Biosystems Diversity (E-Journal - Dnipro National University)
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Crustaceans (Crustacea) in bodies of water in Uzbekistan as intermediate hosts of helminths of animals
Get PDFThe article provides information on the participation of crustaceans (Crustacea) in the life cycles of helminths of domestic and wild (game and commercial) animals in Uzbekistan. To date, 730 species of parasitic worms have been registered, 114 of which parasitise fish, 376 – birds, and 240 – mammals. The most common of them represent the class Cestoda: Bothriocephalus opsariichth y dis , Schistocephalus pungitii , Ligula intestinalis , L. colymbi , Digramma interrupta , Gryporhynchus pusillus , Dicranotaenia coronula , Diorchis brevis , Diorchis ransomi , Diploposthe laevis , Drepanidotaenia lanceolata , Fimbraria fasciolaris , Microsomacanthus microsoma , M. compressa , Myxolepis collaris , Sobolevicanthus gracillus , and Diphyliobothrium ditremum . The most epizo o tologically significant representatives of Nematoda included Raphidascaris acus , Contracaecum microcephalum , Camallanus lacustris , Ph i lometra ovata , Ph i lometra rischta , Phylometroides sanguine us , Dracunculus medine n sis , Avioserpens mosgovoyi , Ascaridia galli , Heterakis gallinarum , Tetrameres fissispina , Streptocara crassica u da , Echinuria uncinate , and Gnathostoma hispidum . Parasitological studies of the Cyclops community (more than 30 species) in various bodies of water in Central , North - Eastern , and North - Western Uzbekistan show infe c tion of 11 species of Cyclopidae with larval stages of cestodes and nematodes. Naturally, infected Cyclops widely inhabit diverse bodies of water and include the following species: Macrocyclops albidus , M. fuscus , Eucyclops macrurus , E. serrulatus , Cyclops strenuus , Cyclops vicinus , C. heberti , Acanthocyclops trajani , Thermocyclops crassus and Mesocyclops leuckarti . All of them are intermediate hosts to the helminths. The total prevalence of the larval stages of cestodes and nematodes in the studied Cyclops was 6.9%, with Cestoda larvae accounting for 5.7% and Nematoda – 1.2%. All cestode larvae found in Cyclops are of two types – procercoids and cysticerc o ids. The nematode larvae found in 7 crustacean species turned out to be representatives of the following families: Anisakidae, Camallanidae, Ph i lometridae, Dracunculidae and Gnathostomatidae. We identified a total of 20 species of helminth larvae, whose mature forms parasitise fish, birds and mammals. Crustaceans play a signif i cant role in the life cycles and circulation of pathogens and groups of parasites in bodies of water in Uzbekistan
Toxicity of imidacloprid for nontarget arthropods in a laboratory experiment
Get PDFThe use of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides disrupts the ecological balance in agrocenoses and is detrimental to no n target invertebrates. Therefore, in a laboratory experiment, we evaluated the sensitivity of 50 nontarget species of invert e brates to imidacloprid. No sensitivity to this insecticide was shown by Cylindroiulus truncorum , Formica rufa , Geophilus carpophagus , and Pterostichus niger (the LС 50 values were in the range of 10 to 166 mg/m 2 ). A moderate sensitivity was exhibited by Lithobius forficatus , Megaphyllum sp., Forficula auricularia , Labia minor , Porcellio laevis , Notiophilus pal u stris , Harpalus rufipes , H. latus , Amara nitida , Ophonus rufibarbis , Ponera coarctata , Lasius fuliginosus , L. niger , L. flavus , Rhyparochromus phoeniceus , Lygus pratensis , Oxythyrea funesta , and Teuchestes fossor (LС 50 measuring 1 to 10 mg/m 2 ). Imidacloprid-sensitive species were found to be Carabus convexus , C. granulatus , C. hortensis , Nebria brevicollis , Tach y porus hypnorum , Tachinus signatus , Drusilla canaliculata , Philonthus coprophilus , Ph. decorus , Ph. niti dus , Ph. cognatus , Silpha carinata , Phosphuga atrata , Aphodius foetens , Hister fenestus , Chortippus sp., Graphosoma itali cum , Coreus marg i natus , Pyrrhocoris apterus , and Myrmica ruginodis (LС 50 ranging 0.1 to 1 mg/m 2 ). A hypersensitivity to the studied insect i cide was registered for Ph. carbonarius , Xantholinus tricolor , and Oxytelus sculptus (LС 50 accounting for 0.03 to 0.08 mg/m 2 ). The values of median lethal concentration for some nontarget arthropods could vary by over 5 ,000 times. We o b served no relationship between trophic specialization of the species and sensitivity to imidacloprid. The larger the invert e brate’s body, the less sensitivity to the insecticide it exhibited
