scholarly journals Occurrence of microplastics in pellets from the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) along the Ticino River, North Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (33) ◽  
pp. 41731-41739
Author(s):  
Anna Winkler ◽  
Alessandro Nessi ◽  
Diego Antonioli ◽  
Michele Laus ◽  
Nadia Santo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Webs ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Spectroscopic Techniques ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Marine Bird ◽  
First Report ◽  
The Common

Abstract Previous research has reported avian plastic ingestion in marine bird species. Yet, while research attention on plastic pollution is shifting from marine to freshwater ecosystems, very few information on plastic ingestion is available for freshwater birds. Here, we examined the presence of microplastic in regurgitated pellets of the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) collected along the Ticino River (North Italy). In total, 133 kingfisher’s pellets were examined between March and October 2019 from 54 transects along the river. Plastic elements were detected and identified by visual inspection followed by μ-FTIR and SEM-EDS. Overall, we found 12 (micro)plastics from at least three different polymers in 7.5% of the pellets. This study provides the first report of plastic uptake of this bird species. It highlights the importance of spectroscopic techniques in plastic monitoring studies in order to avoid misidentification of items found. Documenting the presence of plastic ingestion by top carnivores such as fish-eating birds is necessary to understand the pervasiveness and impact of (micro)plastic pollution in food webs of freshwater ecosystems.

Stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios in riparian food webs on rivers receiving sewage and pulp-mill effluents

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Wayland ◽  
Keith A Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Food Webs ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Suspended Sediments ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Tree Swallow ◽  
Municipal Sewage ◽  
Pulp Mill Effluent ◽  
Pulp Mill Effluents

We examined spatial trends in ratios of stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N), carbon (δ13C), and sulfur (δ34S) in riparian food webs leading to a riparian, insectivorous bird species, the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), on rivers receiving pulp-mill effluent and municipal sewage and compared them with ratios of these isotopes in components of the effluents themselves. The study was conducted on two rivers in western Canada at sites upstream and downstream from sewage and pulp mill effluent sources. Municipal sewage contained materials with δ15N or δ13C values that were distinct from background conditions in the receiving environment. Pulp-mill effluent contained materials with δ34S values that were distinct from those at upstream sites on the rivers. At both locations, effluent-derived nitrogen and sulfur were observed in algae and suspended sediments at sites downstream from the effluent sources. This was also observed in adult aquatic insects, the one exception being that uptake of effluent-derived nitrogen was detected isotopically at only one location. Tree swallows' use of sewage-derived nitrogen was evident only at one location, while use of pulp-mill-derived sulfur was evident only at the other location. Our study demonstrates the usefulness and limitations of measuring stable isotopes for tracing the movement of nutrients derived from sewage and pulp-mill effluent in freshwater ecosystems and, further, indicates that such tracing may be extended to riparian species feeding on aquatic prey.

scholarly journals Knowledge about Microplastic in Mediterranean Tributary River Ecosystems: Lack of Data and Research Needs on Such a Crucial Marine Pollution Source

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiana Guerranti ◽  
Guido Perra ◽  
Tania Martellini ◽  
Luisa Giari ◽  
Alessandra Cincinelli
Keyword(s):  
Marine Pollution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Pollution Source ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Marine Systems ◽  
Final Destination ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Freshwater Environments

Plastic debris occurring in freshwater environments, which can either come from the surrounding terrestrial areas or transported from upstream, has been identified as one of the main sources and routes of plastic pollution in marine systems. The ocean is the final destination of land- based microplastic sources, but compared to marine environments, the occurrence and effects of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems remain largely unknown. A thorough examination of scientific literature on abundance, distribution patterns, and characteristics of microplastics in freshwater environments in Mediterranean tributary rivers has shown a substantial lack of information and the need to apply adequate and uniform measurement methods.

Mariannaeapyrone -a New Inhibitor of Thromboxane A2 Induced Platelet Aggregation

2001 ◽  
Vol 56 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 106-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Fabian ◽  
Timm Anke ◽  
Olov Sterner
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Aggregation ◽  
Chemical Structure ◽  
Thromboxane A2 ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Selective Inhibitor ◽  
Spectroscopic Techniques ◽  
Fungal Metabolite ◽  
Antimicrobial Effects ◽  
The Common ◽  
Induced Aggregation

Abstract Mariannaeapyrone ((E)-2-(1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-5-nonenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one) is a new fungal metabolite isolated from fermentations of the common mycophilic deuteromycete Mariannaea elegans. The chemical structure of the 4-pyrone was determined by spectroscopic techniques. Mariannaeapyrone is a selective inhibitor of the thromboxane A2 induced aggregation of human platelets, whereas only weak cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects could be observed.

