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Published By Walter De Gruyter Gmbh

1337-947x

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-324
Author(s):  
Tereza Poloprutská ◽  
Michal Nováček ◽  
Petra Oppeltová

Abstract Nature swimming pools are a sought-after alternative to conventional swimming pools. Their natural water purification system, without the need for chemicals, is beneficial to health and environmentally friendly. Designing such a nature swimming pool is a complex matter because it requires coordination of a number of effects, which can easily cause an imbalance in the entire system. This work uses the case study method to analyse the overall condition of three nature swimming pools in the South Moravian Region during the second half of the swimming pool operation season.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-336
Author(s):  
Vadym Gorban ◽  
Artem Huslystyi ◽  
José Manuel Recio Espejo ◽  
Natalia Bilova

Abstract Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important component of any soil which determines many of its properties. Nowadays, more and more attention is being paid to the SOC content determination in soils by not using the conventional, time-consuming and expensive technique, but by using colour image processing of soil samples. In this case, even the camera of modern smartphones can be used as an image source, making this technique very convenient and practical. However, it is important to maintain certain standardised conditions (light intensity, light incidence angle, etc.) when capturing the images of soil samples. In our opinion, it is best to use a regular scanner for this purpose, with subsequent image processing by graphic programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). To increase the reliability of the colour information obtained in this way, it is desired (if possible) to use a spectrograph or a monochromator in the subsequent calculation of reflection or brightness ratios. It is these two approaches that we have implemented in our work. As a result of the experiment, the values of brightness ratios (at 480, 650 and 750 nm wavelengths and integral brightness ratio), colour indicators (the hue, saturation and value [HSV], red, green and blue [RGB], CIE L*a*b* and cyan, magenta, yellow and key [CMYK] systems) and SOC content in Calcic Chernozem samples of the steppe zone of Ukraine were obtained. Using correlation analysis of the dataset, the existence of direct (r = 0.88–0.90) and inverse close relationships (r = −0.75–0.90) between SOC, values of brightness ratios and colour indicators of the soil samples were established. This allows us to develop predictive models. Statistical analysis showed that the models were significant when they were based on the values of brightness ratios at 650 nm wavelength, integral brightness ratio, V indicator in HSV system, R, G and B indicators in RGB system, C, M and K indicators in CMYK system and L* and b* indicators in L*a*b* system. The subsequent calculation of variation coefficients showed that the largest variability was observed in SOC indicators (CV = 0.72) and slightly less variability in the K index of CMYK system and brightness ratio values at 650 nm wavelength (CV = 0.67 and 0.53, respectively). Based on this, we believe that the models y = 0.0188 + 0.0535*x (x is the value of the K index in CMYK system) and y = 5.0716 – 3.2255*log10(x) (x is the value of brightness ratio at 650 nm wavelength) were the most statistically significant and promising parameters for determining SOC content (y in these equations) in Calcic Chernozem samples of the steppe zone of Ukraine.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 384-391
Author(s):  
Hennouni Mohamed Amine ◽  
Zebsa Rabah ◽  
Bensakhri Zinette ◽  
Youcefi Abdeldjalil ◽  
Bara Mouslim ◽  
...  

Abstract The white-headed duck is a globally threatened species and its populations have become fragmented and undergone major decline in recent decades. Changes including long-term abundance (five times from 2005 to 2018) and diurnal activity budget (2010−2011 and 2017−2018) with respect to the effect of habitat features at Boussedra marsh (unprotected area) were compiled in order to fill some gaps in the status and trend of North African populations. The population size of the white-headed duck decreased over years from 2010 to 2018 by about 52.81%, and was positively associated with interior vegetation area, but not significantly with water surface area. Trends of population dynamics differed among seasons, and the number was higher in wintering than breeding season. Sleeping (44.93%, 23.74%) and feeding (59.09%, 27.43%) were the dominant diurnal activities at both the years of study, respectively. Boussedra marsh plays an important ecological role as a diurnal forging habitat and reproduction site for this threatened species and as a shelter for other waterfowl.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-383
Author(s):  
Kateryna Kolesnykova ◽  
Galina Zadorozhna

Abstract Density variability of a population of the mollusk Brephulopsis cylindrica (Menke, 1828) was studied at a reclaimed site in the Nikopol manganese ore basin. This study was conducted on sod-lithogenic soil on grey-green clay. The samples were collected over 3 years, 3 times a year, on a regular grid. Lexis aggregation index (λ) and geostatistical tools were used to characterise spatial distribution of the mollusks. The correlation between the distribution of B. cylindrica and environmental factors was established using correlation analysis. Valid correlations were identified between distribution of the mollusk and variation of the fraction content in composition of structural aggregates of soil. Also, valid correlations were identified with plant species composition at the reclaimed site.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-356
Author(s):  
Olexander Zhukov ◽  
Ludmila Arabadzhy-Tipenko

