Search Results (14,490)

As our comprehension of cyanobacterial classification in diverse ecosystems broadens, it becomes essential to explore the biodiversity of lesser-known areas for a thorough understanding of both global and local diversity. This research, which is part of a larger investigation into soil biocrust algae diversity in the Sanyang Wetland located in Zhejiang Province, China, introduces a novel taxon of non-heterocystous filamentous cyanobacteria employing a polyphasic approach for cyanobacterial classification, integrating morphological, molecular, ecological, and biogeographical considerations. The findings from morphological analysis, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the identification of the 16S-23S ITS rRNA region have led to the discovery of a new genus, Paludothrix, which is categorized within the family Coleofasciculaceae. The proposed generic name and specific epithet of these new taxa adhere completely to the guidelines established by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The modern taxonomic system of cyanobacteria is constantly being updated and improved. The description of new taxa using the polyphasic approach can enrich the relevant knowledge in the field of cyanobacteria classification. The results of this study will increase our understanding of terrestrial cyanobacteria within wetland environments. Full article

The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a crucial indicator for determining the productivity of forest ecosystems and for assessing degraded areas. At present, the effect of tree age and vegetation restoration strategies on AMF diversity in karstic rocky desertification areas remains unclear. This study investigated AMF diversity and abundance in soils planted with Delavaya toxocarpa Franch. for 18, 11, and 4 years in a karstic desertification area of southwestern China. Additionally, it explored AMF community composition in soils of an 18-year-old D. toxocarpa plantation, a secondary forest naturally restored since 2005, and an abandoned land with no human intervention. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the mean Chao1 and richness indices of AMF increased with tree age, as indicated by the highest AMF α-diversity in 18-year-old plantations. The various vegetation restoration strategies resulted in significant differences in AMF abundance and evenness indices. Although no significant differences (p = 0.33) were found between the different restoration strategies, the AMF α-diversity index showed a decreasing trend from plantation forest to secondary forest and then to abandoned land. Overall, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP) significantly influence AMF diversity. Additionally, soil TN, AP, hydrolysable nitrogen (HN), and urease activity (URE) shape AMF community composition. These properties varied with tree age and vegetation restoration strategies. Our findings point to good recovery results of artificial afforestation in karstic rocky desertification areas. The process accelerates vegetation restoration and enhances the mutually beneficial relationship between vegetation and AMF compared with natural restoration. However, the tree age selected in this study only represents the forest stands before mature forests, and the microbial diversity and structure in karst rocky desertification soils after mature and over-mature forest stands remain to be studied. Full article

Background: (-)-Fenchone is a bicyclic monoterpene present in the plant species Foeniculum vulgare Mill, Thuja occidentalis L. (tuja), and Lavandula stoechas (lavender). These plants have therapeutic value in the treatment of intestinal disorders. Aim: To evaluate intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in an acute and chronic trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in rats. Methods: Intestinal anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using the acute and chronic TNBS-induced colitis model in rats. The mechanisms were evaluated from colonic tissue fragments of the acute and chronic models. Results: Oral administration of the (-)-fenchone (37.5–300 mg/kg) acute phase or (150 mg/kg) (p < 0.001) chronic phase reduced the macroscopic lesion score, ulcerative area, intestinal weight/length ratio, and diarrheal index in TNBS-treated animals. At a dose of 150 mg/kg, the acute and chronic phase decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) (p < 0.001), restored glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), decreased immunomarking for factor nuclear kappa B (NF-κB) and levels of interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and maintained IL-10 and TGF-β basal levels. Furthermore, increased immunostaining for zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) was observed. Conclusions: (-)-fenchone has intestinal anti-inflammatory activity related to cytoprotection of the intestinal barrier, as well as antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Full article

