BioRiskPub Date : 2023-05-15DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.20.97795
Michaella Petkova, Nadezhda Nankova, Viktoriya Kancheva, S. Boteva, A. Kenarova, G. Radeva
{"title":"Distribution of microbial abundance in long-term copper contaminated soils from Topolnitsa-Pirdop valley, Southern Bulgaria","authors":"Michaella Petkova, Nadezhda Nankova, Viktoriya Kancheva, S. Boteva, A. Kenarova, G. Radeva","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.20.97795","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.20.97795","url":null,"abstract":"This study presents the distribution of bacterial and fungal abundances in long-term copper (Cu) contaminated soils in Topolnitsa-Pirdop valley – a highly industrialized zone with a number of mines and processing plants for copper and other non-ferrous metals. The bacterial (16S rRNA gene copies) and fungal (ITS rRNA gene copies) were estimated using quantitative PCR technique in five topsoils, differently Cu contaminated (ranging from 28.05 to 198.9 mg kg-1). Bacterial abundance varied in a range of 1.68 × 1011 to 3.24 × 101116S rRNA genes, whereas fungi amounted from 1.95 × 108 to 6.71 × 108 ITS rRNA genes. Fungal and bacterial abundances were significantly (fungi) and insignificantly (bacteria) influenced by Cu contamination. The fungal/bacterial ratio related negatively with soil Cu, which shifted microbial communities’ structure towards bacterial dominance. Since the ratio between bacteria and fungi are vital in explaining many soil functions, the calculated changes in this ratio indicated deterioration in soil quality, being of primary importance for plant production.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44123397","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2023-05-15DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.20.97604
Venislava Spasova, D. Simeonovska‐Nikolova, K. Dimitrov, Gabriela Petrova, K. Pachedjieva, R. Tzonev
{"title":"The use of boreal relict shrub habitats of willow-leaf meadow sweet (Spiraea salicifolia) and shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) in Western Rhodope Mts. by mammal species","authors":"Venislava Spasova, D. Simeonovska‐Nikolova, K. Dimitrov, Gabriela Petrova, K. Pachedjieva, R. Tzonev","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.20.97604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.20.97604","url":null,"abstract":"Plant communities of two peat-shrub species – Spiraea salicifolia and Potentilla fruticosa were studied in the Rhodope Mts., with emphasis on their use as a resource for the mammals associated with them. These shrubs are boreal relicts among the dominant coniferous forests. The field surveys were conducted in the spring-autumn period of 2021–2022. In both study areas, the species composition of the mammals was studied by camera traps for medium and large mammals, and by Sherman live traps for small mammals. The species registered were roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), wild boar (Sus scrofa), pine marten (Martes martes), European hare (Lepus europaeus), red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis). Having in mind that small mammals are vital prey base for avian and mammalian predators, it is not surprising that M. glareolus and A. flavicollis individuals were captured in the habitats that they probably use as shelters. The pine marten inhabits the forests by which the community of P. fruticosa is surrounded, but probably feeds on the rodents in the shrub. In this way, it probably provides it with an alternative to the forest food base and hunting ground. From the presented results, it seems that the L. europaeus uses P. fruticosa shrubs as food. Therefore, the plant communities of the two relict peat-shrub species studied probably provide shelter and food for the mammals. Their importance is established for at least one species of mammal with conservation significance at national and European level – M. martes. Therefore, it is necessary to continue and expand the future monitoring on mammal diversity of these relict communities.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47931886","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2023-05-15DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.20.97581
G. Georgieva, T. Nedeva, M. Badalova, Veronika Deleva, V. Savov
