Potential Of Different Species Research Articles

Monetizing Animal Welfare Impacts for Benefit–Cost Analysis

Abstract Animal welfare is often ignored in decision-making, despite widespread agreement about its importance. This is partly because of a lack of quantitative methods to assess the impacts of policies on humans and nonhumans alike on a common scale. At the same time, recent work in economics, philosophy, and animal welfare science has made progress on the fundamental theoretical challenge of estimating the well-being potential of different species on a single scale. By combining these estimates of each species’ well-being potential with assessments of how various policies impact the quality of life for these species, along with the number of animals affected, we can arrive at a framework for estimating the impact of policies on animal health and well-being. This framework allows for a quantifiable comparison between policies affecting humans and animals. For instance, it enables us to compare human QALYs to animal QALYs tailored to specific species. Hence, the intrinsic value of animal welfare impacts of policies can be monetized on the same scale as market and non-market impact for humans, facilitating benefit–cost analysis. Many challenges remain though, including issues of population ethics, political feasibility, and new complexities in addressing equity and uncertainty.

Biomonitoring of microplastics, anthropogenic microfibres and glass retroreflective beads by marine macroalgae

Microplastics and other microscopic debris are a concern in the coastal environment but measurements in the water column and sediment are often problematic and rely on non-standardised and highly variable methodologies. To this end, we explore the potential of different species of temperate-cold marine macroalgae as passive biomonitors of anthropogenic microparticles at three contrasting locations in southwest England. Specifically, fronds from samples of fucoids and Ulva lactuca (n = 9 in total, and three from each location) have been sectioned and analysed directly under a microscope and anthropogenic microparticles counted and subsequently characterised for chemical composition. Microparticles were heterogeneously distributed throughout sections from the same sample. However, on a dry weight basis, combined microparticle concentrations for each sample ranged from about 7.5 g-1 to 110 g−1, and from about 0.2 cm−2 to 0.9 cm−2, and for a given species were higher in samples from a semi-enclosed harbour and urban beach than in samples from a protected beach facing the open sea. These values compare with published concentrations of microplastics and microfibres reported for the regional water column on the order of 0.1 m-3. Most particles were cellulosic (e.g., rayon) and petroleum-based (mainly polyester and polyethylene terephthalate) fibres but plastic fragments were also present on most samples. Glass retroreflective beads derived from road markings were also present at up to 18 g−1 on fucoids from the urban beach because of its proximity to a stormwater effluent. Most microparticles were adhered to the smooth parts of the macroalgal surface but some displayed wrapping around edges and creases or entrapment by appendages. The practical and environmental implications of macroalgae passively capturing significant quantities of anthropogenic microparticles are discussed.

Potential of different species of actinobacteria in the management of Meloidogyne javanica.

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are one of the most harmful soil-borne plant pathogens in the world. Actinobacteria are known phytopathogen control agents. The aim of this study was to select soil actinobacteria with control potential against the RKN (Meloidogyne javanica) in tomato plants and to determine mechanisms of action. Ten isolates were tested and a significant reduction was observed in the number of M. javanica eggs, and galls 46days after infestation with the nematode. The results could be explained by the combination of different mechanisms including parasitism and induction of plant defense response. The M. javanica eggs were parasited by all isolates tested. Some isolates reduced the penetration of juveniles into the roots. Other isolates using the split-root method were able to induce systemic defenses in tomato plants. The 4L isolate was selected for analysis of the expression of the plant defense genes TomLoxA, ACCO, PR1, and RBOH1. In plants treated with 4L isolate and M. javanica, there was a significant increase in the number of TomLoxA and ACCO gene transcripts. In plants treated only with M. javanica, only the expression of the RBOH1 and PR1 genes was induced in the first hours after infection. The isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Streptomyces sp. (1A, 3F, 4L, 6O, 8S, 9T, and 10U), Kribbella sp. (5N), Kitasatospora sp. (2AE), and Lentzea sp. (7P). The efficacy of isolates from the Kitasatospora, Kribbella, and Lentzea genera was reported for the first time, and the efficacy of Streptomyces genus isolates for controlling M. javanica was confirmed. All the isolates tested in this study were efficient against RKN. This study provides the opportunity to investigate bacterial genera that have not yet been explored in the control of M. javanica in tomatoes and other crops.

