B. Liao, Yingping Liu, H. Zuo, Jun-Rong Xia, Zu-Yun Yu, Changjian Song, Xiao-Guang Zhang, C. Jiang, Ya-long Xu
{"title":"Dynamics of 18 (Sophora japonica) Tree Community’s Crown Volume along Elevation Gradient in Ye County","authors":"B. Liao, Yingping Liu, H. Zuo, Jun-Rong Xia, Zu-Yun Yu, Changjian Song, Xiao-Guang Zhang, C. Jiang, Ya-long Xu","doi":"10.4236/oje.2019.97017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2019.97017","url":null,"abstract":"Applying plant community diversity techniques and SPSS statistic analysis, we quantified the relationship between crown volume of 18 (Sophora japonica) tree communities and elevation along different elevation gradient in Ye County in the study. We concluded that there was a significantly positive correlation between crown volume of 18 (Sophora japonica) tree communities and elevation gradient (P Sophora japonica) tree communities increased along elevation from 50 m to 200 m in Ye County in 2018. Therefore, understanding dynamic connecting crown volume of 18 (Sophora japonica) communities and elevation can be not just applied to preserve of (Sophora japonica) tree communities, but also applied to sustainable of biodiversity and processes of tree community’s crown volume along elevation.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"2013 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121686059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Filtration Efficiency of Chlorophyll-a under Dynamic Conditions in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary at Pier 40, New York City","authors":"J. Perrino, Dennis R. Ruez","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.97019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.97019","url":null,"abstract":"Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) abundance has declined severely over the past century along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. For varied reasons, overfishing among the foremost, bivalves no longer make up considerable reefs as was common. While discourse continues on oyster restoration and augmentation, gaps in knowledge of C. virginica and regional environmental interactions remain. Our primary aim was to examine the C. virginica filter feeding of phytoplankton in the Hudson River Estuary, New York City. Secondarily, this study examined the filtration of these oysters in relation to environmental attributes. Chlorophyll-a, the predominant photosynthesizing pigment in red and green algae, is an indicator of phytoplankton productivity in aquatic settings. Crassostrea virginica consumes first-tier plankton from the water column’s seston; thus analysis of chlorophyll-a content allows estimating phytoplankton concentrations, from which oyster filtration efficiency (FE) was quantified. Water conditions (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, turbidity, tide and flow rate) also were recorded. Spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll-a concentration methodology was derived from the Standard Methods text favored by the US EPA. This project compared real-time Hudson River Estuary (HRE) water samples prior to passing through a contained oyster reef and samples of water post-filtration. This sampling scenario was unique as the contained reef used was fed by HRE water. Most studies on oyster filtration have been laboratory-based, and few assessed oysters in the field. This study took place at Pier 40, the River Project Wetlab, lower Hudson River along Manhattan. The FE of this reef was calculated for two months during various environmental states which can be the basis of future investigations. Statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-filtration water samples (Z = 4.620, p < 0.001). This study provides a glimpse at how the oysters fare in the HRE environment and expands upon known oyster ecological services and environmental interactions.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130044853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. B. Brata, Ida Bagus Seloka, Ida Bagus Nyoman Wartha
{"title":"Commodification of Traditional Open Spaces as a Commodity and the Consequent Damage of Environmental Ethics (Case Study in Ubud Village Bali Indonesia)","authors":"I. B. Brata, Ida Bagus Seloka, Ida Bagus Nyoman Wartha","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.96014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.96014","url":null,"abstract":"This paper aims to examine the phenomenon of commodification of traditional open space into commodities which results in the destruction of environmental ethics. Environmental ethics places restrictions on freedom in exercising ownership rights and pays more attention to ethical obligations to the environment. The anthropocentric approach should be avoided because it only sees the environment from its commercial angles to satisfy human interests. This research critically describes the reality of the utilization of traditional open spaces in Ubud to become an economic space. The rapid influence of global culture has implications for the practices of capitalist culture within the frame of the tourism industry, resulting in cultural industries, popular culture, hedonic lifestyles and consumerism. This study used a qualitative method. The data was obtained through observation, interviews, literature studies, and documents. The results of the study revealed how traditional open spaces were produced, distributed and consumed by the market. Traditional open spaces were commercialized, traded like goods and services. Traditional open spaces, such as paddy fields, cliffs, telajakan (front part of the house complex), city parks, domestic properties, backyards, cemeteries have been turned into economic spaces to satisfy the taste of tourists. Space is controlled and commodified by capital owners to feed their economic libido while disobeying environmental ethics.