Methanotrophic communities in Australian woodland soils of varying salinity

Despite their large areas and potential importance as methane sinks, the role of methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) in native woodland soils is poorly understood. These environments are increasingly being altered by anthropogenic disturbances, which potentially alter ecosystem service provision. Dryland salinity is one such disturbance and is becoming increasingly prevalent in Australian soils. We used microarrays and analysis of soil physicochemical variables to investigate the methane-oxidizing communities of several Australian natural woodland soils affected to varying degrees by dryland salinity. Soils varied in terms of salinity, gravitational water content, NO(3)-N, SO(4)-S and Mg, all of which explained to a significant degree MOB community composition. Analysis of the relative abundance and diversity of the MOB communities also revealed significant differences between soils of different salinities. Type II and type Ib methanotrophs dominated the soils and differences in methanotroph communities existed between salinity groups. The low salinity soils possessed less diverse MOB communities, including most conspicuously, the low numbers or absence of type II Methylocystis phylotypes. The differences in MOB communities suggest niche separation of MOB across varying salinities, as has been observed in the closely related ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, and that anthropogenic disturbance, such as dryland salinity, has the potential to alter MOB community and therefore the methane uptake rates in soils in which disturbance occurs.     

Anthropogenic Soils and Tree Distributions in a Lowland Forest in Bolivia

The distributions of 17 tree species with seeds or fruits that are commonly eaten or otherwise used by humans were studied in reference to anthropogenic soils in a seasonally dry lowland tropical forest in Bolivia. Two types of anthropogenic dark earths (ADEs) were identified: terra preta (TP: darkened with charcoal fragments and with abundant pottery shards) and terra mulata (TM: somewhat darkened but with little or no pottery). In 216 ha, we compared the densities of trees >10 cm dbh of useful species in nine TP patches, three TM patches, and six areas with nonanthropogenic soils (N-ADE). The TP, which covers approximately 20 percent of the sample area, has higher contents of organic matter, extractable P, and extractable Ca than N-ADE soils, as well as higher pH and extractable P than TM. TM has organic matter and Ca contents similar to N-ADE soils but significantly less extractable K. In general, TP has higher nutrient content than surrounding soils, both at the surface (0–10 cm) and deeper in the profile (40–50 cm). Despite these differences in soil fertility and contrary to our expectations, none of the 17 tree species were concentrated on TP perhaps because interactions between local dispersal agents and natural disturbances have masked historical patterns. Alternatively, past inhabitants of the study area may have enriched forests with useful tree species in areas where they were not practicing the intensive soil husbandry that results in ADEs.     

Assessment of Anthropogenic Influence on Antarctic Mycobiota in Areas of Russian Polar Stations

This article presents the results of microscopic fungi complexes in the areas of five Russian polar stations in East Antarctica and the Subantarctic. A total of 104 microfungal species have been identified. Seventyseven fungal species have been detected in samples of soils and anthropogenic materials from polar stations of East Antarctica (Progress, Mirny, Molodezhnaya, and Druzhnaya 4) using mycological methods while, in the Bellingshausen station (Subantarctic), we have isolated 87 micromycete species. The number of fungi in soils varies from individual propagules in control soils to 94000 per 1 g of soil in contaminated areas. The largest number of species is represented by the genus Penicillium (26 species). Fungal species that form the core of mycobiota in most of the studied habitats have been identified. For soils of East Antarctica, it is formed by species of the genera Aureobasidium, Cadophora, Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces), Thelebolus, and Phoma. Significant differences are established between the mycobiota of East Antarctica and that of the Subantarctic. At the same time, a general trend towards an increase in fungal species diversity and number in the areas of polar stations compared to the control (clean) sites for all studied areas is recorded. These data indicate that a significant part of micromycetes is introduced into the Antarctic by humans (anthropogenic invasion).     

Ecologo-immunophysiological characteristic of chub <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leuciscus cephalus</Emphasis> (L.) lving in river ecosystems of the Caucasus

The results of a study on some parameters of innate immunity and oxidative processes in hepatopancreas of the chub Leuciscus cephalus (L.) inhabiting the river ecosystems of Krasnodar krai and Abkhasia subjected to different degrees of anthropogenic load are presented. Antimicrobial properties of blood serum, the content of nonspecific immune complexes in the liver, and the level of total lipids and antioxidant activity have been studied. It is determined that the portion of immunodeficient specimens is higher in samples from polluted waters than from unpolluted areas. Fishes caught in the river subjected to high anthropogenic load contained higher concentrations of products of lipid peroxidation and immune complexes and had lower levels of antioxidants.     