Micronuclei in embryos of eight seabird species in northwestern Mexico: A biomarker of exposure to coastal pollution?

The micronucleus (MN) test may be used to evaluate genome instability in birds and the potential of different species to function as biomarkers of genotoxicity. However, little is known regarding genome instability in seabird embryos or the instability present among embryonic development stages. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the frequencies of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in blood samples collected from the embryos of eight seabird species nesting on the coast of Sinaloa, Mexico. An additional description of blood cell maturation along with embryo development during incubation was conducted based on the proportion of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE), and the potential relationships between metals (Hg and Cd concentrations in egg content) and the MN frequencies in embryo blood were evaluated. The PCE proportion appears to decline as incubation advances (initial stage > intermediate stage > advanced stage), and the values varied between species (Suliformes/Pelecaniformes < Charadriiformes: Laridae), which may be related to differences among incubation periods and reproductive strategies. Interspecific variation in the MNPCE frequency was found in embryos showing advanced development, which could be related to both variations in life-history traits and ecological factors and not Hg or Cd exposure. The genomic instability values in this study are the first to be reported for embryos of seabird species nesting in a subtropical coastal region.

Comparative genomic study of the Penicillium genus elucidates a diverse pangenome and 15 lateral gene transfer events

The Penicillia are known to produce a wide range natural products—some with devastating outcome for the agricultural industry and others with unexploited potential in different applications. However, a large-scale overview of the biosynthetic potential of different species has been lacking. In this study, we sequenced 93 Penicillium isolates and, together with eleven published genomes that hold similar assembly characteristics, we established a species phylogeny as well as defining a Penicillium pangenome. A total of 5612 genes were shared between ≥ 98 isolates corresponding to approximately half of the average number of genes a Penicillium genome holds. We further identified 15 lateral gene transfer events that have occurred in this collection of Penicillium isolates, which might have played an important role, such as niche adaption, in the evolution of these fungi. The comprehensive characterization of the genomic diversity in the Penicillium genus supersedes single-reference genomes, which do not necessarily capture the entire genetic variation.

Chloride accumulation in aboveground biomass of three macrophytes (Phragmites australis, Juncus maritimus, and Typha latifolia) depending on their growth stages and salinity exposure: application for Cl- removal and phytodesalinization.

Anthropogenic activities can be the source of saline solid wastes that need to be treated to reduce their salt load to meet the purposes of reuse, valorization or storage. In this context, chloride remediation can be achieved using high-salt accumulating plants. However, there is very limited information on the comparative potential of different species in the same environment, and only scarce data concerning their efficiency as a function of growth stage. In order to rationalize these selection criteria, three macrophytes i.e., common reed (Phragmites australis), sea rush (Juncus maritimus), and cattail (Typha latifolia), were cultivated at two growth stages (6-months old and 1-year old) for 65 days in Cl− spiked substrates (from 0 up to 24 ‰ NaCl). The plants’ survival and potential capacity for removal of Cl− from substrates and accumulation in shoots were investigated. For the three studied species, mature and juvenile plants display a high tolerance to salinity. However, mature specimens with higher shoot biomass and Cl− contents are capable of greater chloride removal than juvenile plants. The sole exception is P. australis which displays just the same phytoremediation potential for both mature and juvenile specimens. Moreover, P. australis has the lowest potential when compared with other species, being 1.5 and 3 times lower than for J. maritimus and T. latifolia. When considering the plant growth and the shoot biomass production, chloride removal rates from the substrate point that mature J. maritimus should preferentially be used to design an operational chloride remediation system. The results highlight the relevance of considering the growth stage of plants used for Cl− removal.Highlights1) Mature and juvenile specimens of J. maritimus, P. australis, and T. latifolia have high salinity tolerance in solid media spiked up to 24 ‰ NaCl.2) Mature plants have generally better Cl− removal and phytoremediation performances than juvenile specimens.3) J. maritimus is the most effective species for chloride phytoremediation with high survival and high Cl− sequestration in shoots.4) T. latifolia has high Cl− removal in shoots and good remediation capacities but also shows sign of stress.5) P. australis shows low Cl− sequestration and is a poor candidate for chloride remediation from substrate.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-021-17591-3.

