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Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-5209.ijen-25-5762
A. Abdellatif MahaCorresponding author
Sudan's ecological landscape is characterized by various zones, including deserts, semi-deserts, and savannas, which host a diverse array of forests, rangelands, and numerous plant and animal species. However, the sustainable management of these resources is becoming increasingly challenging due to human activities and the impacts of climate change. This article presents the results of a research project focused on monitoring and documenting biodiversity in Sudan's semi-arid regions, particularly emphasizing insect diversity. Insects are vital for maintaining ecosystem health through processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, pollination, and acting as natural predators to pests. Field surveys were conducted across three Sudanese states—North Kordofan, Gezira, and Khartoum—to assess the diversity of flora and fauna. Specifically, El Rawakeeb semi-arid land in Khartoum state was investigated, which comprised three sites with varying soil elevations: a hilly site at 420 meters above sea level, a flat site at 416 meters, and a valley site at 411 meters. Researchers utilized direct collection methods and butterfly nets to gather insect specimens, which were subsequently preserved and identified for further analysis. Diversity indices, including Simpson’s Diversity Index, Shannon-Wiener Index, and Margalef Richness Index, were computed to compare the biodiversity of these sites, along with metrics for evenness and species richness. Permanova analysis was carried out for insect variation between the study sites. A total of 1541 insect specimens were gathered from El Rawakeeb, encompassing 34 species distributed across 21 families and 9 orders. The order Lepidoptera exhibited the greatest number of species (35.29%), followed by Coleoptera (20.59%). The orders Neuroptera, Orthoptera and Thysanoptera recorded the fewest species (2.94% each). From the hilly site, 514 insect specimens were collected, representing 9 orders, among which Hymenoptera included 4 species, while Lepidoptera had 3 species, and Odonata, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera each had 1 species. The highest individual counts were recorded for Copriniklobe (dung beetle), Dacus longistylus (fruit fly), Camponotussp. (carpenter ant), and Anax ephippiger (dragonfly). In a flat site, 484 insect specimens were collected, classified into 15 species, 12 families, and 7 orders. The highest individual counts were noted in four species: Onthophagusnuba (dung beetle), Dacus longistylus (fruit fly), Camponotussp. (carpenter ant), and Anax ephippiger (dragonfly). In a valley site, 543 insect specimens were collected, categorized into 17 species, 16 families, and 9 orders. Insect Diversity in three research sites. Simpson's Diversity Index revealed varying levels of insect diversity across the three sites. The valley site exhibited the highest diversity level with an index score of 0.857, followed by the flat site at 0.826, and the hilly site at 0.819. The Shannon diversity index of 2.22 indicated the highest diversity among the three sites, suggesting a relatively diverse insect community. The relative abundance of insects was greatest in the valley site at 35.24%, followed by the hilly site at 33.35%, and the flat site at 31.41%. The Margalef Richness Index indicated a moderate level of richness in the insects collected from the three locations. Certain insect species were found in some sites but were absent in others. The PERMANOVA revealed notable variations among the three study sites (F = 2.24, p-value = 0.035).
