountainous ecosystems. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to examine the species’ horizontal and vertical structural diversity along the Harego Mountain Forest’s elevational gradient. The area was categorized into lower, middle, and upper elevations. A total of 67 (20 m × 20 m) plots were created along gradients of elevation 2,079–2,516 meters above sea level (m a.s.l.). Information for floristic composition, diversity, stand structure, and environmental variables were measured and recorded for each plot over the three elevational gradients. Data on anthropogenic disturbances were visually evaluated for every plot in every gradient of elevation. For the diversity analysis, Hill’s diversity statistics were employed. To find significant variations between the three elevational gradients in terms of Hill’s diversity number, stand structure, and environmental variables, the one-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 26 at the 0.05 level of significance was carried out. The finding revealed that 50 woody plants that belonged to 35 families and 44 genera in the 67 sample plots with an elevation of 2,079 to 2,516 were identified. Shrubs were dominant in each elevational gradient. Species richness, abundance, and Hill’s diversity number were all significantly ( p < 0.05 ) greater in the upper elevational gradient of the forest. On the other hand, all stand structures were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher in the middle elevational gradient. The effect of anthropogenic disturbances and environmental variables were clearly observed in the lower and upper elevational gradients than in the middle elevation. As a result, there were fewer seedlings, saplings, trees, and shrubs in the gradients of lower and higher elevations. For the conservation of the forest, it is crucial to pay special attention to biotic elements at lower elevations and abiotic factors at higher elevations. Accordingly, involving the local community in forest management, reducing anthropogenic pressure in and around the Harego Mountain Forest through tree planting in farmlands and woodlots and implementing physical soil and water conservation structures are recommended.

Empirical testing of cryoconite granulation: Role of cyanobacteria in the formation of key biogenic structure darkening glaciers in polar regions.

Cryoconite, the dark sediment on the surface of glaciers, often aggregates into oval or irregular granules serving as biogeochemical factories. They reduce a glacier's albedo, act as biodiversity hotspots by supporting aerobic and anaerobic microbial communities, constitute one of the organic matter (OM) sources on glaciers, and are a feeder for micrometazoans. Although cryoconite granules have multiple roles on glaciers, their formation is poorly understood. Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous and abundant engineers of cryoconite hole ecosystems. This study tested whether cyanobacteria may be responsible for cryoconite granulation as a sole biotic element. Incubation of Greenlandic, Svalbard, and Scandinavian cyanobacteria in different nutrient availabilities and substrata for growth (distilled water alone and water with quartz powder, furnaced cryoconite without OM, or powdered rocks from glacial catchment) revealed that cyanobacteria bind mineral particles into granules. The structures formed in the experiment resembled those commonly observed in natural cryoconite holes: they contained numerous cyanobacterial filaments protruding from aggregated mineral particles. Moreover, all examined strains were confirmed to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which suggests that cryoconite granulation is most likely due to EPS secretion by gliding cyanobacteria. In the presence of water as the only substrate for growth, cyanobacteria formed mostly carpet-like mats. Our data empirically prove that EPS-producing oscillatorialean cyanobacteria isolated from the diverse community of cryoconite microorganisms can form granules from mineral substrate and that the presence of the mineral substrate increases the probability of the formation of these important and complex biogeochemical microstructures on glaciers.

Coffea liberica leaf and tree architecture model of confusing accession in Poncokusumo, Malang District, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Wafaretta E, Jatmiko YD, Sunarharum WB, Hakim L. 2023. Coffea liberica leaf and tree architecture model of confusing accession in Poncokusumo, Malang District, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3073-3080. Some Coffea liberica W.Bull varieties appear in the same garden with the same planting pattern in the Poncokusumo. This could be due to differences in tree architecture from one accession to another. This research aims to identify the architectural and morphological characteristics of C. liberica stems and leaves and determine differences in coffee variety accession through morphological differences in C. liberica plants and leaf architecture. The research was conducted from July 2021 to August 2022 in the C. liberica plantation in Poncokusumo Sub-district, Malang District, East Java, Indonesia. The research sample consisted of four C. liberica trees from each accession and was carried out in four stages: observation, data/image recording, measurement, and data analysis. This research found: each accession has a different plant architecture model and a different branching model; three accessions appear to have different leaf morphological characters, namely margin type, apex angle, and base angle; dendrogram and PCoA results show that each accession has significant differences. Further research at the genetic level and the effect of abiotic or biotic elements on the growth and development of this coffee tree is necessary to enlighten the C. liberica variety's high potential for the growth of this coffee production in the local community.

Accelerated recovery of lake macroinvertebrates in the third decade since the reversal of acidification

Chemical reversal from acidification has been progressing in European freshwaters since the late 1980s, responding to successful control of atmospheric pollution by acidifying emissions. However, biological recovery is often delayed after improvements in water composition. We studied macroinvertebrate recovery from acidification in eight glacial lakes in the Bohemian Forest (central Europe) between 1999 and 2019. The chemical composition of these lakes reflects a complex of environmental changes, dominated by a very steep decline in acid deposition and, currently, by elevated nutrient leaching following climate-induced tree dieback within their catchments. Temporal trends in species richness, abundance, species traits and community composition were evaluated with regard to water chemistry, littoral habitat properties and fish colonisation. The results showed accelerated recovery of macroinvertebrates following two decades of gradual improvement in water composition and slowly progressing biological rehabilitation. We observed a significant increase in macroinvertebrate species richness and abundance, coupled with distinct changes in community composition, the extent of changes varying between lakes, reflecting different littoral habitat properties (vegetated vs. stony) and water chemistry. Overall, the communities shifted toward more specialised (grazers, filterers, and phytophilous species) and acid-tolerant taxa at the expense of detritivorous, eurytopic and acid-resistant taxa. Where fish reappeared, open-water taxa declined greatly. Compositional changes were likely driven by the combined effects of water chemistry reversal, rehabilitation of habitat conditions and fish colonisation. Despite favourable trends, communities in recovering lakes still lack several biotic elements, particularly less vagile, acid-sensitive taxa and specialised herbivores known from the regional species pool. It is expected that future progress in lake recovery will be further promoted or inhibited by stochastic colonisation or disturbance events.