Situational diagnosis of the popular use of medicinal plants in pediatrics.

This study aimed to describe the use of medicinal plants for the relief and treatment of pediatrics pathologies performed by parents of children registered in a Basic Health Unit. This is a cross-sectional, observational and analytical study that occurred from March until May 2016, with the participation of 176 individuals, using a semi-structured questionnaire as a research instrument. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis, using frequency distribution and chi-square test. Among all 177 indications of medicinal use of plants in childhood, considering the plant part and administration method, 61.6% converged with scientific data, 21.5% differed and 16.9% were new indications without a similar record in the literature. These results support the popular use of medicinal plants and show to need for greater awareness about the rational use of phytotherapy and stimulate scientific research, as they bring new elements about the therapeutic potential of different species.

Exopolysaccharides frommicroalgae: production, characterization, optimization and techno-economic assessment.

Microalgae cultivation for exopolysaccharide production has getting more attention as a result of their high hydrocarbon biosynthesis skill. The aim of this study is to examine the exopolysaccharide production potential of different species of microalgae. In this context, exopolysaccharides were produced from Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella sorokiniana and Botryococcus braunii microalgae and the effects of carbon and nitrogen content in the growth medium and illumination time on exopolysaccharide production were analyzed statistically using Box-Behnken experimental design. In addition, techno-economic assessment of exopolysaccharide production were also performed by using the most productive microalgae and optimum conditions determined in this study. As a result of the experiments, it was seen that C. minutissima, C. sorokiniana and B. braunii produced 0.245 ± 0.0025g/L, 0.163 ± 0.0016g/L and 0.117 ± 0.0007g/L exopolysaccharide, respectively. Statistically, it was observed that there was an inverse relationship between the exopolysaccharide production and investigated parameters such as illumination period and carbon and nitrogen amounts of culture mediums. The techno-economic assessment comprising microalgal exopolysaccharide (EPS) bioprocess was carried out, and it showed that the system can be considered economically viable, yet can be improved with biorefinery approach.

Distribution of earthworm communities in agroecosystems with forested riparian buffer strips: A multiscale study

Knowledge is lacking on the factors controlling the structure and spatial distribution of earthworm communities within agroecosystems. We first hypothesized that forested riparian buffer strips (FRBS) within agricultural landscapes would be a refuge for earthworms, as we predicted higher soil moisture and organic matter inputs in FRBS than in adjacent agricultural fields (treatments = FRBS vs. Field). We further hypothesized that earthworms would be most abundant where the chemical quality of above- and belowground plant litter is high, or where soil disturbance is low. We conducted a field survey to quantify earthworm species abundances in FRBS and adjacent agricultural fields in two bioregions, namely Eastern Canada and Central Europe. At each of 77 sites, we collected and identified earthworms from three plots within FRBS and within adjacent agricultural fields. In each plot, we identified the tree species, understory vegetation, soil drainage class, agricultural crop as well as five soil physicochemical properties. In each bioregion and treatment, we found proportionately more endogeic than anecic or epigeic earthworm species. In Eastern Canada, there were proportionately fewer anecic and more epigeic individuals in FRBS than in fields; in Central Europe there were fewer endogeic and more anecic earthworms in FRBS than in fields. We found significant bioregion × treatment interactions on earthworm abundance and soil moisture. More specifically, in Eastern Canada we found higher earthworm abundance and soil moisture in FRBS, whereas in Central Europe we found higher earthworm abundance in fields and no treatment effect on soil moisture. In both bioregions, we found higher organic matter in FRBS than in fields. In Eastern Canada, earthworm abundance in deciduous and mixedwood stands were higher than in coniferous stands; in Central Europe, earthworm abundance was highest in deciduous stands only. Within FRBS in Eastern Canada, the abundance of the prominent endogeic species, Apporectodea rosea, was correlated with herbaceous plants, notably ferns and graminoids. Conditional regression tree analysis revealed positive relationships between earthworms and soil clay content, pH, moisture and organic matter. Our results suggest that local and landscape patterns in earthworm diversity can be predicted by soil and vegetation attributes, however the relative importance of these factors changes across continental scales due to differences in precipitation patterns and soil moisture availability. Comparing the distributions of earthworms across different scales provides insights into the potential of different species to spread into new habitats with climate change.