Heathland dynamics in biotically disturbed areas: on the role of some features enhancing heath success

It is well accepted that intense anthropogenic activities threaten European heathland communities. The negative impact of high intensities of livestock grazing on heath survival has been demonstrated in many studies, however, it does not seem a straightforward consequence in some cases: in the southern Pyrenees, the existence of large heathland patches in intensively grazed areas suggests that other factors interact and affect heath success. In order to gain insight into the factors affecting heath success, this paper analyses the pattern of occurrence of ericaceous shrubs—particularly Erica vagans—and their effects on soils when compared to herbaceous vegetation, under a complex biotic disturbance regime. Survey plots were established in grassland and heathland communities disturbed by both livestock and by burrowing animals on soils with different levels of basic resources. Relative cover of the species on and off molehills was studied. In heathland plots, ericaceous shrubs were more common on old molehills than off them. This pattern was strongest in the poorest soils. Below established heath shrubs, independently of the initial properties of the soils, some basic resources were more available than in intershrub areas. In grazed ecosystems, where continuous trampling and removal of biomass occurs, the heath canopy provides a site for accumulation of litter and insects, which contribute to the build up of a resource-rich layer. We conclude that successful establishment on ubiquitous molehills and suitable, localised changes in the soil under shrubs are some of the factors that explain the success of ericaceous shrubs in complex biotically disturbed areas.     

Origin and potential ecological risk assessment of trace elements in the watershed topsoil and coastal sediment of the Oualidia lagoon,Morocco

The Oualidia lagoon provides important ecosystem services, such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism and high biological and ecological productivity. Many indices have been developed to evaluate environmental risks and to estimate the anthropogenic contribution of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in surficial sediments. The results show that the concentrations of the PTE found in surface sediments due to the anthropogenic activities in the area (urban effluents, aquaculture and agricultural areas) are significantly higher than those from the local background and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The potential ecological and biological risk index present satisfactory results. However, the sites near to the areas where anthropogenic activities are developed present 49% probability of toxicity, while the rest of the lagoon, present 9% to 21% probability of toxicity and low potential ecological risk, except for Hg where the risk was considered to be considerable. The PTE are mainly originated from the anthropogenic activities; nevertheless, anthropogenic contributions represent up to 69% of the total sediment of content, but it depends on the PTE: Cd (16%), Ni (38%), Zn (41%), Cr (43%), Cu (56%), Hg (68%), Pb (69%). Compared with the Sub-basin soils, the PTE are higher than 80%, hence the sub-basin feeds the lagoon by these elements (PTE).     

人为干扰对白腹锦鸡活动节律的影响

人类足迹的扩张增加了人与野生动物的相互作用。理解自然保护地的濒危物种对人为干扰的响应有助于更好地保护濒危物种和指导保护管理。以往的研究表明野生动物在时空维度会对人类的干扰进行规避, 然而这类研究在野生雉类中还较少, 尤其是分布在人为干扰相对较强的中低海拔区域的雉类, 如白腹锦鸡(Chrysolophus amherstiae)。2017年11月至2018年10月, 我们在中国西南部的一个亚热带森林保护区中使用红外相机陷阱技术对白腹锦鸡和人为干扰进行调查, 并研究了白腹锦鸡在时空维度对3种不同类型人为干扰(人类活动、放牧和家养动物活动)的响应及其季节变化。结果表明, 白腹锦鸡在空间维度并未对人为干扰进行规避, 而在非繁殖季节的活动节律上对人为干扰在时间维度上进行了规避。具体而言, 白腹锦鸡在全年和非繁殖季节的活动高峰集中在17:30-18:30, 明显避开中午的人类活动高峰; 而在繁殖季节, 白腹锦鸡活动水平明显提高, 和人为干扰的重叠度很高, 可能是由于求偶、占区等繁殖行为使得白腹锦鸡无法规避人为干扰。此外, 在人为干扰强度较高的位点, 白腹锦鸡倾向于通过改变其日活动节律, 将活动高峰期推迟至傍晚以降低与人为干扰的重叠度, 进一步说明白腹锦鸡可通过调节其自身的日活动节律从而避开高强度的人为干扰。由于白腹锦鸡地面营巢和春夏季繁殖, 自然保护区管理部门可通过管理人为活动, 尤其在繁殖季节通过控制放牧和猫狗的活动来帮助白腹锦鸡及其他地面营巢鸟类维持繁殖成功率。     

