Study on the Meiofauna Community Structure in Sajafi Shores as the Bio-Indicator of Environmental Pollution

In order to investigate the health of the coastal environments, we collected Meiofauna assemblages along intertidal muddy shores of Sajafi in the northwest of Persian Gulf in two seasons (February 2013 and July 2014) from three horizontal transects. Meiofauna are the metazoan components of the benthos, defined by their body size (<500 μm) and are the most diversified elements of the marine biota. They are so sensitive against adverse environmental changes and represent the ecological conditions. Environmental factors (temperature, salinity, DO, and pH), diversity and distribution of Meiofauna and their relationship with each other and with the grain size and TOM in both cold and warm seasons were evaluated. In this study, 56 meiofaunal species were identified in which foraminifera were abundant. The result of Shannon-Wiener in summer 2014 showed the highest value (H' = 3.148) while the lowest value occurred in winter 2014 (H' = 1.5). At the same time, the highest and lowest values of Simpson index (λ) were 0.43 and 0.05 respectively. Sajafi area, according to the Welch model, has a moderate (H' = 1 - 3) to unpolluted (H' > 3) condition compared to neighboring regions.

A review on the eco-geography of soil fauna in China

This review summarizes main research findings in soil fauna eco-geography in China in the past 30 years. The subject areas and main results were overviewed including biodiversity and eco-geological distribution of soil fauna communities. Studies of ecological distributions of soil fauna and dynamic ranges in space from tropical, subtropical to temperate regions, and in categories from forest, grassland, desert, wetland, farmland to urban ecosystems, the responses and indications of soil fauna to soil environments. Effects of intensive disturbance such as fire, grazing, farming, fertilization on soil fauna include sensitive （e.g. nematode） and rare groups and community indexes. The functions of soil fauna were discussed including environmental construction, environmental purification, litter decomposition and elements cycling. Interactions between soil fauna and other biota in soil ecosystems and linking between aboveground and belowground diversity and the effects of global change on soil fauna community in China were also included. Finally, the authors pointed out common interests in soil fauna eco-geographical studies, which include application of molecule biology into soil fauna taxa; function and mechanism of soil fauna community diversity; interaction between aboveground and belowground ecosystems; effects of disturbance, pollution, biological invasion, and global change on soil fauna community and function. The review is to provide a scientific basis for promoting soil fauna eco-geographical studies in China.

Uptake of Ag, Co and Ni by the Organs of <i>Typha domingensis</i>(Pers.) Poir. ex Steud. in Lake Burullus and Their Potential Use As Contamination Indicators

The concentrations of Ag, Co and Ni in the sediments and the different organs of Typha domingensis from Lake Burullus, Egypt, were investigated monthly from February to September 2010 to evaluate the aquatic environment quality of the lake and to test the suitability of these organs for bio-indicating of sediment metals. The sediment heavy metals were found to decrease in the order of Ni > Co > Ag. The sediment contents of Ag were about 45 times above the worldwide range. On the other hand, Co concentrations were below the reference ranges of United States and Chinese soils. The heavy metals bioaccumulation decreased according to the order of rhizome > root > leaf for Ag;and root > rhizome > leaf for Co and Ni. It was found also that, T. domingensis had no significant differences in heavy metals concentrations over time. The transfer factors of Ag, Co and Ni from sediment to below-ground organs were smaller than one. Co had the maximum transport from below-ground to above-ground organs, while Ag had the minimum. There was a significant linear correlation between the concentration of Ag in root of T. domingensis and that in sediment. This result suggested that T. domingensis can be regarded as bio-indicator for Ag pollution of Lake Burullus.

Ecological environment response of benthic foraminifera to heavy metals and human engineering: A case study from Jiaozhou Bay, China