Bioherbicidal potential of different species of Phoma: opportunities and challenges.

Modern agriculture has been facing new challenges and fostering innovations to establish sustainable plant production. An integral part of these strategies is implementing new eco-friendly technologies in plant protection for better human health and a safer environment by minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals and also encouraging innovations such as the use of bio-based strategies for weed control. This specific strategy addresses the need to reduce the use and risk of pesticides, replacing conventional chemical herbicides with new bio-based solutions. In response to these issues, biocontrol strategies are gaining increased attention from stakeholders such as farmers, seed companies, agronomists, breeders, and consumers. Among these, bioherbicides have huge potential for the management of harmful weeds without affecting the natural quality of the environment and human health. In this context, this review is devoted to present an overview of the mycoherbicidal potential of Phoma sensu lato group of fungi, examining the advances in this field, including technological and scientific challenges and outcomes achieved in recent years. The mycoherbicides are eco-friendly and economically viable. KEY POINTS: • Some Phoma species have demonstrated herbicide activity. • These species secrete secondary metabolites responsible for the control of weeds. • They can be used as non-chemical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly bioherbicides.

A Synthesis of Deep Benthic Faunal Impacts and Resilience Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill significantly impacted the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM) deep benthos (>125 m water depth) at different spatial scales and across all community size and taxa groups including microbes, foraminifera, meiofauna, macrofauna, megafauna, corals, and demersal fishes. The resilience across these communities was heterogeneous, with some requiring years if not decades to fully recover. To synthesize ecosystem impacts and recovery following DWH, the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI) Core 3 synthesis group subdivided the nGoM into four ecotypes: coastal, continental shelf, open-ocean, and deep benthic. Here we present a synopsis of the deep benthic ecotype status and discuss progress made on five tasks: 1) summarizing pre- and post-oil spill trends in abundance, species composition and dynamics; 2) identifying missing data/analyses and proposing a strategy to fill in these gaps; 3) constructing a conceptual model of important species interactions and impacting factors; 4) evaluating resiliency and recovery potential of different species; and 5) providing recommendations for future long-term benthic ecosystem research programs. To address these tasks, we assessed time series to detect measures of population trends. Moreover, a benthic conceptual model for the GoM deep benthos was developed and a vulnerability-resilience analysis was performed to enable holistic interpretation of the interrelationships among ecotypes, resources, and stressors. The DWH oil spill underscores the overall need for a system-level benthic management decision support tool based on long-term measurement of ecological quality status (EQS). Production of such a decision support tool requires temporal baselines and time-series data collections. This approach provides EQS for multiple stressors affecting the GoM beyond oil spills. In many cases, the lessons learned from DWH, the gaps identified, and the recommended approaches for future long-term hypothesis-driven research can be utilized to better assess impacts of any ecosystem perturbation of industrial impact, including marine mineral extraction.

Morphological composition of blood and clinical indicators in ball fattening on the effect of b vitamins (В1, В2, В5, В6, В10, В12)

