Search Results (1,488)

One hundred presumptive Pseudomonas isolates, recovered from 15 sites impacted by anthropogenic activity in the Foggia district (Italy), were screened for key adaptive and functional traits important for environmental applications. The isolates were phenotypically characterized for their ability to grow under combined pH (5.0–8.0) and temperature (15–37 °C) conditions, to produce proteolytic enzymes, pigments, and exopolysaccharides, and to tolerate SDS. Moreover, the resistance to six environmentally relevant heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, As) was qualitatively assessed. The results highlighted wide inter-strain variability, with distinct clusters of isolates showing unique combinations of stress tolerance, enzymatic potential, and resistance profile. PERMANOVA analysis revealed significant effects of both the isolation site and the metal type, as well as their interaction, on the observed resistance patterns. A subset of isolates showed co-tolerance to elevated temperatures and heavy metals. These findings offer an initial yet insightful overview of the adaptive diversity of soil-derived Pseudomonas, laying the groundwork for the rational selection of strains for bioaugmentation in contaminated soils. Full article

Wild edible mushrooms are increasingly recognised for their nutritional and therapeutic potential, owing to their richness in bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni) in Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, and Leccinum scabrum collected from two forested regions of north-western Poland differing in anthropogenic influence and soil characteristics. The analysis encompassed structural polysaccharides (β- and α-glucans, chitin), carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, phenolic and organic acids. B. edulis exhibited the highest β-glucan and lycopene contents, but also the greatest cadmium accumulation. I. badia was distinguished by elevated ascorbic and citric acid levels and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity, while L. scabrum showed the highest ABTS and FRAP antioxidant capacities and accumulated quinic acid and catechin. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between antioxidant activity and phenolic acids, while cadmium levels were inversely associated with antioxidant potential and positively correlated with chitin. Although all metal concentrations remained within EU food safety limits, B. edulis showed consistent cadmium bioaccumulation. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of species selection and sourcing location when considering wild mushrooms for consumption or processing, particularly in the context of nutritional value and contaminant load. Importantly, regular or excessive consumption of B. edulis may result in exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) levels for cadmium and nickel, which warrants particular attention from a food safety perspective. These findings underscore the influence of species-specific traits and environmental conditions on mushroom biochemical profiles and support their potential as functional foods, provided that metal contents are adequately monitored. Full article

Vegetation dynamics are complexly influenced by multiple factors such as climate, human activities, and topography. In recent years, the frequency, intensity, and diversity of human activities have increased, placing substantial pressure on the growth of vegetation. Arid and semi-arid regions are particularly sensitive to climate change, and climate change and large-scale ecological restoration have led to significant changes in the dynamic of dryland vegetation. However, few studies have explored the nonlinear relationships between these factors and vegetation dynamic. In this study, we integrated trend analysis (using the Mann–Kendall test and Theil–Sen estimation) and machine learning algorithms (XGBoost-SHAP model) based on long time-series remote sensing data from 2001 to 2020 to quantify the nonlinear response patterns and threshold effects of bioclimatic variables, topographic features, soil attributes, and anthropogenic factors on vegetation dynamic. The results revealed the following key findings: (1) The kNDVI in the study area showed an overall significant increasing trend (p < 0.01) during the observation period, of which 26.7% of the area showed a significant increase. (2) The water content index (Bio 23, 19.6%), the change in land use (15.2%), multi-year average precipitation (pre, 15.0%), population density (13.2%), and rainfall seasonality (Bio 15, 10.9%) were the key factors driving the dynamic change of vegetation, with the combined contribution of natural factors amounting to 64.3%. (3) Among the topographic factors, altitude had a more significant effect on vegetation dynamics, with higher altitude regions less likely to experience vegetation greening. Both natural and anthropogenic factors exhibited nonlinear responses and interactive effects, contributing to the observed dynamic trends. This study provides valuable insights into the driving mechanisms behind the condition of vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions of China and, by extension, in other arid regions globally. Full article

