To the reproduction biology of the Wryneck (Jynx torquilla Linnaeus, 1758) in artificial nests in Northeastern Ukraine

In many countries, the Jynx torquilla population has declined significantly. In Ukraine, the species is considered widespread, but remains poorly studied. Activities to attract birds to parks using artificial nests were carried out during 2004‒2021 in Northeastern Ukraine. The first time the J. torquilla was populated in artificial nests dates back to 2009. During 2019‒2021 4 cases of J. torquilla nesting in artificial nests were recorded. Among the studied territories, the population of J. torquilla in artificial nests was found in the territory of the regional landscape park (RLP) «Feldman Ecopark», NPP «Gomilshansky forests» near the village. Gaidary in Kharkov and the tract «Vakalovschina» near the village Vakalovschina in Sumy regions. In the Northeastern of Ukraine, the number of J. torquilla reaches 14,3±0,32 pairs/km2 in the oak forests of the NPP «Gomilshansky forests» near the village Gaidary, 7,2±0,14 pairs/km2 in the pine forests of the park near the village Zadonetske, 16,2±0,14 pairs/km2 in the «Vakalovschina» tract, 11,1±0,24 pairs/km2 in RLP «Feldman Ecopark». J. torquilla, as a typical hollow-hole, is able to inhabit artificial nests. On average, during 2004–2021, the arrival of the first individuals in the spring was recorded: 21.04 at an average daily temperature of 18° C in the oak grove of the NPP «Gomilshansky forests», 23.04 at a temperature of 17° C in the tract «Vakalovschina», on the territory RLP «Feldman Ecopark» ‒ 02.05 at a temperature of 17° C, 2020 is 05.05 at a temperature of 20° С. It has been proven that 12 days pass from the moment of arrival of birds to the laying of the first egg. The first eggs of birds in the conditions of Northeastern Ukraine, on average, for all years of research, were registered 02.05 in the oak grove of the NPP «Gomilshansky forestsп», 04.05 in the tract «Vakalovschina». On the territory of RLP «Feldman Ecopark» in 2019, the first egg was laid at 14.05 on the material of the nest of the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis (Temm., 1815); in 2020 ‒ 19.05. Average clutch size 8,3±0,5 (from 7 to 9). Egg sizes: length – 20,2±0,2 mm, width ‒ 15,1±0,1 mm, volume ‒ 1.4±0.1 mmᶾ, roundness index ‒ 74.7±0.3 %. On average, incubation lasts 13±0,2 days. On the territory of the NPP «Gomilshansky forests» near the village. Gaidary, chicks hatched at 14.05; in the tract «Vakalovschina» on 16.05, on the territory of the RLP «Feldman Ecopark» in 2019 the chicks hatched on 26.05, in 2020 ‒ 01.06. The hatching success was found to be 96,9 % (n=30), where the breeding success is 91,0 %.

Influence of ultraviolet radiation on aquatic plants in conditions of low lighting

