Assessment of microbiological and parasitological quality of composted wastes: health implications and hygienic measures.

Feedstock and compost samples were collected from twenty composting plants and analysed from the microbiological point of view. Faecal indicator organisms were determined in order to evaluate the efficacy of processes for the removal of pathogenic micro-organisms with similar survival characteristics and to verify their suitability as appropriate markers of microbial quality of composted products. In addition to the classical bacterial indicators, selected organisms, such as Salmonella, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium spores and helminth ova, were investigated. Statistically significant differences in the removal of the different micro-organisms were observed with regard to both the different composting plants (P < 0.05) and feedstock composition (P < 0.05). In fact, compost obtained by feedstock containing sewage sludge was shown to have a better hygienic quality in comparison with compost containing green discards and municipal solid waste as raw matter. Giardia cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts and helminth ova were not effective indicators of hygienic quality of compost, whereas Clostridium perfringens spores, because of their high resistance to treatments, could be considered as an additional model for assessing the composting process, especially with regard to more resistant pathogen reduction.     

Phylogeography of the European stalked barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes): identification of glacial refugia

The alternation of glacial and interglacial events during the Pleistocene has produced changes in species distribution ranges leading to bottlenecks and alterations of patterns of gene flow. The European stalked barnacle, Pollicipes pollicipes, is a sessile pedunculate cirripede that inhabits the rocky intertidal frame, from Senegal to the northwestern coast of France. In this work, we have analyzed a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I for 569 individuals of P. pollicipes in order to investigate whether the shifts in climatic conditions that occurred during the Pleistocene influenced the current pattern of distribution of genetic variation of P. pollicipes. A pre-last glacial maximum pattern of demographic expansion was found, in concordance with many other North Atlantic marine species. On the other hand, three potential glacial refugia were identified: North African coasts, northwestern Iberian Peninsula and English Channel/Brittany.     

Mineralization of Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/Adipate Modified Starch Blend in Agricultural Soil

The biodegradability properties of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and modified adipate-starch (AS) blends, using Edenol-3203 (E) as a starch plasticizer, were investigated in laboratory by burial tests of the samples in previously analyzed agricultural soil. The biodegradation process was carried out using the respirometric test according to ASTM D 5988-96, and the mineralization was followed by both variables such as carbon dioxide evolution and mass loss. The results indicated that the presence of AS-E accelerated the biodegradation rate as expected.     

Seasonal changes of locomotor activity patterns in ruin lizards Podarcis sicula

Seasonal differences in the locomotor activity pattern of Podarcis sicula held in constant conditions in the laboratory were found to be associated with systematic differences in both the freerunning period of locomotor rhythms () and the circadian activity time (). In order to establish whether the pineal played a role in the control of seasonal changes in circadian parameters, we examined the effects of pinealectomy in constant conditions on the locomotor behavior of lizards displaying the bimodal activity pattern typical of summer. In most lizards pinealectomy lengthened , shortened and abolished the bimodal activity pattern. Pinealectomy induced a sudden transition from the typical locomotor behavior of summer, characterized by a marked bimodal pattern, short and long , to the typical locomotor behavior of autumn, characterized by a unimodal pattern, a long and short . These results demonstrate that the pineal plays a central role in the seasonal reorganization of the circadian system that occurs in P. sicula.     

Food web of a confined and anthropogenically affected coastal basin (the Mar Piccolo of Taranto) revealed by carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analyses

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis was used to examine the food web of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, a coastal basin experiencing several anthropogenic impacts. Main food sources (algal detritus, seaweeds, particulate organic matter (POM) and sediment organic matter (SOM)) and benthic and pelagic consumers were collected during two contrasting seasons (June and April), at four sites distributed over two inlets, and characterized by different level of confinements, anthropogenic inputs and the presence of mussels farming. δ¹³C values of organic sources revealed an important contribution of POM to both planktonic and benthic pathways, as well as the influence of terrigenous inputs within both inlets, probably due to high seasonal land runoff. Although δ¹³C of both sources and consumers varied little between sampling sites and dates, δ¹⁵N spatial variability was higher and clearly reflected the organic enrichment in the second inlet as well as the uptake of anthropogenically derived material by benthic consumers. On the other hand, within the first inlet, the isotopic composition of consumers did not change in response to chemical contamination. However, the impact of polluted sediments near the Navy Arsenal in the first inlet was detectable at the level of the macrobenthic trophic structure, showing high dominance of motile, upper level consumers capable to face transient conditions and the reduction of the more resident deposit feeders. We therefore underline the great potential of matching stable isotope analysis with quantitative studies of community structure to assess the effects of multiple anthropogenic stressors.     

Assessment of Water Supply as an Ecosystem Service in a Rural-Urban Watershed in Southwestern Mexico City

Studies from the ecosystem services perspective can provide a useful framework because they allow us to fully examine the benefits that humans obtain from socio-ecological systems. Mexico City, the second largest city in the world, has faced severe problems related to water shortages, which have worsened due to increasing population. Demand for space has forced changes in land cover, including covering areas that are essential for groundwater recharge. The city has 880 km² of forest areas that are crucial for the water supply. The Magdalena River Watershed was chosen as a model because it is a well-preserved zone within Mexico City and it provides water for the population. The general aim of this study was to assess the ecosystem service of the water supply in the Magdalena River Watershed by determining its water balance (SWAT model) and the number of beneficiaries of the ecosystem services. The results showed that the watershed provides 18.4 hm³ of water per year. Baseflow was dominant, with a contribution of 85%, while surface runoff only accounted for 15%. The zone provides drinking water to 78,476 inhabitants and could supply 153,203 potential beneficiaries. This work provides an example for understanding how ecosystem processes determine the provision of ecosystem services and benefits to the population in a rural–urban watershed in Mexico City.     

Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food by Step One real-time polymerase chain reaction

The aim of this study was to follow contamination of ready-to-eat food with Listeria monocytogenes by using the Step One real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We used the PrepSEQ Rapid Spin Sample Preparation Kit for isolation of DNA and MicroSEQ? Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit for the real-time PCR performance. In 30 samples of ready-to-eat milk and meat products without incubation we detected strains of Listeria monocytogenes in five samples (swabs). Internal positive control (IPC) was positive in all samples. Our results indicated that the real-time PCR assay developed in this study could sensitively detect Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food without incubation.