Hoverflies (Syrphidae: Diptera) in areas contaminated with heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb)

Abstract The aim of the research was to study the diversity of hoverflies (Syrphidae: Diptera) living in areas under the influence of heavy metal emissions (Cd, Zn and Pb). Although the area of the Olkusz Ore-bearing Region (OOR), where the research was partially conducted, belongs to the contaminated regions, where a relatively high species richness of Syrphids has been noted. During the research period, a total of 1,180 syrphids, belonging to 165 species were caught, which constitutes 39.76% of all the Polish Syrphidae fauna. These species represented all the trophic groups with the dominance of zoophagous species (48.48%); however, the most numerous (quantitatively abundant) were saprophagous. Among the collected syrphids, common and numerous species, such as: E. arbustorum (LINNAEUS, 1758), E. tenax (LINNAEUS, 1758), Episyrphus balteatus (DE GEER, 1776) and S. pipiens (LINNAEUS, 1758), as well as rare species such as Callicera aenea (FABRICIUS, 1777) (NT), Chalcosyrphus piger (FABRICIUS, 1794) (DD), Epistrophe ochrostoma (ZETTERSTEDT, 1849) (VU), Orthonevra geniculata (MEIGEN, 1830) (DD), Rhingia rostrata (LINNAEUS, 1758) (DD), Sphegina sibirica STACKELBERG, 1953 (LC) and Spilomyia diophthalma (LINNAEUS, 1758) (NT), were noted. Eleven of the collected species have been included in the Polish Red List of Endangered Species. Melangyna ericarum (COLLIN, 1946) is recorded as a new one among the Polish fauna. Numerous observations did not indicate that the area covered by the study was characterised by a significantly lower species diversity compared to other sites. In fact, the samples taken were usually characterised by a relatively high biodiversity. The obtained results may suggest that anthropogenic activities, including those leading to environmental pollution with heavy metals and to a strong transformation of natural habitats, do not completely destroy biodiversity, and in some cases leave space for nature to create habitats where even rare species of organisms such as Syrphidae can develop.

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ОХРАНЯЕМЫЕ И РЕДКИЕ ВИДЫ В УРБАНОФЛОРЕ ГЕНИЧЕСКА

Biological Bulletin of Bogdan Chmelnitskiy Melitopol State Pedagogical University ◽

10.15421/2015007 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (01) ◽

pp. 105

Author(s):

S. Yu. Maltseva

Keyword(s):

Rare Species ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Limiting Factors ◽

Irreversible Processes ◽

Herbarium Specimens ◽

Monitoring And Control ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Rapid Urbanization ◽

Tulipa Gesneriana ◽

The City

Urbanization is one of the most characteristic features of scientific and technological progress, which is associated with the rapid growth of cities and the urban population. It leads to irreversible processes of transformation of the natural environment. It anthropogenic transformation in connection with the development of the city and the subsequent rapid urbanization deals a devastating blow to the remnants of natural fractions urbanflora, which is preserved in the vicinity of Genichesk and would threaten the survival of a number of rare species of plants that grow here only in small areas with a small number of individuals. The article studies the protected and rare species of plants growing in the urban environment Genichesk. The study was conducted by routing way, with the implementation of standard procedures for drying, installation and post-processing of herbarium specimens. The research resulted in found new habitats of species listed in the Red Book, such as Astragalus borysthenicus Klokov, Crambe maritima L., Tulipa gesneriana L., Astrodaucus littoralis (M. Bieb.) Drude, Stipa ucrainica P. Smirn., Tamarix gracillis Willd. Also in the article provides a brief description of 11 species of vascular plants and their sozological value. Saving the plants, which listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, in the city Genichesk, is a difficult task. The main limiting factors are destruction of habitat, degradation of soil cover. As a result of anthropogenic activities, cultivation, creation of pastures and destruction of natural habitats are declining habitat and abundance of rare and endemic species. Collect flowers for bouquets also reduces the number of rare species. Every year in the spring on the outskirts of the city lit dry grass, which adversely affects the early-flowering plants, including rare, such as Tulipa gesneriana L., Adonis vernalis L., Convallia majalis L. Despite this, a significant number of these plants not only grows urboecotope but also successfully propagates in these conditions. Results of the study show that in the city of Genichesk currently stored favourable living conditions for some protected species, including seven species of Red Book and four species are protected at the level of regional lists. But due to human activity remains a risk of extinction of rare species of Red Book and that requires further monitoring and control of the state of their abundance and distribution in the city, as well as measures to protect their habitats. Key words: rare species, Red Book, urbanflora, Genichesk.<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7905/bbmspu.v5i1.966">http://dx.doi.org/10.7905/bbmspu.v5i1.966</a>