The effect of ultraviolet radiation (UV-r) on aquatic vegetation in conditions of general insufficient illumination was studied in laboratory conditions. In the studies such species of aquatic vegetation were used – submerged hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), thai fern (Microsorium pteropus), and globular cladophore (Aegagropila linnaei). The studies were carried out simultaneously in 3 aquariums, 3 liters each, with five iterations. For each of the experiments, the containers with water were covered with black paper on all sides, and 3 plants of each species were placed. Low-power LEDs were installed above the water surface of each aquarium. 2 white LEDs of the FYL-3014SRC brand (each with a power of 0.06 W at a luminous intensity of 600 mcd) were used for control experiments. In other versions of experiments with irradiation, we used – 2 white and 2 UV-diodes (similar power), and 2 white diodes together with 6 UV-diodes. Every week during the experiment, the morphometric parameters (weight, leaf area, length) and color of vegetation were measured during a 30-day continuous exposure from the sources described above. At the end of the experiment, it was found that with a general low power of white illumination, the presence of additional UV-r can have a multidirectional effect on vegetation that lives at different levels of the water system. Thus, UV irradiation negatively affects rootless plants of the upper layers of aquatic systems (Ceratophyllum demersum), probably due to known disturbances in the their photosynthetic apparatus. UV-r led to a decrease in the mass and leaf area of such plants (by 80–90 %), a change in their color, disruption of their vital activity, the development of tissue decay processes and even death by the end of the experiment. On root plants (Microsorium pteropus) with arrow-shaped leaves pointing upwards, additional UV-r can support the light balance and to some extent compensate (by 10–15 %) the overall decline in the level of their development (by 60–75 %). Bottom vegetation (Aegagropila sauterii), living at a depth of up to 5 m, is able to fully compensate for the lack of natural illumination by UV irradiation. UV-r penetrates the water column and after re-radiation on elements of aqueous solution penentrates to a considerable depth in the form of longer waves, and then used of plants with a general increase in the measured parameters by 5–20 %. This article concludes that the final effect on aquatic plants is formed by the depth of their habitat and the total intensity of light falling on the surface of the aquatic system. At the same time, under conditions of a lack of light, UV-r can act negatively on plants that are located close to the surface of the water, and at the same time positively as an additional source of energy – on benthic plants.

Evaluation of the influence of heavy metals on the degree of damage Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimič, 1986 leaf surface of Aesculus hippocastanum Linnaeus, 1753

The work presents the results of research on effect of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) on degree of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum Linnaeus, 1753) leaf surface damage by chestnut miner (Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimič, 1986) caterpillars. Analysis of leaf blade damage of the forage plant species by C. ohridella was conducted for four years (2017–2021). The research covered all the main park urban ecosystems in Dnipro city where horse chestnut trees were planted. Monitoring was carried out during the three summer months, which corresponds to the main feeding period of the three most active C. ohridella generations (I, II, and III). About 96 samples were used and prepared for atomic absorption analysis to study the content of heavy metals in A. hippocastanum leaf blades. On the territory of the park ecosystems in Dnipro city, eight groups of model horse chestnut trees of 20–30 years of age were identified which have similar morphological and taxonomic features but different degrees of leaf damage by C. ohridella miner. Since the plantations of horse chestnut are mainly located in an urban environment, we conducted research to test the hypothesis about the influence of heavy metals on C. ohridella vital activity. Presumably, the content of heavy metals also affects the degree of leaf blade damage. In this regard, we conducted research on the content of heavy metals in A. hippocastanum leaf tissues. It was found that accumulation in the horse chestnut leaf tissues of four basic heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) contained in all urban environments depends on the orographic features of the area where A. hippocastanum trees grow. It also was found that the higher in relief were located the horse chestnut plantings, the greater the percentage of their invasion by the miner, and this trend was observed during the three summer months. For example, in the Manuylivsky Park where horse chestnut trees are located at 56 m above sea level, the average leaf invasion by the miner in August is 14%; in the same month in Oles Honchar Dnipro National University Botanical Garden (149 m), the level of invasion was 78%. Research on the effects of heavy metals on C. ohridella populations also showed significant differences by the types of urban ecosystems. It was found that the higher content of heavy metals in the leaf tissues in a forage plant, the greater percentage of their surface damage by mines.

Spectral parameters of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seeds in technogenic conditions of urban environment

Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) is an invasive species with high activity in alien flora of Ukraine. Invasive potential of plants in unfavorable ecological conditions is due to the presence of adaptive mechanisms. One of the criteria for the invasive potential of foreign plants is considered to be seed productivity. For plants of black locust note a high level of seed productivity. However, it remains to be seen what factors ensure the formation of viable seeds in extreme environments. Among the factors that ensure the formation of viable plant seeds, note the barrier function of the seed coat relative to biotic and abiotic environmental factors. The physiological role of this protective barrier is realized due to the specific properties and component composition of the surface tissues of seeds. Among the metabolites with protective properties localized in the seed coat, consider proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins), which are formed during the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. To objectively assess changes in the accumulation of proanthocyanidins in the seed coat, it is necessary to use non-destructive methods, because the isolation of these compounds destroys their native polymer structure. The influence of technogenic pollution of Dnipro city on the reflectance, colorimetric and fluorescent characteristics of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seeds is investigated in the work. Mature seeds of black locust were collected at monitoring sites in the Botanical Garden of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (ecologically favorable zone) and at some points of linear roadside plantations of one of the main highways. It was found that the chronic effect of aerogenic pollutants on black locust plants caused an increased accumulation of proanthocyanidins in the seed coat, which may be due to changes in the biosynthesis of these compounds at the stage of oxidative polymerization of flavonoid subunits. Markers of this reaction of plants are the change of position and increase of intensity of maxima in the reflectance spectra of visible region, increase of value of dominant wavelength, decrease of conditional purity of color tone and colorimetric coefficients, increase of intensity of maxima in seed fluorescence spectra. The protective effect of these adaptive changes is associated with the strengthening of the barrier function of the seed coat to adverse environmental factors to maintain the viability of the seeds under the negative impact of technogenic pollution.

Indices of the DNA repair system in the brain of fish as a biomarker of inorganic mercury burden

Mercury is a widespread heavy metal that causes a stable and prolonged environmental pollution. Low concentrations of inorganic and organic mercury compounds are found in almost all water bodies. The high level of mercury bioaccumulation is a cause of tissue-specific toxicity, including neurotoxicity. Absorbed in nervous tissue mercury can cause brain disorders both in neural and glial cells. The brain of fish is considered one of the most susceptible targets for cytotoxicity of mercury in aquatic ecosystems. Taking into account that different forms of mercury have widespread distribution and exhibit a strong neurotoxic effect, the assessment of mercury cytotoxicity in the brain of fish is relevant and extremely important. Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was exposed to mercury chloride in the dose range of 5-20 μg/L for 60 days to study the chronic exposure of low doses. In this paper, we studied the influence of inorganic mercury on oxidative stress, DNA repair proteins – ERCC1 and PARP1 in the trout’s brain. The results obtained have shown that the chronic effect of inorganic mercury causes dose-dependent oxidative stress in the fish brain. In addition, low concentrations of mercury (10 and 20 μg/L) caused a decrease in the content of ERCC1 in the brain of fish. On the contrary, the same doses have caused an increase in PARP1 expression. That is the chronic influence of low concentrations of inorganic mercury has a negative effect in the fish brain. Observed results showed that inorganic mercury has a potential for suppressing DNA repair and, therefore, increases the instability of genome. Thus, ERCC1 and PARP1 can be considered as the sensitive biomarkers of mercury cytotoxicity in the fish brain. A further study of mercury neurotoxicity is needed to find out the hazard of mercury environmental pollution as well as a validation of biomarkers of their impact.

Influence of forest vegetation on color, reflectivity and humus content in soils of northern variant ravines of the steppe zone of Ukraine

Unique natural forests grow in the conditions of ravines of the steppe zone of Ukraine. Soil scientists have been researching the soils of ravines for more than 60 years. Despite long-term research, aspects of the genesis of specific ravine soils, which are reflected in their optical properties, are still virtually unexplored. Based on this, the aim of our work is to establish the characteristics of the influence of forest vegetation on color and reflectivity, as well as the closely related content of humus in the soils of the northern variant ravines of the steppe zone of Ukraine. Soil samples were taken from each genetic horizon of sections laid in the Glybokyy ravine (near the village of Andriivka, Novomoskovsk district, Dnipropetrovsk region). Soil color indices were determined by scanning soil samples followed by image analysis. The reflectivity of soils was investigated using a monochromator. The humus content in soils was determined by the standard method of wet oxidation of organic matter according to I. V. Tyurin. As a result of the performed researches it is established that the upper horizons of the soils of the Glybokyy ravine differ in the reduced values ​​of the indicators of the HSB, RGB and Lab systems, with depth their values ​​increase. The upper horizons of the ravine soils are characterized by reduced values ​​of brightness coefficients at wavelengths of 480, 650 and 750 nm, as well as the integrated brightness coefficient, with depth there is a gradual increase in their values. The color indicators of the RGB and Lab systems are the most successful for diagnosing and predicting the humus content in the soils of the ravine. Forest chernozems and forest-meadow soil of the ravine, which were formed under natural forest vegetation, are characterized by reduced values ​​of color indicators of HSB, RGB and Lab systems, reduced values ​​of brightness coefficients and increased humus content compared to chernozems, the genesis of which is related.