{"title":"Study of the plant growth-promoting capacity of Pseudomonas putida 1046 in a model plant system","authors":"G. Georgieva, T. Nedeva, M. Badalova, Veronika Deleva, V. Savov","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.20.97581","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.20.97581","url":null,"abstract":"Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a microbial community that exerts growth-promoting capabilities in plants by various mechanisms. Among the PGPR genera, Pseudomonas spp. deserves special attention. It is due to its characteristic traits, like the production of phytohormones and siderophores, solubilization of minerals and phosphates, and plant protection from biotic and abiotic stress. These PGPR properties depend on the microorganism and its plant counterpart. The use of microbial strains as bioinoculants must consider the physiological and economic aspects of the process, and the plant growth stimulating effect has to be checked and proved. This study aimed to explore the PGP capacity of Pseudomonas putida 1046 strain in a model plant system of the economically important corn culture (Zea mays). The effect of the strain’s metabolic status on the plant germination capacity was evaluated. Bacterial cultures, grown 16 h and 48 h, were explored for the treatment of the corn seeds at three experimental concentrations: 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4%, and monitoring of their germination capacity through the growth indicators length of the radicle, length of the coleoptile, and the number of lateral roots. The data obtained outline the positive effect of Pseudomonas putida 1046 on the germination capacity of corn when applied at 0.2% concentration. The in vitro treatment of the model plants with 0.2% suspension resulted in a 22.87%–28.33% increase in the length of the radicle, a 35.96%–49.56% increase in the length of the coleoptile, and a 5.41–16.67% increase in the number of the lateral roots. High values of the vigour index (2125 for 16 h and 2721 for 48 h culture) were also registered. The strain’s ability to produce siderophores of hydroximate type and exhibit phosphate solubilizing activity is proved. The optimal treatment parameters of the corn seeds comprise the application of 0.2% suspension of 16 h grown Pseudomonas putida 1046 strain for five days.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43621376","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2023-05-15DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.20.97555
S. Georgieva, Z. Peteva, M. Stancheva
{"title":"Evaluation of abundance of microplastics in the Bulgarian coastal waters","authors":"S. Georgieva, Z. Peteva, M. Stancheva","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.20.97555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.20.97555","url":null,"abstract":"Plastic pollution in seawaters is ubiquitous, but quantitative estimates on the floating microplastics in the Black Sea are still limited. Plastics may adsorb persistent environmental contaminants, thus representing a potential risk for marine organisms.\u0000 Aim: Thе aim of the study was evaluation of the presence and characteristics of microplastic particles (MPs) in waters from the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.\u0000 Materials and methods: Samples of coastal waters were collected from March 2021 to April 2022 from different stations on the Black Sea coast, including protected, aquaculture and industrial areas. In order to determine the number of plastic particles, 23 samples were collected from the surface waters at depth of 1–3 m close to the Bulgarian shore. Samples were treated with H2O2, plastic particles were isolated by density separation and filtered over a membrane filter. Identification analysis of micro particles (< 5 mm) was performed visually by microscopy.\u0000 Main results: Results indicated widespread presence of microplastics in coastal waters. Mean MPs concentration was calculated 7.3 ± 4.9 pt/l. The comparison of the North, Varna and South sampling area showed that there is no significant difference in the abundance of plastic particles. The most dominant type forms were fibres followed by fragments. The most abundant size class of fragments was 101–500 μm Ferret diameter.\u0000 Conclusion: Further studies are needed in order to fill knowledge gap and to evaluate distribution of plastic particles in the Black Sea and their potential ecological risk.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46150316","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2023-05-15DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.20.97616
B. Angelova, G. Atanasova, N. Atanasov, M. Paunov, M. Gurmanova, M. Kouzmanova
{"title":"Alterations in membrane stability after in vitro exposure of human erythrocytes to 2.41 GHz electromagnetic field","authors":"B. Angelova, G. Atanasova, N. Atanasov, M. Paunov, M. Gurmanova, M. Kouzmanova","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.20.97616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.20.97616","url":null,"abstract":"The growing use of wireless communication devices has been significantly increasing the level of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment, which raises a concern for possible deleterious effects on living organisms. Long lasting exposure to low-intensity EMFs can cause effects on the molecular and cellular level, and a number of morphological and physiological changes. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of 2.41 GHz EMF emitted by wireless communication systems on human erythrocytes after in vitro irradiation. The amount of the hemoglobin released from the cells was measured as an indicator for membrane destabilization. Effects of different exposure times (20 min or 4 h) and time elapsed after exposure to 2.41 GHz pulsed or continuous EMFs with different intensities, emitted from a textile (0.213–0.238 V/m) or a dipole (5, 20, 40 and 180 V/m) antenna, were investigated. The obtained results showed that the low intensity EMF had no significant effect on the hemoglobin release from irradiated cells; even a slight tendency for membrane stabilization was noticed 3–4 hours after the end of 20-min exposure to 0.213–0.238 V/m, 2.41 GHz EMF. There was no difference in the effects of continuous and pulsed EMFs. Increased hemoglobin release was observed only during the 4-hour exposure to 180 V/m, 2.41 GHz continuous EMF. Under these conditions, the temperature of the cell suspension had been rising, so we compared the results obtained under EMF with the effects of conventional heating. Moreover, after 1-hour exposure to 180 V/m the released hemoglobin level was a bit higher than the control one but the difference disappears within an hour after terminating the irradiation. In conclusion, the in vitro exposure to 2.41 GHz EMF emitted by wireless communication devices with power density below the reference level for population exposure does not change the stability of the cell membrane of human erythrocytes.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70395537","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2023-03-06DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.19.96250
W. Ciesielski, H. Kołoczek, Zdzisław Oszczęda, J. Soroka, P. Tomasik
{"title":"Potential risk resulting from the influence of static magnetic field upon living organisms. Numerically simulated effects of the static magnetic field upon fatty acids and their glycerides","authors":"W. Ciesielski, H. Kołoczek, Zdzisław Oszczęda, J. Soroka, P. Tomasik","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.19.96250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.19.96250","url":null,"abstract":"Background: We attempt to recognise the effects of static magnetic field (SMF) of varying flux density on flora and fauna. For this purpose, the influence of static magnetic field is studied for molecules of octadecanoic (stearic), cis-octadec-9-enoic (oleic), cis,cis-octadec-9,12-dienoic (linoleic), all cis-octadec-6,9.12-trienoic (linolenic), trans-octadec-9-enoic – (elaidic), cis-octadec-11-enoic (vaccenic) and all trans-octadec-6,9,12-trienoic (trans-linolenic) acids as well as 1- and 2-caproyl monoglycerides, 1,2- and 1,3-caproyl diglycerides and 1,2,3-caproyl triglyceride. In such a manner we attempt to develop an understanding of the interactions of living cells with SMF on a molecular level.\u0000 Methods: Computations of the effect of real SMF 0.0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 AMFU (Arbitrary Magnetic Field Unit; here 1AMFU > 1000 T) flux density were performed in silico (computer vacuum), involving advanced computational methods.\u0000 Results: SMF polarises molecules depending on applied flux density It neither ionises nor breaks valence bonds at 0.1 and 1 AMFU. In some molecules under consideration flux density of 10 and 100AMFU some C-H and C-C bonds were broken. Some irregularities were observed in the changes of positive and negative charge densities and bond lengths against increasing flux density. They provide evidence that molecules slightly change their initially fixed positions with respect to the force lines of the magnetic field. The length of some bonds and bond angles change with an increase in the applied flux density providing, in some cases, polar interactions between atoms through space.\u0000 Conclusions: SMF destabilizes lipid acids and caproyl glycerides irregularly against increasing flux density. That irregularity results from the ability of those molecules to twist out of the initially established SMF plain and squeeze molecules around some bonds. In some molecules SMF flux density of 10 AMFU and above breaks some valence bonds and only in case of elaidic acid the trans-cis conversion is observed. Depending on the structure and applied flux density SMF either stimulates or inhibits metabolic processes of the lipids under study.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43949427","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2022-08-30DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.18.87433
Katarína Fogašová, P. Manko, J. Oboňa
{"title":"The first evidence of microplastics in plant-formed fresh-water micro-ecosystems: Dipsacus teasel phytotelmata in Slovakia contaminated with MPs","authors":"Katarína Fogašová, P. Manko, J. Oboňa","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.18.87433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.18.87433","url":null,"abstract":"Tiny pieces of plastic, or microplastics, are one of the emerging pollutants in a wide range of different ecosystems. However, they have, thus far, not been confirmed from phytotelmata – specific small water-filled cavities provided by terrestrial plants. The authors confirmed microplastics (141 μm – 2.4 mm long fibres of several colour and blue and orange fragments with diameters of 9–81 μm) in quantities from 101 to 409 per ml in Dipsacus telmata from two different periods. The phytotelmata, therefore, appear to be possible indicators of current and future microplastic pollution of the environment. However, further research is needed to obtain accurate information and verify the methodology for possible assessment of the local environmental burden of microplastics.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44924376","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2022-08-23DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.18.86616