scholarly journals De-novo emergence and template switching of SINE retroposons during the early evolution of passerine birds

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Suh ◽  
Sandra Bachg ◽  
Stephen Donnellan ◽  
Leo Joseph ◽  
Jürgen Brosius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Early Evolution ◽  
Template Switching ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Short Interspersed Elements ◽  
Mammalian Genomes ◽  
Rapid Diversification ◽  
The Common ◽  
Avian Genomes

AbstractPasseriformes (“perching birds” or passerines) make up more than half of all extant bird species. Here, we resolve their deep phylogenetic relationships using presence/absence patterns of short interspersed elements (SINEs), a group of retroposons which is abundant in mammalian genomes but considered largely inactive in avian genomes. The resultant retroposon-based phylogeny provides a powerful and independent corroboration of previous indications derived from sequence-based analyses. Notably, SINE activity began in the common ancestor of Eupasseres (passerines excl. the New Zealand wrens Acanthisittidae) and ceased before the rapid diversification of oscine passerines (songbirds). Furthermore, we find evidence for very recent SINE activity within suboscine passerines, following the emergence of a SINE via acquisition of a different tRNA head as we suggest through template switching. We propose that the early evolution of passerines was unusual among birds in that it was accompanied by activity of SINEs. Their genomic and transcriptomic impact warrants further study in the light of the massive diversification of passerines.

Identifying global hotspots of plastic waste accumulation along river networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Gomez-Velez ◽  
Stefan Krause
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Transport Model ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
River Network ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Trapping Efficiency ◽  
River Networks ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Relative Location ◽  
Plastic Pollution

<p>Global plastic pollution is affecting ecosystems and human health globally. Proposing solutions and coping strategies for this threat requires a clear understanding of the processes controlling the fate and transport of mismanaged plastics at multiple scales, going from watersheds to regions and even continents. River corridors are the primary conveyor and trap for mismanaged plastic produced within the landscape and eventually released to the ocean. New approaches that apply technological sensing innovations for monitoring plastic waste in aquatic environments can improve observations and plastic waste datasets globally. However, our understanding of when, where, and how to target monitoring is limited, reducing the benefit gained. There is therefore a critical demand for predictions of hotspots (as well as hot moments) of plastic accumulation along river networks globally, in order to optimize observational capacity.     </p><p>Here, we present a new global flow and transport model for plastic waste in riverine environments. Our model predicts that only a small fraction (roughly 2.5%) of the global mismanaged plastic that entered rivers since the 1950s has been delivered to the ocean by 2020, with an overwhelming majority sequestered in freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, we predict the patterns of mismanaged plastic accumulation and its residence time depend on (i) the topology and geometry of the river network, (ii) the relative location of plastic sources, and (ii) the relative location and trapping efficiency of flow regulation structures, primarily large dams. Our results highlight the role of rivers as major sinks for plastic waste and the need for targeted remedial strategies that consider the structure of the river network and anthropogenic regulation when proposing intervention measures and sampling efforts.</p>

Role of three bird species in the life cycle of two Sarcocystis species (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in the Czech Republic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ondřej Máca ◽  
David González
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Intestinal Mucosa ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
The Common ◽  
Milvus Milvus

Abstract BackgroundBirds are one of the groups involved in the development of Sarcocystis Lankester, 1882, serving either as intermediate or definitive hosts. The white-tailed sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758), red kite Milvus milvus (Linnaeus, 1758) (both Accipitriformes) and common starlings Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes) were examined to elucidate their participation in the development of Sarcocystis, as well as to determine the specific identity of the parasites based on morphological and especially molecular analyses.MethodsIn 2020–2021, one white-tailed eagle, one red kite and five common starlings were parasitologically examined for the presence of Sarcocystis using flotation centrifugation coprological method and by wet mounts of intestinal mucosa scrapings and/or muscle samples. Positive samples were processed by light microscopy, histologically and followed molecularly at four genetic markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1 and cox1).ResultsThe white-tailed eagle harboured oocysts/sporocysts of S. arctica Gjerde et Schulze, 2014 in the intestinal mucosa, while the intestinal mucosa of the red kite and breasts and leg muscles of one common starling were positive to S. halieti Gjerde, Vikøren et Hamnes, 2018. Sequences from eagle shared 99.6 − 100% identity with each other and S. arctica in the red fox (V. vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) from the Czech Republic. Sequences from the common starling and red kite shared 100% identity with each other and with S. halieti in the great cormorant (P. carbo [Linnaeus, 1758]) from Lithuania and H. albicilla from Norway.ConclusionsThe white-tailed sea eagle (H. albicilla) acts as natural definitive host of S. arctica, whereas the common starling (St. vulgaris) and red kite (M. milvus) represent intermediate and definitive hosts, respectively, for S. halieti.

