Role of hydrological factors in species diversity of algal communities: A case study of the Komarovka River, Primorye, Russia

Studies on the Komarovka River, flowing in the zone of mixed conifer-broadleaf forests in the southwestern Sikhote-Alin Mountains (Primorye, Russia), have shown that the formation of river flow and multispecific phytobenthos communities takes place mainly within 60–70 km² of its catchment area. The summer-autumn runoff rate and taxonomic composition of algae in this river segment are closely correlated with the catchment area. The relative water content of the river decreases downstream because of decrease in the number of tributaries, while changes in the taxonomic diversity of algae depend on river flow velocity and water temperature.     

Daily activity patterns of brown bear (Ursus arctos) of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range (Primorskiy Krai, Russia)

Daily activity patterns of brown bears were monitored using radiotelemetry from 1993 to 2006, in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and adjacent areas. Outside of the denning period, bears were active for approximately 52% of the 24-hour period. Males were more active (64% of total time) than females (51%). Brown bears in the Sikhote-Alin are diurnal and crepuscular, but switch to a nocturnal pattern in areas of high anthropogenic influence. During the summer months, daily activity patterns were influenced by precipitation, cloud cover, and air temperature.     

Relationship between deposition and attachment rates in Jacobi room model

It is shown in this work that parameters of the Jacobi model, which describes behavior of short-lived radon progeny, are not independent. The relationship between deposition rate of attached radon progeny and attachment rate of their unattached fraction was determined in this paper. It was found that deposition rate increases when the attachment rate is smaller; this effect is more pronounced for larger friction velocity. The deposition rate of attached radon progeny is presented here as a function of friction velocity, ventilation and attachment rate. Deposition rate of attached fraction was estimated in the range 0.012-0.46 h⁻¹, when attachment rate varies from 10 h⁻¹ to 100 h⁻¹.     

Radioisotope contaminations from releases of the Tomsk-Seversk nuclear facility (Siberia, Russia)

Soils have been sampled in the vicinity of the Tomsk-Seversk facility (Siberia, Russia) that allows us to measure radioactive contaminations due to atmospheric and aquatic releases. Indeed soils exhibit large inventories of man-made fission products including 137Cs (ranging from 33,000 to 68,500 Bq m(-2)) and actinides such as plutonium (i.e. 239+240Pu from 420 to 5900 Bq m(-2)) or 241Am (160-1220 Bq m(-2)). Among all sampling sites, the bank of the Romashka channel exhibits the highest radioisotope concentrations. At this site, some short half-life gamma emitters were detected as well indicating recent aquatic discharge in the channel. In comparison, soils that underwent atmospheric depositions like peat and forest soils exhibit lower activities of actinides and 137Cs. Soil activities are too high to be related solely to global fallout and thus the source of plutonium must be discharges from the Siberian Chemical Combine (SCC) plant. This is confirmed by plutonium isotopic ratios measured by ICP-MS; the low 241Pu/239Pu and 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios with respect to global fallout ratio or civil nuclear fuel are consistent with weapons grade signatures. Up to now, the influence of Tomsk-Seversk plutonium discharges was speculated in the Ob River and its estuary. Isotopic data from the present study show that plutonium measured in SCC probably constitutes a significant source of plutonium in the aquatic environment, together with plutonium from global fallout and other contaminated sites including Tomsk, Mayak (Russia) and Semipalatinsk (Republic of Kazakhstan). It is estimated that the proportion of plutonium from SCC source can reach 45% for 239Pu and 60% for 241Pu in the sediments.     

Response of lithophilic zoobenthos to changes in the granulometric composition of grounds in the metarithral zone of a small river in the foothills of southwestern kamchatka

Data on the species composition, abundance, and biomass of macrozoobenthos in the rapids of a small river flowing in the foothills of the southwestern Kamchatka Peninsula are considered along with the results of quantitative analysis of structural rearrangements in the lithophilic community under the effects of changes in the granulometric composition of bottom sediments. Groups of lithophilic and pelophilic invertebrates typical of the metarithral of such rivers (e.g., chironomids of subfamilies Diamesinae and Prodiamesinae) are identified.Translated from Ekologiya, No. 2, 2005, pp. 120–125.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Leman, Chebanova.     