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Globally endangered butterflies (Lepidoptera) protected in the natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky»

Ecology and Noospherology ◽

10.15421/031613 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (3-4) ◽

pp. 47-54

Author(s):

K. K. Holoborodko ◽

V. O. Makhina ◽

K. S. Buchnieva ◽

O. E. Pakhomov

Keyword(s):

Rare Species ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Taxonomic Diversity ◽

Red List ◽

River Valley ◽

Number Of Species ◽

Natural Reserve ◽

Western Palearctic ◽

Mediterranean Origin ◽

Northern Species

Floodplain valley of the Dnieper river midstream is a unique natural complex, having a great bìogeographical, ecological, environmental, historical and recreational values. In 1990, the Natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky» was established within the area. The Natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky» is environmentally protected site within the Dnipropetrovsk region, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, Ukraine. This reserve occupies part of the Dnieper river valley and marshy and reedy banks of Protovch river (existing bed of Oril river). It was created by Regulation of the Council of Ministers of the USSR of 15 September 1990, No. 262, based on common zoological and ornitological Nature reserves «Taromskì plavni» and «Obukhovskie zaplavy». On the territory of the Natural reserve «Dniprovsko-Orilsky», they were registered 32 Lepidoptera species listed in the List of Threatened Species at different categories (5 species in IUCN Red List ; 18 in Red Data Book of Ukraine; 7 in European Red List of plants and animals endangered on a global scale; 31 in Red Book of Dnipropetrovsk oblast). The main scientific materials were author’s collections from area of research and materials of entomological funds, Department of Zoology and Ecology, Oles Honchar Dnipropetrovsk National University (mostly Memorial Collection of V. O. Barsov). Field surveys covered all the ecosystems basic on size and degree of protection. The author’s researches have conducted over the past decade during annual expeditions to the Reserve. Taxonomic structure of the complex is quite diverse, and represented by all the major families of higher millers and rhopalocera, having protectedstatus. In relation to taxonomy, this complex formed by representatives of five superfamilies (Zyganoidea, Noctuoidea, Bombycoidea, Hesperioidea, Papilionoidea) from 11 families (Zygaenidae, Saturniidae, Sphingidae, Noctuidae Arctiidae Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Satyridae, Lycaenidae). High taxonomic diversity can be explained by unique geographical location of the reserve in azonal conditions of the Dnieper river valley. Such location allows to enter different zoogeographic Lepidoptera groups on the reserve territory. Zoogeographic analysis of species protected within the reserve territory selected 7 basic groups. It was found that most of the globally rare species have Mediterranean origin (39 %); species of Palearctic origin are in second place (22 %); Western Palearctic and Ponto-Kazakh types of areas are same of number of species, and come third (11 %); and others come 17 % (European, Euro-Siberian, and Holarctic). This fauna component is specific due to presence of so-called «northern» species that make up 40 % (representatives of Palearctic, Western Palearctic, Euro-Siberian, European and Holarctic groups). Their existence within the reserve territory is only possible due to development of boreal valley ecosystems. High taxonomic diversity can be explained by unique geographical location of the reserve in azonal conditions of the Dnieper river valley. Such location allows to enter different zoogeographic Lepidoptera groups on the reserve territory. Zoogeographic analysis of species protected within the reserve territory selected 7 basic groups. It was found that most of the globally rare species have Mediterranean origin (39 %); species of Palearctic origin are in second place (22 %); Western Palearctic and Ponto-Kazakh types of areas are same of number of species, and come third (11 %); and others come 17 % (European, Euro-Siberian, and Holarctic). This fauna component is specific due to presence of so-called «northern» species that make up 40 % (representatives of Palearctic, Western Palearctic, Euro-Siberian, European and Holarctic groups). Their existence within the reserve territory is only possible due to development of boreal valley ecosystems.