Antibiotic-resistant microbiota of water and soil ecosystems as risk factors for human health

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the three major health challenges of the 21st century. One of the most important reasons for the acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment is the irrational and uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs, not only for medical but also other purposes, and their improper disposal. The microbiome of aquatic and soil ecosystems is characterized by the acquisition of antibiotic resistance through mobile genetic elements, contact with antibacterial drugs and their residues, the action of heavy metals and environmental stress. Also, according to the literature, it is noted that the resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs in the environment existed much earlier than in clinical strains. These facts can not help but worry, because antibiotic-resistant strains of the environment have an extremely negative impact on human health. Once in the human body with water and food, they significantly complicate and / or make it impossible to further treat life-threatening diseases. Also, antibacterial residues circulating in aquatic and soil ecosystems, entering the human body can cause cancer, allergic reactions or disruption of the natural intestinal microflora. These ecosystems are characterized by large-scale spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibacterial drugs and their residues. The aim of our work was to analyze with the help of theoretical methods of scientific research the reasons for the acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance among environmental microbiota, namely in aquatic and soil ecosystems. To determine the impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria of these ecosystems on human health. We have found that antibacterial drugs, antibiotic-resistant strains and resistance genes are a particular problem for wastewater treatment. Antibiotics can provide a selective load, as the mechanisms that break them down can promote resilience and selectively enrich. Wastewater treatment plants can be a favorable factor for the horizontal transfer of genes and the development of bacterial polyresistance, and high-resistance genes can be preserved even after disinfection. Soil is also an important reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Microorganisms are in a constant struggle for existence in this ecosystem and try to colonize the micro-scale with the most favorable for their ecotype habitat. Antibiotic-resistant soil bacteria are in close contact with other members of the microbiota, which in turn promotes the horizontal transfer of resistance genes, even between cells of different species or genera through genetic determinants. Conclusion: ecosystems are characterized by large-scale spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibacterial drugs and their residues. Therefore, this problem should be properly addressed, as the presence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, antibacterial drugs and their residues in the environment can cause unpredictable environmental consequences and adversely affect human health with more severe incurable infectious diseases. Monitoring programs for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and resistance genes in soil and aquatic ecosystems are necessary and very relevant today. After all, this microbiota poses a serious threat to both the environment and human health and can easily spread from one part of the world around the world.

Characteristics of the toxic effect of imidacloprid on the state of Eisenia fetida (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbricidae)

Imidacloprid became the most sold neonicotinoid insecticide in the world in the 21st century. Due to their constant use, neonicotinoids are stored in soils, bottom deposits, and surface waters. It is known that neonicotinoids reveal toxicity for non-target species: annelid worms, insects, fish, birds, and mammals. Neonicotinoids exhibit reproductive toxicity, neuro-, hepato-, and genotoxicity for mammals. Earthworms are useful modeling organisms that are proposed to carry out toxicity tests. Eisenia fetida is considered a convenient and adequate species in toxicological studies. Analysis of available data shows that even low concentrations of imidacloprid caused protrusion of a belt, blackening, leakage of a cellar fluid, narrowing areas of the body with edema in segments, and dark body pigmentation in E. fetida. There are also biochemical changes. Low concentrations of imidacloprid (<0.2 mg/L) suppress the activity of cellulase. Imidacloprid also causes damage to DNA, production of reactive oxygen species, and alterations in antioxidant enzymes activity in E. fetida: inhibition of catalase, but activation of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase. Imidacloprid reduces reproductive success in E. fetida, causing significant deformation of sperm, reducing the average number and size of cocoons and the success of birth. At concentrations ≥10 mg/kg of imidacloprid, the high mortality of worms makes it impossible for vermiculture. At 5 mg/kg of imidacloprid in plants remains for vermicomposting in seven weeks, the mortality rate of 25% of E. fetida individuals is fixed. The stereotypical escape reflex behavior in the worms was observed in relation to imidacloprid at a concentration of 1.32 mg/kg. At the same time, molecular and cellular mechanisms of toxic effects of imidacloprid on E. fetida are almost not studied and needed special attention with further research.

