Lead Solubility in the Kırklareli Stream, Turkey

The research was conducted in the Kırklareli stream, which flows southwest through the city of the same name toward the village of Kavaklı. The aim of the study is to evaluate water analysis results and assess the potential that the European Union drinking water standard for lead can be achieved in the Kırklareli stream by reliance on the low solubility of lead phosphate minerals. The present study used Visual MINTEQ 3.1 for all water chemistry simulations. The European Union drinking water standard for lead, which is 10 μg L−1, is exceeded at least once and as many as three times at seven of the ten sites during the 2018 sampling season. Although the database solubility of hydroxypyromorphite is exceeded in most samples, it appears this may be the result of major ion substitutions in the hydroxypromorphite that forms in the Kırklareli stream which increases the effective solubility of lead in the stream.

Herpesviruses in Captive Chelonians in Europe Between 2016 and 2020

Herpesviruses are important pathogens in tortoises and turtles, yet little is known about the epidemiology of these viruses. We analyzed herpesviruses detected by PCR in samples from captive chelonians in Europe according to virus strain, host species, year and season in which the animal was tested, and country in which the animal was kept. A total of 4,797 samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Europe between January 2016 and December 2020 were evaluated. Of these, 312 (6.50%) were positive for herpesviruses. The types most commonly found were testudinid herpesvirus (TeHV)1 (143 positive, 45.83%) and TeHV3 (153 positive, 49.04%), but also included TeHV2 (1 positive, 0.32%), TeHV4 (3 positive, 0.96%), Terrapene herpesvirus 1 (7 positive, 2.24%), Trachemys herpesvirus 1 (2 positive, 0.64%), and three previously undescribed herpesviruses (0.96%). Herpesviruses were detected in chelonians in the families Testudinidae, Emydidae, Geoemydidae, and in the suborder Pleurodira. Among the species for which 100 samples or more were available, the highest proportions of positive samples (positivity rates) were found in samples from Horsfield's tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii) (14.96%), and radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) (14.05%). Among tortoises (Testudinidae), viruses were most often detected in the spring, while in emydid turtles (Emydidae) they were most often detected in the summer. A comparison of the positivity rates according to country showed significant differences, with the highest rate in samples from Italy (16.01%). This study indicated possible differences in herpesvirus positivity rates depending on host species, virus strain, year of sampling, season, and country of origin. It provides useful information in further understanding fluctuations in infection rates as well as in helping to guide decision making for herpesvirus diagnostics in chelonian patients. It also provides evidence for the international dispersal of herpesviruses with their hosts through international trade.

Identification of Thermophilic Aerobic Sporeformers in Bedding Material of Compost-Bedded Dairy Cows Using Microbial and Molecular Methods

Compost-bedded pack barns (CBP) are of increasing interest in dairy farming due to their positive effect on animal welfare. The temperature and the moisture content of the bedding material characterising the composting process can promote the growth of thermophilic aerobic sporeformers (TAS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine CBP bedding material characteristics, such as moisture content and temperature, and to determine TAS species. The dilution, the heat inactivation of all non-TAS species and the incubation of 13 bedding samples from four CBP groups resulted in a mean TAS amount over all samples of 4.11 log10 cfu/g bedding material. Based on the subsequent sequencing of parts of the 16S rRNA-gene of 99 TAS colonies, the TAS species Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, Laceyella sacchari, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Ureibacillus thermosphaericus were identified. The moisture content of the bedding material, the relative humidity above the bedding material and the sampling season significantly affected the amount of TAS. The moisture content or relative humidity above the bedding material significantly influenced the concentration of Ureibacillus thermophaericus or Laceyella sacchari. Consequently, an optimal CBP management including a dry lying surface and an optimal composting process will contribute to a moderate microbial, especially TAS amount, and TAS species distribution.

Diversity of Groundwater Crustaceans in Wells in Various Geologic Formations of Southern Poland

Data on Crustacea from underground waters accessed through wells are limited in Poland. A recent study was undertaken to determine diversity and factors influencing the crustacean communities inhabiting wells drilled in three bedrocks, Jurassic limestone, Cretaceous marls and flysch. A total of 23 crustacean species and subspecies were recorded belonging to Copepoda, Ostracoda, Amphipoda and Bathynellacea. Only four species of low abundance, however, were stygobionts. Our studies showed that abundance and species number of Copepoda and Ostracoda were affected by bedrock geology (with higher abundances and species richness in wells of Cretaceous marls), and in the case of copepods, also by sampling season. Furthermore, this paper lists all species of Crustacea recorded from inland groundwater habitats of Poland based published over the last 133 years. The most species-rich group was Copepoda with 43 representatives (four stygobites), followed by Ostracoda and Amphipoda with a total of 37 and 12 species, respectively (each with nine stygobites). In addition, two species of Isopoda (one stygobite) and one Bathynellid appear in the checklist. The checklist identifies geographical (and environmental) gaps which require further research.

