Search Results (475)

Airborne fungal exposure in confined indoor environments is a growing public health concern, however the microbial composition of air inside private vehicles remains underexplored. This study aimed to characterize culturable airborne fungi in vehicle cabins and evaluate their association with environmental and behavioral variables. Air samples (100 L) were collected from 69 vehicles using a standardized culture-based method. Simultaneously, a detailed survey was administered to vehicle owners to document usage patterns, maintenance habits, and odor perception. Results revealed a total culturable fungal load of 31,901 CFU/m³, with Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium as the most frequently isolated genera. Statistical analysis showed that fungal abundance and community composition were significantly associated with vehicle usage factors such as air disturbance, parking environment, air filter maintenance, and perception of musty odors. Vehicles parked outdoors had significantly higher Bipolaris levels, while lack of regular filter replacement was strongly associated with elevated Alternaria abundance. The presence of musty or moldy odors correlated with a 2.5-fold increase in Aspergillus levels. Redundancy analysis confirmed that odor perception and parking behavior were the strongest predictors of fungal community structure, with specific genera displaying distinct ecological preferences across usage conditions. Usage patterns and maintenance habits significantly influence in-cabin fungal communities, with implications for respiratory health, particularly due to the presence of allergenic and opportunistic genera like Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Bipolaris. Regular air filter maintenance and attention to odor cues may help reduce fungal load and associated health risks. Full article

Larimichthys polyactis, a key species in East Asian coastal ecosystems, shows distinct seasonal changes in density distribution, shaped by environmental factors and migratory behaviors of two dominant populations (East China Sea and South Yellow Sea). This study explored its 2023 density dynamics in Zhejiang coastal waters using quarterly surveys across 83 stations, combined with generalized additive models (GAM) and random forest (RF) models. Results showed that RF outperformed GAM overall, with bottom dissolved oxygen (SBO), salinity, and depth as the most influential environmental drivers. Density peaked in summer (77.88 thousand ind./km²) in central and northern offshore areas, dominated by the South Yellow Sea population migrating into the region. Autumn densities (3.76 thousand ind./km²) declined sharply as populations moved to overwintering grounds, while spring (0.41 thousand ind./km²) and winter (0.26 thousand ind./km²) densities were lowest. These findings highlight the role of seasonal environmental filters and population-specific migrations in shaping distribution patterns. RF models provide robust tools for predicting habitats, supporting seasonally tailored conservation strategies to protect critical spawning, foraging, and overwintering areas, which are vital for the sustainable management of this ecologically and economically important species. Full article

The concentration characteristics of SO₂, NO₂, O₃, and CO in the marine atmosphere are of great significance for understanding air–sea interactions and regional atmospheric chemical processes. However, due to the challenging conditions of marine monitoring, long-term continuous observational data remain scarce. To address this gap, this study proposes a Transfer Learning–Convolutional Neural Network (TL-CNN) model that integrates ERA5 meteorological data, EAC4 atmospheric composition reanalysis data, and ground-based observations through multi-source data fusion. During data preprocessing, the Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF), inverse distance weighting (IDW) spatial interpolation, and Gaussian filtering methods were employed to improve data continuity and consistency. Using ERA5 meteorological variables as inputs and EAC4 pollutant concentrations as training targets, a CNN-based inversion framework was constructed. Results show that the CNN model achieved an average coefficient of determination (R²) exceeding 0.80 on the pretraining test set, significantly outperforming random forest and deep neural networks, particularly in reproducing nearshore gradients and regional spatial distributions. After incorporating transfer learning and fine-tuning with station observations, the model inversion results reached an average R² of 0.72 against site measurements, effectively correcting systematic biases in the reanalysis data. Among the pollutants, the inversion of SO₂ performed relatively poorly, mainly because emission reduction trends from anthropogenic sources were not sufficiently represented in the reanalysis dataset. Overall, the TL-CNN model provides more accurate pollutant concentration fields for offshore regions with limited observations, offering strong support for marine atmospheric environment studies and assessments of marine ecological effects. It also demonstrates the potential of combining deep learning and transfer learning in atmospheric chemistry research. Full article