In realization of the genetic productivity potential of different species of farm animals, an important place is given to full feeding. Insufficient supply of farm animals with individual vitamins has negative impact on the activity of the relevant enzyme systems, hormonal status, metabolism of nutrients, the state of the natural resistance of the various organs and organ systems, the processes of adaptation and productivity level. Numerical searches have shown that farm animals need in different vitamins depends on the type, age, sex, physiological state, the season, the level of productivity and others. According to some reports ruminants have been providing with water-soluble B vitamins by their rumen microbial synthesis accordingly it was recommended to rations setting for cattle, sheep and goats, along with nutrients and minerals only by carotene and vitamins D and E. Specific features of the effect of different doses of complex B vitamins (thiamine hydrochloride, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, ciankobalamin in venous blood) on morphological composition (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and clinical indicators (heart rate, respiratory rate, type temperature) at the final stage bull fattening. Studies have shown that the addition to the diet of calves for fattening balanced nutrients and minerals and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E complex of B vitamins (В1, В2, В5, В6, В10, В12) in appropriate doses generally positive effect on erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, dose-dependent additionally introduced into the diet of B vitamins (В1, В2, В5, В6, В10, В12). The basis for our dosage of various B vitamins for Bovine experimental groups on fattening is the corresponding percentage of the recommended doses of certain B vitamins for fattening pigs (10 % – D1, 20 % – D2, 40 % – D3, 60 % – D4 group). The biggest change in terms on morphological composition in animals 3rd ((В1 – 0,040; В2 – 0,06; В5 – 1.2; В6 – 0.25; В10 – 0.0030; В12 – 0.0006 mg/kg body weight) and 4th (В1 – 0.070; В2 – 0.10; В5 – 2.0; В6 – 0.40; В10 – 0.0050; В12 – 0.0010 mg/kg body weight) research groups, and smallest – in bull 1st (В1 – 0.015; В2 – 0.03; В5 – 0.5; В6 – 0.10; В10 – 0.0012; В12 – 0.0002 mg/kg body weight) and 2 th (В1 – 0.025; В2 – 0.04; В5 – 0.8; В6 – 0.15; В10 – 0.0020; В12 – 0.0004 mg/kg body weight) research group, which is associated with dose introduced to the diet of calves during the final fattening phase of B vitamins (В1, В2, В5, В6, В10, В12).

Identification and characterization of cadmium resistant fungus isolated from contaminated site and its potential for bioremediation

Abstract This study investigates the tolerance potential of different species of indigenous fungi that have been isolated from different contaminated sites. The highly resistant organism was optimized under different processed conditions. 11 fungal isolates (F1–F11) have been isolated from samples contaminated with Cd in potato agar plates amended with various concentration ranging from 100–500ppmof Cd(II). The fungi which were found resistant to Cd(II) in primary screening were subjected to secondary screening. Among these strains, isolate F2 was found to be the most tolerant against the Cd(II) at higher concentration with removal percentage of 74.76 ± 0.24 and uptake of 5.02 ± 1.21mg/g. The strain (FS2) was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus based on internal transcribed spacer DNA region (ITS). Among the two isotherm tested, correlation coefficients (R2) of Cd(II) by A. fumigatus were found to be greater for Langmuir isotherm than Freundlich isotherm. Treated and untreated biosorbent were characterized by FTIR spectral analysis and SEM micrograph to study the nature of the biosorbent both prior to and after the removal of Cd(II) ions. It is envisaged that this metal tolerance trait exhibited by this fungal strain may indicate its potentials as successful mediator for bio-remediative clean-up of heavy metal polluted environments.

Bidens pilosa L. hyperaccumulating Cd with different species in soil and the role of EDTA on the hyperaccumulation.

Investigating whether the same hyperaccumulator shows a high accumulation potential for different species of the same heavy metal in the soil has rarely been considered until now. In this experiment, Cd accumulation by a hyperaccumulator Bidens pilosa L. from soils spiked with 3 and 9mgCdkg-1 in the form of Cd(NO3)2, CdCl2, CdBr2, CdI2, CdSO4, CdF2, Cd(OH)2, CdCO3, Cd3(PO4)2, and CdS and effect of soil amendment with EDTA were determined. The results showed that the Cd concentrations in B. pilosa for high-solubility species were basically higher. But the enrichment factors (EFs) (shoot to soil Cd concentration ratio) and translocation factors (TFs) (shoot to root Cd concentration ratio) of low-solubility Cd species were all greater than 1, either indicating that there was a high Cd hyperaccumulative potentials of B. pilosa without considering on Cd species in soil. EDTA significantly improved B. pilosa Cd hyperaccumulation, especially for low-solubility Cd forms in soils. These results can perfectly explain the accumulation properties of one hyperaccumulator to different species of the same heavy metal. Phytoremediation may be applied for a wide scope for different Cd species-contaminated soil. Moreover, the total amount of Cd in soil was important when assessing the risk of Cd-contaminated soils.