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128389528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Predictability of Ecological Changes in Lake Kinneret","authors":"Gophen Moshe","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.96015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.96015","url":null,"abstract":"Several ecological key factors were indicated in the Lake Kinneret ecosystem during 1969-2000: Elevation of the biomass of non-pyrrhophyte-phytoplankton, chlorophyta, cyanobacteria, and diatoms; decline of Peridinium maximal from 215 - 240 to 175 - 200 ranges (g/m2); decline of zooplankton (herbivore and predator) relative to phytoplankton biomass (g/m2); lower loads of Nitrogen and slightly also phosphorus in the river Jordan discharge; decline of precipitations and lake water level; significant decline of epilimnetic nitrogen and minor changes of phosphorus concentrations initiated decline of N/P mass ratio to the establishment of a significant change of the ecosystem to be modified from P to N limitation. What could be other than essential outcome of future prediction that results of 20 years (1969-2000) of routine and comprehensive monitor carried out in Lake Kinneret initiated? The Lake Kinneret ecosystem dynamics after 2000 justified retroactive post-factum earlier conclusion of appropriate predictability.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"128 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129737169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Makinde Oladotun Wasiu, O. E. Ayodele, Olabanji Iyabo Oluremi, Adesiyan Adewale Taoreed, Eludoyin Adebayo Oluwole, Ogundele Katherine Temitope, Gbenu Sejlo Temidayo, T. I. Ayodele
{"title":"A Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soil and Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) Leaves at an Artisanal Gold Mining Settlement in Southwestern Nigeria","authors":"Makinde Oladotun Wasiu, O. E. Ayodele, Olabanji Iyabo Oluremi, Adesiyan Adewale Taoreed, Eludoyin Adebayo Oluwole, Ogundele Katherine Temitope, Gbenu Sejlo Temidayo, T. I. Ayodele","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.96016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.96016","url":null,"abstract":"The study examined the contamination levels of the soil and plantain leaves in three communities in Atakunmosa west local government area of Osun State in southwest Nigeria, where gold mining activities have recently become intensive. Plantain is a major food crop, whose leaves are used to wrap food items for household consumption. The objectives were to examine the heavy metal concentrations in the soil and plantain leaves around the gold mine site and compare them with standard recommended safe limits for the environment. Soil and plantain leaves were sampled at different locations around the sites and at a control site from a neighboring local government area with no history of gold mining activities between March 2015 and February 2016. Both soil and leave samples were processed and analyzed for selected heavy metals (Cd, As, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe) using the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) in the laboratory. The study showed higher concentrations than the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limits of the heavy metals in the soils and plantain leaves. Dry season concentrations of the variables were also higher than the wet season and the heavy metal concentrations at the control station were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the mining environment. The study concluded that the ecosystems in the artisanal gold mining region are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the leaves from the sites are sources of heavy metal contamination if consumed or used to wrap food items.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"95 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127141636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diagnosis of the Bio-Compound as an Anti-Fungal from Populus euphratica L. Plant Using Chromatographic Technology","authors":"R. Khaleel","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.95012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.95012","url":null,"abstract":"Crude of Plant extracts from materials is necessary screening to determine new biological activities, toxicity and active compounds in bioassay tests. Crude of Populus euphratica L. left is tested to phytochemical screening, constituents, fractionation and MIC technique as anti-fungal. The fractions are subjected to bio-compound analysis using Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry LC-MS. Phytochemical screening of crude extract shows presence of Glycosides compared with other compounds. While the fraction of ethanolic extract recorded inhibition impact reached (390, mg/L/MIC) agnist type of fungi. Bioassay toxicity using shrimp lethally test (LC50) was carried out with the result showing 4.1 mg/L is low toxic and can be used safely. Alpha Glycoside (4, 6 Benzylidene-1O-Methyl-2O-(2346 Tetra-O-Acetyl-Betad- Glucosyl), is a new compound and antifungal action.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125903348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Physico-Chemical Complex of Matorral Soils of the North Western Region of Algeria","authors":"Fatima Zohra Meftah, N. Benabadji, A. Merzouk","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.95011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.95011","url":null,"abstract":"The objective of this study is to determine the influence of soil physico-chemical factors on the spatial distribution of matorrals in the plain from Remchi to Beni-Saf located in the western region of Algeria. This study informs us of the relationships that soil can have on the diversity of matorrals. On the bioclimatic level, the region is characterized by semi-aridity accentuating the phenomena of therophysation. Soil analyzes carried out using known methods (Stokes Particle Size Method, Electrometric Method for pH, 1/5 Extract Method for Electrical Conductivity, Bernard Calcium Method for CaCO3, Anne Method for Organic Carbon). The results show a textural diversity; sandy-muddy “Remchi”, sandy “Rachgoun 1 and Rechgoun 2”, not far from Beni-Saf. The low clay content (Remchi: Profile 1: Horizon 1: Clays 10%, Profile 2: Horizon 1: Clays 16%, Profile 3: Horizon 1: Clays 5%, Rechgoun: Profile 1: Horizon 1: Clays 3%, Profile 3: Horizon 1: 2% Clays and Horizon 2: 3% Clays) leads to poor structural stability leading to degradation of the soil surface through erosion. The latter is revealed by the presence of small erosion claws visible on these rough slopes or almost.