Exploring Greek High School Students’ Understanding of Basic Environmental Issues

The present research studies the knowledge of 221 Ioannina’s city, located in the northwestern region of Greece, high school students on 10 environmental issues. Schoolers’ responses were collected through a “closed response” questionnaire distributed at three of the city’s Public High Schools. The overall picture appeared to be moderately satisfactory, as high schoolers possess a good knowledge on several environmental issues, while misconceptions on other issues, such as sustainable development, predominate. Taking into account the outcome of the present study we consider that improvements are needed in the existing Environmental Education Program in order to ameliorate their knowledge.

Land Use Changes Do Not Rapidly Change the Trophic State of a Deep Lake. Amvrakia Lake, Greece

The study of physicochemical and biological parameters can assess the trend of a lake’s trophic state. A trophic state index (TSI) was used to assess eutrophication of LakeAmvrakia. Total phosphorus and chlorophyll concentrations that recorded were generally at the same level with those recorded in previous years, a fact which indicates that lake’s trophic state did not change. But in the past ten years, agricultural uses have been modified by almost 25% of the catchment area, because of the major reduction of tobacco cultivation. One year of monthly monitoring, in nine sampling stations can report this result. Even if the catchment is small and the agricultural areas are the 47% of the basin, the water quality of the lake did not change. The trophic state is stable probably because the lake is deep monomictic, and seasonally anoxic. For this reason internal phosphorus contribution is very important in the deep hypolimnion.

Trophic State Evaluation of a Large Mediterranean Lake Utilizing Abiotic and Biotic Elements

The trophic state of a freshwater ecosystem reflects its environmental quality. This is why several trophic indicators have been developed for such water bodies based on chemical, physical and biological parameters. Apart from that, there are several biotic elements which can be used in accessing the environmental condition of a freshwater ecosystem. Zooplankton organisms are important elements of the structure and function of lakes and are considered useful indicators of alterations in their trophic dynamics and ecological state related to changes in nutrient loading and climate. In accordance to the above, the present study is an attempt to assess the trophic condition of the largest lake in Greece (Lake Trichonis) through the investigation of the physicochemical elements, along with the biotic indications provided by a three-year study of the lake’s zooplankton. The present results, compared with previous studies conducted between 15 and 25 years before, showed that there was an increase in the maximum values of the concentrations of chlorophyll-α and nutrients, while there was a decrease in water transparency. The implementation of Carslon’s trophic state index (TSI) revealed that Lake Trichonis still remains an oligo-to mesotrophic ecosystem as it was in the past. However, although the zooplankton investigation showed several features that are common in oligotrophic lakes, there are certain eutrophic characteristics of the zooplankton community (e.g. abundance variation pattern, indicator species, seasonal succession of cladocerans) pointing out a different state of the ecosystem in comparison to the past. In conclusion, the use of a biotic element like zooplankton revealed that Lake Trichonis is experiencing a transitional condition towards the eutrophic state and points out the necessity for constant inspection and monitoring of this ecosystem.

Contribution of Former Poachers for Wildlife Conservation in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

This study assessed the contribution of former poachers to wildlife conservation in Volcanoes National Park, the main causes of poaching activities in Volcanoes National Park. The results indicated that the main causes of poaching and other illegal activities are associated with poverty, ignorance and culture and commercial purposes. The results further illustrated that poaching cases decreased in the Volcanoes National Park where, from 2018, the snares removed from the park reduced from above 1000 to 600 snares. In the same year, only 3 poachers from Kinigi and Shingiro Sectors were arrested. The findings illustrated that introducing of revenue sharing scheme where, 10% of the park’s revenues are shared to the local communities living adjacent to the park, and constructing a buffalo wall stone around the Volcanoes National Park are of the important measures which contributed to solve completely the problems of poaching and human-wildlife conflicts in the volcanic area. However, some respondents reported that the construction of buffalo wall did not prevent animal from escaping the park, they have proposed the construction of strong fence such as electrically fenced wall.

Impact of Air Pollution on Community’s Health, Evidence of Industrial Zone in Masoro, Ndera Sector, Rwanda

Air pollution is among the leading global risks for mortality and responsible for increasing risk for chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of industrial zone air pollution on Masoro community and identify some health problems which are experienced in the communities. The key informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique and random sampling based on polluted areas. During this research, Kibagabaga hospital was consulted to identify different illness associated with air pollution in Ndera industrial zone. Respondents illustrated that a great part of emission came from industry, related activities and vehicles. The findings from the hospital illustrated that the respiratory, hypertension and diabetes dominated the illness in community due to air pollution from industrial zone, which was confirmed in this research with reference to the survey results. Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats and has been implicated for several adverse cardiovascular effects including arterial hypertension and diabetes. Air contamination provokes oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and autonomic nervous system imbalance that subsequently induce endothelial dysfunction and vasoconstriction leading to increased blood pressure. The respondents confirmed that the communities are aware of pollution and experienced the consequences of pollution such as cancer and other complicated illness.