The influence of anthropogenic pollution on several indicators of congenital immunity and oxidizing processes in the liver of Squalus acanthias Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces: Squalidae) that inhabit coastal waters of the Black Sea

The results of a study on several parameters of congenital immunity and oxidative processes in the liver of spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias that inhabit the Caucasus coastal waters of the Black Sea with various anthropogenic loads are described. The antimicrobial properties of serum, the content of non-specific immune complexes in the liver, the total lipid value, and antioxidant activity were studied. It was determined that the ratio of immunodeficient individuals was much higher in samples from the polluted areas than in samples from the clean ones. The fish sampled in areas of high anthropogenic load contained higher contents of products of lipid peroxidation and immune complexes, as well as lower values of antioxidants.     

Modeling Traditional Manuring Practice: Soil Organic Matter Sustainability of an Early Shetland Community?

Modeling of soil systems is an essential approach to discussions of the historical dimensions of soil sustainability, but as yet there has been no formal testing and application of such models. In this paper we first test the ability of the CENTURY agroecosystem model to predict soil organic carbon levels in anthropogenic plaggen soils from ethnographic and historical land management information of manuring practices on the Shetland island of Papa Stour. Observations suggest that the model makes accurate predictions and can be used to develop and test hypothetical land management scenarios. Results suggest that within historic time the arable areas of Papa Stour were manured at a level above that required to maintain soil organic carbon levels, and consequently the hill-land source of organic material was overexploited with no real apparent gain. Modeled evidence suggests that short-term observations of soil organic carbon levels would indicate a greater degree of manure application than was actually required over the longer term. Successful use of the CENTURY model in this historic context suggests that it may be applicable to questions of soil sustainability in other areas of the North Atlantic region.     

Crop Diversity on Anthropogenic Dark Earths in Central Amazonia

A recent archaeological survey demonstrates that one of the most durable of all forms of pre-Columbian landscape transformation, Amazonian Dark Earths (ADE; soils formed by pre-Columbian settlement), are widespread along the course of the Madeira River, Central Amazonia, Brazil. We hypothesize that processes of crop cultivation and management by human populations today in landscapes that were intensively transformed during the pre-Columbian period will diverge from those in environments where human agency has not left such a heavy footprint. In order to test this hypothesis, we compare bitter manioc fields, homegardens and secondary forests on ADE with those on non-anthropogenic soils along the lower and middle Madeira River. We demonstrate that crop species and landrace populations diverge on anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic soils as a result of the interaction between human selection and management, soil physical and chemical properties, and plant responses over time. Hence, crop species selection and abundance and therefore agrobiodiversity is contingent on anthropogenic soils in Central Amazonia.     

The spatial distribution,contamination, and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals of farmland soils in Karashahar–Baghrash oasis,northwest China

The issue of heavy metal pollution is of high concern due to its potential health risks and detrimental effects on human beings, animals, and plants. In this study, farmland soil samples from 79 sampling sites were collected in Karashahar–Baghrash oasis, northwest China, and the contents of eight heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by standard methods. The spatial distribution, pollution, and ecological risks of heavy metals were analyzed based on Geographical Information System (GIS) technology, contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI). Results indicated that: (1) The average contents of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn exceeded the background values of irrigation soils of Xinjiang by 54.0, 1.34, 1.39, 3.44, and 5.01 times, respectively. The average contents of Cd exceeded the national standard of China by 10.80 times; (2) The pollution order of CF was ranked as Cd > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > As > Mn, and the ecological risk order of E_rⁱ was ranked as Cd > Ni > As > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Zn. The average PLI of the study area showed heavy pollution level, and the average RI of the study area fell into considerable risk; (3) The moderately polluted areas with moderate potential ecological risks distributed in the northern parts, whereas heavily polluted areas with considerable potential ecological risks distributed in the southern parts of the study area; (4) Cr, Cu, and Mn of farmland soils were mainly originated from natural factors. Cd, Ni, and Pb were mainly originated from anthropogenic factors. As and Zn may be associated with both natural and anthropogenic factors. Cd contributed most to the PLI and RI of the farmland soils in the study area.     