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CONSERVATION OF RARE SPECIES PLANTS AND LICHENS IN SITU WITH PLANNED ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES: BASIC APPROACHES AND IMPLEMENTATION PRINCIPLES

Engineering survey ◽

10.25296/1997-8650-2018-12-7-8-38-45 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (7-8) ◽

pp. 38-45

Author(s):

A. N. EFREMOV ◽

N. V. PLIKINA ◽

T. ABELI

Keyword(s):

Rare Species ◽

Technology Implementation ◽

Technology Development ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Natural Habitat ◽

Local Population ◽

Main Stage ◽

Social Risks

Rare species are most vulnerable to man-made impacts, due to their biological characteristics or natural resource management. As a rule, the economic impact is associated with the destruction and damage of individual organisms, the destruction or alienation of habitats. Unfortunately, the conservation of habitat integrity is an important protection strategy, which is not always achievable in the implementation of industrial and infrastructural projects. The aim of the publication is to summarize the experience in the field of protection of rare species in the natural habitat (in situ), to evaluate and analyze the possibility of using existing methods in design and survey activities. In this regard, the main methodological approaches to the protection of rare species in the natural habitat (in situ) during the proposed economic activity were reflected. The algorithm suggested by the authors for implementing the in situ project should include a preparatory stage (initial data collection, preliminary risk assessments, technology development, obtaining permitting documentation), the main stage, the content of which is determined by the selected technology and a long monitoring stage, which makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of the taken measures. Among the main risks of in situ technology implementation, the following can be noted: the limited resources of the population that do not allow for the implementation of the procedure without prior reproduction of individuals in situ (in vitro); limited knowledge of the biology of the species; the possibility of invasion; the possibility of crossing for closely related species that сo-exist in the same habitat; social risks and consequences, target species or population may be important for the local population; financial risks during the recovery of the population. The available experience makes it possible to consider the approach to the conservation of rare species in situ as the best available technology that contributes to reducing negative environmental risks.

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Geochemical Mapping, Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Road Dust Using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF)

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos12050614 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 614

Author(s):

Muhammad Faisal ◽

Zening Wu ◽

Huiliang Wang ◽

Zafar Hussain ◽

Chenyang Shen

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Risk Assessment ◽

Matrix Factorization ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Road Dust ◽

Positive Matrix Factorization ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Positive Matrix ◽

The City

Heavy metals in road dust pose a significant threat to human health. This study investigated the concentrations, patterns, and sources of eight hazardous heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in the street dust of Zhengzhou city of PR China. Fifty-eight samples of road dust were analyzed based on three methods of risk assessment, i.e., Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Assessment (RI), and Nemerow Synthetic Pollution Index (PIN). The results exhibited higher concentrations of Hg and Cd 14 and 7 times higher than their background values, respectively. Igeo showed the risks of contamination in a range of unpolluted (Cr, Ni) to strongly polluted (Hg and Cd) categories. RI came up with the contamination ranges from low (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb) to extreme (Cd and Hg) risk of contamination. The risk of contamination based on PIN was from safe (Cu, As, and Pb) to seriously high (Cd and Hg). The results yielded by PIN indicated the extreme risk of Cd and Hg in the city. Positive Matrix Factorization was used to identify the sources of contamination. Factor 1 (vehicular exhaust), Factor 2 (coal combustion), Factor 3 (metal industry), and Factor 4 (anthropogenic activities), respectively, contributed 14.63%, 35.34%, 36.14%, and 13.87% of total heavy metal pollution. Metal’s presence in the dust is a direct health risk for humans and warrants immediate and effective pollution control and prevention measures in the city.

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Exploiting the Potential in Water Cleanup from Metals and Nutrients of Desmodesmus sp. and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10071461 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 1461

Author(s):

Roberto Braglia ◽

Lorenza Rugnini ◽

Sara Malizia ◽

Francesco Scuderi ◽

Enrico Luigi Redi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Metal Removal ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Single Species ◽

Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽

Removal Rates ◽

Sequential Approach ◽

Removal Capacity ◽

Green Microalga

Increasing levels of freshwater contaminants, mainly due to anthropogenic activities, have resulted in a great deal of interest in finding new eco-friendly, cost-effective and efficient methods for remediating polluted waters. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of using a green microalga Desmodesmus sp., a cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. and a hemicryptophyte Ampelodesmos mauritanicus to bioremediate a water polluted with an excess of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and heavy metals (copper and nickel). We immediately determined that Nostoc sp. was sensitive to metal toxicity, and thus Desmodesmus sp. was chosen for sequential tests with A. mauritanicus. First, A. mauritanicus plants were grown in the ‘polluted’ culture medium for seven days and were, then, substituted by Desmodesmus sp. for a further seven days (14 days in total). Heavy metals were shown to negatively affect both the growth rates and nutrient removal capacity. The sequential approach resulted in high metal removal rates in the single metal solutions up to 74% for Cu and 85% for Ni, while, in the bi-metal solutions, the removal rates were lower and showed a bias for Cu uptake. Single species controls showed better outcomes; however, further studies are necessary to investigate the behavior of new species.

