scholarly journals Patterns of mercury accumulation in the organs of bank vole Myodes glareolus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-333
Author(s):  
V. A. Gremyachikh ◽  
D. A. Kvasov ◽  
E. S. Ivanova

Mercury (Hg) and its compounds are among the most hazardous environmental pollutants with a high cumulative potential and they can have toxic effects on human and animal health even in low concentrations. Due to the increasing rate of human economic activity and the increase in the amount of Hg in the total cycling of matter, the study of its distribution, transformation, redistribution and accumulation in the abiotic and biotic components of various ecosystems remains important up to the present time. We assessed the content of metal in organs and tissues of the bank vole Myodes (Clethrionomys) glareolus Schreber, 1780 (Rodentia, Cricetidae), a widespread small rodent, caught in different biotopes of forest-steppe and steppe zones of Voronezh region. Measurements of Hg in samples were carried out with a mercury analyzer RA-915+ with the accessory PYRO (Lumex) using the atomic absorption method of cold steam without preliminary sample preparation (the lower limit of mercury detection in samples was 0.001 mg/kg). The sample size was 344 specimens. Mean Hg concentrations ranged from values below the analytical determination threshold to 0.887 mg/kg dry weight in the kidneys, 0.411 in the liver, 0.031 in the muscle tissue, and 0.040 in the brain. A positive correlation was found between the metal content in all possible pairs of organs (except for the “muscle – brain” pair) and a weak negative correlation was found between the Hg level and the mass of the animals. Hg concentrations in the studied organs did not differ between males and females. The metal content in the liver and kidneys of voles from the forest-steppe zone was significantly higher than in those from the steppe zone. Among all studied biotopes (meadow, pine and mixed forest, shrub thickets), the lowest concentrations were observed in animals living in pine forests, while the highest one – in more humidified bush thickets. During the vegetation season, there was a decrease in the average values of animal body mass in the samples and an increase in the content of Hg in the liver and kidneys. The results of the study are relevant in the assessment of atmospheric mercury pollution of terrestrial ecosystems using small mammals, such as Myodes glareolus, as a model object.

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-24
Author(s):  
N.O. Kryuchenko ◽  
◽  
Ya. Zhovinsky ◽  
P.S. Paparyga ◽  
O.A. Zhuk ◽  
...  

The results of a comprehensive analysis of the microelement composition of soils — B, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn and plants — Ag, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn (oak (Quercus robur L.), pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) perennial grasses — Kupena (Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.), wheatgrass (Elymus repens (L.) Gould)) of natural reserve belonging to different physical and geographical zones — Polessky reserve (mixed forest zone), Roztochya reserve (broad-leaved forest zone), Kanevsky reserve (forest-steppe zone), the reserve «Askania Nova» (steppe zone), the Chernogorsk massif of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (KBR, Ukrainian Carpathians), which are proposed to be considered as background. It was found that in the soils of mixed and broad-leaved forests and the Chernogorsk massif KBR with an increase in the content of gross forms of Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, the content of their mobile forms increases, this dependence is inverse in the soils of the steppe zone, which is associated with a decrease in soil acidity and mobility microelements A positive correlation was revealed between the humus content in soils and Zn, Co (gross and mobile forms) and negative — B, Mo in the soils of all reserve zones. It was found that the greatest biogeochemical activity is characteristic of plants in the zone of deciduous forests — oak leaves (Quercus robur L.) and pine needles (Pinus sylvestris L.).


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1258
Author(s):  
Julia Schneider ◽  
Bernd Hoffmann ◽  
Cristina Fevola ◽  
Marie Luisa Schmidt ◽  
Christian Imholt ◽  
...  

The development of new diagnostic methods resulted in the discovery of novel hepaciviruses in wild populations of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus, syn. Clethrionomys glareolus). The naturally infected voles demonstrate signs of hepatitis similar to those induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV) in humans. The aim of the present research was to investigate the geographical distribution of bank vole-associated hepaciviruses (BvHVs) and their genetic diversity in Europe. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) screening revealed BvHV RNA in 442 out of 1838 (24.0%) bank voles from nine European countries and in one of seven northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus, syn. Clethrionomys rutilus). BvHV RNA was not found in any other small mammal species (n = 23) tested here. Phylogenetic and isolation-by-distance analyses confirmed the occurrence of both BvHV species (Hepacivirus F and Hepacivirus J) and their sympatric occurrence at several trapping sites in two countries. The broad geographical distribution of BvHVs across Europe was associated with their presence in bank voles of different evolutionary lineages. The extensive geographical distribution and high levels of genetic diversity of BvHVs, as well as the high population fluctuations of bank voles and occasional commensalism in some parts of Europe warrant future studies on the zoonotic potential of BvHVs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (44) ◽  
pp. 13-13
Author(s):  
Alexander Saakian ◽  
◽  