Yeast Communities of the Moscow City Soils

Yeast abundance and diversity were studied in the soils (topsoil) of Moscow city: urban soils under lawn vegetation and close to the areas of household waste disposal, as well as in zonal soddy-podzolic soils (retisols) in parks (Losiny Ostrov and Izmailovo). The numbers of soil yeasts were similar in all studied urban biocenoses (on average ~3.5 × 10³ CFU/g). From all studied soils, 54 yeast species were isolated. The highest yeast diversity was found in the soils adjacent to the areas of household waste storage. Soils from different urban sites were found to have different ratios of ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts: basidiomycetes predominated in urban soils under lawn vegetation, while in the areas close to the waste disposal sites their share was considerably lower. The differences between the studied urban soils were also found in the structure of soil yeast complexes. In urban soils with high anthropogenic impact, the isolation frequency of clinically important yeast species (Candida parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, Diutina catenulata, and Pichia kudriavzevii) was as high as 35% of all studied samples, while its share in the community was 17%. The factors responsible for development of specific features of yeast communities in various urban soils are discussed in the paper.     

Decline in snail abundance due to soil acidification causes eggshell defects in forest passerines

On poor soils in the Netherlands an increasing number of great tits, Parus major, and of other forest passerines produce eggs with defective shells and have low reproductive success as a result of calcium deficiency. A similar increase in eggshell defects has been observed in Germany and Sweden. Snail shells are the main calcium source for tits in forests where defective eggshells do not occur, but are very little taken in forests where tits often have eggshell defects. We investigated whether a decrease in snail abundance on poor soils could be responsible for the decline in eggshell quality, and if so, what caused this decrease. Snail density in forests where tits have eggshell defects was much lower than in forests where tits do not have such defects. Snail density correlated with the calcium content and to a lesser extent with pH of the litter layer. Liming of a calciumpoor forest soil with few snails resulted in snail densities comparable to those on calcium-rich soils after 4 years. Snail density has declined on calcium-poor soils over the last two decades, but not on calcium-rich soils. Acid deposition has caused a decline of soil calcium on poor soils. We conclude, therefore, that anthropogenic acidification has caused a decline in snail populations, resulting in an increase in eggshell defects in birds in forests on poor soils.     

Morphological differences between violets growing at heavy metal polluted and non-polluted sites

Environmental conditions, especially pollution of soils by heavy metals, can severely affect plant morphology, anatomy and reproduction. In present investigation, the morphological variability of forest violets (Viola reichenbachiana and V. riviniana), their degree of colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their reproduction properties were studied using samples from ore-bearing areas with soils rich in heavy metals. In these habitats, individuals with typical morphological characters of V. reichenbachiana and V. riviniana were not identified but populations were intermediate between these two species. Three ore-bearing areas with soils of a high content but low extractable amounts of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd) were covered by anthropogenic pine or beech forests, contrary to typical calamine heaps with metallophyte floras. Violets growing on ore-bearing areas were fully fertile, deposited Pb and Zn mainly in roots and had low Cd levels both in shoots and roots. Plants differed in AMF colonization with the degrees varying from nil to moderate. The violets growing in these areas were not affected in their reproduction and can be considered as stabilized introgressive forms or ecotypes of parental species on these soil conditions.     

Organic impurities in natural waters of the Tom’ basin

Analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and IR spectrometry shows that the composition of organic impurities in stream and water bodies of the Tom’ basin depends on natural and anthropogenic factors. The anthropogenic load is especially important, as the organic impurities originating from oil (paraffins, isoparaffins, naphthenes, aromatic hydrocarbons) are predominant; other pollutants of anthropogenic origin are also present (phthalates, carboxylic acids and their esters, phosphates). The composition of organic pollutants dumped into the river from each industrial zone has been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively.     

The effect of different types of anthropogenic changes in soils on communities of oribatids in urban ecosystems

Communities of oribatids that inhabit the soils of urban ecosystems that have various degree of pollution with heavy metals and arsenic, recreational loads, and surface transformation were studied. The suppressing effect of the anthropogenic pressures on the communities of oribatids was investigated. The effect of the recreational load, the increase in the density of soil composition and elimination of the sod horizon, as well as the formation of urbanozems on oribatids are comparable to the effects of pollution. Among oribatids, species that indicate a disturbed states of communities and the purity of ecosystems were found.     

