Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (26)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = ecological and microbiological water quality

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
18 pages, 5039 KiB  
Article
Global Research Trends on Water Contamination by Microorganisms: A Bibliometric Analysis
by Zoila Isabel Cárdenas Tirado, Isaías Wilmer Duenas Sayaverde, Rosario del Socorro Avellaneda Yajahuanca, Sdenka Caballero Aparicio, Kelly Myriam Jiménez de Aliaga, Edo Gallegos Aparicio, Maria Antonieta Rubio Tyrrel, Maria do Livramento Fortes Figueiredo, José Wicto Pereira Borges, Rosilane de Lima Brito Magalhães, Denise Andrade, Daniela Reis Joaquim de Freitas, Ana Raquel Batista de Carvalho and Maria Eliete Batista Moura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071128 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 365
Abstract
Water is an essential resource for life; however, the quality of available water on the planet has been compromised due to various factors, including microbiological contamination. Objective: To analyze the global scientific production of microbiological water contamination using bibliometric methods. Method: A search [...] Read more.
Water is an essential resource for life; however, the quality of available water on the planet has been compromised due to various factors, including microbiological contamination. Objective: To analyze the global scientific production of microbiological water contamination using bibliometric methods. Method: A search for scientific articles was conducted using the advanced query function in the Web of Science™ database, specifically in its core collection, on 26 February 2025. Data from 2000 articles were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in R (version 4.2.1) and the Biblioshiny application (version 2.0). Results: The evaluated articles were published between 1952 and 2025, with a peak in publications in 2022. The journal Water Research stood out as the most relevant, publishing 128 articles. The Egyptian Knowledge Bank was identified as the most productive institution, while China had the highest number of contributing authors. The most cited article received 475 citations. Additionally, KeyWords Plus™ highlighted the focus of the studies on ecological and biotechnological methods for contaminant removal, as well as the presence of waterborne pathogens and their inactivation methods. Conclusions: The results show a growing interest in the development of ecological and biotechnological methods for contaminant removal and pathogen inactivation in water. The integration of artificial intelligence with real-time monitoring systems emerges as a promising strategy for improving water quality management. These findings highlight the relevance of the topic for public health and health education. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1512 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Multi-Depth Water Quality Dynamics in an Artificial Lake: A Case Study of the Ribnica Reservoir in Serbia
by Dragana Milijašević Joksimović, Dejana Jakovljević and Dejan Doljak
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7425; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137425 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
High water quality in reservoirs used for drinking water supply and located within protected areas is of crucial importance for sustainable water-resource management. This study aims to evaluate the multi-depth water quality dynamics of the Ribnica Reservoir in western Serbia, combining two standardized [...] Read more.
High water quality in reservoirs used for drinking water supply and located within protected areas is of crucial importance for sustainable water-resource management. This study aims to evaluate the multi-depth water quality dynamics of the Ribnica Reservoir in western Serbia, combining two standardized assessment tools: the Serbian Water Quality Index (SWQI) and the Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI). Data collected at various depths during 2021 and 2022 were analyzed to assess physico-chemical parameters and their impact on water quality, while the absence of microbiological data was noted as a limitation affecting the comprehensiveness of the assessment. The SWQI results indicated a general improvement in water quality over time, with values ranging from medium (82) to excellent (95) in 2021 and increasing from good (89) to excellent (98) in 2022. In contrast, the CWQI revealed specific risks, notably elevated concentrations of aluminum, mercury, and chromium, and reduced dissolved oxygen levels, with overall CWQI values ranging from poor (40) to good (88) depending on depth and parameter variability. The study highlights the necessity for continuous, comprehensive monitoring, including microbiological analyses and seasonal assessments, both within the reservoir and in the Crni Rzav River and its tributaries, to better understand pollutant sources and catchment influences. Strengthening microbiological and heavy metal monitoring, along with implementing proactive management strategies, is essential for preserving the Ribnica Reservoir’s ecological integrity and securing its long-term role in drinking water provision. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3866 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Landfill Leachate Bioremediation System Using Spirulina sp.
by Federico González-López, Leidy Rendón-Castrillón, Margarita Ramírez-Carmona and Carlos Ocampo-López
Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2385; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062385 - 9 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1103
Abstract
Currently, solid waste storage systems generate secondary pollutants such as leachates, derived from rainwater infiltration or produced during their storage, which affect water quality, human health, and the environment. This study evaluated a bioremediation system for leachates from the “Rancho Triste” landfill using [...] Read more.