The estuary and coastal zone are the key areas for socio-economic development,and they are also the important channels for pollutants transported to the sea.The construction of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge changed the hydrodynamic condition of the bay,which made the self-purification capacity of the bay weakened and the pollution in the estuary and adjacent coastal zone become more serious.In this study,55 surface sediment samples were collected from the three seriously polluted estuaries and the adjacent coastal zone of Jiaozhou Bay to comprehensively study how the benthic foraminifera response to heavy metal pollution and human engineering,and to assess the ecological risks of the bay.A total of 80 species,belonging to 42 genera,were identified in this study.The results showed that Cu,Pb,Cr,Hg,Zn,and As had low to median ecological risks in the study area which would definitely affect the ecological system.The construction of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge has resulted in pollutants accumulated at the river mouth of Loushan River,which has adverse effects on the survival and growth of benthic foraminifera.The lowest population density and diversity as well as the highest FAI(Foraminiferal Abnormality Index)and FMI(Foraminiferal Monitoring Index)occurred at Loushan River Estuary which indicated that the ecological environment of the northeastern part of Jiaozhou Bay(Loushan River Estuary)had been seriously damaged.Licun River and Haipo River estuaries and the adjacent coastal zone were slightly polluted and had low ecological risk.As a consequence,it suggested that the supervision of industrial and domestic waste discharge and the protection of the ecological environment in northeast Jiaozhou Bay should be paid more attention.

Characterization of Health and Environmental Risks of Pesticide Use in Market-Gardening in the Rural City of Tori-Bossito in Benin, West Africa

A study on the use of pesticides in market-gardening production was carried out on 108 market-gardeners in the rural city of Tori-Bossito in Southern Benin. The objective of the study was to characterize the potential risks of pesticides usage by farmers and the impacts on their health and on the environment. Two risk indexes were calculated for each pesticide: an environmental risk index (ERI) and a health risk index (HRI). First stage larva of the mosquito Aedes aegypti were used as bio-indicator for detecting insecticide residue in vegetable before their harvesting on the farms. The highest ERI were obtained for carbofuran, chlorpyriphos ethyl and endosulfan. Pesticide residues were found in 42% of the samples of leaves of eggplant, cucumber, amaranth and solanum. Vegetables growers used pesticides that may be highly hazardous and which were not registered in most cases. These situations could have unexpected consequences including the exposure of consumers to health hazards.

Characteristics of zooplankton community in North Yellow Sea unveiled an indicator species for the Yellow Sea Warm Current in winter: Euchaeta plana

Zooplankton distributions are largely influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors in the surrounding environment.Some zooplankton species can be used as bio-indicators for particular currents and water masses to help discover the dynamics of water current in the ocean.In this study,we investigated the distribution of zooplankton in North Yellow Sea(NYS)during winter when the Yellow Sea Warm Current(YSWC)influenced that area.Zooplankton communities in the NYS were dominated by temperate and warm-temperate species,such as Calanus sinicus,Paracalanus parvus,Acartia bifilosa,and Sagitta crassa.Two warm-water species,Eucheata plana and Sagitta enflata were also present.Cluster analysis grouped NYS zooplankton into three communities,the Shandong Coastal Community(SCC)in the Shandong neritic area,the Yellow Sea Central Community(YSCC)in the central waters of the NYS,and the Liaoning Coastal Community(LCC)in the Liaoning neritic area.Abundances varied significantly among these communities,with an average of 102.2 ind./m^3 in SCC,179.8 ind./m^3 in YSCC,and 1244.2 ind./m^3 in LCC.Depth and the bottom(3 m from the sea floor)temperature were likely the primary abiotic factors influencing zooplankton distributions.The appearance of E.plana,an indicator species for the YSWC path,indicated a significant northwestward trend for the YSWC in 2007.

The Upper Jordan River Algal Communities are Evidence of Long-Term Climatic and Anthropogenic Impacts

Spatial and temporal algal diversity changes were studied in the major drinking water source of Israel - the Upper Jordan River. During 2006-2009, we found 232 species and infraspecies of algae and cyanobacteria: 85 of which were new for the Upper Jordan River Basin including three new for Israel. During many years of study of the Upper Jordan River, we collected information for the database of algal diversity. Historical analysis from 1883 to 2009 shows fluctuation of the whole algal diversity. Environmental indicator species show peaks in 1951, 1965, 1978, and 2009. Salinity impact was found in 1938 and 2000;acidification was detected in 1938, 1996, and 2000, and organic pollution, in 1996. Therefore, we can conclude that 1938, 1996, and 2000 were critical periods for the Upper Jordan River ecosystem. Indication of the trophic status shows stress of organic pollution since the 1970s, which was marked by dramatic increases in eutraphentic and hypereutraphentic species. The present analysis shows three peaks in the fluctuation in diversity throughout the river canal, which correlated with the organic pollution impact from the Masade village effluence in the middle reaches and near Lake Kinneret. Pollution was significant in rainy winters and stimulated species diversity development. The different approaches in comparing diversity in each river of the Upper Jordan Basin revealed that hydrology is a major regulating factor in species composition of the algal communities, which were formed under the influence of regional climatic factors. Therefore, the river can be highlighted as a natural system with high buffering and a self-purification capacity at the present time.