Population Dynamics of Forest Voles (Clethrionomys,Rodentia) in Northern European Russia

Long-term data sets on the population dynamics of forest voles in northern European Russia were analyzed. Eastward and northward trends in changes of the ratio between model species and the degree of their dominance were revealed. In virtually all sites studied, the numbers of the northern red-backed and bank voles changed synchronously; however, the population dynamics became less synchronous as the distance between study areas increased.     

Differences in responses of herpetobionts and geobionts to impact from the Kosogorsky Metallurgical Plant (Tula region,Russia)

The influence of the Kosogorsky Metallurgical Plant (KMP; Tula region, Russia) on the abundance and biodiversity of carabid beetles and soil macrofauna and on the trophic activity of soil biota was studied. Metal concentrations in the impact plot were many times higher than those in the control plot located on the same transect. As the transect approached KMP, both the abundance of soil invertebrates (geobionts) and trophic activity of the soil biota remained unchanged, whereas the abundance and diversity of carabids (herpetobionts) decreased drastically. It is suggested that the impact of the KMP on herpetobionts is accounted for by modification of the structure of ecosystems and that herpetobiontic and geobiontic groups of the macrofauna respond differently to this impact because of differences in the ecological mechanisms of population response.     

Enchytraeid Community (Annelida,Clitellata, Enchytraeidae) and Its Dependence on Edaphic Conditions in Rice Agroecosystems in Russia

Russian Journal of Ecology - Communities of soil animals (meso- and macrofauna) in rice paddies tend to be fragmented, and have extremely low abundance. Nevertheless, some groups, such as...     

The Anthropogenic Impact on the True Seals (Carnivora: Phocidae) at the Mouth of Piltun Bay (Sakhalin Island,Russia)

Russian Journal of Ecology - A study of the anthropogenic impacts on the on-shore aggregation of true seals was carried out at a haul-out located at the mouth of Piltun Bay (the northeastern part...     

A relationship between the natural radioactivity and mineralogical composition of the Ponnaiyar river sediments, India

The natural radiation level has been determined for the sediment samples of Ponnaiyar River, India with an aim of evaluating the radiation hazard. The average activity concentrations are within the world and Indian average values although some extreme values have been determined. The magnetic susceptibility measurement has been carried out to know the magnetization nature of the sediments. More downstream (mouth) of the river has quite higher magnetic susceptibility values. The mineralogical characterizations of the sediments have been carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic and XRD technique. The minerals such as quartz, microcline feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, kaolinite, calcite, gibbsite, montmorillonite, smectite, palygorskite and organic carbon are identified from FTIR analysis. Few minerals like zircon, monazite and hornblende are identified only in XRD analysis. The relative distribution of major minerals is determined by calculating extinction coefficient. The calculated values show that the amount of quartz is greater than microcline feldspar and very much greater than kaolinite in all the sites. The content of quartz and microcline feldspar is decreases, and kaolinite gradually increases towards the river mouth. Multivariate Statistical analyses were carried out between the parameters obtained from radioactivity analysis and other analyses to know the existing relations. Obtained results are discussed and suggested that the natural radioactivity level of the present sediments is mainly controlled by clay content and lesser extent to magnetic susceptibility.     