Classification and Use of Natural and Anthropogenic Soils by Indigenous Communities of the Upper Amazon Region of Colombia

Outsiders often oversimplify Amazon soil use by assuming that abundantly available natural soils are poorly suited to agriculture and that sporadic anthropogenic soils are agriculturally productive. Local perceptions about the potentials and limitations of soils probably differ, but information on these perceptions is scarce. We therefore examined how four indigenous communities in the Middle Caquetá River region in the Colombian Amazon classify and use natural and anthropogenic soils. The study was framed in ethnopedology: local classifications, preferences, rankings, and soil uses were recorded through interviews and field observations. These communities recognized nine soils varying in suitability for agriculture. They identified anthropogenic soils as most suitable for agriculture, but only one group used them predominantly for their swiddens. As these communities did not perceive soil nutrient status as limiting, they did not base crop-site selection on soil fertility or on the interplay between soil quality and performance of manioc genetic resources.     

Various Applications of Soil Contaminant Database Developed for the Central Artery/Tunnel Project

One of the largest environmental assessment programs in the United States was initiated in the early 1990s to determine the chemical characteristics of soil located within the planned alignment for the Central Artery (I-93) / Tunnel (I-90) (CA/T) Project in Boston, Massachusetts. The primary purpose of the program was to support management of the handling and disposal of over 17 million cubic yards of soil to be excavated during construction of the CA/T Project. As part of this work, more than 8,000 soil samples were collected from more than 2,600 soil borings and analyzed for a range of chemical contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, acid/base neutral compounds, total petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and heavy metals. The soils encountered during the investigations exhibited properties influenced by numerous anthropogenic activities. These activities, such as vehicular emissions, historic industrial/manufacturing operations, and waterfront filling with both building rubble and dredge spoils from Boston Harbor, resulted in soils primarily contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and metals. As a result of this program, an extensive database of the chemical constituents present in urban soils in downtown Boston was developed. These results were primarily used to delineate the limits of contaminated areas affecting the planned construction. In addition, the database has been used by the Project to support various soil management activities, as well as by the regulatory community in developing guidelines and criteria governing the management of contaminated soils in Massachusetts. This paper focuses on the various applications of this database throughout the course of the Project, and with the additional aim of stimulating potential future applications by both the regulatory and scientific communities.     

Geochemical Assessment of Two Excavated Mass Graves in Rwanda: A Pilot Study

Necrosols are a unique category of anthropogenic soils that are associated with excavated cemeteries or graveyards. In spite of the growing number of cemeteries and burial sites found across urban and rural areas globally, scientific information regarding the contamination potential of this category of soils is relatively scarce and not properly understood. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by assessing the contamination significance of trace metal contents in the necrosols associated with two excavated mass graves in Rwanda. For this preliminary geochemical investigation, cemetery soil samples were collected from two excavated mass graves in the Murambi memorial site, Rwanda, and analyzed for trace and major element concentrations. The enrichment factor (EF), chemical index of alteration (CIA), and contamination status of necrosol samples was determined in comparison with the offsite area. The results revealed that the average EF values for both onsite and offsite samples were generally within the class of natural background with only six onsite samples having higher EF values than the offsite or background area. Possible reasons for the progressive depletion of the selected trace element onsite are the relatively low anthropogenic activities and higher weathering intensity of the necrosols in comparison with the background area over time. Even though the mean onsite CIA values for the necrosols were slightly higher than the background area, the index further confirmed that both the necrosols and offsite samples were significantly altered to kaolinic degree. From the resulting pollution index values (PI _Nemerow), it can be inferred that the Murambi necrosols were within the range of 0.84 and 1.82, corresponding to the precaution and slightly polluted domain. The current contamination status of the necrosols is likely to have been caused as a result of the anthropogenic input of Cr and Pb onsite relative to the offsite area.     

Effect of geographical factors on the biological productivity of Lake ecosystems: Modeling and forecast

The correlation between the lake ecosystem productivity and geographical and climatic factors and the production of terrestrial vegetation in the catchment area has been described in the form of a dynamic mass-balance model using Lake Krivoe (North Karelia) as an example. A model algorithm has been presented. It is concluded that, with natural year-to-year fluctuations of the biogenic load and the absence of anthropogenic impacts, Lake Krivoe has been preserving the status of an oligotrophic water body for more than 40 years (1968–2013).