Currently, solid waste storage systems generate secondary pollutants such as leachates, derived from rainwater infiltration or produced during their storage, which affect water quality, human health, and the environment. This study evaluated a bioremediation system for leachates from the “Rancho Triste” landfill using Spirulina sp. as a microalgal strain. Its rapid adaptation to the leachate was identified through respirometry based on CO2 measurement, allowing the modeling of microalgal adaptation using a Log-Normal Peak Shifted with Offset function. Tests conducted in a 0.5 L reactor determined an optimal treatment time of 10 days, achieving removals of 87.17% for iron, 28.96% for magnesium, and 90.74% for manganese. Subsequently, a 23 factorial design was implemented to optimize the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD), evaluating agitation, lighting, and nitrogen supplementation, achieving a COD removal efficiency exceeding 50% under optimal conditions. The fed-batch technique enabled an enrichment of microbiological populations, which, together with bio-stimulation, bioventilation, and photoperiods, demonstrated the scalability of the bioprocess and the significant reduction of metallic and recalcitrant contaminants present in the leachate. This approach proposes an ecological alternative with potential application in water treatment industries aiming for carbon neutrality and optimal transformation of high-effluent volumes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6783 KiB  
Article
Groundwater Contamination: Study on the Distribution and Mobility of Metals and Metalloids in Soil and Rocks
by Federica Lo Medico, Pietro Rizzo, Edoardo Rotigliano and Fulvio Celico
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020182 - 28 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1232
Abstract
This study investigates the distribution and mobility of metals and metalloids (M&Ms) in soils, rocks, and groundwater within the geologically complex southwestern region of Sicily. The study aims to highlight how natural sources, like rocks and soils, can release elements potentially harmful to [...] Read more.
This study investigates the distribution and mobility of metals and metalloids (M&Ms) in soils, rocks, and groundwater within the geologically complex southwestern region of Sicily. The study aims to highlight how natural sources, like rocks and soils, can release elements potentially harmful to human health. It underlines their dual role as both natural reservoirs and active sources of M&M release, driven by leaching processes influenced by physicochemical factors such as pH and redox potential (Eh). Lithological characteristics significantly influence the retention and release of elements, with clay-rich formations exhibiting higher immobilization capacity. However, environmental parameter variations can enhance element mobilization, increasing bioavailability and the risk of groundwater contamination. Water quality analyses reveal regulatory exceedances for As, B, Ni, and Be, underscoring potential health and ecological risks. Concurrently, microbiological investigations identify diverse microbial communities capable of altering the oxidative states of specific elements through oxidation and reduction processes, further influencing their mobility. This study underscores the importance of understanding natural sources of M&Ms and their interactions with geochemical and microbiological processes for effective environmental risk assessment. The findings provide a foundation for developing integrated and sustainable water resource management strategies to mitigate contamination risks and safeguard ecosystems and public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Geology Overview)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1687 KiB  
Article
The Role of Hygiene in a Sustainable Approach to Managing Pool Water Quality
by Agnieszka Włodyka-Bergier, Tomasz Adam Bergier and Emilia Stańkowska
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020649 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
To achieve sustainable swimming pool water management, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of energy, water, and chemical agents to maintain the appropriate water quality. Some of the pollutants are introduced by swimmers and can be relatively easily removed if swimmers take [...] Read more.
To achieve sustainable swimming pool water management, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of energy, water, and chemical agents to maintain the appropriate water quality. Some of the pollutants are introduced by swimmers and can be relatively easily removed if swimmers take a shower before entering a pool. Thus, this research questions how much of an impact this simple act could have on the water quality and generally on sustainable water management in swimming pools. To address this question, experiments were conducted at the AGH Swimming Pool in Kraków, in a real facility—a hot tub—with the participation of volunteers who took a shower in Variant 1 and did not in Variant 2. The assessment was made on the basis of selected microbiological and physicochemical parameters of swimming pool water, including disinfection by-products. The research results proved that taking a shower can significantly reduce the load of pollutants users introduce into swimming pool water and can contribute to more efficient and ecological treatment of swimming pool water and minimize the negative impact on the health of swimming pool users (microbiological contaminants and precursors of harmful chlorination by-products). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2279 KiB  
Article
Metagenomics Insight into Veterinary and Zoonotic Pathogens Identified in Urban Wetlands of Los Lagos, Chile
by Catherine Opitz-Ríos, Alvaro Burgos-Pacheco, Francisca Paredes-Cárcamo, Javier Campanini-Salinas and Daniel A. Medina
Pathogens 2024, 13(9), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090788 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2011
Abstract
Wetlands are ecosystems that are essential to ecological balance and biodiversity; nevertheless, human activity is a constant threat to them. Excess nutrients are caused by intensive livestock and agricultural operations, pollution, and population growth, which in turn leads to uncontrolled microbiological development. This [...] Read more.
