Metal and metalloid contents in lichens from specially protected conservation areas
А.F. Meysurova, A.A. Notov
Section: Chemistry of natural environments and objects
The aim of this work is to evaluate the heavy metal and metalloids contents in indicator lichens inside two nature
reserves situated within the Tver region that has a complex infrastructure and large number of industrial zones. Inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectral analysis is used to test for the gross and average ratio of 17 metals and
metalloids (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ge, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, V, Zn) in Hypogymnia physodes lichen samples.
The average content of the most elements identified in samples from Zavidovo National Park (ZNP) is higher than in
the samples from Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve (CFSNBR). There are such metals as titanium, copper, arsenic, cobalt, molybdenum, and tin among them. Differences are the result of different levels and regimens of air
moisture saturation, localization of working production plants, degree of anthropogenic transformation of the territory.
Spatial distribution of areas with much higher metal concentrations on reserve territory is resulted apparently from
variation in air humidity to large extent. In ZNP addiction between qualitative and quantitative metal impact is defined
more clearly by level and character of artificial territory transformation. Moreover, in ZNP wide marshy and forest areas
in valley on the Lob’ river were identified, which have conservation importance as they are characterized by lack or very
low concentrations of many metals. So it would be useful to take advantage while zoning and correction of regimes.
Keywords: ICP-AES method, biomonitoring, heavy metals, epiphytic lichens, baseline monitoring, pollution, conservation area
Section: Chemistry of natural environments and objects
The aim of research is experimental modeling of gold, arsenic, copper, and lead ions interaction with humic acids. Importance of that study and choice of study subjects is coused by poor knowledge of the characteristics of the sorption interaction of these ions with humic acids. Arsenic, copper, and lead are, on the one hand, common pollutants accumulated in soils under anthropogenic impact, and on the other hand – pathfinder elements for gold deposits, which are used as indicators of gold mineralization in geochemical survey. The experiment was carried out in the range of heavy metals concentrations from 5 to 100 µg/cm3 in solution and at temperature of 298 K. The equilibrium concentrations of the elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The experimental adsorption isotherms are described with the empirical Freundlich equation and the Langmuir monomolecular adsorption model. It was shown that the Langmuir model adequately describes the adsorption isotherms of Cu2+ and Pb2+ cations in the used concentration range. The sorption equilibrium constant and the limit adsorption were calculated for these elements. The sorption of arsenic is better described with the Freundich equation. Apparently, it is characterized by complex character of sorption interactions associated with a possible polymolecular adsorption mechanism, as well as with the change of form of arsenic in solution. A simulation experiment of influence of iron(III) ions onto the sorption of gold ions was conducted, which is important for determination of gold’s migration forms in soils with presence of iron oxides and hydroxides. It was shown that the increase of iron concentration had almost no effect on the amount of sorbed gold ions in the studied concentration range.
Keywords: sorption, humic acids, arsenic, gold, copper, lead
Article published in number 3 for 2020 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2020-3-066-071
Views: 7
Urban protected areas in green infrastructure of Khabarovsk City
I.D. Debelaya, G.Yu. Morozova
Section: Social ecology
Urban specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) are an important element of the city’s green infrastructure, which is being formed to support its sustainable development. The aim of the work is to identify the main trends in the functioning of the SPNAs in Khabarovsk. Geobotanic, forest taxation, statistical, cartographic research methods are used. Using the example of the oldest city park, Dynamo, an assessment of ecosystem services was carried out. The total area of SPNAs is 1.5 % of the Khabarovsk area. The system of Khabarovsk SPNAs includes 28 objects of regional and local importance, which are differentiated into 7 categories: natural monuments of regional and local importance, park areas, recreational areas, protected natural objects, squares and natural and recreational complexes. The development of SPNAs in Khabarovsk is influenced by the rapid pace of urbanization, the overall unfavorable environmental situation, high natural and anthropogenic risks and high demands of residents to form a comfortable urban environment. The main problems of the formation of the urban SPNAs system are the lack of a single authority and stable funding; small total area of protected objects; uneven distribution within the city limits; the disparity of protected objects; low representation of natural landscapes, despite the short period of development of the territory; loss of the function of self-regulation of plant communities, loss of biodiversity; multifunctional use of the territory of protected objects. SPNAs are poorly integrated into the economy of the city. The prospects of increasing the total area of specially protected natural areas and expanding the range of their categories due to the reserved urban land are determined. Application of the results: improvement of urban development planning, municipal management.