Lifetime accumulation of (137)Cs and (40)K in the ribs and sternum of an Austrian "mountain pasture" cow

The accumulation of natural and artificial radionuclides in humans and domestic animals is of interest in estimating effective doses of exposed humans and to decide whether animal products can be used for nutrition of the population. In this paper we present an investigation of the (137)Cs- and (40)K-activity levels of the ribs and sternum of a "mountain pasture" cow, born in a highly contaminated region of Styria, Austria, at the time of the radioactive fallout following the Chernobyl accident. This is the first systematic investigation of the variation in activity levels of a contaminated animal. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) assumes that cesium and potassium are homogenously distributed throughout the whole body of an organism. However, the presented results show that there is a non-uniform distribution of (137)Cs and (40)K in different skeletal bones and their adherent tissues of a dairy cattle. We found that activity concentrations of (137)Cs and (40)K varied up to a factor 2.5 in different components of the ribs. The minimum values of (137)Cs and (40)K in the ribs were 29.9 and 21Bqkg(-1) fresh mass for trabecular bone in the vertebral half of asternal ribs, and the maximum values 332 and 132Bqkg(-1) fresh mass for a mixed sample composed of a cartilaginous tissue layer and parts of the perichondrium, both originating from asternal costal cartilages, respectively.     

Relationship between dietary exposure and serum perfluorochemical (PFC) levels—A case study

Daily dietary intake of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in relation to serum levels was assessed by determination of nine PFCs including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in matched daily diet duplicates and serum samples. Diet and serum were collected in year 2004 from 20 women in Osaka and Miyagi, Japan. Only PFOS and PFOA were detected in the diet samples and no significant difference between cities was seen. After adjusted by water content, diet concentration of PFOA was significantly higher in Osaka. The median daily intake calculated using the measured diet concentrations was 1.47 ng PFOS/kg b.w. and 1.28 ng PFOA/kg b.w. for Osaka, and 1.08 ng PFOS/kg b.w. and 0.72 ng PFOA/kg b.w. for Miyagi. A significant difference between cities was seen for the serum concentrations with median of 31 ng/mL PFOS and PFOA in Osaka, compared to 14 ng/mL PFOS and 4.6 ng/mL PFOA in Miyagi. Carboxylates such as perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) were also detected in serum at median levels 6.9 ng/mL and 3.2 ng/mL (Osaka), and 2.8 ng/mL and 5.1 ng/mL (Miyagi). Based on one-compartment model under steady state, dietary intake of PFOS and PFOA accounted for only 22.4% and 23.7% of serum levels in Osaka females, and in contrast 92.5% and 110.6% in Miyagi females, respectively.     

Heavy metal contamination of brown seaweed and sediments from the UK coastline between the Wear river and the Tees river

The concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Ag were determined in the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus and intertidal surface sediments from coastal locations of northeast England. Levels of heavy metals similar to those of polluted areas of the British coastline were detected. There is evidence of contamination (especially with Zn and Pb) in sediments from sites affected by colliery spoil and from the Wear estuary. The pelitic fraction ( < 63 microm) is usually more enriched in heavy metals, but it represents a very small percentage of the bulk samples. The fine-grained sand is a very important repository of contaminants especially where particles of colliery spoil, secondary mineral, and amorphous phases are present. Aqua regia-extracted Zn, Cu, and Pb in sediments are significantly correlated with those in seaweed. Despite the closure of all base metal and coal mines, and the cessation of many industrial activities in the region, sediments and brown algae are contaminated with heavy metals. The control site (Holy Island) and the Tees estuary appear to be the least affected.     

An evaluation of fishery co-management experience in an Amazonian black-water river (Unini River,Amazon, Brazil)

We evaluated the implementation of a fishing agreement, which was created by negotiation among all users of the resources as a co-management strategy because its definition was a result of meetings between all users of the resources. The fishing agreement was implemented in Unini River, a tributary of the right bank of Negro River. Our approach was based on the perception of the people who live in that area, called ribeirinhos. The management strategy was based on spatial distribution of the different types of fishing. We used two logistic regression models to identify the variables which are important to determine the previous concordance and satisfaction with the agreement. First, we analyzed the initial effort to implement the agreement. The variable that influenced the decision of support for the agreement and satisfaction with the results of agreement in both models was the distance from the interviewee’s residence to the sport fishing area. The results showed that the perception of improvement in well-being of the communities and structured social organization are crucial for the success of the co-management strategy.     