Abstract Taxonomic ratio in an ecological context is considered as an indicator of the level of competitive exclusion. In spite of more than a century of discussions on taxonomic ratio, the problem of finding an unbiased estimator for flora characterisation remains unsolved. The traditional form of taxonomic ratio (species/genus or species/families ratio) is biased, which depends on the area of territory for which the floral composition was established. This circumstance makes the taxonomic ratio an inadequate characteristic of the flora. To solve the problem of finding an unbiased estimator for the taxonomic ratio, we have combined two fundamental ecological generalisations. The first is that species that belong to the same genus usually live in similar habitats and have similar morphological features. The struggle for life between species from the same genus is, therefore, more intense than between species from different genera. The second is species–area relationship. We have considered the problem of finding an unbiased taxonomic relationship using the Arrhenius curves to fit species–area relationships. This combination allowed us to find a form of unbiased taxonomic relationship. The example of Cyanophyceae flora shows that this indicator is closely related to a wide range of ecological and biogeographical characteristics of vegetation. The residual of the linear equation of dependence of the logarithm of the number of species on the logarithm of the number of genera is an unbiased indicator of the taxonomic relation, which is independent of the number of genera (or number of families) and the sampling size (or area). An unbiased taxonomic relationship is a characteristic of regional flora, which depends on a wide range of its ecological and biogeographical features.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-363
Author(s):  
Tashkhanim Rakhimova ◽  
Nodira Rakhimova ◽  
Vasila Sharipova ◽  
Natalya Beshko ◽  
Hayitov Rizamat

Abstract The problem of preserving the biological diversity of the Earth is attracting increasing attention of the world scientific community. Rare plant species, as the most vulnerable part of the flora, are under the greatest threat of extinction. In the study of this group of plants, population methods are increasingly being used. Revealing the number, structure, efficiency of self-renewal and resistance of populations of rare plants in relation to anthropogenic influences creates the basis for developing effective measures for their protection. The aim of the study was to assess the current state of coenopopulations of some rare endemic species – Acantholimon nuratavicum Zakirov ex Lincz. (Plumbaginaceae), Cousinia pseudolanata Popov ex Tscherneva (Asteraceae), Lepidolopha nuratavica Krasch. (Asteraceae) included in the Red Book of Uzbekistan. The results showed that in the ecological–coenotic conditions of the Navoi region, the studied coenopopulations are normal and incomplete. Ontogenetic spectra of coenopopulations are centred and left sided, with a peak for middle-aged and young generative individuals, which is associated with the ecological conditions of habitation and anthropogenic pressure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-347
Author(s):  
Samir Mezani ◽  
Amina Adjabi ◽  
Hachemi Sidi ◽  
Rabah Bounar ◽  
Hamid Reza Naseri

Abstract This research was conducted on the protected area of El-Mergueb at M’sila province. The zone of El-Mergueb is located about 180 km south of the capital Algiers, at an altitude from 550 to 800 m, and is characterised by arid climate. The zone of El-Mergueb has a landscape from the steppe to Alfa that lies just as well in the flat ridges hills that in their slopes and in the top part of the ravines. Alfa tenacissima dominates the most geographical space of El-Mergueb. This study is based on the analysis of the homogenous and heterogeneous facies by the determination of the content of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), active calcium carbonate (ACCE) and gypsum through monitoring these chemical parameters during 3 years: 2017, 2018, 2019. Six soil profiles of 15 soil samples collected in the site of study were studied and several chemical soil properties were considered. These factors included: soil pH, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), active total carbonate (CA), gypsum (CaSO4) and electrical conductivity (EC). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the variations in soil properties. Results showed that there are significant relationships between some soil factors and two PCA axes. The results thus obtained showed that the content of CaCO3 and CA analysed ranged from average to high. The average of gypsum and salinity was low. Floristic diversity defined 284 species. The data on the chemical characteristics of the soil studied have been the subject of a detailed statistical analysis (PCA). Our database consisted of quantitative variables. The implementation of the PCA to the soils studied showed a major dominance of the limestone in the two stations, which explains the alkaline pH and the low concentration of gypsum. Finally, these types of high total limestone are the most observed in the majority of steppe and arid soils.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-378
Author(s):  
Monika Lukovičová ◽  
Zuzana Balanac ◽  
Stanislav David