Artificial (technical) snow production is an increasingly common practice in alpine regions, yet little is known about its role in shaping microbial communities at the molecular level. In this study, we combined culture-based methods with high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and functional trait prediction (FAPROTAX) to investigate bacterial communities across the full technical snowmaking cycle in one of Polish ski resorts. The molecular profiling revealed that technical snow harbors dominant taxa with known cold-adaptation mechanisms, biofilm-forming abilities, and stress tolerance traits (e.g., Brevundimonas, Lapillicoccus, Massilia, with a relative abundance of 2.95, 2.14, 3.38 and 5.61%, respectively). Functional inference revealed a consistent dominance of chemoheterotrophy (up to 38% in relative abundance) and aerobic chemoheterotrophy (up to 36%), with localized enrichment of fermentation (6.9% in cannon filter and 6.5% in sediment) and aromatic compound degradation (3.7% in source waters, 3.8% in cannon filter and 4.6% in sediment). Opportunistic and potentially pathogenic genera (e.g., Acinetobacter, Flavobacterium, Nocardia) persisted in sediments (7.4%, 21.4% and 3.5%) and meltwater (34.9% and 2.31% for the latter two), raising concerns about their environmental reintroduction. Our findings indicate that technical snowmaking systems act as selective environments not only for microbial survival but also for the persistence of molecular traits relevant to environmental resilience and potential pathogenicity. Our study provides a molecular ecological framework for assessing the impacts of snowmaking on alpine ecosystems and underscores the importance of monitoring microbial functions in addition to taxonomic composition. Full article

Marine mammals are important ecological bio-indicators of marine ecosystems impacted by a plethora of anthropogenic and environmental threats. Genomics detects genetic variation, adaptation to environmental shifts, and susceptibility to diseases in marine mammal species. In this study, eDNA was utilized for the first time in the Pagasitikos Gulf over three consecutive years (2022–2024) in order to detect marine mammal species. Additionally, visual monitoring and eDNA results were compared to reveal the pros and cons of the two methodologies. The gulf was zoned into five different areas with respect to oceanographic features for sampling. DNA extraction was assessed by using a standard protocol of phenol–chloroform followed by PCR amplification using the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 5,209,613 highly filtered sequence reads were attributed to 108 species. Among these, Monachus monachus, Tursiops truncatus, and Ziphius cavirostris species were detected. This novel detection of Z. cavirostris in the relatively shallow waters of the Gulf of Pagasitikos raised the question of whether it was a random event or a new ecological trend. Z. cavirostris and M. monachus appeared to share the same marine areas within the gulf. In the era of the climate crisis, eDNA provides essential information on marine mammals’ ecological status, yields novel detections, and predicts behavioral changes essential to deep-diving species. Full article

Riparian zones, located at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic systems, are among the most dynamic and ecologically valuable landscapes. These transitional areas play a pivotal role in maintaining environmental health by supporting biodiversity, regulating hydrological processes, filtering pollutants, and stabilizing streambanks. At the core of these functions lie the unique characteristics of riparian soils, which result from complex interactions between water dynamics, sedimentation, vegetation, and microbial activity. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the origin, structure, and functioning of riparian soils, with particular attention being paid to their physical, chemical, and biological properties and how these properties are shaped by periodic flooding and vegetation patterns. Special emphasis is placed on Mediterranean riparian environments, where marked seasonality, alternating wet–dry cycles, and increasing climate variability enhance both the importance and fragility of riparian systems. A bibliographic study, covering 25 years (2000–2025), was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science. The results highlight that riparian areas are key for carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and ecosystem connectivity in water-limited regions, yet they are increasingly threatened by land use change, water abstraction, pollution, and biological invasions. Climate change exacerbates these pressures, altering hydrological regimes and reducing soil resilience. Conservation requires integrated strategies that maintain hydrological connectivity, promote native vegetation, and limit anthropogenic impacts. Preserving riparian soils is therefore fundamental to sustain ecosystem services, improve water quality, and enhance landscape resilience in vulnerable Mediterranean contexts. Full article