Article published in number 3 for 2020 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2020-3-203-209
Views: 17
Environmental monitoring waters of Kumo-Manych depression
E.B. Dedova, V.I. Ivanova, G.N. Konieva
Section: Monitoring of anthropogenically disturbed areas
The reservoirs of the Kumo-Manych depression are of relict origin and function due to leaching of the sea sediments composing the depression by surface and ground waters. The article presents the results of long-term environmental monitoring of reservoirs of Manych group of lakes with high mineralization, which contributes to the formation of a specific biocenosis. The study of ecological features of water bodies under the conditions of limiting influence of salinity showed that a high degree of water salinity (80-200 g/l) contributes to the active development and reproduction of Artemia Salina. in lakes Big Yashaltinskoe and Jama. The main source of nutrition of the parthenogenetic population of Artemia are microphytes Dunaliella salina, Nitzschia, Navicula, Surirella, which have high plasticity and are able to withstand sudden changes in water mineralization. 24 species of diatoms and 1 species of green algae were found. The analysis of the results showed that the composition, dynamics of abundance and Genesis of biota are subject to fluctuations, depending on the cumulative effect of environmental factors. The strongest degree of mineralization of surface waters in the lakes of Manych group formed during the summer period when the value of hydrothermal factor of 0.3-0.4. In lakes the development of two-three generations of crustaceans Artemia salina, the average number of different age crustaceans for the period April – August in the lake Big Yashaltinskoe-23,07 – 61,14 thousand ind./m3, in lake Jama-10,05-23,15 thousand ind./m3. The dependence between the mineralization of water (Y) and the average body length of crustaceans (X) is approximated by the equation of the form: Y=7.88879+0.0109·x (r=0.64).
Keywords: mineralization of water, Kumo-Manych depression, hyperhaline reservoirs, artemia, algae.
Article published in number 3 for 2020 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2020-3-084-090
Views: 8
Dynamics of vegetation and soil properties of fallow ecosystems
Section: Monitoring of anthropogenically disturbed areas
Data on the vegetation cover transformation on the territory of Primorsky region depending on the fallow period are considered. Studies were conducted on abandoned agricultural fields (15, 20, 30, 35 and 60 years after abandonment). As a reference site, we used a cultivated field in the area and native forest samples. The experiment included 2 soil types: Gleyic Cambisols and Dystric Fluvisol. The study determined that undergrowth Quercus mongolica, which is representative of the native forest appears 15-20 years after the taking the field out of agricultural use. Middle-age fallow fields (20-30 years after abandonment) are characterized by the maximum species diversity. Fallow ecosystems of the Primorsky region are characterized by plant seed shortage and frequent fires. Reedgrass-cereals and wormwood sinusias are the most stable dominant under these conditions. An increase in soil acidity and reduction of humus content, mobile forms of potassium and phosphorus occurs at the stage of active renewal of tree species.
Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas
Russia ranks first in the world in the area of land taken out of agricultural use. In some regions, fallow areas account for more than 50% of the total agricultural area. Currently, the main part of these areas is in the process of naturalecosystem restoration, with significant changes in vegetation composition, soil formation, and soil properties.
Land withdrawal from the fallow state to arable land is becoming a worldwide trend and also significant in the fareastern region of Russia. Data on the vegetation cover transformation on the territory of Primorsky region depending on the fallow period are considered. Studies were conducted on abandoned agricultural fields (15, 20, 30, 35 and 60 years after abandonment). As a reference site, we used a cultivated field in the area and native forest samples. The experiment included 2 soil types: Gleyic Cambisols and Dystric Fluvisol.
The study determined that members of the genus Salix are the first settlers of woody plant. They grow singly or form microgroups. The undergrowth Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Turcz., which is representative of the native forest appears 15–20 years after the taking the field out of agricultural use. Middle-age fallow fields (20–30 years after abandonment) are characterized by the maximum species diversity. Fallow ecosystems of the Primorsky region are characterized by plant seed shortage and frequent fires. Reedgrass-cereals and wormwood sinusias are the most stable dominants under these conditions. An increase in soil acidity and reduction of humus content, mobile forms of potassium and phosphorus occur at the stage of active renewal of tree species.
In the fluvio-glacial woodland landscape of the Zvenigorod biological station (located within the mixed forest subzone, in the center of the Russian Plain), in order to identify ecological differences between syntaxa of coniferous and mixed forests referred to the classes Carpino–Fagetea and Vaccinio–Piceetea, 536 geobotanical relevées were analyzed those were collected in 2004–2016. Resulting from ecological-floristic classification (according to the Braun-Blanquet approach), 5 associations were established in this woodland (including 2 subassociations, 3 variants, particularly new xeromesophytic variant, named Vaccinium vitis-idaea, of zonal subass. Rhodobryo–Piceetum caricetosum pilosae and new sub-taiga variant named Asarum europaeum of south-taiga subass. Melico–Piceetum typicum) and 1 derivative community. Multidimensional ordination based on the similarity of floristic composition, phytoindication of the ecological regime using rank scales of H. Ellenberg, and analysis of the syntaxa localization in ecotopes at different positions in the river valley and with different soil characteristics (using a geographic information system based on large-scale maps). The results of ordination and phytoindication showed that floristic differences between forest classes are consistent with soil reaction and nitrogen content, and at the level of associations in the same class - with a moisture regime. Frequency analysis of the syntaxa distribution by ecotopes revealed that the forests of the zonal syntaxon (subass. Rhodobryo–Piceetum caricetosum pilosae var. typica) have a tendency to grow on well-humified soils without gleyzation, whereas the forest syntaxon of the more northern range (subass. Melico–Piceetum typicum var. Asarum europaeum) do on gleyed soils. The specific confinement connected with the granulometric soil composition has not been revealed for the studied forests. In the surveyed fluvio-glacial woodland landscape, xeromesophytic mixed forests dominate at the local watershed, those combine features of two classes, but basing on floristic criteria have to be referred to the nemoral class Carpino–Fagetea.
