Study of soil contamination near R1-Barzina artesian borehole, Vratsa Province

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the environmental impact of a surface spill of groundwater with high total dissolved solids content by clarifying the extent of contamination in the soil layer near the borehole R1 – Barzina. The overall tendency for limitation of the migration of chloride pollution in the immediate vicinity of the formed surface spill. The fluctuations of the chlorides content in depth indicates the seasonal impact of refreshment by atmospheric waters.

Linking extreme seasonality and gene expression in arctic marine protists

At high latitudes, strong seasonal differences in light availability affect marine organisms and restrict the timing of ecosystem processes. Marine protists are key players in Arctic aquatic ecosystems, yet little is known about their ecological roles over yearly cycles. This is especially true for the dark polar night period, which up until recently was assumed to be devoid of biological activity. A 12 million transcripts catalogue was built from 0.45-10 μm protist assemblages sampled over 13 months in a time series station in an arctic fjord in Svalbard. Community gene expression was correlated with seasonality, with light as the main driving factor. Transcript diversity and evenness were higher during polar night compared to polar day. Light-dependent functions had higher relative expression during polar day, except phototransduction. 64% of the most expressed genes could not be functionally annotated, yet up to 78% were identified in arctic samples from Tara Oceans, suggesting that arctic marine assemblages are distinct from those from other oceans. Our study increases understanding of the links between extreme seasonality and biological processes in pico- and nanoplanktonic protists. Our results set the ground for future monitoring studies investigating the seasonal impact of climate change on the communities of microbial eukaryotes in the High Arctic.

Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Iron and Zinc Values in Meadows with a Semi-Arid Climate

Seasonal changes in the climate, as well as in plants and species living in this environment, which causes serious problems. Current work was carried out to evaluate the seasonal impact on the concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in soil, forages and animals. A semi arid dry climatic area of Pakistan was selected to find out the seasonal effects on soil and availability of Zn and Fe, and its translocation to forages and animals. Twenty seven forages were collected and 320 ruminant samples collected from two sites in four seasons. Effect of spatial-temporal variations were studied on the ruminants of four physiological stages (Does, Bucks, Wether and Juvenile). Different sources from goats including blood, feces and urine were collected for the analysis of Zn and Fe. Results showed that both elements in soil were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by season and site x season. In forages, only site showed significant effect on Fe and Zn, while Zn was affected non-significantly (P > 0.05) by season and site x season. Zn and Fe in goats were non-significantly affected by season and source x stages, while significantly affected by sites and sources. All values of both elements were in safe limits except deficiency of Fe (1.69 to 2.33 mg/L) in blood. Results of health indices were also in the limits. Current work encircles the spatio- temporal effects on mineral availability in the food chain and also concern the health effects related to ruminant health.

Association between Physical Activity and Seasonal Variations in Metabolic and Vascular Function in Adults

This article highlights the association between physical activity (PA) and seasonal variations in metabolic and vascular function in adults. Increasing PA is an important method for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality by improving blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipid profiles, body fat, insulin resistance, and vascular function, such as endothelial function. Conversely, various factors, such as seasonal climate conditions, may affect the amount of PA that individuals undertake. Changes in PA often induce seasonal variations in metabolic and vascular function; the deterioration of such functions in winter is the most prominent, and there is clear evidence of an increased risk of CVD in this season. Understanding the influence of PA on seasonal variations observed in metabolic and vascular function is necessary for the management of these physiological functions. In this article summary, few studies have proven that maintaining PA can suppress the variations, and it remains unclear what types, intensities, and durations of regular PA are effective for circumventing seasonal impact. In addition to further studies, there is a need to educate individuals about the strategies to manage PA and other aspects of their lifestyles throughout the year, particularly in winter.

Effects of Season and House Microclimate on Fungal Flora in Air and Broiler Trachea

Fungi are present in abundance in poultry housing. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of season and microclimate parameters in poultry housing on fungal flora in the air and broiler trachea in commercial fattening conditions. The study was conducted in summer and winter. Study results indicated seasonal impact and association between fungal flora composition in housing air and broiler trachea. However, the total fungal count in housing air was significantly higher in summer and in broiler trachea in winter, both significantly correlated with indoor relative humidity and ammonia concentration. There was no significant correlation between outdoor and indoor air temperature, relative humidity and airflow rate, respectively. Study results suggested that environmental determination of fungi should be accompanied by their determination in broilers. In addition, seasonal impact on fungal contamination should be associated with microclimate conditions in the poultry house rather than the season itself. The fungi detected and the results obtained have implications not only for broiler health but also for the health of humans working in such environments.