In May 2008, Chaitén volcano entered an eruptive process, leading to one of the world’s largest eruptions in recent decades. The magnitude of tephra ejected by the eruption left different types of disturbances and caused diverse forms of environmental damage that were heterogeneously distributed across the surrounding area. We went to the field to assess the early vegetation responses a year after the eruption in September 2009. We evaluated the lateral-blast disturbance zone. We distributed a set of plots in three disturbed sites and one in an undisturbed site. In each of these sites, in a rectangular plot of 1000 m², we marked all standing trees, recording whether they were alive, resprouting, or dead. Additionally, in each site of 80 small plots (~4 m²), we tallied the regenerated plants, their coverage, and the log volume. We described whether the plant regeneration was occurring on a mineral or organic substrate (i.e., ash or leaf litter, respectively). In the blast zone, the eruption created a gradient of disturbance. Close to the crater, we found high levels of devastation marked by no surviving species, scarcely standing-dead trees and logs, and no tree regeneration. At the other extreme end of the disturbance zone, the trees with damaged crowns were resprouting, small plants were regrowing, and seedlings were more dispersed. The main form of regeneration was the resprouting of trunks or buried roots; additionally, a few seedlings were observed in the small plots and elsewhere in disturbed areas. The results suggest that the early stages of succession are shaped by life history traits like dispersion syndrome and regeneration strategy (i.e., vegetative), as was found after other volcanic eruptions. Likewise, the distribution of biological legacies, which is related to disturbance intensity, can cause certain species traits to thrive. For instance, in the blow-down zone, surviving species were chiefly those dispersed by the wind, while in the standing-dead zone, survivors were those dispersed by frugivorous birds. Additionally, we suggest that disturbance intensity variations are related to the elevation gradient. The varying intensities of disturbance further contribute to these ecological dynamics. The early succession in the blast zone of Chaitén volcano is influenced by the interaction between species-specific life history, altitudinal gradient, and biological legacies. Further studies are required to observe the current successional patterns that occur directly in the blast zone and compare these results with those obtained following other volcanic disturbances. Full article

Energy poverty remains a significant issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterized by limited access to affordable and sustainable energy sources. This paper examines the prevalence of energy poverty among 1500 retiree households and evaluates the potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems as a solution. The research highlights the multidimensional nature of energy poverty, incorporating variables such as income, energy expenditures, and heating methods. Using statistical methods, including factor analysis and regression models, the research developed an energy poverty index (EPI) to categorize households and identify key drivers of energy poverty. The findings reveal that 96.5% of households experience moderate to high energy poverty when transport costs are included, dropping to 84.3% when these costs are excluded. Households using wood for heating, with a combined rooftop area of 26,104 m², could generate 7,831,200 kWh of solar energy annually, reducing CO₂ emissions by 1,389,825 kg. The aggregated payback period for PV investments is approximately 9.3 years, demonstrating financial viability. The paper underscores the potential of energy communities in pooling resources, facilitating rooftop leasing for PV installations, and promoting policy reforms to promote renewable energy adoption. This research contributes to the understanding of energy poverty dynamics and provides actionable recommendations for integrating PV power plants, fostering energy equity, and reducing environmental impacts. Full article

Due to the limited availability of high-quality optical images during the rice growth period in the Lingnan region of China, effectively monitoring the rice planting situation has been a challenge. In this study, we utilized multi-temporal Sentinel-1 data to develop a method for rapidly extracting the range of rice fields using a threshold segmentation approach and employed a U-Net deep learning model to delineate the distribution of rice fields. Spatio-temporal changes in rice distribution in Leizhou City, Guangdong Province, China, from 2017 to 2021 were analyzed. The results revealed that by analyzing SAR-intensive time series data, we were able to determine the backscattering coefficient of typical crops in Leizhou and use the threshold segmentation method to identify rice labels in SAR-intensive time series images. Furthermore, we extracted the distribution range of early and late rice in Leizhou City from 2017 to 2021 using a U-Net model with a minimum relative error accuracy of 3.56%. Our analysis indicated an increasing trend in both overall rice planting area and early rice planting area, accounting for 44.74% of early rice and over 50% of late rice planting area in 2021. Double-cropping rice cultivation was predominantly concentrated in the Nandu River basin, while single-cropping areas were primarily distributed along rivers and irrigation facilities. Examination of the traditional double-cropping areas in Fucheng Town from 2017 to 2021 demonstrated that over 86.94% had at least one instance of double cropping while more than 74% had at least four instances, which suggested that there is high continuity and stability within the pattern of rice cultivation practices observed throughout Leizhou City. Full article

