Importance of conserving large and old trees to continuity of tree-related microhabitats

Protecting structural features, such as tree-related microhabitats (TreMs), is a cost-effective tool crucial for biodiversity conservation applicable to large forested landscapes. Although the development of TreMs is influenced by tree diameter, species, and vitality, the relationships between tree age and TreM profile remain poorly understood. Using a tree-ring-based approach and a large data set of 8038 trees, we modeled the effects of tree age, diameter, and site characteristics on TreM richness and occurrence across some of the most intact primary temperate forests in Europe, including mixed beech and spruce forests. We observed an overall increase in TreM richness on old and large trees in both forest types. The occurrence of specific TreM groups was variably related to tree age and diameter, but some TreM groups (e.g., epiphytes) had a stronger positive relationship with tree species and elevation. Although many TreM groups were positively associated with tree age and diameter, only two TreM groups in spruce stands reacted exclusively to tree age (insect galleries and exposed sapwood) without responding to diameter. Thus, the retention of trees for conservation purposes based on tree diameter appears to be a generally feasible approach with a rather low risk of underrepresentation of TreMs. Because greater tree age and diameter positively affected TreM development, placing a greater emphasis on conserving large trees and allowing them to reach older ages, for example, through the establishment of conservation reserves, would better maintain the continuity of TreM resource and associated biodiversity. However, this approach may be difficult due to the widespread intensification of forest management and global climate change.     

Plant Bioassays for an in Situ Monitoring of Air Near an Industrial Area and a Municipal Solid Waste – ŽILINA (SLOVAKIA)

The process of a bioindication of genotoxic effects of complex mixtures on the environment using higher plants is very appropriate and effective. We present the results of an in situ indication of the genotoxic effects of polluted environment near Žilina city. For a more complex monitoring we used: the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MCN) assay, the Tradescantia microspore test and an evaluation of the abortivity of the pollen grains of native plant species. We found significant differences in the frequency of the micronuclei when using the Trad-MCN test in local of Dubeň. The Tradescantia pollen abortivity test showed significant differences in the frequency of the abortive pollen grains between the exposed groups and the control group. By using native plant species in the pollen abortivity test we found significant differences in both of the two locations for the four following species during two consecutive years: Artemisia vulgaris, Melilotus albus, Trifolium pratense, Typha latifolia.     

Cobalt extraction from spent lithium-ion battery cathode material using a sulfuric acid solution containing SO2

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - To increase the degree of cobalt (Co) extraction, the process of the cathode material leaching was performed in a sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution...     

Analysis of essential,toxic, rare earth,and noble elements in maternal and umbilical cord blood

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Progressive industrialization in recent decades has contributed to the increase of metal levels in the environment, which has a dangerous impact on...