The landscapes of the Arctic seem endless. But they are also subject to anthropogenic impact, especially in urbanized and industrial ecosystems. The population of the Arctic zone of Russia is extremely urbanized, and up to 84% of the population lives in cities and industrial settlements. In this regard, we studied the background soils of forests and tundras and the soils of settlements. The main signs of the urbanogenic morphogenesis of soils associated with the transportation of material for urban construction are revealed. The peculiarities of soils of recreational, residential, and industrial zones of urbanized ecosystems are described. The questions of diversity and the classification of soils are discussed. The specificity of bulk soils used in the construction of industrial structures in the context of the initial stage of soil formation is considered. For the first time, soils and soil cover of settlements in the central and southern parts of the Yamal region are described in the context of traditional pedology. It is shown that the construction of new soils and grounds can lead to both decreases and increases in biodiversity, including the appearance of protected species. Surprisingly, the forms of urban soil formation in the Arctic are very diversified in terms of morphology, as well as in the ecological functions performed by soils. The urbanization of past decades has drastically changed the local soil cover. Full article

Urochloa brizantha (Brizantha) is cultivated under varying altitudinal and management conditions. Twelve full-sun (monoculture) plots and twelve shaded (silvopastoral) plots were established, proportionally distributed at 170, 503, 661, and 1110 masl. Evaluations were conducted 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after establishment. The conservation and integration of trees in silvopastoral systems reflected a clear anthropogenic influence, evidenced by the preference for species of the Fabaceae family, likely due to their multipurpose nature. Although the altitudinal gradient did not show direct effects on soil properties, intermediate altitudes revealed a significant role of CaCO₃ in enhancing soil fertility. These edaphic conditions at mid-altitudes favored the leaf area development of Brizantha, particularly during the early growth stages, as indicated by significantly larger values (p < 0.05). However, at the harvest stage, no significant differences were observed in physiological or productive traits, nor in foliar chemical components, underscoring the species’ high hardiness and broad adaptation to both soil and altitude conditions. In Brizantha, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in stomatal size and density was observed under shade in silvopastoral areas, where solar radiation and air temperature decreased, while relative humidity increased. Nonetheless, these microclimatic variations did not lead to significant changes in foliar chemistry, growth variables, or biomass production, suggesting a high degree of adaptive plasticity to microclimatic fluctuations. Foliar ash content exhibited an increasing trend with altitude, indicating greater efficiency of Brizantha in absorbing calcium, phosphorus, and potassium at higher altitudes, possibly linked to more favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for nutrient uptake. Finally, forage quality declined with plant age, as evidenced by reductions in protein, ash, and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), alongside increases in fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). These findings support the recommendation of cutting intervals between 30 and 45 days, during which Brizantha displays a more favorable nutritional profile, higher digestibility, and consequently, greater value for animal feeding. Full article

Water infiltration into soil is a key process in regulating the hydrological cycle and sustaining ecosystem services in high-Andean environments. However, limited information is available regarding its dynamics in these ecosystems. This study evaluated the influence of three types of vegetation cover and soil properties on water infiltration in a high-Andean environment. A double-ring infiltrometer, the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT, s) method, and laboratory physicochemical characterization were employed. Soils under forest cover exhibited significantly higher quasi-steady infiltration rates (i_s, 0.248 ± 0.028 cm·min⁻¹) compared to grazing areas (0.051 ± 0.016 cm·min⁻¹) and agricultural lands (0.032 ± 0.013 cm·min⁻¹). Soil organic matter content was positively correlated with i_s. The modified Kostiakov infiltration model provided the best overall fit, while the Horton model better described infiltration rates approaching i_s. Sand and clay fractions, along with K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺, were particularly significant during the soil’s wet stages. In drier stages, increased Na⁺ concentrations and decreased silt content were associated with higher water repellency. Based on WDPT, agricultural soils exhibited persistent hydrophilic behavior even after drying (median [IQR] from 0.61 [0.38] s to 1.24 [0.46] s), whereas forest (from 2.84 [3.73] s to 3.53 [24.17] s) and grazing soils (from 4.37 [1.95] s to 19.83 [109.33] s) transitioned to weakly or moderately hydrophobic patterns. These findings demonstrate that native Andean forest soils exhibit a higher infiltration capacity than soils under anthropogenic management (agriculture and grazing), highlighting the need to conserve and restore native vegetation cover to strengthen water resilience and mitigate the impacts of land-use change. Full article