Haematology of <i>Pelophylax ridibundus</i>(Amphibia: <i>Ranidae</i>) of <i>Striata</i>and <i>Maculata</i>Morphs in Populations Living in Conditions of Anthropogenic Pollution in Southern Bulgaria

Basic haematological parameters were studied in adult, sexually mature individuals of colour morphs (striata and maculata) in the populations of Pelophylax ridibundus living in biotopes with various degrees of anthropogenic pollution (control, domestic sewage pollution and heavy metal pollution) in Southern Bulgaria. We found that in the polluted biotopes in individuals of both morphs of P. ridibundus the blood parameters: erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBS) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit (PCV) were statistically reliably higher, the number of lymphocytes (Ly) decreased, and the parameters: mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV) and differential blood formula changed considerably in comparison with the control group. In terms of anthropogenic pollution, the average values of RBC and Hb were higher in P. ridibundus of striata morph.

Effectiveness of Macroinvertebrate Species to Discern Pollution Levels in Aquatic Environment

The World is transforming more rapidly than ever before as a result of urbanization and industrialization. Such unrelenting destruction of nature has surpassed the capacity of mother Earth to support the aquatic ecosystem. Apart from freshwater macroinvertebrate species, there is no single measure of declining freshwater ecosystem that can capture either the short and long-term changes or the trend of overall freshwater ecosystem health. In that regard, the macroinvertebrates and physico-chemical variables were used as surrogates to determine levels of impairment within and between Pangani and Wami-Ruvu rivers’ basins in Tanzania. Spatial distribution of macroinvertebrate communities in the basins is significantly influenced by varying levels of environmental variables as a result of geomorphology and improper land uses. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) ordination showed two distinct patterns of biometrics that clearly discriminate reference sites from monitoring sites at each basin and consequently demonstrate the differences in water quality and physical habitat between the site categories. Similarly, distinctive macroinvertebrate species were observed and varied considerably among the site categories in the studied rivers as a function of tolerance levels. Impacted sites are characterized by either absence of any sensitive taxa or presence of few if any;greater dominance of only a few taxa that are tolerant to pollution. Therefore, the more diverse orders with a wider range of occurrences and tolerance to pollution (Ephemeroptera (E), Diptera (D), Odonata (O) and Trichoptera (T)) can be considered as potential bio-indicators in developing biomonitoring index for Tropical African Rivers as they showed a significant discriminating power that separated reference from monitoring sites.

Bio-drilling, Compaction Alleviation, and Fate of Storm-Water Management

Compaction due to urbanization and farm operations disrupt natural soil profiles,increase impervious surface areas and decrease vegetative cover.These disruptions increase storm-water runoff at the expense of ground water recharge,degrading water quality and impairing aquatic habitats.A completely randomized experiment was conducted at the OSU/South Centers,Piketon,OH to assess the effect of Daikon radish(Raphanus sativus L.var.oleiferus)on alleviating compaction.Treatments included long-term tillage,long-term no-till(NT)and a fallow soil compacted with farm equipment with and without Daikon radish.Radish was sown in mid-August and plants were winter-killed at the onset of first frost when the temperature dropped to-2.22°C(28°F).To assess progress in compaction alleviation,a model was developed to extrapolate information on soil porosity as an indicator of hydrological properties of soils.Earthworm population dynamics were also considered as a bio-indicator of compaction alleviation.The adoption of radish used as bio-drilling,alleviated overall compaction by 40%with reductions ranging from 90%at 0-13 cm to 30%at 56-64 cm depth.The fallow compacted soil with radish had the highest population of earthworm with total body mass of 3.6 kg·m-3,followed by NT at 0.8 kg·m^-3,and till at 0.4 kg·m^-3(p<0.05).Mean values of soil porosity were increased by 44%with radish compared to the fields without radish.This increase ranged from 71%in the upper soil depths(0-13 cm depth)to 25%in the lower depths(56-64 cm depths).Use of bio-drilling has potential to synergistically alleviate the effect of compaction,minimize flash-flooding and improve water quality.