Mar 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-25-5464
R. Hodgson BruceCorresponding author
Antarctic krill is an important component of the zooplankton production in the Southern Ocean and is a major food source for baleen whales. The role of commercial fishing and predation by whales on Krill abundance has been investigated here using the innovative ecosystem-based fishery management, EBFM which maintains the krill to whale food web ecosystem stability. The literature indicates the Krill fishery may have been overfished, so it was reduced to the current annual upper limit of 0.62 million tonnes for support other predators of krill, such as seals, penguins and flying sea birds. However, recent literature suggests a moderate reduction in krill catch in the Antarctic Peninsula area due to its importance for whale migration to temperate areas. The Peninsula area catch was estimated to be reduced by about 10% due to additional concerns about climate change effects on krill abundance in the Southern Ocean, reducing overall catch to 0.556 million tonnes, moderately higher than the maximum taken in 2022. Hence, the krill biomass fishing was reduced to allow for predation by baleen whales and other predators, giving a full ecosystem-based fishing mortality similar to that previously estimated to maintain krill production in the Southern Ocean.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5735
Ruth Piloya ChristineCorresponding author
Background In Northern Uganda’s patriarchal communities, women play vital yet underrecognized roles in environmental conservation. There is limited research examining the socio-cultural roles women play in society in northern Uganda. This study, conducted in Gulu District, examined the socio-cultural functions performed by women in safeguarding natural resources. Methods This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design involving 395 women aged 18–49 in Gulu District, selected for its patriarchal context. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Key variables included women’s roles in environmental conservation and barriers to participation. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained to ensure research integrity. Results The study found that women in Gulu District play vital socio-cultural roles in environmental conservation, particularly as custodians of indigenous knowledge (Mean = 4.42), active participants in tree planting (Mean = 4.11), and conservers of ecosystems (Mean = 4.04). However, their involvement in advocacy (Mean = 3.46) and decision-making (Mean = 3.20) was perceived as limited, reflecting the constraints of a patriarchal society. Additionally, evolving gender roles have negatively impacted women’s engagement, with 47.6% citing excessive domestic workload and 44.1% reporting reduced participation in conservation activities. These findings highlight both the significance of women’s contributions and the structural barriers that hinder their full involvement in environmental governance. Conclusion Despite these challenges, women’s contributions remain central to sustainable environmental stewardship. The study recommends targeted sensitization and training programs to promote gender equality and community acceptance of women’s leadership in environmental governance.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2275.jzr-25-5595
S GopalakrishnanCorresponding author
Andipalayam Lake, a freshwater body located in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, plays a significant role in sustaining the local ecosystem, particularly through its diverse insect populations. This study aims to document and analyze the insect biodiversity present in and around Andipalayam Lake, focusing on the ecological roles these species play in maintaining the lake’s health. Insects are key components of aquatic ecosystems, contributing to processes such as pollination and nutrient cycling and serving as prey for higher trophic levels. Despite their ecological importance, studies on the insect biodiversity of Andipalayam Lake have been limited, prompting the need for an extensive survey. This research employed a combination of sweep nets, pitfall traps, and light traps to collect insect species over a year, covering various seasons to capture population dynamics and seasonal variations. Water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, were monitored to assess their influence on insect diversity. The study identified over 38 species of insects from diverse orders, including Odonata (dragonflies), Diptera (flies), Coleoptera (beetles), and Hemiptera (true bugs). Seasonal variations were observed, with higher species richness during the monsoon period due to increased vegetation and moisture levels. The most abundant species were found to belong to Diptera and Coleoptera, indicating their adaptability to fluctuating water levels. Environmental factors such as pollution from nearby agricultural runoff and urban development were found to negatively affect insect diversity, with a notable decline in sensitive species during periods of increased contamination.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3379.jwc-25-5549
Chukwuma Sr ChrysanthusCorresponding author
This short communication/mini-review immensely emphasizes human health to explicate and elucidate management of the global scourge associated with the determinants and impact of vulnerabilities to extreme hydrologic events and climate change in the absence of risk reduction and their concomitant sequelae. The most effective approach for risk reduction associated with biodiversity, environmental, and health vulnerabilities due to climate change and extreme hydrological events, an ecological framework must take into cognizance exposure, vulnerability, and resilience. This framework emphasizes the significance of understanding the inextricable linkage between ecosystems and human communities are exposed and susceptible to hazards, sensitivity to these hazards, and capacity to cope, adapt and recuperate. Risk reduction incorporates structurally attenuating exposure, strengthening resilience, and sustainably enhancing overall vulnerability management. Extreme weather and climate-associated incidents impinge on human health with consequential morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic challenges and constraints. Climate change and extreme event have altered the frequency, intensity, geographic distribution, and propensity as drivers for change in the future. The indicted variables include hydrological events, such as precipitation, floods and droughts as well as heat waves, wildfires, global warming, extreme temperatures, and hurricanes. The pathways inextricably-linked with extreme events to economic dissipation, human health prognosis and outcomes remain inexplicably diverse and complex; and thus, difficult to predict due to their emergence and reemergence from local, societal and environmental factors which influence disease burden.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-869X.jfd-25-3841