Human activities have led to severe aquatic pollution and significant concerns about the ecological health of the Lianjiang River Basin (LRB). These concerns resulted in the implementation of comprehensive policies and treatments to improve the sediment and water quality. Herein, we explore the concentrations, sources, and degree of metal contamination in filtered water (FW), suspended solids (SSs), and surficial channel sediments (SCSs) in streams of the LRB. Calculated enrichment factors, an ecological risk index, and a principal component analysis were employed to understand the degree of elemental contamination, ecological risks, and their potential sources. Elements (e.g., Hg, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cu, and Mo) were mainly detected in FW, SSs, and SCSs in the Bergang, Hucheng, Xiashan, and Zhonggang rivers, and the mainstream of the LR. Four potential anthropogenic sources were identified, including electronic waste recycling (e.g., Cu, Sb, Pb, and Ni), mixed pollution (e.g., Se, Zn, Mn, and Mo), metal processing (e.g., Hg, Cr, Sn, and Cd), and battery manufacturing and recycling (e.g., Co, Ni, and Mn). Overall, Sn, Sb, Hg, Cu, and Cd were enriched by 37.5–79.2% and 34.8–91.3% at the SS and SCS sites, respectively. Mercury, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cu, and Mo posed the most risk both in the SSs and SCSs. Overall, the SS and SCS samples from the LRB remain severely contaminated with metals after recent environmental remediation. The implementation of pollution source control, sewage interception, and dredging operations should be further enhanced. Full article

More than five decades before the introduction of “environmental filtering” in plant and vegetation sciences, Baas Becking proposed that the “environment selects” for studies in microbial ecology. He coupled this with the ubiquity law that he proposed for microbes to obtain the tenet “everything is everywhere, but, the environment selects”. Nowadays, while this tenet is mostly used as a null hypothesis for studies of microbial biogeography, the latter part has large implications for niche assembly theories. In this respect, it is very similar to the idea of “environmental filtering”, although some minor differences exist regarding how both concepts have been applied in macrobial and microbial ecologies. During the second decade of the 21st century, the usefulness of the latter has been questioned due to difficulties in disentangling the roles of environmental (abiotic) filtering and ecological interaction in community assembly. A new vision has emerged in the literature that considers the environmental filter as dynamic and continuously influenced by biotic communities. With a small modification, this scheme provides a solution that can accommodate the ecologies of both microbes and macro-organisms for a common niche assembly theory. Full article

The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is an emblematic crop for Mexico’s economy, gastronomy, and culture. Microbial communities play an important role in the health, development, and productivity of crops. This study used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to evaluate the rhizosphere microbiome of prickly pear cactus across an altitudinal gradient in Milpa Alta (Mexico). A microbial core consisting of Bacillus, Acidibacter, and Sphingomonas was detected, reflecting strong co-adaptation between plants and soil microorganisms under different agroecosystems. However, in the lower-altitude zones, Conexibacter, Agromyces, Domibacillus, Pedomicrobium, and Rokubacteriales predominated, which are associated with humid environments and high organic matter content. In contrast, in the middle-altitude zones, Acidothermus, Gemmatimonas, Mesorhizobium, and Pseudoxanthomonas were enriched, which are involved in carbon and nitrogen cycles. Higher-altitude zones exhibited greater bacterial specialization, with genera adapted to more extreme conditions such as Halocella, Solirubrobacter, Rhodomicrobium, Phenylobacterium, Roseomonas, Pseudarthrobacter, Crossiella, Aquicella, and others. Overall, our data show that altitude acts as an ecological filter structuring soil microbial communities associated with prickly pear cactus, influencing the diversity and functional potential. This study on microbial diversity not only provides insights into the health of the agroecosystem but also represents a valuable source of microorganisms with functional potential for sustainable agriculture. Full article

Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce is a keystone tree species in the arid and semi-arid regions of West and South Asia, with critical ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other regions of the Arabian Peninsula, this beneficial tree is called Ghaf. Despite its importance, genomic resources and population-level diversity data for the tree remain limited. Here, we present the first comprehensive population genomics study of Ghaf based on whole-genome resequencing of 204 individual trees collected across the UAE. Following Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) discovery and stringent filtering, we analyzed 57,183 high-quality LD-pruned SNPs to assess population structure, diversity, and gene flow. Principal component analysis (PCA), sparse non-negative matrix factorization (sNMF), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed four well-defined genetic clusters, broadly corresponding to geographic origins. The genetic diversity varied significantly among the groups, with observed heterozygosity (Ho), inbreeding coefficients (F), and nucleotide diversity ($\pi$) showing strong population-specific trends. Genome-wide fixation index F_ST scans identified multiple highly differentiated genomic regions, enriched for genes involved in stress response, transport, and signaling. Functional enrichment using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Pfam annotations indicated overrepresentation of protein kinase activity, ATP binding, and hormone signaling pathways. TreeMix analysis revealed gene flow into one of the genetic clusters from both others, suggesting historical admixture and geographic connectivity. This work provides foundational insights into the population genomic profile of P. cineraria, supporting conservation planning, restoration strategies, and long-term genetic monitoring in arid ecosystems. Full article

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in host physiology and adaptation, shaped by both intrinsic host factors and extrinsic environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of habitat type and geographical isolation on gut microbial communities in habitat-isolated populations of the euryhaline cichlid Etroplus suratensis, which inhabit freshwater and brackish water environments. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we compared microbial assemblages in fish guts and their corresponding habitats to assess patterns of community divergence. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences in microbial composition between gut and water samples, with limited overlap, particularly in brackish water, indicating strong host-mediated filtering of environmental microbiota. Notably, brackish and freshwater habitats harbored 2244 and 3136 unique water-associated taxa, respectively, while only 36 and 426 taxa were shared between water and gut in each habitat. Despite habitat divergence, 59 microbial taxa were consistently shared across gut samples from both populations, indicating the existence of a conserved core microbiome that likely fulfills essential functional roles. These findings support the notion that the fish gut serves as a selective ecological niche, enabling the persistence of functionally relevant microbes while restricting the entry of environmental transients. Moreover, the observed divergence in gut microbiota across habitats, coupled with a shared core, highlights the interplay between local adaptation and conserved host–microbe associations, with potential implications for understanding microbial contributions to vertebrate ecological diversification and allopatric speciation. Full article

The Liaohe Estuary, characterized by Asia’s largest reed marshes and diverse wetland types, provides critical habitats for endangered bird species and performs vital ecological functions, making it a representative international wetland. Tidal flats, as essential components of estuarine wetlands, dissipate wave energy and stabilize shorelines. However, due to their peripheral location within estuarine systems, quantitative monitoring and risk assessment of the Liaohe Estuary tidal flat remain constrained. In this study, 187 cloud-filtered Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI scenes acquired between 2001 and 2021 were integrated with a waterline-derived DEM framework to quantify sedimentation dynamics in the Liaohe Estuary wetland. During the study period, the tidal-flat area exhibited a declining trend, while interannual surface elevations generally ranged from +2.18 to −1.61 m. The mean surface elevation increased by 25.33 cm, accompanied by a mean slope increase of 0.11‰; the average sedimentation rate was 1.27 cm yr⁻¹, with a net depositional volume of 0.51 km³, indicating an overall depositional regime. Moreover, mean elevation displayed a statistically significant upward trend (Kendall’s tau = 0.636, p = 0.0057), corroborating the significant rise in tidal-flat elevation from 2001 to 2021. The coexistence of elevation gain and spatial contraction suggests limited geomorphic resilience and a shrinking spatial extent of the tidal flat. The proposed approach provides a robust framework for long-term monitoring and supports the formulation of quantifiable sustainability targets for coastal management in the Liaohe Estuary. Full article