Organic soil pollutants resulting from military activities
Get PDFOrganic soil contaminants arising from military activities represent a significant environmental and public health challenge, with persistent compounds from explosives, their decomposition products, and rocket fuel co m ponents posing long-term risks to soil health, plant vitality, and ecosystem stability. This article reviews the sources, environmental behaviors, and biological impacts of three key classes of organic pollutants: common energetic compounds, their environmental decomposition products, and rocket fuel components. Drawing on recent literature, the discussion emphasizes the adverse effects on soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and plant physiology, highlighting mechanisms such as oxidative stress, bioaccumulation, and growth inhibition. The review underscores the need for integrated remediation strategies to mitigate these impacts, offering insights into sustainable approaches for contaminated sites. By summarizing data from field studies and laboratory exp e riments, this work contributes to understanding the multifaceted ecological consequences of military-derived pollution and informs policy for land restoration
Pesticides as a cause of honeybee (Apis mellifera) mortality and their persistence in honey
Get PDFRecently, there has been a widespread decline in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies globally, disrupting ecological balance and reducing the pollination capacity of many entomophilous plants. One of the primary causes of bee family deaths is the increasing use of pesticides, particularly insecticides, in agricultural practice. This study aimed to identify the causes of bee family mortality in various regions of Ukraine during 2021–2022 and to determine the breakdown potential of different pesticide groups in honey. Pesticide residues in biological samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). In the bodies of dead bees, residues of various pesticides from different chemical groups, as well as their mixtures, were detected. In most cases, the cause of bee poisoning was mixtures of pyrethroids and neonicotinoids: thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and lambda-cyhalothrin; imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and thiamethoxam; as well as clothianidin and lambda-cyhalothrin. The primary pesticides found in honey were neonicotinoids (58.8%), triazoles (29.6%), strobilurins (6.5%), and benzimidazoles (5.1%). Most pesticide levels did not exceed the maximum allowable levels in honey. The neonicotinoids detected in honey included thiacloprid, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam. The triazoles detected included tebuconazole, cyproconazole, flutriafol, and epoxiconazole; strobilurins included picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, and azoxystrobin; and benzimidazoles included carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. Residues of neonicotinoids, triazoles, benzimidazoles, and strobilurins in honey did not undergo degradation over 12 months of storage at 4 °C. Storing honey at 20 °C after 12 months increased the degradation of thiacloprid by 21.2%, acetamiprid by 20.7%, and flutriafol by 36.3%. Between the 9th and 12th months at 20 °C, picoxystrobin concentration decreased by 24.5–38.0%, and carbendazim concentration decreased by 80.0% to a complete breakdown of residues in honey. The degradation of thiophanate-methyl in honey at 20 °C reached 28.0% by the 6th month, 46.0% by the 9th month, and 55.4% by the 12th month. This persistence of most pesticides in honey poses a significant risk of toxic effects on bee families as well as on human health
The trematode cercariae fauna in Central Uzbekistan
Get PDFThe results of the research show that molluscs in the water bodies of Central Uzbekistan were infected with trematode cercariae. The infection of Lymnaeidae, Planorbidae, Physidae and Thiaridae molluscs with trematode cercariae was studied, and larvae of 32 species were identified. The trematode cercariae fauna in Central Uzbekistan has been enriched with a number of new species: Fasciola gigantica , Diplostomum helveticum , Calicophoron calicophorum , Liorchis scotiae , Gastrothylax crumenifer , Notocotylus ephemera , Skrjabinoeces similis , Strigea falconis , Philophthalmus lucipetus , De n dritobilharzia loossi , Gigantobilharzia acotylea , Gigantobilharzia sp. The composition of these cercariae is distinguished by its diversity in the molluscs Lymnaea auricularia (14 species) and Planorbis planorbis (15 species). In general, it was found that the fauna of the detected cercariae belonged to 15 families of trematodes. 