Determination of the values of feeding coefficient and the coefficient of feed utilization by planktonophagous fish in the lower reaches of the Vychegda River
Section: Methodology and research methods. Models and forecasts
This paper presents the results of studies of the aquatic ecosystem components of the lower reaches of the Vychegda River. During 2022 growing season we found 234 species of various microalgae belonging to 8 departments. The phytoplankton community is diatom-green with small forms of organisms from other departments. 45 taxonomic units represented the zooplankton community over the entire period of research. We identified 20 taxa of Cladocera, 11 taxa of Copepoda, and 14 taxa of Rotatoria. Widespread Palearctic organisms formed the community. According to the results of control catches, six species of fish were identified: roach, perch, bream, ruff, silver bream and walleye. Perch and roach dominated the catches (87.7% of the catch). Material on 150 larvae and fry of bleak and ruff was obtained. The coefficient of feed utilization (KE) for phytoplankton averaged 0.033, for zooplankton – 0.11. The coefficient of assimilated food by zooplankton (K3) corresponded to an average of 0.348 (34.8%), the same indicator for planktonophagous fish was not above 0.3 (30%). The feeding coefficients of phytoplankton and zooplankton for the lower reaches of the Vychegda River averaged 30 and 9, respectively. Thus, the obtained feeding coefficients in 2022 growing season are close to the zonal ones for the Northern Fisheries Basin. The research results can be used to develop measures for the conservation of aquatic biological resources and their habitat.
Keywords: the Vychegda River, feeding coefficient, feed utilization coefficient, coefficient of assimilated food, phytoplankton, zooplankton
The article presents the results of studies of herbaceous plant communities in the Baikal basin, with the significant participation of the diazotrophic cyanoprokaryota Nostoc commune. The territory of the investigation is located at the foot of the Primorskiy range. There are developed mountain, typical steppe, and meadow communities on chestnut soils. A high content of carbonates was found in the soils, and the pH of the upper horizons varied from slightly acidic to alkaline. The composition of algae and cyanoprokaryota species living in and on soils has been revealed. In total, in steppe and meadow communities we identified 71 species from five divisions: Cyanoprokaryota – 27, Bacillariophyta – 4, Ochrophyta – 3, Chlorophyta – 34, and Charophyta – 3. 58 species have been found in steppe communities, 40 in meadow. A predominance of cyanoprokaryota and green algae was noted. The composition of the studied phototrophic species in steppe communities differed significantly from that of the meadow. In steppe communities Nostoc commune formed macroscopic colonies, and its biomass production was low (about 2 g/m2) comparable to that of a number of Asia arid territories. The N. commune biomass formation was higher on the mountain slope and at its foot, where higher density of soil composition, lower field humidity, as well as an increased content of calcium, magnesium, and sodium was found in soils. The N. commune biomass was reduced in the site at a distance from the mountain slope where the content of the above elements was lower. The regular sampling of macrocolonies had a negative impact on their renewal.
Keywords: steppe, diversity of soil algae, Nostoc commune, southwest coast of the Lake Baikal, physico-chemical properties of soils
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-172-184
Views: 3
Lyophilized microorganisms as a basis for biosensitive element of a BOD-biosensor
Previously created laboratory models and commercially available BOD biosensors are usually formed using the biomass of microorganisms obtained by centrifugation of the culture fluid. In this work we developed and tested BOD biosensors based on lyophilized bacteria Paracoccus yeei VKM V-3302 and yeast Debaryomyces hansenii VKM Y-2482. The use of a lyophilized form of microorganisms makes it possible to switch to a new analysis format – the use of easily replaceable biosensitive elements with a short service life. It will simplify the introduction of BOD biosensors in environmental laboratories, enterprises and organizations involved in the routine determination of BOD using a methodology based on a 5-day sample incubation. The long shelf life (up to 2 years), low cost and easy applying of a dry preparation to the electrode will greatly facilitate the transportation of biosensitive elements to the end user, allow analysis in the field and at any time and will not require constant calibration of a sensor. It has been shown that the lyophilization process does not lead to significant changes in the metabolic activity of microorganisms. The biosensors are characterized by high sensitivity (the lower limit of BOD5 determination is 0.5 mgO2/dm3), convergence of results (4.5%) and are not inferior to existing analogs in terms of basic characteristics. They make it possible to analyze water samples classified as “pure” (BOD5 range 0.05–0.5 mg/dm3) and obtain results with a high correlation (R=0.9951) to the standard method. Thus, the use of bacteria P. yeei and yeast D. hansenii in a lyophilized form as part of the sensitive elements of BOD biosensors makes it possible to use them in prototypes of biosensors for mass production.
The Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is widespread in Europe, but it is reducing in numbers, especially in the north and east of its range. The paper presents the results of studying the effect of initial stocking density on survival, development duration and body length of E. calamita larvae in laboratory conditions. The experiments used containers with the same bottom area (1092 cm2), but with different water levels (14 and 28 cm). Larvae were grown at different stocking densities per unit volume (1–3 larvae/L) of water and per unit area of the bottom (82.4–494.5 larvae/m2). The studied larvae have very high survival rate (90.7–100.0%) and show no differences in this parameter in groups in all variants of cultivation. Animals from the lowest density groups were characterized by the shortest developmental duration. With an increase in the stocking density per unit volume of water and bottom area the larval development duration increased. There was a negative correlation of body length with the initial stocking density per unit volume of water (r=-0.52) and bottom area (r=-0.62). The stocking density per the bottom area affected greater the larval developmental duration and body length of juvenile toads, than the stocking density per unit water volume. The authors note that it is advisable to grow E. calamita larvae in laboratory conditions at maximum stocking density (3 larvae/L and 494.5 larvae/m2), as this allows for a greater number of juvenile toads.
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-217-225
Views: 3
Zoobenthos and zooplankton in small rivers of the Kobra River basin (National park “Koygorodsky”)
O.A. Loskutova, O.N. Kononova, M.A. Baturina, V.I. Ponomarev
Section: Population ecology
The studies were carried out on two small rivers – tributaries of the Kobra River (the Volga River basin), located on the territory of Koygorodsky National Park. The structure, quantitative development of zoobenthos and fauna of benthic invertebrates were studied. Hydrobiological sampling was carried out in June – July 2021. Standard methods were used for sampling. 87 species and taxa of a higher rank of invertebrates were found in the benthic fauna. The most diverse were caddisflies (21), mayflies (21), stoneflies (13) and oligochaetes (12 species). Quantitative development of the zoobenthos of the Kobra River basin is comparable to the average for the rivers of the Vyatka River basin as a whole and was 19 thous. ind./m2 and 74.6 g/m2 in the Suran River, and 14.1 thous. ind./m2 and 19.2 g/m2 in the Mytets River. The chironomids played a leading role in benthic invertebrate communities, and accounted for an average of 26.3–33.4% of the total zoobenthos abundance. Mayfly larvae and leeches dominated in the Suran River by biomass, as well as molluscs and caddisflies – in the Mytets River. The maximum quantitative characteristics were noted on the reaches of both rivers. The development of benthos was much poorer on the riffles. Three rare species from the orders of mayflies, stoneflies and dragonflies were identified.
Zooplankton in the small tributaries of the Kobra River was studied using standard methods: in the Suran River on the early June and in the Mytets River – on the end of the July 2021. Plankton fauna was represented by 28 taxa, rotifers and copepods prevailed. Plankton species diversity, abundance and biomass were lower in the Suran River (the beginning of the vegetation season), which indicated the processes of zooplankton formation. The above indicators were higher in the middle of the summer season in the Mytets River, and indicated the stability of plankton communities.
The presented data significantly expand the understanding of the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in the southern taiga zone.