Biodiversity conservation in South Korea faces increasing challenges from alien plant invasions. These invasions threaten endemic species uniquely adapted to specialized habitats, making it crucial to understand their ecological interactions. This study quantitatively compared the species composition, ecological niches, and species turnover patterns of alien and endemic plants in South Korea using data from the National Ecosystem Survey. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP) analyses revealed significant compositional heterogeneity between groups. Kernel density estimation (KDE) revealed niche overlap in water-related factors (precipitation, water yield), but clear separation in topographic and climatic variables (altitude, slope, temperature). Alien plants exhibited broader niche breadths, confirming their ecological generalist traits, whereas endemic species displayed narrower niches confined to specialized habitats. Zeta diversity analysis indicated slower species turnover in alien species, suggesting niche assimilation and habitat homogenization. Both groups fit a power-law model, emphasizing deterministic environmental filtering. These findings highlight the ecological risks posed by alien species to stability of endemic plant communities and underscore the importance of targeted, science-based management strategies. Full article

Although giant viruses have introduced new perspectives on the definition and evolution of viruses and are increasingly recognized for their significant biological roles within marine ecosystems, systematic evaluations of development trends and scientific contributions in this research field remain limited. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of the global academic literature on marine giant viruses (MGVs), focusing on nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs), from 1996 to 2024. Using the Web of Science Core Collection, 1544 publications related to giant viruses were identified. After filtering using marine-related keywords and manual review, 300 studies specifically addressing marine giant viruses were selected for the final analysis. This study comprehensively examined the structural characteristics and evolutionary trends in this field by analyzing annual publication productivity, citation patterns, contributions by countries and institutions, author collaboration networks, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. The results show that research on MGVs has steadily increased since the mid-2000s, with a notable surge after 2018 driven by advancements in metagenomics, next-generation sequencing technologies, and global ocean exploration initiatives. The United States and France have taken leading positions in terms of research productivity and impact, with key institutions such as the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and Aix-Marseille Université playing central roles. A multipolar network of international collaborations between countries and institutions has been formed. Research topics have evolved from an early focus on virus classification and genome analysis to more diverse themes, including interactions with marine microbiota, viral ecological functions, infection dynamics, virophage research, and metagenome-based ecosystem-level studies. This study provides an overview of the chronological and structural evolution of the marine giant virus research field by systematically presenting key research themes and collaborative networks. The results provide a valuable foundation for determining future academic directions and planning strategic research initiatives. Furthermore, it is expected to facilitate interdisciplinary research in marine biology, environmental science, systems biology, and artificial intelligence-based functional predictions. Full article

Imagine picking up an e-scooter or e-bike from a charging dock on campus that combines solar panels with a filtered rainwater refill fountain, a mobile phone charging point, climbing plants, and insect habitats. What if the space also offered composting for food waste, shelter from the rain, and a space to meet friends—open to all to support the university’s civic role in the wider city? This paper explores the ideas affecting biodiversity, health, and wellbeing of co-created design explorations of 15-minute city principles on university campuses. Originating from urban planning, the 15-minute city proposes that essential needs like education, healthcare, work, and leisure are accessible by active travel. Applied to a university campus, it means students and staff can access classrooms, housing, food, and recreation in just 15 minutes. Beyond convenience, this approach is argued to foster inclusive, mixed-use, and potentially ecologically regenerative spaces. Drawing on regenerative design thinking—which aims to restore and co-evolve human and natural systems—this participatory design research critically responds to top-down models by involving students and university stakeholders in co-creating visions for a 15-minute campus. The results show that through this participatory design process, cocreators contributed to shaping ideas that foster belonging, emotional attachment, and co-responsibility for place. The research concludes by proposing an innovative reorientation of the 15-minute-city—from a model concerned primarily with needs and efficiency, to one grounded in ecological consciousness, autonomy, and human–nature co-evolution. Full article