Evaluation of Genetic Damage to Workers in a Nickel Smelting Industry

Objectives: Occupational exposure to nickel is affecting millions of employees around the world. Potential alterations in the genetic material of workers in the mining and processing of nickel, possibly resulting from exposure to nickel in the production process, were investigated. The study focused on assessing the percentage of induced micronuclei, as well as on changes in the various cell types of oral mucosa epithelium. Methods: The buccal micronucleus assay was employed to assess possible induced genetic alterations to production line workers in comparison to office employees of the same nickel mining and pyrometalurgic processing industry. Subjects were also compared with regard to their smoking habit. Results: Very low soluble nickel levels were measured in certain workplaces and only in one workplace insoluble nickel was above the acceptable level. Statistically significant micronuclei differences among smokers and non-smokers, in both study groups as well as in total, were observed (p less than 0.01). Production line workers appeared with statistically significant induced micronuclei compared to office employees. Non-smoker production line workers compared to non-smoker office employees revealed statistically significant induced micronuclei. Statistically significant cell lesions were detected between non-smokers and smokers among office employees and production line workers documenting Ni engagement in their induction. Conclusions: The observed frequencies of micronuclei and cell lesions in the oral mucosa of workers, in certain positions of the production line, in relation to their smoking habit document the synergistic effect of Ni and cigarette smoking as effectors in their induction.

Effect of Farming Practices on Honey Production in Boundary of Gishwati Forest National Park

Pesticides and inorganic fertilizers applied in agriculture are key factors which affect biodiversity, especially bees, butterfly and other pollinators. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of farming practices on honey production in boundary of Gishwati Forest National Park in Rwanda. Survey was conducted to collect data from 2000 year to 2018 year from 51 members grouped in UNICOAPIGI beekeeping and 73 members of JYAMBERE agricultural cooperatives to establish the impact of agriculture practice on honey production. The results showed that the change in agricultural inputs from 2000 to 2018 (R2 = 0.901) resulted in high corn yield and consequently induced honey reduction (R2 = 0.75). The correlation coefficients for pesticides and inorganic fertilizers used in corn production had strong negative effects on honey production {γ3 = -0.06 for chemical fertilizers (X3) and γ4 = -0.42 for pesticides (X4)}. JYAMBERE Agricultural cooperative with 75.78% of farmers reported that they used pesticides and inorganic fertilizers in corn production. However, 51 beekeepers grouped in UNICOAPIGI cooperative reported a serious decline of honey production from 27 Kg to 6 Kg of honey per hive after the 2008 year, which is suspected to be mainly the effect from applications of pesticides and fertilizers in corn production. The findings illustrated that the roles of honeybees as pollinator exposed them to toxic, especially pesticides applied in agriculture in boundary of Gishwati national forest reserve, therefore, beekeepers proposed that protection of forests and park is not only sufficient to reach sustainable conservation of bee biodiversity but also requires determining the land use pattern and socio-political factors around the Gishwati forest reserve.

Mapping Landslide Susceptibility and Analyzing Its Impact on Community Livelihoods in Gakenke District, Northern Rwanda

This study spatially distributed landslide susceptibility and assessed its impact on community livelihoods in Gakenke district of Rwanda. The Global Positioning System (GPS) located recent landslides from which inventory map was built. Six conditioning factors: elevation, slope, land use and land cover, rainfall, soil texture and lithology were analyzed by Geographic Information System (GIS) to map landslide susceptibility. The results showed that Janja, Muzo, Kamubuga, Kivuruga and Muyongwe sector are highly susceptible to landslide. The elevation, slope, poor land management and rainfall are the key drivers to landslide in this area. The findings indicated that the residents are not aware of landslide causal factors due to low level of education and trainings. Also, rain harvest which could minimize the runoff is not yet practiced;this in turn impacts on people’s livelihoods by killing/injuring people, damaging their infrastructures and natural resources. Therefore, it is suggested to empower rainwater harvest, deliver education and training to enhance community awareness, and ensure that the local community is involved in planning and execution of landside risk reduction schedule.

Wolbachia symbiosis and insect immune response

Bacterial intraceUular symbiosis is very common in insects, having significant consequences in promoting the evolution of life and biodiversity. The bacterial group that has recently attracted particular attention is Wolbachia pipientis which probably represents the most ubiquitous endosymbiont on the planet. W. pipientis is a Gram-negative obligatory intracellular and maternally transmitted a-proteobacterium, that is able to establish symbiotic associations with arthropods and nematodes. In arthropods, Wolbachia pipientis infections have been described in Arachnida, in Isopoda and mainly in Insecta. They have been reported in almost all major insect orders including Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera and Lepidoptera. To enhance its transmission, W. pipientis can manipulate host reproduction by inducing parthenogenesis, feminization, male killing and cytoplasmic incompatibility. Several polymerase chain reaction surveys have indicated that up to 70% of all insect species may be infected with W. pipientis. How does W. pipientis manage to get established in diverse insect host species？ How is this intracellular bacterial symbiont species so successful in escaping the host immune response？ The present review presents recent advances and ongoing scientific efforts in the field. The current body of knowledge in the field is summarized, revelations from the available genomic information are presented and as yet unanswered questions are discussed in an attempt to present a comprehensive picture of the unique ability of W. pipientis to establish symbiosis and to manipulate reproduction while evading the host＇s immune system.