Toxicity of lead pollution to the collembolan Folsomia candida in Ferri-Udic Cambosols

Toxic effect of lead(Pb) pollution on Collembola in soils has seldom been studied in depth, which is especially true for growth responses since the juveniles are very small and numerous. A single species test was conducted using the collembolan Folsomia candida as the indicator species, and soil Pb pollution(at Pb concentrations of 0, 300, 600, 1 200, 2 400, and 4 800 mg kg^(-1)) was simulated by mixing Pb(NO_(3))_(2) with a natural unpolluted soil. Adult survival, reproduction, body length, and body Pb concentration were determined. Adult survival and reproduction started to decrease at soil Pb concentrations of 1 200 and 600 mg kg^(-1), respectively. Lead concentrations in adult and juvenile bodies increased with increasing Pb concentration in soil. The percentage and individual abundances based on body length analysis showed that the larger adults(2.1–2.6 mm, P < 0.01) were more sensitive to soil Pb concentration than the intermediate(1.9–2.1 mm, P < 0.001) and smaller(1.7–1.9 mm, P < 0.001) adults. Similarly, the larger juveniles(1.0–1.4 mm, P < 0.001) were more sensitive to soil Pb concentration than the intermediate(0.6–1.0 mm, P < 0.001) and smaller(0.3–0.6 mm, P < 0.001) juveniles. For both adults or juveniles, the abundance and percentage of larger individuals declined significantly with increasing soil Pb concentration, suggesting that larger individuals were more sensitive to soil Pb pollution. Therefore, body length features, especially the percentage and abundance of larger individuals, would be potential bio-indicators of soil Pb pollution and possibly other types of soil pollution.

Relationship between Arthropods in Forest Litter and Forest Health

As an important part in forest ecosystems, the arthropod communities in the forest litter are closely related to forest health.Based on the ecological function,community structure and biology of the arthropods,we discuss the theoretical basis for the selection of particular groups of arthropods as bio-indicators in this paper,and suggest that the evenness and richness of Collembola(Collembolan), Coleoptera(Beetle) and Hymenoptera(Ant) can serve as forest health indicators.In terms of the relationship between forest litter arthropods and forest health,we summarize the main groups of forest litter arthropods suitable as bio-indicators and their ecological functions in forest ecosystems,and subsequently introduce a simple and accurate new method for selecting forest health indicator species by comparing the frequencies of the various species in different habitats.This method was tested with a real case using forest litter arthropods as a bio- indicator to evaluate rain forest health.Finally,the problems in using forest litter arthropods to evaluate and monitor forest habitat health are discussed and the use of multiple bio-indicator species in order to establish a balanced index system is recommended.

Vertical quantitative and dominant population distribution of the bacteria isolated from the Muztagata ice core

Vertical distribution of the main bacteria isolated from the Muztagata ice core (about 22.4 m) was investigated by means of cultivation and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The results showed that the amount of culturable bacteria fluctuated with ice core depth, and was more in dirty layer than in clean ice, which suggested the close corresponding relationship between high input of the bacteria deposited by wind and snowflow and dirty layer. Most of the bacteria were psychrophiles and psychrotolerants, including α- and γ-proteobacteria, Cryobacterium psychro-philum, CFB (Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides) group, high-G+C gram-positive bacteria (HGC). Acinetobacter sp. and HGC repeatly occurred in different ice depths, and their quantita-tive distribution was consistent with the change of the total amount of culturable bacteria with depth, which suggested the main bio-indicator; while Flavobacterium, Cryobacterium psychro-philum, and α-proteobacteria, also functioned as a secondary indicator of climatic and environ-mental changes. This study is the first report concerning continuous quantitative variation and pattern of the main culturable bacteria in ice core section.

Potential of Nassarius nitidus for monitoring organotin pollution in the lagoon of Bizerta (northern Tunisia)

Imposex and butyltin burden were assessed in Nassarius nitidus,Bolinus brandaris and Hexaplex trunculus collected at five stations in the Bizerta lagoon.Biological analysis showed that imposex followed type （a） in N.nitidus （distal evolution）,against type （d） in the two muricids （proximal evolution）.Imposex indices were higher in sites located nearby sources of tributyltin and N.nitidus was the least affected species of the five sites,followed by B.brandaris and H.trunculus.Butyltin analysis showed lower accumulation in N.nitidus followed by H.trunculus and B.brandaris.This study has allowed the gathering of data on imposex in a snail studied for the first time in Tunisia （N.nitidus）.It suggests the possibility of using such snail as a complementary species for organotin monitoring programs in the Mediterranean and further confirmed that H.trunculus is the most suitable species for such investigations.