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"41 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128137775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Avian Abundance, Diversity and Conservation Status in Etago Sub-County Kisii County Kenya","authors":"Mokono M. Isaac, S. Muya, Winnie Kiiru, M. Muchai","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.95013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.95013","url":null,"abstract":"Bird’s species diversity and abundance are being threatened due to agricultural activities and anthropogenic practices which causes habitat destruction and fragmentation. Understanding how avian species respond to habitat destruction is important towards development of effective measures to ensure that the environment is protected. A study on avian abundance, diversity and conservation status was conducted in Etago Sub-County, Kisii County Kenya from September 2018 to February 2019. Point counts and time species counts were used to carry out birds’ survey to determine their abundance and diversity in the secondary forest, sugarcane plantations, human settlement and mixed firms. A total of 4992 individuals were observed and recorded in the entire study area. The human settlement had the highest density of 1.664 ± 0.18 birds/ha followed by sugarcane plantation with 1.092 ± 0.16 birds/ha and Nyangweta secondary forest was third with 0.0819 ± 0.13. Mixed firms had the least density of 0.95 ± 0.017 bird/ha. Further Dunn’s multiple comparisons test showed that Mixed farming and forest had no significant difference and had mean rank difference of 11.37. In mixed farming vs human settlement there was a significant difference with a mean rank difference of 57.38; in mixed farming vs sugarcane farms there was no significant difference; in the four habitats, 114 species of birds were cumulatively recorded. Out of these, 106 species were recorded in the secondary forests, 98 human settlement and 87 species in the sugarcane plantations and 55 in mixed farms. There was a significant difference in bird diversity in the four habitats where Secondary forest had the highest diversity of 3.85 and sugarcane plantations had a diversity of 3.71 while human settlement and mixed firms had lower diversities of 2.6 and 2.5 respectively (df1 = 2, df2 = 0.0 F = 0.00001, P = 0.00001).","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"40 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128348391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Free-Living Nematodes as Pollution Indicator in Incomati River Estuary, Mozambique","authors":"M. I. Soko, T. Gyedu-Ababio","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.95010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.95010","url":null,"abstract":"Four sites following the salinity gradient of the Incomati River Estuary E1 (0-3NST), E2 (3-5NST), E3 (6-18NST) and E4 (19-27NST) were selected for the study. The aim of the study was to use free-living marine nematodes as pollution indicators in an area strongly affected by anthropogenic activities. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to determine the relationship between different environmental factors and with free-living marine nematodes. Metals such Cadmium, Colbat, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Nickel, Vadium, Zinc and Aluminium influenced the diversity and density of free-living nematodes. Shannon-Wiener Diversity, Maturity Index and colonize-persisters percentage (c% - p%) were found to be good tools for use as pollution indicators in the study. Nematode genera such as Terschellingia, Theristus and Halalaimus were found to be dominant at a site strongly impacted by both metals concentration and organic matters. The three genera are believed to be good indicators of pollution in the Incomati River Estuary. It is recommended that further studies are done along the Mozambican Coast to identify nematodes that can be used as pollution indicators.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"31 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131188453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Population Density, Diversity and Abundance of Antelope Species in Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria","authors":"Olajesu Sunday Oladipo, Akinyemi Abiodun Folorunso, Lateef Funmilayo Lewiska, Lameed Gbolagade Akeem","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2019.94009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2019.94009","url":null,"abstract":"Habitat degradation and fragmentation are eating deep into conservation areas and this is a serious threat to species diversity and abundance. Species like the antelopes have a sedentary and docile nature which makes them highly vulnerable to habitat degradation or human intrusion. The effect becomes complex as the remaining flora and fauna communities can be significantly impacted by changes in ecosystem structure and function. Population density, diversity and abundance of fauna species will either increase or decrease over time depending on the quality of the environment/habitat and the level of human interference or disturbance. Hence an updated checklist of species diversity and abundance is necessary to enable management and other stakeholders make pragmatic plans and policy towards sustainable species conservation. With the aid of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a 5 km transect was established per site and censured for Antelope species using the King Census method of enumeration. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Seven (7) species of Antelopes were recorded. Kobs (Kobus kob) were the most abundant (2019), while Reedbuck (Redunca redunca) was the least abundant with twenty-five (25) individuals. Kob is the most observed species in Oli Complex with 24.13%, ranking about 50% of kob in proportion. This was followed by roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), and Red Flanked duiker, 4.02% and 3.63% respectively. Kobs had the highest density of 40.38 per square km followed by roan antelope (3.32) and RF duiker (2.36). Relative density followed a similar trend. The least encounter rate was observed in Sylvicapra grimmia (0.02) and increse further to Hippotragus equinus (0.4), Redunca redunca (0.06) and Alcelaphus buselaphus (0.09) respectively. It was low amongst Tragelaphus scriptus (0.2), and moderate, while it was very high amongst the kobs (5.0). The rate of encountering an antelope in the park is very high at a rate of 6.2 animals per kilometer. Species of antelopes are almost not found in other ranges due to anthropogenic activities around the park. These activities are fast entering into the core area of the park. Hence management should take effective measure to curb this fast-rising problem.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"29 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125711006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}