Wetlands are ecosystems that are essential to ecological balance and biodiversity; nevertheless, human activity is a constant threat to them. Excess nutrients are caused by intensive livestock and agricultural operations, pollution, and population growth, which in turn leads to uncontrolled microbiological development. This impairment in water quality can constitute a risk to animal, human, and environmental health. To thoroughly characterize the microbial communities, shotgun metagenomics was used to characterize the taxonomic and functional pattern of microorganisms that inhabit urban wetlands in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. The main objective was to identify microorganisms of veterinary relevance, assess their potential antibiotic resistance, and characterize the main virulence mechanism. As expected, a high diversity of microorganisms was identified, including bacteria described as animal or human pathogens, such as Pasteurella multocida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Also, a diverse repertory of antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs) was detected in metagenomic assembled sequences and inside the sequence of mobile genetic elements, genes that confer mainly resistance to beta-lactams, consistent with the families of antibiotics most used in Chile. In addition, a diverse collection of virulence mechanisms was also identified. Given the significance of the relationship between environmental, animal, and human health—a concept known as One Health—there is a need to establish molecular surveillance programs that monitor the environmental biohazard elements using molecular tools. This work is the first report of the presence of these harmful biological elements in urban wetlands subjected to anthropogenic pressure, located in the south of Chile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Veterinary Infectious Diseases)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 2169 KiB  
Article
Ecotoxicological and Microbiological Risk Assessment of Groundwater from Dimba Cave, Democratic Republic of the Congo
by Daniel M. Mudinga, Archal M. Ngandote, John M. Kayembe, Séraphin N. Lusamba, Emmanuel K. Atibu, Fernando P. Carvalho and John Poté
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21080962 - 23 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1408
Abstract
Dimba Cave is a large array of natural galleries in limestone mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that contains highly valued pre-historic archaeological artifacts. The cave attracts a high number of tourists every year and is used by local populations as [...] Read more.
Dimba Cave is a large array of natural galleries in limestone mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that contains highly valued pre-historic archaeological artifacts. The cave attracts a high number of tourists every year and is used by local populations as a water supply source. The main objective of the research undertaken in Dimba Cave consisted of assessing the quality of water and sediments from Dimba Cave ponds through evaluating contamination by heavy metals (15 elements analyzed, including As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) and by microbial populations (including Escherichia coli and total coliforms) in order to estimate the ecotoxicological risk to humans and to non-human biota. All water samples collected in the cave ponds showed very high metal concentrations exceeding the internationally recommended limits for drinking water, particularly for Cr, Mn, As, Pb, and Hg. Most sediment samples from cave ponds also displayed high heavy metal concentrations. The calculated pollution parameters, such as the enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk parameters, such as the ecological risk index (Eri), indicated that the sediment may be toxic to aquatic biota. Furthermore, the microbiological analysis of pond waters indicated a widespread contamination with bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., total coliforms, and Pseudomonas spp., probably from anthropogenic and/or animal sources. Therefore, the consumption of Dimba Cave water as a drinking water represents a threat to public health. Urgent management measures should be enforced to protect public health and the cave ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sciences)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3744 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Analysis of the Water Quality Status in an Urban Mediterranean River
by Christina Papadaki, Sergios Lagogiannis and Elias Dimitriou
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6698; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116698 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2594
Abstract
Recreational use of urban rivers is becoming popular since rivers may act as amenity corridors with the potential for exhibition, recreation, leisure, relaxation and retreat. However, several point and non-point pollution sources contribute to the degradation of urban rivers’ water quality, thereby impeding [...] Read more.
