Spatio-temporal variations in bacterial and fungal community associated with dust aerosol in Kuwait

Kuwait is a country with a very high dust loading; in fact it bears the world’s highest particulate matter concentration in the outdoor air. The airborne dust often has associated biological materials, including pathogenic microbes that pose a serious risk to the urban ecosystem and public health. This study has established the baseline taxonomic characterization of microbes associated with dust transported into Kuwait from different trajectories. A high volume air sampler with six-stage cascade impactor was deployed for sample collection at a remote as well as an urban site. Samples from three different seasons (autumn, spring and summer) were subjected to targeted amplicon sequencing. A set of ~ 50 and 60 bacterial and fungal genera, respectively, established the core air microbiome. The predominant bacterial genera (relative abundance ≥ 1%) were Brevundimonas (12.5%), Sphingobium (3.3%), Sphingopyxis (2.7%), Pseudomonas (2.5%), Sphingomonas (2.4%), Massilia (2.3%), Acidovorax (2.0%), Allorhizobium (1.8%), Halomonas (1.3%), and Mesorhizobium (1.1%), and the fungal taxa were Cryptococcus (12%) followed by Alternaria (9%), Aspergillus (7%), Candida (3%), Cladosporium (2.9%), Schizophyllum (1.6%), Fusarium (1.4%), Gleotinia (1.3%) and Penicillium (1.15%). Significant spatio-temporal variations were recorded in terms of relative abundances, α-diversities, and β-diversities of bacterial communities. The dissimilarities were less pronounced and instead the communities were fairly homogenous. Linear discrimant analysis revealed three fungal genera known to be significantly differentially abundant with respect to different size fractions of dust. Our results shed light on the spatio-temporal distribution of airborne microbes and their implications in general health.

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Collection of Bacterial Community Associated with Size Fractionated Aerosols from Kuwait

Data ◽

10.3390/data6120123 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (12) ◽

pp. 123

Author(s):

Nazima Habibi ◽

Saif Uddin ◽

Fadila Al Salameen ◽

Montaha Behbehani ◽

Faiz Shirshikhar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Community ◽

Bacterial Communities ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

High Volume ◽

Health Concern ◽

Urban Site ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Remote Site ◽

Air Sampler ◽

Stage 1

Airborne particles play a significant role in the spread of bacterial communities. The prevalence of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic forms in the inhalable fractions of aerosols is known. The abundance of microorganisms in the aerosols heightens the likely health hazards due to inhalation since they serve as carriers for pathogens and allergens, often acting as a vector for pulmonary/respiratory infections. Not much information is available on the occurrence and prevalence of bacterial communities in different size-fractionated aerosols in Kuwait. A high-volume air sampler with a six-stage cascade impactor was deployed for sample collection at two sites representing a remote and an urban site. A total volume of 815 ± 5 m3 of air was passed through the filters to trap the particulate matter ranging from 0.39 to >10.2 μm in size (Stage 1 to Stage 5 and base filter). Aeromonas dominated all the stages at the urban site and Stage 5 at the remote site, whereas Sphingobium was prevalent at Stages, 2, 3 and 4 at the remote site. Brevundimonas were found at Stages 1 and 5, and the base filter at the remote site. These results show that the bacterial community is altered in different size fractions of aerosols. Stages 1–4 form the respirable fraction, whereas Stage 5 and particles on the base filter are the inhalable fractions. Many species of Aeromonas cause disease, and hence their presence in inhalable fractions is a health concern, meaning that species-level identification is warranted.

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Study on Fish Ecology of the Seti Gandaki River Pokhara: II. Spatio-Temporal Variations in Fish Communities

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology ◽

10.3126/njst.v12i0.6523 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 350-357 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

KK Pokharel

Keyword(s):

Winter Season ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Urban Site ◽

Total Density ◽

Brachydanio Rerio ◽

Upstream Site ◽

Longitudinal Pattern ◽

Total Fish ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Pokhara Valley

Present paper deals with the spatio-temporal variations in distribution and abundance of fishes along the 30 km stretch of the Seti Gandaki river and its two major tributaries, Mardi Khola and Vijaypur Khola, in Pokhara Valley, Western Nepal. A total of 30 species of fishes belonging to 5 orders, 9 families and 22 genera were recorded from five sites on the river and its tributaries. Cyprinoids were predominant among fishes (17 spp.), siluroids (5 spp.), balitorids and cobitids (4 spp.), channioids (2 spp.), belonoids (one sp.) and mastacembeloids (one sp.). Among cyprinoids, mostly cyprinines were dominant groups (7 spp.) followed by rasborines (7 spp.), garrines (2 spp.) and schizothoracines (one sp.). There was increasing trend of species richness at upstream site (17 spp.). to downstream site (20 spp.) showing a longitudinal pattern. The total fish abundance and family-wise abundance at all the sites observed major peak during the spring and fall during the winter season in both the years of study. The average total density of fishes during the spring peak was highest (51.07/ha) at the upper tributary site and lowest (24.69/ha) at the urban site. According to the distribution pattern and abundance, the population status of the gamefish, mahseer [Tor tor (Ham)] has been endangered (E); that of game fishes [Tor putitora (Ham.) and Chagunius chagunio (Ham.)] and Zebra-fish [Brachydanio rerio (Ham.)] to are vulnerable (V); that of loach [Lepidocephalus guntea (Ham.)], cat-fishes [Myersglanis blythii (Day) and Amblyceps mangois (Ham.)] are rare (R).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v12i0.6523 Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 12 (2011) 350-357