Monitoring of Dioxins/Furans (PCDD/Fs) in Smoke of Charcoal Grilled Meat-Restaurants in Amman-Jordan

PCDDs /Fs were investigated in outdoor air of charcoal grilled meat-restaurants in Jordan. Restaurants were given the codes (S, Z, G, B, and J). Levels of PCDDs/Fs depend on the quantity of used charcoal, amount of grilled meat, and sampling season. Results in (ng TEQ/m3) found in the order: S restaurant (12.4) > J (3.4) > B (1.8) > G (1.6) > Z (0.2). Total emissions in (g TEQ / year) were in the order: S restaurant (1.295) > J (0.132) > B (0.092) > G (0.025) > Z (0.003). This study is the first of its kind in MENA region. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) concentrations were studied in outdoor air of charcoal grilled meat-restaurants in Amman/Jordan. The studied restaurants were given the codes (S, Z, G, B, and J). The PCDD/Fs compounds were extracted from the filter using the green extraction method called QuEChERS and detected in extracts using GC/MS. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in the chimneys were found to depend on many factors that were measured such as type and quantity of grilling fuels, amount quantities of grilled food after marinating and sampling season. The results showed that PCDD/Fs concentrations in toxic equivalents (TEQs) in (ng TEQ/m3) were found in the following order: S restaurant (12.4) > J (3.4) > B (1.8) > G (1.6) > Z (0.2) where some samples contained 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD in considerable amounts. The total emissions of PCDD/Fs in (g TEQ / year) for all restaurants samples were in the following order: S restaurant (1.295) > J (0.132) > B (0.092) > G (0.025) > Z (0.003). This study is featured as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa that reveals the dangers of using charcoal for grilling because it causes contamination of food and air. It also calls for advising people to minimize the consumption of grilled food since food will contain a portion of the carcinogenic B (a) P and 2,3,7,8-TCDD and also advising for using filters for restaurant chimneys.

Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis Occurring in Korean Native Calves

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most widely occurring zoonotic protozoan parasites causing diarrheal disease in calves. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of G. duodenalis in Korean native calves and elucidate the causal factors associated with giardiasis in these animals. We investigated the sequences of three genes (ssu, bg, and gdh) of G. duodenalis in fecal samples collected from 792 Korean native calves during 2019–2020. Data were analyzed with regard to age, sex, sampling season, and the fecal sample type (based on its physical characteristics). The samples were screened for the three genes mentioned above, and 44 samples (5.6%) were G. duodenalis-positive. Polymerase chain reaction results showed a significantly higher prevalence of the infection in calves aged ≥1 month and in those with watery diarrhea in spring season. Screening for the gene sequences ssu (87.5%), bg (96.2%), and gdh (96.7%) revealed that most of the G. duodenalis-positive samples belonged to assemblage E. Four of the G. duodenalis-positive samples belonged to the zoonotic assemblage A. This study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of genetic mutations in G. duodenalis for the detection of emerging variants of zoonotic G. duodenalis in calves.

Selective DNA and Protein Isolation From Marine Macrophyte Surfaces

Studies of unculturable microbes often combine methods, such as 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and metaproteomics. To apply these techniques to the microbial community inhabiting the surfaces of marine macrophytes, it is advisable to perform a selective DNA and protein isolation prior to the analysis to avoid biases due to the host material being present in high quantities. Two protocols for DNA and protein isolation were adapted for selective extractions of DNA and proteins from epiphytic communities inhabiting the surfaces of two marine macrophytes, the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and the macroalga Caulerpa cylindracea. Protocols showed an almost complete removal of the epiphytic community regardless of the sampling season, station, settlement, or host species. The obtained DNA was suitable for metagenomic and 16S rRNA sequencing, while isolated proteins could be identified by mass spectrometry. Low presence of host DNA and proteins in the samples indicated a high specificity of the protocols. The procedures are based on universally available laboratory chemicals making the protocols widely applicable. Taken together, the adapted protocols ensure an almost complete removal of the macrophyte epiphytic community. The procedures are selective for microbes inhabiting macrophyte surfaces and provide DNA and proteins applicable in 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and metaproteomics.

Diversity of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) associated with potato crop in Tizi-Ouzou (North of Algeria), with new records

<p>Aphids are among the phytophagous pests that cause serious damage to crop plants. In Northern Algeria, we have little information on their diversity. In this context, the study of the diversity of aphids was carried out in three regions of Tizi-Ouzou (North of Algeria) namely Tizi-Ouzou center, Tizi-Rached and Aghribs on the potato crop using yellow traps. The results showed a total richness of 65 aphid species, divided into 36 genera, 9 tribes and 8 sub-families, of which 11 species were identified for the first time in Algeria. These are <em>Aphis coreopsidis</em> (Thomas, 1878), <em>Capitophorus hippophae</em> (Walker, 1852), <em>Cavariella theobaldi </em>(Gillette &amp; Bragg, 1918), <em>Hyadaphis coriandri </em>(B. Das, 1918), <em>Macrosiphoniella linariae </em>(Koch, 1855),<em>Monelliopsis pecanis </em>Bissell, 1983, <em>Myzus hemerocallis</em> Takahashi, 1921, <em>Pseudoregma panicola </em>(Takahashi, 1921), <em>Rhopalosiphoninus staphyleae</em> (Koch, 1854), <em>Schizaphis eastopi</em> Van Harten &amp; Ilharco, 1971 and <em>Ovatus inulae </em>(Walker, 1849)<em>. </em>The field located in the center of Tizi-Ouzou is the richest with 55 species, followed by the field of Tizi-Rached with 30 species, and 24 species have been recorded in Aghribs. During the sampling season, <em>Hyperomyzus lactucae</em> (Linnaeus, 1758) and <em>Brachycaudus helichrysi</em> (Kaltenbach, 1843) are the most abundant species with 24.44 % and 21.8 % respectively. Three aphid species have been observed on potato leaves, namely <em>Macrosiphum</em> <em>euphorbiae</em> (Thomas, 1878), <em>Aphis</em> <em>gossypii</em> Glover, 1877 and <em>Myzus persicae</em> (Sulzer, 1776). The latter species was observed in all three study regions.</p>