Tree-ring formation, radial increment and climate–growth relationship: assessing two potential tree species used in Brazilian Atlantic forest restoration projects

This paper provides an overview of radial growth and tree-ring formation of two tropical tree species used in ecological restoration. It shows that trees growing in natural forests and in plantations have the same diametric growth patterns and climate responses. Understanding the outcomes of ecological restoration projects represents an important step in the conservation of endangered biomes such as the Atlantic forest in Brazil. Tree-ring analysis provides long-term information about the growth dynamics of tree species that can be used to evaluate the potential of different species for restoration projects. To evaluate the potential of using Pseudobombax grandiflorum (Cav.) A. Robyns and Citharexylum myrianthum Cham. in restoration projects in the endangered Atlantic Rain Forest (Reserva Biologica de Poco das Antas—RBPA, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), we verified the seasonality of tree-ring formation to analyze radial growth dynamics and climate–growth relationships of these species. Cambium wounding experiments and direct anatomical analysis of the cambial zone were conducted to assess tree-ring formation periodicity. Tree-ring widths were measured to build tree-ring chronologies and to estimate radial growth rates in natural and planted areas. Both species produced annual tree rings that are produced during the wet season. Tree-ring chronologies of both species have a positive association with rainfall, but each species also responded to rainfall of a specific season. Tree-ring widths of P. grandiflorum were correlated with rainfall at the end of the previous growth season while tree-ring widths of C. myrianthum were correlated with precipitation in the beginning of the growth season. Both species have fast radial growth, but different long-term growth trends. The growth trend for Pseudobombax grandiflorum produces a positive correlation between diameter and age for the trees, while trees of Citharexylum myrianthum have an age-related growth trend and grow faster in the early years. In the present study, we confirm the success of the ecological restoration performed in RBPA as the plantation does not affect the potential growth of the studied species.

Population growth potential of rotifers from a high altitude eutrophic waterbody, Madín reservoir (State of Mexico, Mexico): The importance of seasonal sampling

To understand the population growth potential of different species of rotifers in nature, field collections through seasons are essential. We sampled zooplankton (and measured selected physicochemical variables) from the Madín reservoir, a high altitude eutrophic urban waterbody from Mexico, every month for a year. Qualitative analysis of zooplankton revealed 28 rotifer species and four cladoceran crustaceans plus one unidentified copepod. Cephalodella catellina (1400 ind L-1), Horaella thomassoni (550 ind L-1), Conochilus dossuarius (380 ind L-1) and Filinia longiseta (25 ind L-1) had higher peak density than other rotifers. Based on the concentrations of nitrates and phosphates, chlorophyll a levels or different diversity indices (e.g., Carlson, Shannon-Wiener, Pantle and Buck, Ejsmont-Karabin’s TSIRot), the waterbody is eutrophic to hypertrophic, depending on the season. In this waterbody we observed high densities of Aphanothece sp. which is a toxic picocyanobacterium. During the blooms of Aphanothece, we also recorded higher densities of H. thomassoni and C. catellina. Based on the gut contents we found that both these rotifer species feed on Aphanothece in this waterbody. This study thus suggests the potential growth of Horaella, Cephalodella, Conochilus and Filinia in this eutrophic reservoir containing blooms of Aphanothece.

Impact of the spectral and spatial properties of natural light on indoor gas-phase chemistry: Experimental and modeling study.

The characteristics of indoor light (intensity, spectral, spatial distribution) originating from outdoors have been studied using experimental and modeling tools. They are influenced by many parameters such as building location, meteorological conditions, and the type of window. They have a direct impact on indoor air quality through a change in chemical processes by varying the photolysis rates of indoor pollutants. Transmittances of different windows have been measured and exhibit different wavelength cutoffs, thus influencing the potential of different species to be photolysed. The spectral distribution of light entering indoors through the windows was measured under different conditions and was found to be weakly dependent on the time of day for indirect cloudy, direct sunshine, partly cloudy conditions contrary to the light intensity, in agreement with calculations of the transmittance as a function of the zenithal angle and the calculated outdoor spectral distribution. The same conclusion can be drawn concerning the position within the room. The impact of these light characteristics on the indoor chemistry has been studied using the INCA-Indoor model by considering the variation in the photolysis rates of key indoor species. Depending on the conditions, photolysis processes can lead to a significant production of radicals and secondary species.