Jangid RenuCorresponding author
Soil is a natural habitat and ecosystem for microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Mostly keratinophilic fungi are found in soil, use keratin as a growth substrate, and are essential to the natural degradation of keratin waste. These fungi include dermatophytes, a potential source of infectious diseases in humans and animals and cause dermatophytosis. One hundred thirty-six soil samples were collected from several sites including animal habitats in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, India. The soil samples were used for the study of keratinophilic fungi related to species richness, abundance, and diversity. The Physio-chemical properties of collected soil samples were analyzed and examined in soil microflora for temperature, pH, and macronutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ninety-eight soil samples (72%) showed positive results for the keratinophilic fungal isolates. The isolated fungal species belonging to eight genera and seventeen species included Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, Chrysosporium tropicum, Microsporum gypseum, M. canis, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, F. verticilloides, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans, T. terrestre, T. equinum, Penicillium, Mucor circinelloides, and Blastomyces. The temperature recorded for keratinophilic fungi ranged between 25℃ and 37℃ and pH was found in the range of 7.0 to 8.5. The fungal community was dominated by the order Onygenales followed by Eurotiales and Hypocreales belonging to the phylum Ascomycota.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-25-5590
R. Hodgson BruceCorresponding author
The main diet of baleen whales is krill in the Arctic, Antarctic and during migrations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Hence, the aim of this paper is to quantify the global importance of the krill to baleen whale component of the pelagic food web and possible feedback loops. That was undertaken by comparing the results of Ecopath Models in the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans and to migration areas in the North Atlantic and Alaska, was well as the large Seamount area from the Antarctic and Arctic. Biological production transfer is the essential component of the prey to predator pelagic food web, which maintains the production of predators. The importance of sustaining global baleen whale migrations is to support ecosystem production by whale defecation contribution to nutrient recycling. It is important to sustain krill and fish abundance in whale migration feeding areas using ecosystem-based fishery management (EBFM) fishing rates. It was shown by the literature that migrations tended to followed deep-sea seamounts, and baleen whale defecation and nutrient cycling at seamounts led to the effects of nutrient upwelling by deep sea currents at seamounts. Hence, it is suggested seamounts be protected as important marine ecosystems. Therefore, those processes indicate sustaining krill and whale abundance is likely to support global marine ecosystem stability in open ocean migration areas.
Dec 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-24-5308
Piumal HarshaCorresponding author
Interspecific predation within Odonata is a critical yet underexplored aspect of their ecological interactions. This short communication reports a novel observation of Ischnura senegalensis preying upon Agriocnemis pygmaea in rice fields at the Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Documented on March 22, 2024, during the reproductive stage of the rice field, the predatory event involved a female I. senegalensis feeding on the head of a female A. pygmaea. Predation, characterized by the use of mandibles and lasting at least 15 minutes, reveals significant predatory efficiency and behavioral specialization. This observation fills a gap in the understanding of I. senegalensis feeding behavior in Sri Lanka and contributes to the broader knowledge of Odonate predator-prey dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of these interactions in maintaining ecological balance and suggest further research into the impacts of such predatory behaviors on agricultural ecosystems.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-3379.jwc-24-5199
Fidele NizeyimanaCorresponding author
Rwanda is a small Central African country. A land with thousands of hills and mountains. It is a low-income country and one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. It is home to a variety of ecosystems, such as mountainous rainforests, gallery forests, savanna woodlands, wetlands, aquatic forests, and agroecosystems. From rising temperatures to changing rainfall patterns, the hidden dangers of climate change are unmasking themselves in the form of various health risks. Every year, many deaths, bodily injuries, and house collapses, among other repercussions, are documented as detrimental effects of climate change events on public health. This article delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and public health in Rwanda, exploring the adverse effects it has on vulnerable communities. By shedding light on this pressing issue, we can better understand the urgency of taking action to mitigate the impact of climate change on public health as well as potential solutions to the current predicament. The authors researched several literatures to develop their perspectives on the subject and explored potential solutions to protect the well-being of Rwandans in the face of this global crisis.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4791