The soils of river basins are often exposed to contaminants resulting from anthropogenic activities. This research identified 11 potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and assessed pollution indices, ecological risk assessments, and human health risks in the topsoil of the Upper Ohře River Basin (Czech Republic and Germany). Among the PTEs, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn exhibited considerable variability across the area, with contents exceeding the legislative limits of the Czech Republic, particularly at three locations near coal mining activities. Various indices indicated significant contamination in the river basin (pollution load index > 1, except at one location); however, the level of pollution varied across locations and in relation to the used indices. The ecological risk factor identified As and Cd as the primary pollutants. The potential ecological risk index indicated a strong risk, with two locations showing a highly strong ecological risk. The findings revealed no serious non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks to adults, while risks were confirmed for children, with As being the main contributor. This research provides basic information for managing pollution from PTEs and protecting the soils and residents of the Upper Ohře River Basin. In this region, particular attention should be paid towards As and Cd. Full article

The contamination due to coastal landfill is a growing environmental concern, particularly in fragile marine ecosystems, where leachate can mobilize toxic elements into soil, water, air, and sediment. This study aims to assess the impact of a coastal landfill in Al-Qunfudhah, western Saudi Arabia, on nearby coastal sediments by identifying the concentration, distribution, and ecological risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) using geospatial and multivariate analysis tools. The results indicate significant accumulation of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe, with Pb reaching alarming levels of up to 1160 mg/kg in the landfill area, compared to 120 mg/kg in the coastal sediments. Zn contamination also exhibited substantial elevation, with values reaching 278 mg/kg in landfill soil and 157 mg/kg in coastal sediment. The enrichment factor values indicate moderate to severe enrichment for Pb (up to 73.20) and Zn (up to 6.91), confirming anthropogenic influence. The contamination factor analysis categorized Pb contamination as very high (CF > 6), suggesting significant ecological risk. Comparison with sediment quality guidelines suggest that Pb, Zn, and Cu concentrations exceeded threshold effect levels (TEL) in some samples, posing potential risks to marine organisms. The spatial distribution maps revealed pollutant migration from the landfill toward the coastal zone, emphasizing the necessity of monitoring and mitigation strategies. As the first comprehensive study on landfill-induced PTEs contamination in Al-Qunfudhah, these findings provide essential insights for environmental management and pollution control policies along the Red Sea coast. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a planetary health emergency, driven not only by the clinical misuse of antibiotics but also by diverse environmental dissemination pathways. This review critically examines the role of environmental compartments—water, soil, and air—as dynamic reservoirs and transmission routes for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and resistance genes (ARGs). Recent metagenomic, epidemiological, and mechanistic evidence demonstrates that anthropogenic pressures—including pharmaceutical effluents, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and airborne emissions—amplify resistance evolution and interspecies gene transfer via horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, biofilms, and mobile genetic elements. Importantly, it is not only highly polluted rivers such as the Ganges that contribute to the spread of AMR; even low concentrations of antibiotics and their metabolites, formed during or after treatment, can significantly promote the selection and dissemination of resistance. Environmental hotspots such as European agricultural soils and airborne particulate zones near wastewater treatment plants further illustrate the complexity and global scope of pollution-driven AMR. The synergistic roles of co-selective agents, including heavy metals, disinfectants, and microplastics, are highlighted for their impact in exacerbating resistance gene propagation across ecological and geographical boundaries. The efficacy and limitations of current mitigation strategies, including advanced wastewater treatments, thermophilic composting, biosensor-based surveillance, and emerging regulatory frameworks, are evaluated. By integrating a One Health perspective, this review underscores the imperative of including environmental considerations in global AMR containment policies and proposes a multidisciplinary roadmap to mitigate resistance spread across interconnected human, animal, and environmental domains. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their high environmental persistence and bioaccumulative characteristics. This study investigates PFAS concentrations in soils from China through an extensive literature review, covering soil samples from seventeen provinces and the years from 2009 to 2024. It was found that the total concentration of PFAS in soil ranged from 0.25 to 6240 ng/g, with the highest contamination levels observed in coastal provinces, particularly Fujian (620 ng/g) and Guangdong (1090 ng/g). Moreover, Fujian Province ranked the highest among multiple regions with a median PFAS concentration of 15.7 ng/g for individual compounds. Ecological risk assessment, focusing on areas where perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were identified as the primary soil PFAS compounds, showed moderate ecological risk from PFOA in Shanghai (0.24), while PFOS posed a high ecological risk in Fujian and Guangdong, with risk values of 43.3 and 1.4, respectively. Source analysis revealed that anthropogenic activities, including PFAS production, firefighting foam usage, and landfills, were the primary contributors to soil contamination. Moreover, soil PFASs tend to migrate into groundwater via adsorption and seepage, ultimately entering the human body through bioaccumulation or drinking water, posing health risks. These findings enhance our understanding of PFAS distribution and associated risks in Chinese soils, providing crucial insights for pollution management, source identification, and regulation strategies in diverse areas. Full article