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Environmental Variables of the Seti Gandaki River Basin Pokhara, Nepal

Journal of Institute of Science and Technology ◽

10.3126/jist.v22i2.19604 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 129-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kishor Kumar Pokharel ◽

Khadga Bahadur Basnet ◽

Trilok Chandra Majupuria ◽

Chitra Bahadur Baniya

Keyword(s):

Water Temperature ◽

River Basin ◽

Environmental Variables ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Total Alkalinity ◽

Urban Site ◽

Water Conductivity ◽

Free Carbon Dioxide ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Carbon Dioxide Co2

Present paper focuses on the spatio-temporal variations and correlations among the environmental variables of the Seti Gandaki River basin, Pokhara, Nepal. A total of five sites, three along the river and two in tributaries were selected for this study. Water sampling was done fortnightly for environmental variables following standard methods during July 2011 to June 2012. Mean and standard deviation of the environmental variables revealed that the depth (0.9 ± 0.3), pH (8 ± 0.4), total phosphates (PO4) (0.10 ± 0.03) and nitrates (NO3) (0.13 ± 0.04) were normally variable among the sites. But the discharge (40.00 ± 37.00), width (32.30 ± 13.00), turbidity (81.40 ± 51.00), transparency (29.10 ± 15.00), conductivity (166.00 ± 80.00), water temperature (18.00 ±4.00), dissolved oxygen (DO) (8.00 ± 2.00), free carbon dioxide (CO2) (7.00 ± 2.00) and total alkalinity (98.00 ± 22.00) varied among sites equally. Correlation coefficient between the sites and environmental variables revealed that sites were found significantly correlated with water conductivity (r2 = 0.6), DO (r2 = -0.52), and free CO2 (r2 = 0.6); depth of water with width (r2 = 0.94), discharge (r2 = 0.96), turbidity (r2 = 0.71), transparency (r2 = -0.62), water temperature (r2 = 0.60), pH (r2 = -0.52) and DO (r2 = -0.48); water temperature with pH (r2 = -0.54), DO (r2 = -0.79), free CO2 (r2 = 0.69), total alkalinity (r2 = -0.58), total PO4 (r2 = 0.54) and NO3 (r2 = 0.62), etc. The enhancement of turbidity, conductivity, free CO2, phosphates and nitrates, while, suppression of transparency, pH and DO at the urban site indicated the urban influence. Journal of Institute of Science and TechnologyVolume 22, Issue 2, January 2018, page: 129-139

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Spatio-temporal variations of caddisfly assemblages in a chalk stream, Balaton Upland, Hungary

Zoosymposia ◽

10.11646/zoosymposia.5.1.38 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 439-452

Author(s):

ILDIKÓ SZIVÁK ◽

ARNOLD MÓRA ◽

JÚLIA KATALIN TÖRÖK

Keyword(s):

Indicator Species ◽

Cold Water ◽

Human Impacts ◽

Temporal Structure ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Aquatic Habitats ◽

Indicator Value ◽

Spatio Temporal

In 2006–2007 larval caddisfly assemblages of a semi-natural calcareous stream (Örvényesi Creek) were studied. Characteristic sections can be detected along the whole length of the stream, which passes through diverse types of vegetation, resulting in highly heterogeneous aquatic habitats. Based on an annual survey of different aquatic habitats, our aims were to give an overview of the spatio-temporal distribution of the larval caddisfly assemblages in the Örvényesi Creek and to find indicator species characterizing different sections of the stream. In order to show the spatio-temporal patterns, samples were collected at 7 locations with different streambed morphology, from spring to the mouth of the stream. Caddisfly larvae were collected in every 3rd week during a 1 year period using the “kick and sweep” method. Multivariate analyses were carried out to explore the spatio-temporal structure of caddisfly assemblages. The indicator value method was applied to detect indicator species for different sections of the stream. A rich caddisfly fauna (20 taxa) was found in the Örvényesi Creek. Fast-running and relatively cold-water hypocrenal sections were characterized by Beraea maurus and Apatania muliebris at high indicator value. Three Limnephilidae species (Limnephilus rhombicus, Limnephilus lunatus and Glyphotaelius pellucidus) were identified as significant indicator species for slow flowing, lentic habitats. Along the length of the stream, distinctive spatial and temporal changes were detected in the distribution of the caddisfly assemblages. These changes were mainly connected to variations in morphology of the streambed, phenology of individual taxa, extreme weather conditions and human impacts.