Recreational use of urban rivers is becoming popular since rivers may act as amenity corridors with the potential for exhibition, recreation, leisure, relaxation and retreat. However, several point and non-point pollution sources contribute to the degradation of urban rivers’ water quality, thereby impeding their beneficial uses and amenities. The physicochemical and microbiological quality of a Greek urban river (Kifisos–Athens) was analyzed over a period of 12 months. A sampling campaign was implemented, collecting monthly data from five sites. Spearman’s analysis showed significant correlation of the Hellenic Water Quality Index with specific nutrients. The total physicochemical status of all sampling stations was characterized as poor or bad. The annual average concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) was extremely high in four sites out of five, ranging from 16,822 to 26,780 cfu/100 mL. Bacteriological quality was unacceptable, as the study demonstrated the widespread occurrence of E. coli and low-quality physiochemical conditions. The spatiotemporal distribution of pollution levels revealed hotspots to be monitored further via automatic monitoring stations. A series of management and restoration measures, including tracing the exact pollution routes, should be initiated to minimize pollution pressures and establish the good ecological status of an important Mediterranean river. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Predicted Environmental Risk Assessment of Antimicrobials with Increased Consumption in Portugal during the COVID-19 Pandemic; The Groundwork for the Forthcoming Water Quality Survey
by Anabela Almeida, Cristina De Mello-Sampayo, Ana Lopes, Rita Carvalho da Silva, Paula Viana and Leonor Meisel
Antibiotics 2023, 12(4), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12040652 - 25 Mar 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3688
Abstract
The environmental release of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals is an imminent threat due to ecological impacts and microbial resistance phenomena. The recent COVID-19 outbreak will likely lead to greater loads of antimicrobials in the environment. Thus, identifying the most used antimicrobials likely to pose environmental [...] Read more.
The environmental release of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals is an imminent threat due to ecological impacts and microbial resistance phenomena. The recent COVID-19 outbreak will likely lead to greater loads of antimicrobials in the environment. Thus, identifying the most used antimicrobials likely to pose environmental risks would be valuable. For that, the ambulatory and hospital consumption patterns of antimicrobials in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) were compared with those of 2019. A predicted risk assessment screening approach based on exposure and hazard in the surface water was conducted, combining consumption, excretion rates, and ecotoxicological/microbiological endpoints in five different regions of Portugal. Among the 22 selected substances, only rifaximin and atovaquone demonstrated predicted potential ecotoxicological risks for aquatic organisms. Flucloxacillin, piperacillin, tazobactam, meropenem, ceftriaxone, fosfomycin, and metronidazole showed the most significant potential for antibiotic resistance in all analysed regions. Regarding the current screening approach and the lack of environmental data, it is advisable to consider rifaximin and atovaquone in subsequent water quality surveys. These results might support the forthcoming monitorisation of surface water quality in a post-pandemic survey. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2420 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Water Quality and Heavy Metal Environmental Risk on the Peri-Urban Karst Tropical Lake La Sabana, Yucatán Peninsula
by Sergio Cohuo, Antonia Moreno-López, Naydelin Y. Escamilla-Tut, Alondra M. Pérez-Tapia, Iván Santos-Itzá, Laura A. Macario-González, Carmen A. Villegas-Sánchez and Alejandro Medina-Quej
Water 2023, 15(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15030390 - 17 Jan 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5448
Abstract
In the Yucatán Peninsula, anthropogenic activities such as urbanization and the final disposal of solids and wastewater critically impact aquatic systems. Here, we evaluated the anthropogenic-related environmental alteration of Lake La Sabana, located in the northern limits of one of the main cities [...] Read more.
In the Yucatán Peninsula, anthropogenic activities such as urbanization and the final disposal of solids and wastewater critically impact aquatic systems. Here, we evaluated the anthropogenic-related environmental alteration of Lake La Sabana, located in the northern limits of one of the main cities of the Mexican Caribbean. We evaluated lake water quality, using physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators, and heavy metals in surficial sediment and fish tissue to evaluate the potential environmental risk. Multivariate analyses revealed that environmental conditions in La Sabana are spatially and temporally heterogeneous. Medium to bad water quality was determined within different basins by the National Sanitation Foundation water quality index, related to the degree of anthropogenic influence at each zone. The central-south zones displayed critical microbiological values largely exceeding national standards. Heavy metals in sediment and fish tissue such as Zn and Hg were relatively low, but Hg concentrations threaten the ecological environment. Incipient wastewater treatment and its final disposal in La Sabana are mainly responsible for the changes in the trophic status and availability of nutrients, which in turn may have promoted changes in the biological structure and aquatic plant invasions. Lake La Sabana can be considered a model of the potential and sequential effects of anthropogenic alterations in the oligotrophic karst tropical aquatic systems in the Yucatan Peninsula. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1416 KiB  
Article
Next-Generation High-Throughput Sequencing to Evaluate Bacterial Communities in Freshwater Ecosystem in Hydroelectric Reservoirs
by Martha Virginia R. Rojas, Diego Peres Alonso, Milena Dropa, Maria Tereza P. Razzolini, Dario Pires de Carvalho, Kaio Augusto Nabas Ribeiro, Paulo Eduardo M. Ribolla and Maria Anice M. Sallum
Microorganisms 2022, 10(7), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10071398 - 11 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2736
Abstract
The quality of aquatic ecosystems is a major public health concern. The assessment and management of a freshwater system and the ecological monitoring of microorganisms that are present in it can provide indicators of the environment and water quality to protect human and [...] Read more.