Abstract With the phytocenological research of riparian mixed forests and pannonic woods in the Podunajská nížina in 2018 and 2019, we obtained 113 phytocenological relevés of invaded and non-invaded stands. Using the Modified Permutation Test, we derived modified Ellenberg indication values (EIVs) in order to determine statistically significant differences and correlation relationships between diversity indices and EIVs. We recorded 15 invasive species in the stands, for example, Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Asclepias syriaca, Aster lanceolatus, Helianthus tuberosus, Impatiens parviflora, Negundo aceroides, Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea and Robinia pseudoacacia. We also confirmed the occurrence of species important for conservation: Epipactis helleborine agg., E. voethii, Cephalanthera longifolia, Clematis integrifolia and the like. We tested the statistical significance of EIVs as explanatory variables by redundancy analysis and Monte Carlo permutation test (stepwise selection, number of permutations 499, p < 0.05). In addition to the EIV continentality, the contribution of light, moisture, nutrients, soil reaction and temperature was higher than random. The model explains 20.21% of the variability pursuant to the coefficient of determination (R 2), with its adjusted (more accurate) variant (R 2 adj) capturing 15.70% of the variability of the model. Using the Kruskal–Wallis test, we confirmed the statistically significant differences (p*) in mean values between count of species, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson dominance index and taxonomic diversity of invaded and non-invaded vegetation. For EIVs, we found significant differences in the mean values for moisture and soil reaction factors. In our model, count of species, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson dominance index and taxonomic diversity index were positively correlated with invaded stands. Non-invaded stands showed statistically significant negative correlation with the EIVs moisture, soil reaction and nutrients. Biotic indices are appropriate and sensitive metrics for assessing the rate of community invasion. Lowland riparian forests are dynamic ecosystems through the structure of their stands and the dynamics of the nutrient and energy cycle of the river landscape. After disturbance (fire, wind, logging), the high degree of invasibility makes them vulnerable to the infiltration and spread of non-native species, which is a problem, especially in protected areas.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-400
Author(s):  
Diana Yuzyk ◽  
Angela Chaplyhina

Abstract The diet spectrum of the great tit (Parus major L., 1758) was studied in transformed forests of northeastern Ukraine. Four forest ecosystems were surveyed: four model sites in oak woodlands and in a pine–oak forest with different stages of recreational digression. Forty-seven taxa of invertebrates (n = 325) were detected in the ration of great tit chicks. Insecta (72.4%): Lepidoptera (seven families, 35.9%), Hymenoptera (two families, 21.0%), Diptera (seven families, 2.7%) and Coleoptera (four families, 1.8%) were among them. In terms of the qualitative composition of invertebrates (20 species, 42.6%) and the proportion of seized food objects (159 objects), phytophages prevailed. The food composition of great tit chicks was the most similar in territories MS1 and MS4. It contained six common taxa for these territories (Stugren–Radulescu Index = 0.7, Jaccard = 0.2, Sorensen = 0.3).


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-311
Author(s):  
Mohammed Dadach ◽  
Ali Benajaoud ◽  
Zoheir Mehdadi

Abstract Information relating to germination and seedling emergence of a plant aids in determining the species spatiotemporal distribution and also facilitates in designing appropriate plant management strategies within an ecosystem. Lavandula stoechas L. (Lamiaceae), a naturally occurring shrub, is particularly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This species, indeed, has the potential for rehabilitation of degraded costal lands. However, various aspects of its seed biology have not yet been recognised. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of different soluble salts (NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2 and Na2SO4) and drought (as simulated by polyethylene glycol, [PEG]6000) on seed germination patterns and early seedling growth responses. Seeds treated with five iso-concentration (0–100 mM) salinities and five PEG6000 (0 to −1 MPa) levels were incubated in a controlled germinator set at 20°C. The preliminary results revealed that seeds of L. stoechas lacked primary/innate dormancy and they germinated abundantly (89.2% germination) and fast (7.4% day−1) in the absence of stress. Regardless of the kind of salt applied, the germination percentage (GP) and germination rate index (GRI) fell significantly with increasing salinity, and germination ceased completely at 100 mM Na2SO4. In fact, the salinity tolerance index (STI) showed that, among all salts tested, Na2SO4 appeared to have more inhibitory action on germination. In addition, L. stoechas was found to be tolerant to moderate salty stress (<50 mM) in early growth phase. The salt solution parameters (i.e. concentration, electrical conductivity [EC] and salt content) were best correlated with seed/seedling metrics. pH was not a good predictor for salt effects at the germination/seedling stages. Overall, this species seems to be sensitive to drought at the germination and initial growth phases. The germination recovery potential of L. stoechas in both stresses stipulates that this species can be regarded as a promising candidate in the rehabilitation of Mediterranean disturbed coastal habitats.


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