2 cercariae species were recorded in each of the molluscs Physa fontinalis and Melanoides kainarensis . It was shown that adult forms of the detected trematode cercariae occur in fish, birds and mammals. The importance of molluscs in the formation of the cercariae fauna was highlighted. During the research period, monitoring was carried out in the water bodies of the indicated regions. As an example, stationary studies were conducted on the molluscs L. auricularia and P. planorbis in the Tudakul Reservoir . During the study period in the upper part of the reservoir, the incidence of accidental infection with trematode parthenites and cercariae in L. auricularia mollusca was 22.0 – 32.6%, in the middle part, the infection rate was 7.6%, and in the lower part, this rate was 11.2 – 25.7%. A similar situation can be observed with the infe c tion of another mollusca species P. planorbis , the difference from L. auricularia mollusca is that the infection rate is significantly lower. At the same time, the main factors influencing the formation of the cercariae fauna in the study area are presented
Anatomical diagnostic indicators of adaptation to ecological conditions in the vegetative and generative organs of Peganum harmala (Nitrariaceae)
Get PDFOne of the priority directions in modern botany is the experimental investigation of the ecological anatomy of plants. Rapidly increasing anthropogenic pollution is among the main ecological issues threatening ecosystem stability and plant diversity on a global scale. In this context, studying the adaptive mechanisms of species resistant to ecological pressures, including plants with bioindicator potential such as Peganum harmala , holds particular significance. Such studies provide not only an assessment of regional conditions but also a scientific basis for global phytobioindication, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration strategies. Investigating the structural adaptations of flora elements in ecologically pristine and phytocontaminated environments is crucial for evaluating ecosystem health. The present study is distinguished by a comprehensive approach analyzing structural adaptations of plants under contemporary ecological risks, thereby integrating regional observations into the study of global env i ronmental challenges. Plant samples naturally occurring in the study areas were collected, fixed, and subjected to anatomical sectioning. Transverse sections obtained using a microtome were treated with histochemical reagents and processed into perm a nent preparations. Statistical analysis of micrometric parameters recorded during microscopic examination revealed significant differences among the samples. Notably, in plants collected from the Aghdam Industrial Park, massive accumulation of yellow-pigmented intracellular inclusions was microscopically confirmed in the palisade parenchyma of leaves, the prosenchymatous tissue of the petiole, the palisade cell layer of the sepal, and the chlorenchyma of the stem and pedicel. Parenchymatic inclusions were also observed. Idioblasts were recorded in both leaves and sepals of these samples. Statistical measurements indicated that in the Aghdam specimens, the thickness of chloroplast-containing parenchyma layers in leaves, petioles, and sepals was greater, whereas in the Zangilan specimens, the epidermal cell size and the thickness of their outer periclinal walls were higher across all above-ground vegetative organs. In seeds from Zangilan, the aleurone layer was better developed, while in the Aghdam seeds, a thicker endotesta and accumulation of non-specific intracellular inclusions were observed, demonstrating that structural variabil i ty occurs under differing environmental conditions. Root samples from Aghdam showed more compact tissue organization, particularly a thicker periderm and stronger sclerenchyma development. These findings highlight the plant’s high adaptive capa c ity and visually confirm the localization of non-specific inclusions at the anatomical level. The accumulation of such inclusions in medicinal plants exposed to phytocontamination may pose risks to their medicinal use. Given that P. harmala is widely employed as a medicinal plant, investigating non-specific deposits within its internal structures under contaminated conditions provides essential scientific evidence for assessing the ecological safety of medicinal plants and for selecting appropriate cultivation environments