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Biological Consequences of Marine Energy Development on Marine Animals

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14248460 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (24) ◽

pp. 8460

Author(s):

Lenaïg G. Hemery ◽

Andrea E. Copping ◽

Dorian M. Overhus

Keyword(s):

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Energy Systems ◽

Energy Development ◽

Knowledge Gaps ◽

Marine Animals ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Holistic View ◽

Energy Devices ◽

Marine Energy ◽

Animal Populations

Marine energy devices harness power from attributes of ocean water to form a sustainable energy source. Knowledge gaps remain about whether marine energy systems can affect the environment, adding another threat to animal populations and habitats already under pressure from climate change and anthropogenic activities. To date, potential environmental effects have been studied under the scope of stressor–receptor interactions, where moving parts of, or emissions from, a system could harm the animals, habitats, and natural processes. While crucial for understanding effects and identifying knowledge gaps, this approach misses a holistic view of what animals may experience in the presence of marine energy systems. We look at six biological consequences and forces that drive the health of an animal population and the effects expected from marine energy development: success of early life stages; changes in competitive capabilities; growth and survival based on food availability; susceptibility to predators; injury or death; and reproductive success. We use case studies to develop this approach, focusing on a variety of marine animals. An approximate level of risk is assigned for each interaction based on the biological consequences. This work highlights the need to examine the effects of marine energy development on animal populations within their natural habitats.

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Terrestrial Molluscs in the Dry Grasslands of the DNIPRO Upland (Central Ukraine): New Records, Rare Species and Conservation Potential

Vestnik Zoologii ◽

10.2478/vzoo-2018-0001 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 3-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

I. Balashov ◽

O. Vasyliuk ◽

D. Shyriaieva ◽

Z. Shvydka ◽

O. Oskyrko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rare Species ◽

New Records ◽

National Level ◽

Red List ◽

The Other ◽

Rock Outcrops ◽

Dry Grassland ◽

Dry Grasslands ◽

First Time ◽

High Diversity

Abstract Thirty-six species of terrestrial molluscs were found in the dry grasslands and rock outcrops of the study area, including three that were not previously known for Central Ukraine: Granaria frumentum, Pupilla bigranata and Mediterranea inopinata. These species are relics related to dry open habitats and require conservation in Ukraine on the national level, G. frumentum is already listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, and the other two should be listed in its next edition. It is proposed to create the new protected areas in the most important newly revealed locations of these species. These rocky areas also retain the high diversity of land molluscs in the region. The invasive snail Xeropicta derbentina was found for the first time on the DNIPRO Upland, on the edge of natural dry grassland. The rare native snail Morlina glabra was recorded for the first time in Kyiv Region, it is proposed to be included into the regional red list.

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Finding of rare species of plats in the southern part of the Sinyukha river basin

CHERKASY UNIVERSITY BULLETIN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SERIES ◽

10.31651/2076-5835-2018-1-2021-1-37-45 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 37-45

Author(s):

K. V. Zhulenko

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

River Basin ◽

Plant Species ◽

Current Distribution ◽

Rare Species ◽

Rare Plant ◽

Anthropogenic Pressure ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Rare Plant Species ◽