Keywords: national park, small rivers, fauna, aquatic invertebrates, hydrochemistry
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-210-216
Views: 10
Phosphate mobilizing microorganisms of agricultural plants in arid ecosystems of the Astrakhan region
Crop productivity and yield are negatively affected by the deficiency of phosphorus in agricultural soil. Phosphate fertilizers are widely used to improve crop yields globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase plant-available phosphorus in soil using feasible environmentally friendly technologies. Isolation and screening of strains with increased phosphate-solubilzing activity are necessary stages of research to intensify the phosphorus nutrition of plants by presowing inoculation of seeds with effective microorganisms. 50 isolates of microorganisms (49 bacterial and 1 yeast) were isolated from the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of agricultural plants in arid ecosystems of the Astrakhan region. Bacterial isolates are morphologically represented by Gram-positive spore-forming (3 pcs.) and non-spore-forming (43 pcs.) rod-like bacteria and cocci (3 pcs.). Preliminary screening of phosphate solubilization by isolates on solid nutrient media revealed a group of 6 isolates with maximum specific phosphate mobilization (the specific phosphate mobilization coefficient – Kr –value was 2.0–6.9 units) and the ability to reduce the pH of the medium. Determination of the dynamics of mobile phosphate content allowed us to identify an isolate capable of maintaining the mobile phosphorus amount at up to 6 μmol/ml and lowering in pH up to 4.73 in the medium. The studied isolate should be recommended as the basis of a biological preparation for optimizing the mineral nutrition of plants.
Keywords: arid ecosystems, rhizosphere and rhizoplane microorganisms, phosphate solubilization
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-107-114
Views: 3
Effect of cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants on soil oligochaetes Eisenia fetida andrey (Bouche, 1972)
Results of studying the main types of surfactants effect on earthworms Eisenia fetida andrey (Bouche, 1972) are presented. The worms were tested for survival and preference-avoidance behavioral reactions. Earthworms avoided sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at 0.02 g/kg and above, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide – at 0.1 g/kg and above, and polysorbate 80 – at 30 mL/kg and above. The 100% mortality of earthworms occurred at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.02 g/kg of SDS on day 30, at 1 g/kg – on day 25, and at 1 g/kg – on day 2 of the experiment. Сetyltrimethylammonium bromide at 0.001 and 0.01 g/kg caused the 100% mortality of worms on day 30; at 0.1 g/kg – on day 25; at 0.5 g/kg – on day 5; and at 1.0 g/kg already on day 2 of the experiment. The 100% mortality of worms occurred at 0.1, 1 and 10 mL/kg of polysorbate 80 on day 30 of incubation; at 20 or 30 mL/kg – on day 20; at 50 mL/kg – on day 10 of experience. The following toxicity series (both in terms of g/L and in terms of g/mol) of the tested surfactants for earthworms was constructed on the basis of the results obtained (increasing toxicity): polysorbate 80 (non-ionic surfactant) < cetrimonium bromide (cationic surfactant) < sodium dodecyl sulfate (anion-active surfactant).
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-133-140
Views: 3
Effect of preliminary bioconversion of wheat straw on plant productivity in a model nature-like system
T.I. Zyubanova, O.M. Minaeva, E.E. Akimova, E.B. Daibova, N.N. Tereshchenko
Section: Ecologization of industry
Studies focused on maintaining high productivity and stability of artificial ecosystems that reproduce the processes of natural cenoses are relevant and interesting. It seems to be effective to include decomposers, detritivores and vegetative waste in model systems aimed at obtaining products. The use of earthworms as detritivores is promising because they utilize the organic matter as well as enrich the substrates with microflora including those with antagonistic and growth-stimulating activities. The aim of this study was to assess the prospects of preliminary bioconversion of wheat straw by basidiomycetes (Lentinus tigrinus and Pleurotus ostreatus) to increase the productivity of lettuce plants. The work was carried out in laboratory conditions with model systems consisting of a substrate (peat, cattle manure and wheat straw with and without bioconversion), earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa cultivar Credo). The leaf area, the weight of each plant (wet and dry), the productivity of lettuce plants, and the content of the main biogenic elements in the plant tissue and substrate were evaluated. The number and weight of adult worms at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and the number of juvenile worms at the end of the experiment, the number of cocoons, as well as coprolite weight and yield were considered. A significant phytotoxic effect when straw was added into the substrate was found. The addition of straw
processed by basidiomycetes (10%) in the substrate had a favorable effect on the earthworm population. Growing lettuce on substrates with bioconverted straw and with the earthworm introduction increases the content of major macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) in plants. The introduction of earthworms contributed to a significant decrease in the phytotoxicity of substrates. Thus, it is possible to recommend the inclusion of fungiculture wastes (such as substrates after fruiting bodies obtaining) in green crop production systems together with the introduction of earthworms into substrates.