Sahile AtinafaCorresponding author
The Trans boundary protection of migratory species is a common argument for international cooperation. Ecotourism supports these activities through long-term commitment from international conservation organizations, all interest groups and various political entities. However, due to anthropogenic influences and inadequate understanding of species ecology, sustainable conservation of migratory species is often challenging. Therefore, this review article evaluates the migration status, potential anthropogenic threats, and conservation directives from the perspective of ecotourism of the white-eared kob (Kobuskobleucotis, Lichtenstein and Peters, 1854). Ethiopia. Kobus kobleucotis migrate through the Boma-Gambella border ecosystems of Ethiopia and South Sudan at certain times of the year. This migration is anonymous and requires an understanding of the overall ecology of the species. Currently, the white-eared Kob population exceeds half a million, making it the second largest migration in Africa, after the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Kobs occur in groups of five to forty depending on sex and age and are nocturnal but inactive on the hottest days. Rich grasslands and permanent water sources are the preferred habitats for the species. However, the decline in grassland potential, frequent hunting, expanding settlements, changes in land use and land cover are potential threats to the white-eared kob in Gambella National Parks. Therefore, understanding the total ecological, anthropogenic and behavioral variables that influence the movement and status of the species is the ultimate parameter for conservation activity. Furthermore, entire migration corridors require sustainable management by balancing stakeholder interests and rural community development through nature-based tourism. It is also noted that solid economic and environmental incentives through nature-based tourism require adequate protection in Gambella and the surrounding regions.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4539
Ketema Bahiru TekalignCorresponding author
Wildlife management is a crucial issue to maintain the sustainability of an ecosystem whereas habitat suitability analysis is very important for better conservation and management of species like the African Buffalo. Therefore, the effort of this study was to analyze habitat suitability for African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) by employing GIS at Dhati Welel National Park, Ethiopia. The study employed five datasets include: land use land cover (LULC), elevation, slope, settlements, and rivers. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weight overlay analysis methods were applied using IDRISI 17 and ArcGIS 10.5 software. Each dataset was integrated using GIS and AHP to rate the individual classes of each factor and weigh the influence of one factor against the other, to determine the weighted contribution of importance to the habitat suitability. As result, the consistency ratio was 0.03 and found with acceptable limits. Then, the weighted overlay tool was applied to calculate the final habitat suitability map of the African Buffalo based on the influence value. The result indicates, 35.3 % (362.7 km2) of the study area was optimal for the African Buffalo habitat. Therefore, according to the results of the finding more areas of Dhati Welel National Park are suitable for the African Buffalo habitat based on the factors employed in this study. So that, this indicates the area is important for conservation from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2832-5311.jpcd-22-4182
Md. Iqbal FarukCorresponding author
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum, the causal agent for white mold (Sclerotinia stem rot), is a devastating fungal pathogen. Currently, Sclerotinia is most commonly managed using the chemical fungicide which can lead to Sclerotinia resistance development, impacting biodiversity and interfering with key ecosystem services. In this regards, field experiments were conducted during 2017-18 planting seasons to evaluate the efficacy of different components viz. sawdust burning, stable bleaching powder, fungal and bacterial bio-control agents, chemical fungicide Rovral 50 WP and integration of different components for the management white mold disease of bush bean, mustard and garden pea in three different locations viz. in the field of Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Burirhat, Rangpur and RARS, Ishurdi, Pabna, respectively. The results showed that different treatments displayed varying levels of effectiveness against the disease. All the treatments gave satisfactory reduction of white mold disease development and increased plant growth as well as yield of bush bean, mustard and garden pea. Among the treatments, integration of saw dust burning + soil amendments with Trichoderma based bio-fungicide + bacillus based bio-control agents + application fungicide Rovral 50 WP is the best treatment which reduced 97.49%, 77.72%, 72.26% white mold disease incidence and 84.61%, 81.14%, 71.01% white mold disease severity of mustard, bush bean and garden pea, respectively and increasing plant growth parameter as well as 52.16%, 27.74%, 36.97% yield of mustard, bush bean and garden pea, respectively. Application of only fungicide Rovral 50 WP also better treatment in reduction of white mold disease incidence and disease severity and increasing plant growth parameter as well as increasing yield of mustard, bush bean and garden pea. Soil amendment with fungal or bacterial bio-control agents also gave satisfactory results in reduction of white mold disease incidence and disease severity and increasing plant growth parameter as well as increasing yield of mustard, bush bean and garden pea. It could be concluded from the obtained results that integration between bio-control agents as a soil treatment and foliar application chemical fungicide might be useful as a good tool for controlling white mold disease caused by S.sclerotiorum and obtained higher yield of bush bean, mustard and garden pea under field condition.