New Localities

Introduction. The Sinyukha river basin, in particular its southern part, is an area with a high level of anthropogenic pressure and a significant level of agricultural development (the proportion of agricultural land is more than 80%), with fragmented natural habitats. Detailed chorological study is needed to supplement the pattern of the distribution of rare plant species, to develop measures for their conservation, to optimize the existing network of protected areas in the region.Рurpose of the study isto analyze the current distribution and describe new finds of some rare plant species in the southern part of the Sinyukha river basin.Methods. The research was conducted in April-June 2021. We surveyed the area of the Sinyukha river valley from the village of Kalamazovo (Vilshansky district, Kirovohrad region) to its confluence with the Southern Bug River in Pervomaisk (Mykolayiv region), as well as – the valleys of its tributaries – Chorny Tashlyk, Malyi Tashlyk and Sukhyi Tashlyk. When locating a rare species, the plants were photographed and georeferenced at a point with GPS-navigator. Species cover is given according to the Broun-Blanquet scale. The distribution maps were performed by free QGIS software.Results.We revealed new and confirmed known localities of 20 rare species:Adonis vernalis, Asplenium septentrionale, Astragalus dasyanthus, A. odessanus, Bellevalia sarmatica, Clematis integrifolia, Crocus reticulatus, Dianthus hypanicus, Ephedra distachya, Hyacinthella leucophaea, Iris pontica, Iris pumila, Ornithogalum boucheanum, Pulsatilla pratensis, Primula veris, Sedum borissovae, Stipa capillata, S. lessingiana, S. pennata, Tulipa hypanica. Among the 20 identified rare species one has the category VU (Vulnerable) in the IUCN red list and belongs to the list of Resolution 6 of the Berne Convention; three species are narrowly local endemics of the Dnieper Upland; 11 are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine (5 of them have the status vulnerable, 1 – rare, 5 – insufficiently known); 5 species are regionally rare in Kirovohrad and 8 – in Mykolayiv regions. Most of the revealed species have a cover less than 5%. Only 9 of the 20 registered rare species characterized by more than five localities within the studied area. Originality. New localities of 20 rare species of plants of different levels of protection have been revealed. Prospects for conservation valuableof their habitats are offered.Conclusion. We have identified a significant number of new localities of rare plant species that are not covered by proper protection. This indicates the need for more detailed chorological research to elucidate the current distribution of rare species and the creation of new protected areas. Key words:rare species; threat category; red lists; natural habitats; chorology.

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Seasonal assessment, treatment and removal of heavy metal concentrations in a tropical drinking water reservoir

Ekológia (Bratislava) ◽

10.1515/eko-2016-0008 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 103-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Moshood Keke Mustapha ◽

Joy Chinenye Ewulum

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Drinking Water ◽

Best Management Practices ◽

Management Practices ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Health Hazard ◽

Water Reservoir ◽

Industrial Effluents ◽

High Concentration ◽

Agricultural Materials

AbstractHeavy metals are present in low concentrations in reservoirs, but seasonal anthropogenic activities usually elevate the concentrations to a level that could become a health hazard. The dry season concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc were assessed from three sites for 12 weeks in Oyun reservoir, Offa, Nigeria. Triplicate surface water samples were collected and analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The trend in the level of concentrations in the three sites is site C > B > A, while the trend in the levels of the concentrations in the reservoir is Ni > Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Hg. Ni, Cd, Pb and Hg were found to be higher than the WHO guidelines for the metals in drinking water. The high concentration of these metals was from anthropogenic watershed run-off of industrial effluents, domestic sewages and agricultural materials into the reservoir coming from several human activities such as washing, bathing, fish smoking, especially in site C. The health effects of high concentration of these metals in the reservoir were highlighted. Methods for the treatment and removal of the heavy metals from the reservoir during water purification such as active carbon adsorption, coagulation-flocculation, oxidation-filtration, softening treatment and reverse osmosis process were highlighted. Other methods that could be used include phytoremediation, rhizofiltration, bisorption and bioremediation. Watershed best management practices (BMP) remains the best solution to reduce the intrusion of the heavy metals from the watershed into the reservoir.

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Glycine Betaine Accumulation, Significance and Interests for Heavy Metal Tolerance in Plants

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants9070896 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 896 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shafaqat Ali ◽

Zohaib Abbas ◽

Mahmoud F. Seleiman ◽

Muhammad Rizwan ◽

İlkay YAVAŞ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Glycine Betaine ◽

Metal Tolerance ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Heavy Metal Tolerance ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Effective Role ◽

Living Organisms ◽

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Unexpected biomagnifications and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in the surrounding environment has become a predicament for all living organisms together with plants. Excessive release of HMs from industrial discharge and other anthropogenic activities has threatened sustainable agricultural practices and limited the overall profitable yield of different plants species. Heavy metals at toxic levels interact with cellular molecules, leading towards the unnecessary generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), restricting productivity and growth of the plants. The application of various osmoprotectants is a renowned approach to mitigate the harmful effects of HMs on plants. In this review, the effective role of glycine betaine (GB) in alleviation of HM stress is summarized. Glycine betaine is very important osmoregulator, and its level varies considerably among different plants. Application of GB on plants under HMs stress successfully improves growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes activities, nutrients uptake, and minimizes excessive heavy metal uptake and oxidative stress. Moreover, GB activates the adjustment of glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents in plants under HM stress. Excessive accumulation of GB through the utilization of a genetic engineering approach can successfully enhance tolerance against stress, which is considered an important feature that needs to be investigated in depth.

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