The full potential of glauconite-based nanocomposites as micronutrient fertilizers remains underexplored, particularly their interaction with Zn, Cu, and B. Despite the promising applications, the mechanisms of nutrient sorption and their effects on plant growth require further investigation, especially concerning structural changes and nutrient delivery efficiency. This study investigates the modification of glauconite with Zn, Cu, and B solutions to create multifunctional nanocomposites with enhanced properties. It was established that the activation process preserves the primary globular–lamellar morphology of glauconite while introducing structural changes. Nanocomposites were synthesized using chemical activation and characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, FTIR, and BET analyses. Agrochemical tests evaluated their effects on oat growth under controlled conditions. Nanocomposites with zinc sulfate exhibited an increase in specific surface area and mesoporosity, enhancing sorption capacity and facilitating the formation of inner-sphere complexes on the mineral’s basal surface. Modification with copper led to the formation of secondary phases, such as sulfates, on the surfaces of microflakes and globules while preserving the crystalline structure with inner-sphere coordination of Cu²⁺. Boron-modified nanocomposites were characterized by localized restructuring, pore channeling, and an increase in mesopore diameter, along with the formation of outer-sphere complexes relative to the basal surface of glauconite. Thermogravimetric and calorimetric analyses with mass spectrometry revealed specific endothermic and exothermic effects, particularly in Zn-modified samples, confirming changes in dehydration energetics. Agricultural tests on oats (Avena sativa) demonstrated the effectiveness of Cu- and B-modified nanocomposites in improving plant growth parameters, including a 7% increase in plant height and a 6.4% increase in dry weight. Zn-modified nanocomposites showed high germination rates (up to 100%) at low dosages but require optimization to avoid phytotoxicity at higher concentrations. The findings highlight the potential of adapting nanocomposites for targeted nutrient release. Additionally, glauconite nanocomposites have potential applications in restoring degraded soils, treating polluted runoff, and developing slow-release agrochemical systems. Full article

The Yellow River Delta (YRD), as a key area for the economic development of the Bohai Rim region, significantly impacts soil fertility and plant growth through soil salinization content. Accurately determining the spatial distribution of soil salinization in the YRD is vital for regional salinity management and agricultural development. In this study, we constructed and evaluated three soil salinization indices—NDSI, SI, and S5—using measured soil conductivity data and three machine learning methods: Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and XGBoost. The results indicate that the Support Vector Machine achieved the best inversion effect on regional salinization levels, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) value of 0.88. The salinization level in the YRD has shown an increasing trend over the years, decreasing spatially from north to south, from east to west, and from the coast inland. From 2003 to 2009, salinization was primarily concentrated in northern and eastern coastal areas, while from 2009 to 2021, it gradually expanded inland. The salinized area increased from 538.4 km² in 2003 to 761.5 km² in 2021, particularly between 2009 and 2015, with a 47.95% increase. The main factors influencing salinization in the YRD were distance from the Bohai Sea, seasonal average potential evapotranspiration, and seasonal average normalized vegetation index, with interaction-driven effects being stronger than single-factor effects. This study provides crucial scientific support for sustainable salinization management and ecological restoration in the Bohai Sea region. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most crucial cereal crops worldwide, serving as a staple food for a significant portion of the global population. Rice is the second most important staple food crop in Pakistan after wheat, and it is also a major export commodity. Concerning this, the current study aimed to evaluate the effects of different seed rates on the yield and yield-contributing parameters of rice varieties. The experiment was conducted over two consecutive kharif summer seasons, from 2020–21 and 2021–22, at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Rice Program experimental area in Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore, Pakistan, by following a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications using coarse rice (KSK-133) and fine rice (Super Basmati) varieties. Different seed rates, including 27 kg/ha, 22 kg/ha, 17 kg/ha, and 12 kg/ha, were tested during the experiment. Different growth and yield-related attributes, such as plant height (cm), the number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length (cm), the number of grains per panicle, and grain yield (m⁻²), were recorded. The results showed that for KSK-133 and Super Basmati, the maximum grain yield was achieved at a sowing rate of 27 kg/ha in direct seed rice (DSR). The lowest yield was observed at a seeding rate of 12 kg/ha for KSK-133 and Super Basmati in DSR. Both basmati (Super Basmati) and coarse-grain (KSK-133) varieties exhibited similar responses to seed rate treatments, with the optimal performance observed at the highest seed rate of 27 kg/ha for both seasons. Grains per panicle and thousand grain weight emerged as critical determinants of yield, highlighting the need to balance vegetative growth with reproductive development. Breeding programs should focus on developing varieties that balance vegetative traits like tiller production and panicle length with reproductive traits to enhance overall yield. Based on these findings, it is concluded that using an optimal seeding rate of 27 kg/ha for direct-seeded fine and coarse rice varieties is beneficial in terms of tillers and higher yield. Full article