This study investigates the heavy metal contamination in urban and peri-urban soils of Thessaloniki, Greece, over a two-year period (2023–2024). A total of 208 composite soil samples were systematically collected from 52 sites representing diverse land uses, including high-traffic roadsides, industrial zones, residential neighborhoods, parks, and mixed-use areas, with sampling conducted both after the wet (winter) and dry (summer) seasons. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, texture, organic matter, and calcium carbonate content) were analyzed alongside the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. A pollution assessment employed the Geoaccumulation Index (I_geo), Contamination Factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), revealing variable contamination levels across the city, with certain hotspots exhibiting a considerable to very high ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA and HCA) identified distinct anthropogenic and geogenic sources of heavy metals. Health risk assessments, based on USEPA models, evaluated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for both adults and children via ingestion and dermal contact pathways. The results indicate that while most sites present low to moderate health risks, specific locations, particularly near major transport and industrial areas, pose elevated risks, especially for children. The findings underscore the need for targeted monitoring and remediation strategies to mitigate the ecological and human health risks associated with urban soil pollution in Thessaloniki. Full article

The distribution of forest aboveground biomass density (AGBD) is a key indicator of carbon stock and ecosystem health in the Eastern Himalayas, which represents a global biodiversity hotspot that sustains diverse forest types across an elevation gradient from lowland rainforests to alpine meadows and contributes to the livelihoods of more than 200 distinct indigenous communities. This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing forest AGBD across this region by analyzing the underlying biophysical and anthropogenic drivers through machine learning (random forest). We processed AGBD data from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) spaceborne LiDAR and applied filtering to retain 30,257 high-quality footprints across ten ecoregions. We then analyzed the relationship between AGBD and 17 climatic, topographic, soil, and anthropogenic variables using random forest regression models. The results revealed significant spatial variability in AGBD (149.6 ± 79.5 Mg ha⁻¹) across the region. State-wise, Sikkim recorded the highest mean AGBD (218 Mg ha⁻¹) and Manipur the lowest (102.8 Mg ha⁻¹). Within individual ecoregions, the Himalayan subtropical pine forests exhibited the highest mean AGBD (245.5 Mg ha⁻¹). Topographic factors, particularly elevation and latitude, were strong determinants of biomass distribution, with AGBD increasing up to elevations of 2000 m before declining. Protected areas (PAs) consistently showed higher AGBD than unprotected forests for all ecoregions, while proximity to urban and agricultural areas resulted in lower AGBD, pointing towards negative anthropogenic impacts. Our full model explained 41% of AGBD variance across the Eastern Himalayas, with better performance in individual ecoregions like the Northeast India-Myanmar pine forests (R² = 0.59). While limited by the absence of regionally explicit stand-level forest structure data (age, stand density, species composition), our results provide valuable evidence for conservation policy development, including expansion of PAs, compensating avoided deforestation and modifications in shifting cultivation. Future research should integrate field measurements with remote sensing and use high-resolution LiDAR with locally derived allometric models to enhance biomass estimation and GEDI data validation. Full article