The quality of aquatic ecosystems is a major public health concern. The assessment and management of a freshwater system and the ecological monitoring of microorganisms that are present in it can provide indicators of the environment and water quality to protect human and animal health. with bacteria is. It is a major challenge to monitor the microbiological bacterial contamination status of surface water associated with anthropogenic activities within rivers and freshwater reservoirs. Understanding the composition of aquatic microbial communities can be beneficial for the early detection of pathogens, improving our knowledge of their ecological niches, and characterizing the assemblages of microbiota responsible for the degradation of contaminants and microbial substrates. The present study aimed to characterize the bacterial microbiota of water samples collected alongside the Madeira River and its small tributaries in rural areas near the Santo Antonio Energia hydroelectric power plant (SAE) reservoir in the municipality of Porto Velho, Rondonia state, Western Brazil. An Illumina 16s rRNA metagenomic approach was employed and the physicochemical characteristics of the water sample were assessed. We hypothesized that both water metagenomics and physicochemical parameters would vary across sampling sites. The most abundant genera found in the study were Acinetobacter, Deinococcus, and Pseudomonas. PERMANOVA and ANCOM analysis revealed that collection points sampled at the G4 location presented a significantly different microbiome compared to any other group, with the Chlamidomonadaceae family and Enhydrobacter genus being significantly more abundant. Our findings support the use of metagenomics to assess water quality standards for the protection of human and animal health in this microgeographic region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Communities in Changing Aquatic Environments)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3371 KiB  
Article
The Geochemical Drivers of Bacterial Community Diversity in the Watershed Sediments of the Heihe River (Northern China)
by Federica Piergiacomo, Luigimaria Borruso, Alfonso Esposito, Stefan Zerbe and Lorenzo Brusetti
Water 2022, 14(12), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14121948 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2673
Abstract
The city of Zhangye (Gansu Region, China) has been subjected to several changes related to the development of new profitable human activities. Unfortunately, this growth has led to a general decrease in water quality due to the release of several toxic wastes and [...] Read more.
The city of Zhangye (Gansu Region, China) has been subjected to several changes related to the development of new profitable human activities. Unfortunately, this growth has led to a general decrease in water quality due to the release of several toxic wastes and pollutants (e.g., heavy metals) into the Heihe River. In order to assess the environmental exposure and the potential threat to human health, microbiological diversity for the monitoring of water pollution by biotic and abiotic impact factors was investigated. In particular, we analysed samples collected on different sites using 454 pyrotag sequencing of the 16S ribosomal genes. Then, we focused on alpha-diversity indices to test the hypothesis that communities featuring lower diversity show higher resistance to the disturbance events. The findings report that a wide range of environmental factors such as pH, nutrients and chemicals (heavy metals (HMs)), affected microbial diversity by stimulating mutualistic relationships among bacteria. Furthermore, a selection in bacterial taxa related to the different concentrations of polluting compounds was highlighted. Supporting the hypothesis, our investigation highlights the importance of microbial communities as sentinels for ecological status diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Microorganisms in Aquatic Environments)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1975 KiB  
Article
Microbiological Properties in Cropping Systems and Their Relationship with Water Erosion in the Brazilian Cerrado
by Marina Neves Merlo, Junior Cesar Avanzi, Lucas de Castro Moreira da Silva, Osnar Obede da Silva Aragão, Emerson Borghi, Fatima Maria de Souza Moreira, Michael Silveira Thebaldi, Álvaro Vilela de Resende, Marx Leandro Naves Silva and Bruno Montoani Silva
Water 2022, 14(4), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14040614 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2713
Abstract
Many researchers have reported relationships of physical and chemical properties with water erosion; however, little is known about microbiological properties in this context. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate soil properties in relation to erosion in areas with different cropping [...] Read more.