Waterlogging is becoming a global issue, affecting crop growth and yield in low-lying rainfed areas. A DH line, TamF169, showing superior waterlogging tolerance, and its waterlogging-sensitive parent, Franklin, were used to conduct transcriptome analyses. The results showed that 2209 and 2578 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Franklin and 1997 and 1709 DEGs in TamF169 were detected by comparing gene expression levels under control and waterlogging after 4 and 8 days, respectively, with 392 and 257 DEGs being specific to TamF169 after 4 and 8 days under waterlogging, respectively. KEGG analysis showed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signaling, and galactose metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in the waterlogging-tolerant genotype TamF169 four days after waterlogging. The qPCR results were consistent with the transcriptome data, suggesting the reliability of the transcriptome sequencing. A total of 13 genes in the mapping region of a QTL for root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) showed different expression levels in Franklin or TamF169, and the potential candidate genes for RCA−QTL are discussed. This study offers valuable information on the mechanism of tolerance to waterlogging stress in the DH line TamF169 and provides the candidate genes for RCA−QTL. Full article

The condition of the aquatic environment, particularly in protected areas of high ecological value such as the Narew River, requires detailed monitoring to identify and minimise the impact of anthropogenic factors on the ecosystem. This study focused on the content of heavy metals in bottom sediments and macrophytes of the Narew River, emphasising the influence of human activities and natural factors on this ecologically valuable ecosystem. Pb, Cr, Zn, Cd, Fe, and Mn concentrations were analysed in sediment samples, and ten macrophyte species were collected at 11 sampling points along the river. A geochemical index (Igeo) and multivariate statistical analyses were employed to identify sources of contamination. The digested samples (sediments and plants) were analysed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Fe, and Mn using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) on an ICE 3500 Thermo Scientific spectrometer, with a measurement error below 5%, validated against certified reference materials. The study results indicated that most metals, including Ni, Cr, Co, Fe, and Mn, predominantly originate from natural geological processes. In contrast, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb were identified as being enriched due to anthropogenic activities. An analysis of macrophytes revealed varied patterns of metal accumulation, which correspond to the bioavailability of metals and their environmental concentrations. Comprehensive statistical analyses provided insights into the predominant sources of metal contamination, closely associated with industrial emissions, agricultural runoff, and transportation activities. The integration of sediment and macrophyte monitoring allowed for a thorough evaluation of the Narew River ecosystem, facilitating the identification of key pollution sources. These findings highlight the critical need for measures to mitigate anthropogenic contributions of heavy metals—particularly from industrial, agricultural, and transportation sectors—to safeguard the Narew River’s unique ecological and natural heritage. Full article