W. Ciesielski, T. Girek, Zdzisław Oszczęda, J. Soroka, P. Tomasik
{"title":"Potential risk resulting from the influence of static magnetic field upon living organisms. Numerically simulated effects of the static magnetic field upon metalloporphyrines","authors":"W. Ciesielski, T. Girek, Zdzisław Oszczęda, J. Soroka, P. Tomasik","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.18.86616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.18.86616","url":null,"abstract":"Background: An attempt to recognize the effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) of varying flux density on flora and fauna.. For this purpose the influence of static magnetic field upon molecules of Mg(II), Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Co(III) and Cu(II) metalloporphyrins is studied.\u0000 Methods: Computations of the effect of real SMF 0.0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 AFU (Arbitrary Magnetic Field Unit; here 1AMFU > 1000 T) flux density were performed in silico (computer vacuum) involving advanced computational methods.\u0000 Results: The static magnetic field (SMF) decreased the stability of the metalloporphyrine molecules. This effect depended on the situation of the molecule in respect to the direction of the SMF of the Cartesian system. An increase in the value of heat of formation was accompanied by an increase in the dipole moment. It was an effect of deformations of the molecule which involved pyrrole rings holding the hydrogen atoms at the ring nitrogen atoms and the length of the C-H and N-H bonds. As a consequence, that macrocyclic ring lost its planarity.\u0000 Conclusions: SMF even of the lowest, 0.1 AMFU flux density influences the biological role of metalloporphyrines associated with their central metal atoms. This effect is generated by changes in the electron density at these atoms, its steric hindering and polarization of particular bonds from pure valence bonds possibly into ionic bonds.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47267877","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}
BioRiskPub Date : 2022-08-04DOI: 10.3897/biorisk.18.80357
S. Ibryamova, Stephany Toschkova, Borislava K. Pavlova, Elitca Stanachkova, R. Ivanov, N. Natchev, N. Chipev, Tsveteslava V. Ignatova-Ivanova
{"title":"A study of the microbiology of the intestinal tract in different species of Teleost fish from the Black Sea","authors":"S. Ibryamova, Stephany Toschkova, Borislava K. Pavlova, Elitca Stanachkova, R. Ivanov, N. Natchev, N. Chipev, Tsveteslava V. Ignatova-Ivanova","doi":"10.3897/biorisk.18.80357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3897/biorisk.18.80357","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents a study on the microbial status of different fish species and their habitats in the Bulgarian Black Sea area. The samples were collected in the period of January 2021 until March 2021. The fish species we used in this study were Black Sea turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), shore rockling (Gaidropsarus mediterraneus) and European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). The BIOLOG system was used for microbiological determination. From the different fish species, different species of microorganisms were isolated (using selective nutrient media). From the torbut, we isolated species Enterococcus villorum with 24 × 103 cells in 1 ml, Moraxella nonliquefaciens with 70 × 103 cells in 1 ml and Pseudomonas synxantha with 123 × 103 cells. Pseudomonas putida was isolated from the round goby with 20 × 103 cells in 1 ml. The species Streptococcus entericus with 123 × 103 cells in 1 ml was isolated from the shore rockling. Pseudomonas fulva with 60 × 103 cells in 1 ml was isolated from the European anchovy. A total of 223 × 103 cells in 1 ml of Pseudomonas agarici were isolated from Trachinus draco. Pseudomonas tolaasii with 145 × 103 cells in 1 ml were isolated from Merlangius merlangus. A different species of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas was found for each of the investigated species of Black Sea fish. Apparently, the species Pseudomonas is characteristic of marine Teleostei and is important for the life and metabolism of these vertebrates. These microorganisms probably are resident species and developed not as result of pollution or environmental change.","PeriodicalId":38674,"journal":{"name":"BioRisk","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46098471","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}