This study evaluated the activity concentrations of radionuclides in honey, bee pollen, bee bread, and propolis from multiple regions in Poland (Europe) to assess the levels of radiological contamination and their implications for public health. Furthermore, the work considers the use of bee products as bioindicators of the state of environmental contamination with radionuclides. The apiaries from which the samples were collected were selected in eight provinces in Poland, and are also complemented by reference data from soil contamination monitoring. Radionuclide measurements included both natural (e.g., ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra) and anthropogenic isotopes (e.g., ¹³⁷Cs). The results show that although the overall activity concentrations were generally low, certain locations exhibited elevated levels of ¹³⁷Cs in bee products, likely reflecting historical deposition in soils. Propolis was best correlated with ¹³⁷Cs deposited in soil compared to the other products studied. The patterns observed substantiate the hypothesis that bee products, predominantly propolis, accurately reflect local radiological conditions, thereby providing a practical and non-intrusive approach to monitoring radionuclide contamination and informing risk management strategies. An assessment of potential health risks indicates that the effective dose is safe and ranges from 0.02 to 10.3 µSv per year, depending on the type of product and consumption. Full article

Rizhao Reservoir, Shandong Province, China, as a key regional water supply hub, provides water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses in and around Rizhao City by intercepting runoff, which plays a central role in guaranteeing water supply security and supporting regional development. This study systematically collected 66 surface water samples to elucidate the hydrochemical characteristics within the reservoir area, identify the principal influencing factors, and clarify the sources of dissolved ions, aiming to enhance the understanding of the prevailing water quality conditions. A systematic analysis of hydrochemical facies, solute provenance, and governing processes in the study area’s surface water was conducted, employing an integrated mathematical and statistical approach, comprising Piper trilinear diagrams, correlation analysis, and ionic ratios. Meanwhile, the entropy weight-based water quality index (EWQI) and irrigation water quality evaluation methods were employed to assess the surface water quality in the study area quantitatively. Analytical results demonstrate that the surface water system within the study area is classified as freshwater with circumneutral to slightly alkaline properties, predominantly characterized by Ca-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-SO₄-Cl hydrochemical facies. The evolution of solute composition is principally governed by rock–water interactions, whereas anthropogenic influences and cation exchange processes exert comparatively minor control. Dissolved ions mostly originate from silicate rock weathering, carbonate rock dissolution, and sulfate mineral dissolution processes. Potability assessment via the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) classifies surface waters in the study area as Grade I (Excellent), indicating compliance with drinking water criteria under defined boundary conditions. Irrigation suitability analysis confirms minimal secondary soil salinization risk during controlled agricultural application, with all samples meeting standards for direct irrigation use. Full article

Anthropogenic infrastructure, such as inland wind turbines commonly found in agricultural fields, has substantially increased subterranean vibratory noise in the past decades. Plants, being rooted in soil, are continuously exposed to these vibrations, yet we have little understanding of how vibrational noise affects plant development and, consequently, plant–insect interactions. Here, we examine the impact of windmill-like vibrational noise on the growth of Pisum sativum and its full-factorial interaction with the generalist herbivore Spodoptera exigua. Plants were exposed to either high or low vibrational noise from seed germination to the seed production stage. We recorded germination, flowering, fruiting time, and daily shoot length. Additionally, we measured herbivory intensity by Spodoptera exigua caterpillars placed on a subset of plants. Plants exposed to high vibrational noise grew significantly faster and taller than those in the low-noise treatment. Additionally, we found a marginally significant trend for earlier flowering in plants exposed to high noise. We did not find a significant effect of vibrational noise on herbivory. Our results suggest that underground vibrational noise can influence plant growth rates, which may potentially have ecological and agricultural implications. Faster growth may alter interspecific competition and shift trade-offs between growth and defense. Understanding these effects is important in assessing the broader ecological consequences of renewable energy infrastructure. Full article