The article presents the data of ecological-soil survey of carbic podzols (aerenic) and umbric podzols of sandy pine forests of the Kursk agglomeration. The data on the transformation of morphological, physical and physicochemical properties of the studied soils in the succession series "pine forest - mixed forest - broadleaf forest" are presented. It has been established that when the monodominant plantations of Scots pine are replaced by deciduous species, the soil-forming processes change - podzolic to sod. The settling of deciduous species in pine plantations gradually leads to attenuation of the podzolic process, the development of processes of accumulation of humus and mineral nutrients in the soil profile, which contributes to an increase in the ecological stability of azonal carbic podzols (aerenic) and sandy umbric podzols in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone. Keywords: MICROEVOLUTION OF SOILS, TERRACE ABOVE FLOOD-PLAIN, PODZOLY PROCESS, SODDY PROCESS, SOIL SUCCESSION


Purpose. Analysis of honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758) colony losses in Ukraine for winter 2018–2019 in comparison with the previous year in different physiographic zones of Ukraine and at the operations of different sizes. Methods. Survey of Ukrainian beekeepers for winter 2018–2019 using the standardised COLOSS questionnaire (International honey bee research association COLOSS). A total of 677 valid questionnaires from five physiographic zones of Ukraine were processed. Results. The total loss rate of honey bee colonies for winter 2018–2019 in Ukraine was 11.18 %, the mortality rate was 5.95 %; the losses due to unsolvable queen problems – 3.37 %, and due to natural disasters – 1.86 %. The total losses in the forest-steppe and the mixed forest zones were 16.2 % and 15.1 %, respectively, whereas in the Ukrainian Carpathians – 7.2 %. The most common sign of dead colonies in Ukraine was the presence of a large number of dead bees in or in front of the hive (25.3 %). The loss rate in the small operations was almost 18 %, in medium – 8.38 % and in large ones – 7.6 %. 77.8 % of respondents treated their bee colonies against Varroa destructor in the period from April 2018 to April 2019. 16.4 % respondents treated their colonies without prior monitoring of mite rate. The most commonly used acaricides were the veterinary medicinal products containing flumetrin (15.1 %), amitraz in strips (11.67 %) and fumigation (9.9 %), as well as oxalic acid – spraying and sublimation (9.5 % and 8.4 %, respectively). Conclusions. The total losses of honey bee colonies for winter of 2018–2019 (11.18 %) remained stable compared to the previous year (for winter of 2017–2018: 11.30 %), the losses due to colonies death (5.95 %) and losses due to natural disasters (1.86 %) decreased slightly (for winter of 2017–2018: 6.7 % and 2.4 %, respectively), whereas losses due to unsolvable queen problems increased form 2.1 % to 3.37 %). The highest losses were observed in the forest-steppe zone and the zone of mixed forests, whereas the lowest in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The smaller beekeeping operations with at most 50 colonies suffer significantly higher losses than larger operations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1(20)) ◽  
pp. 46-52
Author(s):  
V.O. Stadnyk ◽  
◽  
A.I. Samchuk ◽  
I.V. Kuraeva ◽  
K.V. Vovk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