First record of Stenostomum sphagnetorum (Platyhelminthes, Catenulida) from India

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4816 (3) ◽  
pp. 392-396
Author(s):  
DAIZY BHARTI ◽  
FRANCISCO BRUSA ◽  
SANTOSH KUMAR ◽  
KAILASH CHANDRA
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
South America ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
First Record ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Ganga River ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Free Living ◽  
First Report ◽  
The World

Catenulida are mostly inhabitants of freshwater ecosystems, like ponds, streams, though the marine species are few (Larsson and Willems, 2010). About 110 species of catenulids are known worldwide, with most of the studies conducted in South America (Marcus, 1945a, 1945b; Noreña et al., 2005), North America (Kepner and Carter 1931; Nuttycombe and Waters, 1938) and Scandinavian Peninsula (Luther, 1960, Larsson and Willems, 2010; Larsson et al., 2008). The diversity of catenulids from India has not been studied intensively; however some reports on other turbellaria exists for the country (Annandale, 1912; Whitehouse, 1913; Kapadia, 1947; Basil and Fernando, 1975; Apte and Pitale, 2011; Kalita and Goswami, 2012; Venkataraman et al., 2015). The genus Stenostomum, however, has been studied extensively around the world with identification of over 60 species (Tyler et al., 2006-2016). This is first report of the genus from India. The present study was part of the project to catalogue the diversity of free living protozoan ciliates from the Hooghly stretch of the Ganga River during which the flatworms were found. The worms were studied based on the live observations, with recognition of characters which led to its identification. This study serves to fill knowledge gap in the freshwater flatworms from India. 

scholarly journals Naticid gastropod and octopodid cephalopod predatory traces: evidence of drill holes on the leucosid crab Ristoria pliocaenica (Ristori, 1891), from the Pliocene of the “La Serra” quarry (Tuscany, Italy)

10.4081/19 ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Pasini ◽  
Alessandro Garassino
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Decapod Crustaceans ◽  
Early Pliocene ◽  
First Report ◽  
Predatory Activity ◽  
The Common ◽  
Drill Holes

Garassino<em> et al.</em> (2012) reported on a rich community of decapod crustaceans including axiideans, gebiideans, anomurans, and brachyurans from the Zanclean (Early Pliocene) of the “La Serra” quarry near San Miniato (Pisa, Tuscany, central Italy). In this decapod-rich assemblage some carapaces of the common pebble crab<em> Ristoria pliocaenica</em> (Ristori, 1891) (<em>Leucosiidae Samouelle</em>, 1819) are drilled in characteristic ways, due to the predatory activity of individuals belonging to two different taxa of marine clades, possibly naticids (Gastropoda, Naticoidea), and to octopodids (Cephalopoda, Octopoda). This is the first report of direct evidence of predation by cephalopods on crabs in the fossil record.

scholarly journals Nine Years After the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Effects on Marine Bird Populations in Prince William Sound, Alaska

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 723-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Irons ◽  
Steven J. Kendall ◽  
Wallace P. Erickson ◽  
Lyman L. McDonald ◽  
Brian K. Lance
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Prince William Sound ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Exxon Valdez ◽  
Marine Bird ◽  
Marine Birds ◽  
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract We compared post Exxon Valdez oil-spill densities of marine birds in Prince William Sound from 1989–1991, 1993, 1996, and 1998 to pre-spill densities from 1984–1985. Post-spill densities of several species of marine birds were lower than expected in the oiled area of Prince William Sound when compared to densities in the unoiled area. These negative effects continued through 1998 for five taxa: cormorants, goldeneyes, mergansers, Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba), and murres. Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) and Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) exhibited negative effects in 1990 and 1991. Loons showed a weak negative effect in 1993. Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) showed relative decreases in 1989, 1996, and 1998 which may have been caused by shifts in foraging distribution rather than declines in populations. Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens) showed positive effects in most post-spill years. Murrelets and terns showed relative increases in 1993, 1996, and 1998. Generally, taxa that dive for their food were negatively affected, whereas taxa that feed at the surface were not. Effects for some taxa were dependent upon the spatial scale at which they were analyzed. Movements of birds and the mosaic pattern of oiling reduced our ability to detect oil-spill effects, therefore our results may be conservative. Several marine bird species were negatively affected at the population level and have not recovered to pre-spill levels nine years after the oil spill. The reason for lack of recovery may be related to persistent oil remaining in the environment and reduced forage fish abundance.

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