The soybean and corn strip cropping pattern is widely promoted globally, but at present, the degree of mechanization of this planting mode is insufficient, and the development of machinery is slow. In this regard, through a review of the literature and a field sowing test, we briefly describe the current situation of soybean and corn strip sowing machinery in the Yellow River basin, analyze the existing problems in mechanized planting, and give suggestions for improvement, aiming to provide a reference for the research and development of machinery. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a matter of deep concern as they pose significant environmental and health hazards due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxic effects. In soils, PAHs accumulate, contaminating ecosystems, entering food chains, and posing threats to plant and human health. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of PAH contamination in agricultural soils (particle size < 20 µm) across various land-use categories and depths to determine contamination levels and associated health risks, as such comprehensive studies are very rare in Bangladesh. Soil samples were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The findings revealed that the concentrations of ∑16PAH ranged from 299 to 1928 µg/kg, with the lowest levels observed in research areas and the highest in industrial soils. Concentration trends were as follows: industrial areas > coastal areas > local market areas > rural areas > research areas. Higher concentrations were noted for individual PAHs such as Nap, Phe, BbF, and BkF (313.14 µg/kg ± 62.01 to 546.97 µg/kg ± 146.76), while the lowest concentrations were recorded for BghiP, DBahA, and Ind (1.25 µg/kg ± 1.10 to 5.74 µg/kg ± 3.77). PAH levels were highest in surface soils, following a depth sequence of 0–5 cm > 5–10 cm > 10–15cm. The results also showed that low-, intermediate-, and high-molecular-weight PAHs comprised 46.06–83.18%, 16.47–48.68%, and 0.23–6.51% of total PAHs, respectively. The source of PAHs was identified as integration of pyrogenic petrogenic. Children were found to have higher exposure through ingestion compared to adults, with lower exposure through inhalation and dermal pathways. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for children ranged from 2.03 × 10⁻⁸ to 9.07 × 10⁻⁷, and for adults from 1.96 × 10⁻⁸ to 8.04 × 10⁻⁷. Both groups exhibited no carcinogenic risk, as per the USEPA threshold. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and management strategies to mitigate PAH contamination in agricultural soils, thus protecting environmental and public health concerns. Full article

The paulownia tree belongs to the Paulowniaceae family. Paulownia has strong vitality; has strong adaptability to harsh environmental conditions; and can be used as building raw material, as well as processing drugs and having other purposes. In the research field of MYB transcription factors of the paulownia tree, it is rare to discuss the resistance to abiotic stress. The research in this area has not received sufficient attention and depth, which also indicates an important potential direction for future research. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis of the stress-related gene PfMYB90, a potential transcription factor, and investigated its mechanism of action under salt and cold stresses. PfMYB90 was strongly expressed in the fully unfolded leaf and root of plants in both stress treatments. Transgenic PfMYB90 Arabidopsis plants had a greater survival rate under salt and cold stresses, and the degree of leaf damage was comparatively smaller, according to phenotypic observation and survival rate calculations. By measuring the corresponding physiological indexes after stress and detecting the expression levels of corresponding stress genes (AtNHX1, AtSOS1, AtSOS2, AtSOS3, AtCBF1, AtCBF3, AtCOR15a, AtRD29a), it was found that after PfMYB90 gene transfer, Arabidopsis showed strong tolerance to salt and cold stresses. This is consistent with the results mentioned above. This transgenic technology enables Arabidopsis to survive under adverse environmental conditions, allowing it to maintain a relatively stable growth state despite salt accumulation and cold stress. Therefore, PfMYB90 may be a key gene in the regulatory network of salt damage and cold damage, as well as one of the key transcription factors for Paulownia fortunei environmental conditions. Full article

This study analyzed three years of data (2021–2024) from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), namely D, X, and T, in the main urban area of Handan, a typical city in the southern Hebei region, and investigated the influent characteristics and impact of temperature on these wastewater treatment facilities. With 90% assurance, the overall influent conditions of the three WWTPs in this region were normal. However, Plant T operated more effectively with slightly lower BOD₅/COD_Cr (B/C), organic carbon/total phosphorus (C/TP), and organic carbon/total nitrogen (C/TN) ratios in the influent. Plant D consistently met the Level A standard, Plant X essentially reached the Level A standard, while Plant T attained the Level 2 standard prior to its upgrade. Following the upgrade, Plant T also steadily met the Level A standard. The effluent from all plants was relatively stable, primarily influenced by the influent characteristics and slightly influenced by temperature, but without having a noticeable impact on the effluent quality. Full article