Many researchers have reported relationships of physical and chemical properties with water erosion; however, little is known about microbiological properties in this context. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate soil properties in relation to erosion in areas with different cropping system practices under no-tillage in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment has been carried out since 2014 in a Typic Haplustox under soybean (S) and maize (M) monoculture, maize/soybean annual rotation (MS), maize/brachiaria/soybean/brachiaria rotation (MBSB), two of those treatments with high input of fertilizer (MBSB-HI and MS-HI), and bare soil (BS). Soil losses were quantified in erosion plots. The design was completely randomized. The greater vegetation cover crop, provided by intercropping/succession with brachiaria, increased microbial biomass carbon. The lack of vegetation cover affected the basal soil respiration and metabolic quotient. Basal soil respiration proved to be inversely related to soil and water losses. Vegetation cover was a key factor regulating water erosion. Penetration resistance and aggregate stability correlated with soil and water losses. Thus, not only physical and chemical, but also biological properties are deeply affected by erosion, aiding in early monitoring of water erosion. Soil quality improvement in ecologically supported management contributes to mitigating erosion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion Measurement Techniques and Field Experiments)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 466 KiB  
Review
Vibrio spp.: Life Strategies, Ecology, and Risks in a Changing Environment
by Ana Sampaio, Vanessa Silva, Patrícia Poeta and Florin Aonofriesei
Diversity 2022, 14(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020097 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 120 | Viewed by 25810
Abstract
Vibrios are ubiquitous bacteria in aquatic systems, especially marine ones, and belong to the Gammaproteobacteria class, the most diverse class of Gram-negative bacteria. The main objective of this review is to update the information regarding the ecology of Vibrio species, and contribute to [...] Read more.
Vibrios are ubiquitous bacteria in aquatic systems, especially marine ones, and belong to the Gammaproteobacteria class, the most diverse class of Gram-negative bacteria. The main objective of this review is to update the information regarding the ecology of Vibrio species, and contribute to the discussion of their potential risk in a changing environment. As heterotrophic organisms, Vibrio spp. live freely in aquatic environments, from marine depths to the surface of the water column, and frequently may be associated with micro- and macroalgae, invertebrates, and vertebrates such as fish, or live in symbiosis. Some Vibrio spp. are pathogenic to humans and animals, and there is evidence that infections caused by vibrios are increasing in the world. This rise may be related to global changes in human behavior (increases in tourism, maritime traffic, consumption of seafood, aquaculture production, water demand, pollution), and temperature. Most likely in the future, Vibrio spp. in water and in seafood will be monitored in order to safeguard human and animal health. Regulators of the microbiological quality of water (marine and freshwater) and food for human and animal consumption, professionals involved in marine and freshwater production chains, consumers and users of aquatic resources, and health professionals will be challenged to anticipate and mitigate new risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity in Aquatic Systems)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

4 pages, 182 KiB  
Editorial
Ecological and Health Risk of Soils, Sediments, and Water Contamination
by Zeng-Yei Hseu
Water 2020, 12(10), 2867; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12102867 - 15 Oct 2020
Viewed by 2055
Abstract
Soils, sediments, and water require careful stewardship for the planet’s security to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) set from the United Nations. However, the contamination of these natural resources can damage ecological and human health, and thus we need a comprehensive approach [...] Read more.
Soils, sediments, and water require careful stewardship for the planet’s security to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) set from the United Nations. However, the contamination of these natural resources can damage ecological and human health, and thus we need a comprehensive approach to provide a remediation reference for the SDGs. The aim of this Special Issue (SI) was to gather the papers emphasizing different aspects and findings of the contamination processes, remediation techniques, and risk assessment of soils, sediments, and water. The Guest-Editor of this SI collected seven papers dealing with biochar application for the reduction in soil nutrient leaching by Kuo et al. and for the immobilization of soil cadmium by Chen et al. Their works contributed to not only sustain soil functions but also to prevent sediments and water from contamination. Moreover, in situ stabilization by environmentally compatible approach is a green remediation of sediments such as thin-layer capping for freshwater and estuary sediments by Ou et al. and Ch’ng et al., respectively. Bioassays including microbiological response and enzyme activities were used to test water quality by Martín et al. and Aljahdali et al., in addition to the finding of antibiotic-degrading bacterial strains reported by Yang et al. in sewage sludge. These papers may aid to update and incorporate new views and discussion for the SDGs. Full article
Back to TopTop