Seasonal and environmental variability in leaf anatomical traits of Pistacia lentiscus among different sites in Northwestern Algeria
Get PDFLeaf anatomical traits such as cuticle, epidermis, palisade parenchyma, and total leaf thickness play a critical role in plant adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Mediterranean plants, including sclerophyllous species, have evolved these traits to thrive under these fluctuating conditions. The present study investigates the anatomical variations in Pistacia lentiscus L. leaves in response to environmental factors in Northwestern Algeria. Through a comparative analysis across multiple sites and seasons, we evaluated the influence of climatic and edaphic conditions on leaf structural thickness, particularly the cuticle, ep i dermis, and palisade parenchyma. The results indicate that spatial variability is mainly reflected in changes in cuticle and palisade parenchyma thickness, while seasonal variability primarily affects the epidermis and foliar parenchyma. The highest values were recorded in Bouhriz Forest, the most arid site, during winter, while the h ighest values in summer were ob served in Tessala Mou n tains, the site with the highest altitude. However, the values in Beni Saf Forest were moderate, followed by the lowest values in M'Sila Forest. These anatomical adjustments highlight the adaptive capacity of P. lentiscus to the environmental constraints of the Mediterranean climate. This study underscores the importance of abiotic factors in shaping leaf traits and contributes to a better understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of sclerophyllous species in response to climatic and edaphic variations
Assemblage structure of rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) in beech and mixed forests of the Gorgany Mountain Massif (Ukrainian Carpathians)
Get PDFThe assemblages of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in mixed and beech forests of the Gorgany mountain massif are represented by 69 species belonging to 35 genera and 13 subfamilies. The identified species constitute 0.1% of the global fauna. The highest species diversity was observed in the subfamilies Staphylininae, Tachyporinae, Steninae, and Omaliinae, which together account for 81. 5 % of all recorded species. The subfamily Staphylininae comprises the largest number of genera – 14 in total – with 27 species. The genus Philonthus is the most species-rich, including 8 species. The genera Ocypus , Tasgius , Staphylinus , Qu e dius , and Xantholinus are each represented by two species, while the genera Othius , Deleaster , Platydracus , Emus , and Megal i nus each include only one species.The subfamily Tachyporinae includes four genera: Tachynus (5 species), Tachyporus (4 species), Lordithon (4 species), and Sepedophilus (2 species). Steninae is represented by a single genus, Stenus , with 5 recor ded species. Omaliinae includes four genera: Eusphalerus (3 species), Omalium (2 species), and Acrulia and Amphichroum , each with one species. The lowest number of species was recorded in the subfamilies Olisthaerinae, Micropeplinae, and Phloeocha rinae, each represented by a single species.A total of 28 species were common to both analyzed ecosystem types, including Om a lium caesum , Atrecus longiceps , Philonthus decorus , Ph . nitidus , Ph . marginatus , Ph . longicornis , Ph . splendens , Othius punct u latus , Deleaster dichrous , Staphylinus erythropterus , S . caesareus , Nudobius lentus , Oxytelus sculptus , Stenus comma , S . carpathicus , S . humilis , S . nitens , Tachyporus chrysomelinus , T . formosus , Lordithon lunulatus , L . trimaculatus , Bryaxis ca r pathicus , Oxyporus maxillosus and O . rufus . Dominance structure analysis revealed one dominant species in mixed ecosystems ( Philonthus splendens ) and three dominants in beech forest assemblages ( Philonthus splendens , Ph . marginatus , and Staphylinus erythropterus ). The proportion of subdominants in the analyzed assemblages was 18.3% and 14.6%, respectively. The checklist includes species found in forest litter, under stones, in plant and animal remains, animal dung, compost heaps, and fruiting bodies of fungi. In terms of trophic specialization, most species are predators, with some zoo-nematophagous and zoo-mycetophagous species also present. Certain species ( Deleaster dichrous ) show winter activity. Additionally, one species, Emus hirtus , is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine
Growth patterns, condition factors and morphological variations in Barbonymus schwanefeldii from Indonesia
Get PDFTinfoil barb ( Barbonymus schwanefeldii ) is one of Indonesia's native fish species which has economic value as a consumption and ornamental fish. This species is also found in the Leuser Ecosystem Area, specifically the Keureuto, Bunin, and Sikundur Rivers, Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, studies regarding the length-weight relationship, condition factors, meristics and morphometric variations of this species have not yet been undertaken , especially in the Leuser Ecosystem Area. So this research on these characteristics is important a s a basis for managing these fish in the Leuser Ecosystem Area. Samples were collected in three locations (Bunin River, Keureuto River and Sikundur River) over a period of nine months using nets, gillnets and fishing rods. Fish length and weight were measured in situ using digital scales and calipers. Meristic and morphometric analy s es were also performed in this study to reveal possible intraspecies differences. A total of 24 morphometric and 9 meristic characters were measured in this study. A total of 208 B. schwanefeldii samples were collected in this study with a total of 70 males and 138 females. The total number of B. schwanefeldii catches in the Keureuto, Bunin, and Sikundur River reach ed 57, 110, 41 samples, respectively. Based on the results of observations at the three research locations, it shows that female fish we re more dominant, where the ratio between male:female for the three locations respectively wa s between 1:2.33 (Bunin River), 1:1.71 (Keureuto River), and 1:1.56 (Sikundur River). B. schwanefeldii collected from the Keureuto River and Sikundur River had a negative allometric growth pattern, while those from the Bunin River had a positive allometric growth pattern. Comparative meristic and morphometric analysis showed that B. schwanefeldii collected from the Keureuto River and Sikundur River had high similarities, while B. schwanefeldii from the Bunin River w ere relatively different. The results of this research succeeded in revealing morphological variations between B. schwanefeldii popul a tions which are related to adaptation to different habitats
Roost site selection and seasonal dynamics of the Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius): Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors
Get PDFThis study examines the roosting site selection and seasonal dynamics of the Indian flying fox ( Pteropus medius Te m minck, 1825) in relation to environmental and anthropogenic factors. Fifteen roosting sites located in Okara, Kasur and Lahore districts , Punjab, Pakistan were investigated over a two-year period from July 2022 to June 2024. A total of 202 trees were used by P . medius as roosting sites representing 28 species, 23 genera and 10 families. Roosting sites with higher bat populations were dominated by Bombax ceiba (16.3%), Eucalyptus sp. (9.9%), and Pinus strobus (8.4%) during winter whereas Syzygium cumini (7.9%), Swietenia mahagoni (6.4%) and Ficus benjamina (6.4%) were more frequently occupied during summer. Significant seasonal fluctuations in bat numbers were observed with protected sites showing minimal changes while non-protected sites had higher bat populations in winter. Protected areas, such as Changa Manga Forest provided more stable env i ronmental conditions, leading to higher and more stable bat populations. The correlation matrix revealed that permanent roos t ing sites were more strongly associated with higher bat populations. Additionally, bat abundance was positively correlated with canopy cover (r = 0.499), tree diameter at breast height (r = 0.501) and tree height (r = 0.122). Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted temperature, humidity, and vegetation as key environmental factors influencing roost site selection. The analysis also revealed that anthropogenic activities such as tree cutting and hunting negatively affect bat populations. Accor d ing to PCA, protected permanent roosts in natural habitats with minimum human interference scored highest followed by pe r manent protected sites in urban areas, with temporary non-protected sites scoring lowest. A 1.7% decline in bat numbers was recorded over the study period, particularly at non-protected sites due to human-induced disturbances. The findings highlighted the critical need for conservation of roosting habitats, particularly in light of the ongoing threats posed by human activities and climate change