Keywords: hemiboreal forests, Braun-Blanquet classification approach, multidimensional ordination, fluvio-glacial landscape in the center of the Russian Plain
The review discusses the existing approaches and algorithms used to assess the water quality of inland water bodies in various climatic zones, provides formulas for calculating the most commonly used spectral indices (Chl-a, MCI, NDVI, Turb). The possibilities of using data of remote sensing of the Earth from various sensors (Modis-Terra, Modis-Aqua, Landsat-5, Landsat 7, Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3) to study the quality of water in inland waters are described. Many researchers note the great potential of the Sentinel-3 satellite for studying inland waters with complex optical conditions (high turbidity, color, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and total suspended matter). It is shown that the optical properties of inland waters differ depending on the trophic status of the reservoir, on the season of the year, the physicochemical composition of water, the species composition of phytoplankton and other factors. Currently, both traditional methods and new, improved algorithms are used to monitor the state of water bodies with complex optical conditions. Various methods of atmospheric corrections and calibrated spectral indices are used, classifications of reservoirs by the presence of phytoplankton particles, suspended particles of organic and inorganic matter, and CDOM are developed. It was noted that the concentration of chlorophyll a and the turbidity of the water are the most important biophysical parameters used to assess the quality of water and determine the ecological status of inland waters.
Keywords: inland waters, eutrophication, trophic status of a reservoir, phytoplankton, turbidity, transparency, remote sensing of the Earth
Article published in number 2 for 2020 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2020-2-014-025
Views: 74
Septoria tritici and Stagonospora nodorum blotch of wheat: genetic control of host resistance (review)
A.V. Bakulina, A.V. Kharina, A.A. Shirokikh
Section: Theoretical problems of ecology
The review provides up-to-date information about the biology of fungi that cause Zymoseptoria tritici and Parastaganospora nodurum, the taxonomic status of these species, symptoms of Septoria tritici and staganospora nodorum blotch diseases, and the spread and harmfulness of these pathogens in our country. Considerable attention is paid to the genetic control of wheat resistance to Z. tritici and P. nodurum, summarized data on qualitative and quantitative stability, valuable wheat genotypes and campaigns to implement the accumulated data in wheat breeding to obtain resistant cultivars.
An important condition for obtaining new pharmacological drugs with immunomodulatory effect is the search for active producers in natural habitats. The identification and isolation of new species and strains of fungi from the natural environment opens up prospects for the replenishment of collections of active producers and using them to develop new biotechnological products. The mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. has long been known as a source of polysaccharides with a wide spectrum of biological action. The purpose of this work is to assess the ability of polysaccharides from frozen and dried fruitbodies of the artificially cultivated mushroom H. erinaceus to influence the phagocytic activity of human neutrophils.
From the fungus fruitbody selected in nature, which is similar in phenotypic characters to Hericium erinaceus, was isolated mycelial culture BP 16. Based on the analysis of the fragment including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1), the 5.8S rRNA gene and ITS2 found close (99.68%) resemblance of the BP 16 strain to the H. erinaceus CBS 202.31 MH855186.1 strain which is deposited in the NCBI.
The isolated strain (BP 16) during laboratory cultivation was distinguished by an increased ability to produce fruits.
Four fractions of polysaccharides were obtained from frozen and dried fruitbodies of artificially cultivated BP 16 by extraction with a 5% solution of hot alkali. Depending on the method of pretreatment of fruitbodies (drying or freezing) and the aggregate state (sediment and supernatant), the polysaccharide fractions differed in combination and quantitative ratio in their composition of individual monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, mannose, fucose and rhamnose), protein content and galacturonic acid.
It was established by light microscopy that the polysaccharides of each fraction of H. erinaceus BP 16 (at a concentration of 1.2%) equally increase the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, and fraction 3 (the most enriched in xylose) has a similar effect at a concentration of 0.6%.
Low toxicity, high biological compatibility and physiology activity of polysaccharides from H. erinaceus have undeniable advantages over other classes of chemicals. In the context of the search for new natural immunomodulators, further structural and functional study of H. erinaceus polysaccharides is very promising.
ISSN 1995-4301
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