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-082-091
Views: 6
Climatic changes in annual river runoff of the Northern Okhotsk Sea region
V.E. Glotov, M.V. Ushakov
Section: Ecology and climate change
The aim of this study was to assess the climatic changes in the annual river runoff of the Northern Okhotsk Sea
region within the Magadan region. In the present work the analyzed series end with data for 2019. Observation series of river runoff at eight hydrological stations were used in this work. By the method of hydrological analogy, these series were brought to a multiyear period by restoring year-on-year values. Thus, the series of annual runoff for 1958–2019 were analyzed. The research method was the analysis of runoff time series for the presence of homogeneity in the mean (Student’s criterion), as well as spectral analysis. Comparison of mean long-term values of runoff layers for two periods (1958–2000 and 2001–2019) showed that the “norm” increased by 5–37%. It should be noted that these changes are not random according to the Student’s criterion with significance level of 5%. The presence of a trend in long-term water availability fluctuations is also evidenced by the time course of the dynamic mean annual runoff. Analysis of the runoff series, mean annual air temperature and total annual precipitation made it possible to conclude that annual runoff increase is caused by climatic changes, mainly by an increase in precipitation. It is possible that runoff increase is also due to the thawing of ice in the permafrost strata. But you should pay attention to the fact that with climate warming, moisture losses for evapotranspiration increase, primarily due to the growth of trees and shrubs. Moreover, this effect is more noticeable in large catchments. A 6-year cyclicity was revealed in the long-term fluctuations of annual runoff. These fluctuations are
most likely a non-stationary complex Markov process. The results of this work will be useful for hydrological calculations, long-term and ultra-long-term runoff forecasts, and studying the river – sea ecosystems. Further hydrological studies should be carried out with the obligatory study of evapotranspiration in various landscape conditions.
Keywords: climatic changes, cryolithozone, river runoff, evapotranspiration, time series, trend
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-226-233
Views: 5
Graph algorithms for calculating the distribution of the Amur tiger tracks in Primorsky Krai
G.Sh. Tsitsiashvili, V.N. Bocharnikov, S.M. Krasnopeev, M.A. Osipova
Section: Methodology and research methods. Models and forecasts
The paper analyzes the distribution of the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) tracks in the Primorsky Krai municipalities according to observations obtained during the one-time winter count organized by the Pacific Institute of Geography of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2005. This task is related to the need to calculate the number of animals based on the tracks of their vital activity. Based on the initial data we form a sample to analyze a set of tracks to identify intersection areas of various tiger habitats in Primorsky Krai. The map of Primorsky Krai municipalities was presented in the form of a planar graph to identify their intersections. A recurrent algorithm for identifying tiger clusters was developed using graph theory methods. According to them, the territory of Primorsky Krai is divided into northern, central, southern and southwestern zones with intersections. The districts of Primorsky Krai included in the designated zones are listed. The total number of tracks in intersecting adjacent zones was counted to identify possible tiger migrations in Primorsky Krai. A quantitative assessment of the degree of intersection of the selected zones by the number of tiger tracks is given. The proposed calculation scheme can be used to clarify and verify the results of modeling the spatial distribution and total population size of the Amur tiger.
Keywords: tiger clusters, planar graphs, number of tracks, zones of influence
Article published in number 3 for 2024 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2024-3-020-028