Comparative analysis of the antioxidant capacity and secondary metabolites accumulation in the fruits of rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and some closely related species

The paper presents the results of studying fruits antioxidant properties of several species, previously combined into the genus Sorbus L. (Rosaceae family). Ripe fruits were collected in September 2020 from the plants of Cormus domestica (L.) Spach, Sorbus aucuparia L., Karpatiosorbus latifolia (Lam.) Sennikov & Kurtto and Torminalis glaberrima (Gand.) Sennikov & Kurtto from the collection of the Botanical Garden of the Oles Honchar Dnipro National University. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined both in the fruits peel and pulp. In the fruits of all species, higher values of the determined indicators were found in the fruit peel than in the pulp. Moderate and strong positive correlation was found between FRAP and TPC as well between FRAP and TFC both in peel and pulp of all studied species. At the same time, notable interspecific differences of the phytochemical traits were established, indirectly confirming the ambiguity of the taxonomy of the genus Sorbus L. According to the fruits antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites accumulation, species K. latifolia (broad-leaved whitebeam) and T. glaberrima (wild service-tree) are the most promising for cultivation in arid conditions of the central steppe of Ukraine.

Influence of anthropogenic factors on the fauna of diplopods in the steppe zone of Ukraine

Various industries that constantly pollute the environment with their waste are quite well developed in the steppe zone of Ukraine. That in turn affects living organisms. The analysis of literature sources allowed to determine the factors influencing the diplopods fauna of the Steppe. Parasites, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, heavy metals and other pollutants adversely affect invertebrates. Pesticides (glyphosate, imidacloprid, dimethoate, pirimiphos-methyl, propargite, cypermethrin, tebuconazole, chlorpyrifos, mefenoxam, mancozeb, sulfur, propiconazole, cyprodinil) are toxic to diplopods. They can affect lifetime, fertility, abundance, coordination of movements, feeding rates, change body weight and even in high concentrations cause the death of these animals. Sulfur, pirimiphos-methyl, propiconazole, imidacloprid, dimethoate and cypermethrin are the most toxic of all these pesticides. They cause the highest mortality. Heavy metals accumulate in the bodies of saprophages, reduce their abundance, affect body weight, cause a change in the intensity of eating food by diplopods. Nickel, lead, cadmium, zinc, cuprum and ferrum are toxic to millipedes. High concentrations of cadmium cause 100% mortality of Megaphyllum kievense (Lohmander, 1928). The development of urbanization causes a decrease in the abundance of saprophages. The species composition and number of individuals of some taxonomic groups of millipedes are reduced in reclamation areas. The nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser, 1955) and Heterorhabditis heliothidis (Khan, Brooks & Hirschmann, 1976) slow down the protective reactions of the body of Oxidus gracilis (C. L. Koch, 1847). The high intensity of diplopod infection with gregarines slows down the feeding process of Rossiulus kessleri (Lohmander, 1927). Lighting, soil humidity and the number of ants also affect the abundance of diplopods in natural forests and forest plantations of the steppe zone. Thus the diplopods are influenced by many environmental factors that can reduce their abundance in agrocenoses, forested and reclamation areas of the steppe zone of Ukraine.