Unlikely Nomads: Settlement, Establishment, and Dislodgement Processes of Vegetative Seagrass Fragments.

The dispersal of seagrasses is important to promoting the resilience and long-term survival of populations. Most of the research on long-distance dispersal to date has focused on sexual propagules while the dispersal of vegetative fragments has been largely overlooked, despite the important role this mechanism might play. In this study, we proposed a conceptual model that categorizes vegetative fragment dispersal into seven fundamental steps: i.e., (i) fragment formation, (ii) transport, (iii) decay, (iv) substrate contact, (v) settlement, (vi) establishment, and (vii) dislodgement. We present two experiments focusing on the final steps of the model from substrate contact to dislodgement in four tropical seagrass species (Cymodocea rotundata, Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, and Thalassia hemprichii), which are critical for dispersed vegetative fragments to colonize new areas. We first conducted a mesocosm experiment to investigate the effect of fragment age and species on settlement (i.e., remains on the substrate in a rising tide) and subsequently establishment (i.e., rooting in substrate) rates. To determine dislodgement resistance of settled fragments, we also subjected fragments under different burial treatments to wave and currents in a flume. We found that both initial settlement and subsequent establishment rates increased with fragment age. H. ovalis was the only species that successfully established within the study period. After settlement, dislodgement resistance depended primarily on burial conditions. Smaller species H. ovalis and H. uninervis were also able to settle more successfully, and withstand higher bed shear stress before being dislodged, compared to the larger species T. hemprichii and C. rotundata. However, the ordinal logistic regressions did not reveal relationships between the tested plant morphometrics and the energy needed for dislodgement (with the exception of C. rotundata), indicating that there are potentially some untested species-specific traits that enable certain species to withstand dislodgement better. We discuss the implication our findings have on the dispersal potential for different species and the conservation of seagrasses. This study represents the first effort toward generating parameters for a bio-physical model to predict vegetative fragment dispersal.

Tolerance and Biosorption of Manganese, Iron and Aluminium by Five Aspergillus Species Isolated from Freshwater

Microorganisms play a significant role in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil and wastewater. The present study has been carried out to understand the tolerance potential of different species of Aspergillus (A. flavus, A. niger, A. nidulans, A. oryzae and A. terreus) which were isolated from the Nile water. The degree of tolerance of fungi was measured by minimum inhibitory concentration in the presence of different concentration of metals (Mn, Fe and Al) and compared to a control sample. Results showed variations in the tolerance level of different isolates of Aspergillus. A. niger and A. oryzae were tolerant while A. nidulans was the most sensitive species. Removal of manganese, iron, and aluminium using powder and viable Aspergillus oryzae biomass was investigated. Metals (Mn, Fe. and Al) removal increased with an increasing dose of biosorbent for the powder and viable biomass within two hours. These results showed that powder and viable Aspergillus oryzae biomass can be used for removal of heavy metals from polluted water.

Acorn (Quercus spp.) as a novel source of oleic acid and tocopherols for livestock and humans: discrimination of selected species from Mediterranean forest.

The aim of the present work was to characterization and compare acorns from selected Quercus spp. from the Mediterranean forest in Spain, namely, Portuguese oak (QF, Quercus faginea Lam.), Cork oak (QS, Quercus suber L.), Pyrenean oak (QP, Quercus pyrenaica Wild), Kermes oak (QC, Quercus coccifera L.), Holm oak (QB, Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota [Desf.]). All physicochemical attributes varied significantly between species. Fat contents ranged from 1.30 to 4.70g 100g-1 fresh matter. The most abundant fatty acids were oleic (62.44, 56.25, 57.46, 48.02, 65.83%), followed by linoleic (16.42, 20.73, 21.30, 25.38, 14.17%) and palmitic (11.69, 14.27, 12.17, 16.22, 12.28) acids in QF, QS, QP, QC and QB species, respectively. The tocopherol content was high in the range of 31.83-45.25mgkg-1, and γ-tocopherol constituted 67-78% of total tocopherols. Only an effect of the location on γ-tocopherol content in QB was observed. The present results show the potential of different species of acorn to be used as agricultural and food resources and that geographical location plays a secondary role.