May 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-22-4160
Donald Hawkins AnthonyCorresponding author
Kincraig, Blairs, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Many marine and freshwater fisheries are now in a very poor state, and many fish stocks are close to collapse. There is a need to manage fisheries more carefully, especially since fishing can affect other aspects of the environment. It is also important to reduce the adverse effects of climate changes upon the marine and freshwater environments, fishes, and other animals, and the need to manage other human activities taking place in the sea, to improve the marine environment and protect the wildlife and the fishing activities. Marine pollution, includes human waste materials, chemicals and plastics, and there is also noise and substrate vibration, from industrial and other activities that may affect both the abundance and quality of fishes and other marine animals. This paper deals with fisheries management, and environmental protection, and concludes that fishermen, fisheries scientists, fisheries managers and environmental interests must work closely together, if fishes are to be adequately protected, and fisheries are to be better managed. It describes current systems of management. It especially draws attention to the importance of moving towards an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. Such an approach aims to manage all those human activities that have an impact upon the marine environment and its life forms.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-21-3822
Benbi DKCorresponding author
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, India
In South Asia, land degradation is primarily a monsoon mediated phenomenon restricted to 2-3 rainy months. The overall strategy for land degradation neutrality should (i) favour actions that keep soils covered with residues and (ii) plant kharif (rainy season) crop before the onset of monsoons to provide soil cover. Retention of anchored residues provides surface cover, increases microbial activity, carbon sequestration, and availability of nutrients. Surface retained residues reduce root zone salinization, detoxify phytotoxic monomeric Al in acidic soils and enhance the potential for use of brackish ground water in crop production. Residues covers save irrigation water and overcome the ill effects of poor agronomic and water management practices. Early direct dry seeding in surface retained residues has the potential of making kharif season planting independent of the onset of monsoon rains in South Asia and helps reduce acreages of Kharif and Rabi fallow lands. For improving carbon content in Indian soils, perhaps the most important priority is to devise tillage and crop residue management approaches that promote in situ rain water storage and its use for growing more crops. The paper summarises how crop residues fuel and drive soil functions and related ecosystem services and plant growth.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3338
Chibueze Izah SylvesterCorresponding author
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
This study investigated the acute toxicity of Clariasgariepinusfingerlings. The fingerlings of Clariasgariepinuswere acclimatized for 1 week before the range-finding test was carried out at varying concentrations. Sublethal concentration (viz: 0.00ppm, 10.80 ppm, 18.00 ppm, 25.20 ppm, 32.40 ppm and 39.60 ppm of the 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt) were made in a rectangular aquarium. Each experimental concentration was carried out in triplicate with 10 fish each. The media were renewed at every 24 hours throughout the experimental duration viz: 96 hours. When the fish were introduced into the aquarium containing the toxicants, they exhibited some behavioural changes including opercular movement, air gulping and irregular swimming pattern. The mortality rate significantly increased as the concentration of the 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt increased for each of the exposure duration. The LC50 values at 24, 48, 72 and 96 were 86.15 ppm, 36.28 ppm, 18.72 ppm and 15.68 ppm, respectively. From the findings of this study, there is a need for exercise caution in the use of 2,4-D Dimethylamine salt based herbicides close to the aquatic ecosystem.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2785
A. Mari NicolásCorresponding author
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria – Agencia de Extensión Rural Cruz del Eje