Author(s):  
А.В. Терешкин ◽  
А.Л. Калмыкова ◽  
Т.А. Андрушко

Вертикальное озеленение с участием различных видов лиан в современных условиях имеет важное эстетическое и санитарно-гигиеническое значение. Особо актуально решение вопросов обогащения флоры городских территорий лианами в степных районах в связи с бедным видовым составом и резким ухудшением экологической ситуации. Объектами исследований являлись 7 видов лиан, различных жизненных форм (однолетние, многолетние), произрастающие в населенных пунктах Саратовской области (Аткарск, Саратов). Цель исследований – изучение эколого-биологических особенностей и мелиоративных свойств лиан и выявление перспектив их использования в вертикальном озеленении селитебных территорий Саратовской области. В ходе исследования видового состава, были выявлены наиболее популярные виды однолетних лиан: ипомея красно-голубая (Ipomea tricolor (L.) Roth) и ипомея пурпурная (Ipomea purpurea (L.) Roth), горошек душистый (Lathyrus edoratus L.), настурция (Tropacolum peregrinum L.) и фасоль огненно-красная (Phaseolus coccineus). Большинство (70%) из них произрастают в местах ограниченного пользования. Изученные виды лиан в исследуемых регионах достигают средних природных показателей (при наличии надлежащего ухода), обладают хорошими показателями жизненного состояния, обильно цветут и плодоносят. При воздействии токсикантами различной концентрации на листовые пластинки лиан установлено их степень устойчивости. Выявлено, что однолетние лианы лучше использовать в декоративных целях, а не в санитарно-гигиенических. Сравнительная оценка однолетних видов с многолетними лианами (девичий виноград пятилисточковый и клематис тангутский) показывает устойчивость многолетних видов (в среднем на 3 балла - 40%). Разработаны варианты декоративных композиций с участием травянистых лиан. По степени декоративности выделены однолетние лианы – Ipomea tricolor, I. purpurea (37 – 41 балл), средней степенью отличаются – Lathyrus edoratus (33 балла), Tropacolum peregrinum (30 баллов) и Phaseolus coccineus (20 – 27 баллов). Преимущество многолетних лиан заключается в их устойчивости к резким изменениям климатических условий (на 40 %) по сравнению с однолетними формами. Поэтому они более предпочтительны для озеленения городской среды. Для усиления декоративного эффекта в сезонном аспекте рекомендуются сочетать расширение видового и формового разнообразия растений (многолетние и однолетние лианы, древесно-кустарниковая, цветочная растительность). Установлено, что природно-климатические условия зоны степи и лесостепи в пределах Саратовской области являются достаточно благоприятными для нормального роста и развития древесно-кустарниковой растительности, в том числе травянистых лиан. Таким образом, обоснованное применение древесных лиан в комплексе с традиционными видами насаждений позволит создать комфортные условия проживания населения, регулировать оптимальный температурный баланс и создавать благоприятные микроклиматические условия. Vertical gardening with different types of vines in modern conditions is important aesthetic and sanitary-hygienic value. It is especially important to address the issues of enrichment of the flora of urban areas with vines in the steppe regions due to poor species composition and a sharp deterioration of the ecological situation. The objects of research were 7 species of lianas, various life forms (annual, perennial), growing in the settlements of the Saratov region (Atkarsk, Saratov). The aim of the research is to study the ecological and biological features and reclamation properties of vines and identify the prospects for their use in vertical gardening residential areas of the Saratov region. In the study, species composition was the most popular species of annual vines: morning glory red-blue (Ipomea tricolor (L.) Roth) and purple morning glory (Ipomea purpurea (L.) Roth), the fragrant pea (Lathyrus edoratus L.), nasturtium (Tropacolum peregrinum L.) and runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus). Most (70%) of them grow in restricted areas. Studied species of vines in the study regions reach average natural performance (with proper care), have good indicators of vital condition, bloom abundantly and bear fruit. When exposed to toxicants of different concentrations on the leaf blades of vines established their degree of stability. It was revealed that the annual vines are better used for decorative purposes, and not in the sanitary-hygienic. A comparative assessment of annual species with perennial vines (maiden grapes and clematis Tangut) shows the stability of perennial species (an average of 3 points-40%). The options and decorative compositions with the participation of herbaceous vines. According to the degree of decoration of the allocated annual vine – Ipomea tricolor, I. purpurea (37 – 41 points), the average degree of differ – Lathyrus edoratus (33 points), Tropacolum peregrinum (30 points) and Phaseolus coccineus (20 to 27 points). The advantage of perennial vines is their resistance to sudden changes in climatic conditions (40 %) compared to annual forms. Therefore, they are more preferable for greening the urban environment. To enhance the decorative effect in the seasonal aspect, it is recommended to combine the expansion of species and form diversity of plants (perennial and annual lianas, tree and shrub, floral vegetation). It is established that the climatic conditions of the steppe and forest-steppe zone within the Saratov region are quite favorable for the normal growth and development of tree and shrub vegetation, including herbaceous lianas. Thus, the reasonable use of wood vines in combination with traditional types of plantings will create comfortable living conditions for the population, regulate the optimal temperature balance and create favorable microclimatic conditions.


Author(s):  
N. I. Kashevarov ◽  
R. I. Polyudina ◽  
I. N. Kazarinova ◽  
D. А. Potapov

A new cultivar of smooth bromegrass (Bromopsis inermis Leyss) Flagman was developed by methods of mass selection and polycross. Breeding and wild forms of various ecological and geographical origins are used as an initial material. The authors of the cultivar: Kazarinova I.N., Polyudina R.I., Straub A.A., Gomasco S.K. Studies were conducted on the Central experimental base of the Siberian research Institute of fodder crops of the Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, located in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia (Novosibirsk region, Novosibirsk district, Krasnoobsk). The cultivar is mid-ripening: the period from the beginning of spring aftergrowing to mowing ripeness is 63-75 days and to full maturing of seeds is 95-111 days. The yield of dry matter is 8.3 t/ha, which exceeds the standard by 8%, seed yield - 0.62 t/ha, higher than the standard by 28%. The dry matter yield of the cultivar Flagman for the fourth year of use exceeded the standard by 23% and reached to 11.4 t/ha. The 1000 seeds weight is 3.0-3.4 g. The plant height is 90-140 cm. Tilling capacity is up to 40 stems per tuft. Foliage varies from 32 to 50% depending on the age of the grass and environment conditions. The resistance of the cultivar to brown rust and helminthosporiosis is higher than of the standard. The copyright certificate No. 71916 and patent No. 9653 were received.


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