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Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report: Assessment of global-scale model performance for global and regional ozone distributions, variability, and trends

Elem Sci Anth ◽

10.1525/elementa.265 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

P. J. Young ◽

V. Naik ◽

A. M. Fiore ◽

A. Gaudel ◽

J. Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atmospheric Chemistry ◽

Tropospheric Ozone ◽

Model Performance ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Global Scale ◽

Scale Model ◽

Significant Information ◽

Assessment Report ◽

Spatio Temporal

The goal of the Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report (TOAR) is to provide the research community with an up-to-date scientific assessment of tropospheric ozone, from the surface to the tropopause. While a suite of observations provides significant information on the spatial and temporal distribution of tropospheric ozone, observational gaps make it necessary to use global atmospheric chemistry models to synthesize our understanding of the processes and variables that control tropospheric ozone abundance and its variability. Models facilitate the interpretation of the observations and allow us to make projections of future tropospheric ozone and trace gas distributions for different anthropogenic or natural perturbations. This paper assesses the skill of current-generation global atmospheric chemistry models in simulating the observed present-day tropospheric ozone distribution, variability, and trends. Drawing upon the results of recent international multi-model intercomparisons and using a range of model evaluation techniques, we demonstrate that global chemistry models are broadly skillful in capturing the spatio-temporal variations of tropospheric ozone over the seasonal cycle, for extreme pollution episodes, and changes over interannual to decadal periods. However, models are consistently biased high in the northern hemisphere and biased low in the southern hemisphere, throughout the depth of the troposphere, and are unable to replicate particular metrics that define the longer term trends in tropospheric ozone as derived from some background sites. When the models compare unfavorably against observations, we discuss the potential causes of model biases and propose directions for future developments, including improved evaluations that may be able to better diagnose the root cause of the model-observation disparity. Overall, model results should be approached critically, including determining whether the model performance is acceptable for the problem being addressed, whether biases can be tolerated or corrected, whether the model is appropriately constituted, and whether there is a way to satisfactorily quantify the uncertainty.

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Spatio-temporal variations of NO<sub>y</sub> species in the northern latitudes stratosphere measured with the balloon-borne MIPAS instrument

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics ◽

10.5194/acp-9-1151-2009 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 1151-1163 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

A. Wiegele ◽

A. Kleinert ◽

H. Oelhaf ◽

R. Ruhnke ◽

G. Wetzel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Continuous Measurement ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Polar Vortex ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Model Calculations ◽

Mixing Ratios ◽

Northern Latitudes ◽

Photolysis Rates ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Good Agreement

Abstract. This paper presents the spatio-temporal distribution of NOy species at altitudes between 14 and 31 km as measured with the MIPAS-B instrument on the morning of 21 March 2003 in northern Scandinavia. At lower altitudes (below about 22 km), temperature variations, the distribution of ClONO2, and the tracer N2O reveal the dynamics through the edge of the late arctic polar vortex. At higher altitudes, continuous measurement before, during, and after sunrise provides information about photochemistry illustrating the evolution of the photochemically active gases NO2 and N2O5 around sunrise. The measured temporal evolution of NO2 and N2O5 is compared to box modelling that is run along backward calculated trajectories. While the comparison of measured and modelled N2O5 reveals significant differences, there is a good agreement between the model and observations for NO2 in terms of volume mixing ratios but the simulated decrease shortly after sunrise is underestimated compared to the measurements. The differences are attributed to the photolysis rates used in the box model calculations.

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Modelling the high-resolution dynamic exposure to flood in city-region

10.5194/hess-2018-590 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Xuehong Zhu ◽

Qiang Dai ◽

Dawei Han ◽

Lu Zhuo ◽

Shaonan Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Distribution ◽

Temporal Distribution ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Urban Flooding ◽

City Region ◽

Loss Assessment ◽

Urban Flood ◽

Flood Exposure ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Dynamic Exposure

Abstract. Urban flooding exposure is generally investigated with the assumption of stationary disasters and disaster-bearing bodies within an event, and thus cannot satisfy the increasingly elaborative modelling and management of urban flood. In this study, a comprehensive method was developed to simulate dynamic exposure to urban flooding considering residents’ travel behavior. First, a flood simulation was conducted using the LISFLOOD-FP model to predict the spatio-temporal distribution of flooding. Second, an agent-based model was used to simulate residents’ movements during the period of urban flooding. Finally, to study the evolution and patterns of urban flooding exposure, the exposure of population, roads, and buildings to urban flooding was simulated using Lishui, China as the case study. The results indicated evident spatio-temporal variations in urban flooding and population distribution. Additionally, the exposure increased with increasing rainfall and flooding severity. The urban area near the Oujiang River was the most severely flooded and indicated the largest amount of exposure of population, roads, and buildings. Furthermore, the impacts of flooding on roads were greater than those on population and on buildings. This study presents the first fully formulated method for dynamic urban flood exposure simulation at high spatio-temporal resolution. The results of this study can provide baseline data for determining urban flood disaster vulnerability, socioeconomic loss assessment, urban disaster risk management, and for establishing emergency response plans.

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