Evidence of the radioactive fallout in the center of Asia (Russia) following the Fukushima Nuclear Accident

It was recently reported that radioactive fallout due to the Fukushima Nuclear Accident was detected in environmental samples collected in the USA and Greece, which are very far away from Japan. In April-May 2011, fallout radionuclides (¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹³¹I) released in the Fukushima Nuclear Accident were detected in environmental samples at the city of Krasnoyarsk (Russia), situated in the center of Asia. Similar maximum levels of ¹³¹I and ¹³⁷Cs/¹³⁴Cs and ¹³¹I/¹³⁷Cs ratios in water samples collected in Russia and Greece suggest the high-velocity movement of the radioactive contamination from the Fukushima Nuclear Accident and the global effects of this accident, similar to those caused by the Chernobyl accident.     

First report of pyrethroid bioaccumulation in wild river fish: A case study in Iberian river basins (Spain)

For the first time, this work described pyrethroid bioaccumulation in edible river fish samples. We analyzed 42 whole fish samples collected in 4 different Iberian rivers. All samples were positive to these insecticides. Levels of concentration ranged from 12 to 4938 ng g^− 1 lipid weight (lw). Moreover, isomeric characterization was carried out. Our results remarked a general preference of cis isomers in bioaccumulation. Finally, the enantiomeric evaluation showed that there was an enantioselective bioaccumulation of some pyrethroids, depending on the studied species. Pyrethroid concentrations were compared with levels obtained for other common pollutants, such as flame retardants, personal care products, hormones and pharmaceuticals. The highest values corresponded to pyrethroid insecticides, even though, pyrethroid levels are safe for human consumption taken into account the current regulations.     

Relationships between pikas (Ochotona, mammalia) and vegetation in Tuva

The burrowing and trophic activities of four pika (Ochotona) species proved to be reflected in the horizontal structure of the biogeocenotic cover. Zoophytochores ofOchotona daurica andO. pallasi pricei burrows correspond to previously described ameboid zoophytochores. Burrows of pikas provide for the growth of pea shrubs (Caragana bungei, C leucophloea), with the formation of specific plant groups under their crowns and on rubble dug out by pikas. In ecosystems of placers, zoophytochores are formed owing to the presence of pika food stores and lavatories, which are the main substrate for vascular plants first appearing among the stones. General ecological (and successional) series characterizing the overgrowing of placers is as follows: (1) separate spots of vegetation with poor floristic composition at the sites of pika food stores (stacklets); (2) groups of spots and simplest complexes; and (3) complex plant communities of pika colonies. Food stores of pikas in Tuva were analyzed.     

Uranium in sediments, mussels (Mytilus sp.) and seawater of the Krka river estuary

The response of an aquatic environment to the decrease of phosphate discharges from a technologically improved transhipment terminal, situated at the Croatian Adriatic coast in the port of Sibenik, has been assessed based on uranium activity and concentration in sediment, seawater and mussels Mytilus sp. The highest 238U activities (485+/-16Bqkg(-1) dry weight) were found in the sediment sample collected from the sampling site closest to the terminal. The maximum concentrations in the sediment samples are above the natural ranges and clearly indicate the harbour activities' influence. The 238U/226Ra activity ratios in sediment samples demonstrate the decreasing trend of phosphate ore input. Mussel samples showed levels of 238U activities in the range from 12.1+/-2.9 to 19.4+/-7.2 Bqkg(-1) dry weight, thus being slightly higher than in normally consumed mussels. Only the seawater, taken just above the bottom sediment at the sampling site closest to the terminal, shows a slightly higher uranium concentration (3.1+/-0.2 microgL(-1)) when compared to the samples taken in upper seawater layers (2.1+/-0.2 microgL(-1)) but is in the range of the concentration level of uranium in natural seawater. Since the transhipment terminal in the port of Sibenik was modernised in 1988, discharge of phosphate ore into the seawater was drastically reduced and, consequently, uranium concentration levels in seawater have decreased. However, enhanced uranium activity levels are still found in deeper sediment layer samples and in mussel.