In Córdoba, Argentina, the peri-urban horticulture is in conflict with industrial agriculture and urban development. This problem is partly due to urban expansion to rural areas occurred in the last years and to monoculture farming, which has replaced traditional fruit and vegetable cropping in the region. This transformation process has raised concern about the current and future availability of productive sectors that can sustain food supply within the city boundaries and its immediate surroundings as well as about the loss of ecosystem services associated with peri-urban natural environments. Although these dynamic processes are well known, they have not been described or quantified in Córdoba. Baseline information about land use and its dynamics in productive areas or about number of producers is insufficient and/or out of date. At O-AUPA (Spanish acronym for Observatory of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture and Agroecology) different mapping strategies are developed to contribute to the understanding of the land dynamics in the Green Belt of Córdoba (GBC) and the rural environments surrounding the city. In this work, we present a method based on the use of remote sensing and geographical information systems to characterize urban, peri-urban and rural areas of Córdoba city with the aim of evaluating the temporal dynamics of urban growth and the current state of land use and cover. We mapped and quantified the urban growth between 1974 and 2014, and evaluated land use in peri-urban and rural areas in 2015. We used satellite information from Landsat TM 5 to map the urban growth via a principal component analysis (PCA) and SPOT 5 imagery to characterize the current land use and land cover with the support vector machine classification algorithm. The results show an urban area growth of 46.5% over almost 40 years within the boundaries of the Capital department. Farm plot size increased, showing a concentration of land ownership, implying a reduced number of producers. Evidence indicates the importance of defining land planning guidelines that limit the advance of the urban frontier to valuable agricultural systems, ensure diversification of productive activities and protect and develop the fresh food production systems at the local level.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-19-2803
Chibueze Izah SylvesterCorresponding author
Department of Biological Sciences, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
This study evaluated the phytoplankton community of Taylor creek from Polaku to Agbia between November 2013 and July 2014. Sampling was carried out in 12 locations along the stretch of the creek following standard protocol. The phytoplankton enumeration was done and identified accordingly. In all the 12 locations, 100 species of phytoplankton belonging to 14 taxonomic groups including Bacillariophyta (31 species), Chlorophyta (25 species), Pyrrophyta (4 species), Cyanophyta (17 species), Spermatophyta (9 species), Euglenophyta (3 species), Phaeophyta (1 species), Heterokontophyta (2 species), Myxophyta (1 species), Xanthophyta (1 species), Chrysophyta (2 species), Lycopodiophyta (1 species), Cryptophyta (1 species), Dinophyta (2 species). Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta and Spermatophyta with occurrence rate of 36%, 34%, 10% and 10%, respectively were the predominant phytoplankton in the study area occurring in all the locations across the period of the study. The various species have some distinct environmental condition that enable them thrive in their niche, and this determines the structure of the phytoplankton in the study area. The diversity indices provided information about the distribution and health condition of the creek. The study showed significant relationships between Shannon-Wiener, Menhinick, Margalef, equitability and Fisher-alpha indices. The ecosystem showed moderate to heavy pollution based on Shannon Wiener index. There is the need for improved method of waste disposal and other anthropogenic activities being carried in and/ or within the creek.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-19-2753
C.N Angaye TariwariCorresponding author
Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
The problem associated inappropriate management of municipal waste to the ecosystem cannot be overemphasized. This study involved the physical characterization of municipal solid waste streams in 4 commercial dumpsites in Yenagoa Metropolis, using the quartile estimate method. Results showed that out of a total mass of 79.82kg; the individual mass composition was reported for garbage (food) waste 33.32 (39%), paper waste 14.90 kg (40.82%), plastic waste 5.12 kg (6%), nylon 11.01kg (13%), metal 4.31 kg (5%), wood 2.29 kg (3%), electronic 5.69 kg (7%), glass/ceramic 3.48 kg (4%) and unclassified waste whose mass was 4.62kg (5%). Disposal of untreated and unsegregated/uncharacterized waste adverse effect to the environment. It is hereby recommended that the populace to desist from illicit disposal of waste stream. In addition all stakeholders and Government in particular should formulate policies the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste stream.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-19-2672
Fadel Madkour FedekarCorresponding author
Marine Science Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt
Recently, annual swarm of invasive Erythrean schyphozoan RhopilemanomadicaGalil, 1990 appeared along Egyptian Mediterranean coasts causing beach closures and fishing problems. The present study conducted survey and field monitoring on R. nomadica during blooming season in the Egyptian Mediterranean coast throughout three consecutive years (2015-2017). Three main features of R. nomadica bloom were addressed; viz starting date, duration and maximum density of aggregation. In 2015, the bloom started on 28 July, and over the following two years the bloom starting date shifted earlier being 19 July in 2016 and 15 June in 2017. The duration of the bloom varied yearly giving the longest duration in 2017 when the bloom continued in high density for a month. The highest density of R. nomadica was about 896 medusae/1000 m3 in 2017. The medusae diameter ranged between 21 to 112 cm. The average bell diameter for each year displayed gradual increasing values over the years. The consistent annual R. nomadica blooming was attributed to the high level of eutrophication and ecosystem degradation occurred along the Mediterranean coast since last decades. The shifting in the annual bloom starting date and duration may reflect the adaptation of R. nomadica to the climate change effect on the Mediterranean Sea temperature.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-0282.imsj-18-2448
Santiago Freitas e Silva KleberCorresponding author
Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil
Fungal infections increased substantially in the last years, becoming a relevant public health problem. Many of these infections account for high rates of morbidity and mortality. The emergence of resistant fungal clinical isolates have also motivate studies to find new antifungal therapies. Candida albicans is an oportunistic pathogen and affects a great number of immunocompromised patients worldwide. The marine ecosystem has been considered a rich source of bioactive metabolites due to the complexity and originality of its structures. Proteins and peptides from marine organisms have been shown to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Arenicins are antimicrobial peptides isolated from the marine lugworm Arenicola marina with 21 amino acid residues in a β-hairpin structure. Dihydrofolate reductase, exo-b-(1,3)-glucanase and sterol 14α-demethylase are essential C. albincas enzymes that take part in DNA, cell wall and membrane metabolism, respectively. The present study evaluates the interaction of arenicin with important enzymes of C. albicans related to cell wall, ergosterol and DNA metabolism in order to elucidate possible molecular targets. We showed through an in silico approach, that a single compound from a marine worm (A. marina), can bind to three C. albicans essential proteins. The interaction occurs in regions inside the active site or at least near, with amino acid residues evaluated as hot spots. Arenicin is a new promising antifugal drug. The next step is to investigate protein-protein interactions performed by DHFR, EBG and CYP51 and assess whether arenicin is able to disrupt essential interaction or not.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-18-2496
Raj GuptaCorresponding author
Nutrient depletion and imbalanced use of fertiliser nutrients, inappropriate tillage and rain- water management practices often result in land degradation. Declining soil health contributes to climate change through loss in soil productivity, biodiversity, soil carbon, and moisture and ecosystem services. In order to address declining soil health, government of India has launched a soil health card (SHC) scheme aimed at need base use of chemical fertilisers. The paper points out the short-comings in the SHC scheme. Balanced and need base use of chemical fertilizers can be helpful in environmental protection and restoring soil health. The paper identifies potential agronomic practices and production management systems that can reduce our dependence on synthetic nutrients. Integration of soil fertility management domains with computer based QUEFT crop model has the potential of making fertiliser recommendations more domain and crop specific and less cumbersome. For soil health assessment chemical indicators must be integrated with physical and biological properties of the soils which can be predicted through reflectance spectroscopy. For assessing soil health related issues across different agro-ecoregions, there is however an urgent need for building-up more robust soil reflectance libraries.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-18-2550
C. N Angaye TariwariCorresponding author
Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
The ecotoxicological effects of leachates from dumpsite have become a major problem. Leachates arising from waste dumpsites are transported by surface runoff or infiltration through the soil and become bioavailable in the ecosystem. The ecotoxicological assessment of leachates from 6 dumpsite in Yenagoa Metropolis were investigated against adult and fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish). Ecotoxicological activities (LC50 values) were reported for the following stations; Akenpai (124.57 ppm), and Etegwe stations (95.38 ppm), as well as Opolo (157.95 ppm), and Kpansia Markets (123.82 ppm). In addition, leachates of the two stations from the central dumpsite (CDS), were the most active (CDS 1; 60.97 ppm, and CDS 2; 76.65 ppm). Notwithstanding, the order of toxicological activities of the leachates were reported as; CDS 1>CDS2>Etegwe>Akenpai>Kpansia market>Opolo Market. These results confirm the toxicity of leachates from the dumpsites. In addition, we recommend that government, regulators and all stakeholders should enact policies to treat, reduce, recycle and reduce waste stream in order to mitigate the adverse effects on the ecosystem.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4829.jen-18-2043
Rameshthangam PalanivelCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630003, Tamilnadu, India
Disposal of chitin wastes from crustacean shell can cause environmental and health hazards. Chitin is a well known abundant natural polymer extracted after deproteinization and demineralization of the shell wastes of shrimp, crab, lobster, and krill. Extraction of chitin and its derivatives from waste material is one of the alternative ways to turn the waste into useful products. Chitinases are enzymes that degrade chitin. Chitinases contribute to the generation of carbon and nitrogen in the ecosystem. Chitin and chitinolytic enzymes are gaining importance for their biotechnological applications. The presence of surface charge and multiple functional groups make chitin as a beneficial natural polymer. Due to the reactive functional groups chitin can be used for the preparation of a spectrum of chitin derivatives such as chitosan, alkyl chitin, sulfated chitin, dibutyryl chitin and carboxymethyl chitin for specific applications in different areas. The present review is aimed to summarize the efficacy of the chitinases on the chitin and its derivatives and their diverse applications in biomedical and environmental field. Further this review also discusses the synthesis of various chitin derivatives in detail and brings out the importance of chitin and its derivatives in biomedical and environmental applications.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2637-6075.jpae-17-1863
Liu YanchunCorresponding author
International Joint Research Laboratory for Global Change Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
Water availability is one of the fundamental drivers for biological activities and terrestrial carbon cycling. Although the response of soil respiration to precipitation has been well documented in arid and semiarid ecosystems, our understanding of its pattern in forests is rather limited. This study was conducted to examine the difference of precipitation effect on soil respiration under different canopy conditions in a temperate coniferous (Pinus armandii Franch) and broadleaved (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata) mixed forest in Central China. The results showed that precipitation significantly reduced soil temperature, but increased soil volumetric water content and soil respiration (6.0%-35.3%). Precipitation caused a greater increment in soil respiration beneath the canopy of broadleaved trees (24.2%) than that beneath coniferous ones (13.5%). Precipitation-induced increase in soil respiration was consistently lower beneath the canopy of small size classes (7.1%-32.6%) than large size classes (9.5%-33.3%). Mean soil respiration of forest gaps increased 22.4% following precipitations. Our study highlights the positive response of soil respiration to precipitation pulses in water-unlimited ecosystems. The findings suggest that the spatial heterogeneity of soil respiration to precipitation pulse under different canopy conditions should be emphasized while assessing terrestrial carbon cycling and its feedback to climate change.
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1783
Krishnaswamy VeenaGayathriCorresponding author
Department of Biotechnology, Stella Maris College, Chennai-86, Tamilnadu, India
Plastic materials have been used as packaging materials and also have other numerous applications because of their durability and stability. Plastic products are non degradable and they continue to exist in the environment thereby causing a serious threat to the ecosystem. Bioplastics which are biodegradable plastics are emerging out as a boon to overcome the problem of plastic accumulation. Polyhydroxybutyrate or PHB is a bioplastic that serves as an alternative to synthetic plastics. PHB is a lipid reserve material that gets accumulated within the cell wall of micro organisms under stress conditions. Halophilic microorganisms can be of much use in the production of PHB as it is cost – effective and recovery of PHB is much easier in halotolerant organisms. Hence this study focuses on the isolation of PHB producing halotolerant bacterial organisms from marine sources. Screening of PHB positive isolates was done by Sudan Black B and Nile blue A staining. Large scale production of PHB by the efficient bacterial strain was done by using wastewater as the substrate.