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Local Perspectives on the Role of Dams in Altering River Ecosystem Services in West Africa
No full textWater-related ecosystem services provide a broad range of benefits, including the mitigation of extreme hydrometeorological events, the provision of water for various uses, the support of tourism, and the provision of cultural services. This study assesses the perceptions and accessibility of these services among communities located near the Alafiarou and Okpara dams in Benin and the Bagr & eacute; dam in Burkina Faso. The methodology involved designing and implementing a questionnaire in KoboCollect, with trained agents deployed to conduct data collection at each of the three sites. Data analysis indicates that respondents identified biodiversity conservation and the provision of drinking water as the most crucial ecosystem services. Over two-thirds of participants reported observing both positive and negative changes in the services provided by rivers and in socio-economic activities since the construction of the dams. While the majority noted improvements in agriculture, irrigation, water quality, fisheries, and flow rates, other changes included biodiversity loss, a decrease in vegetation cover (notably trees and shrubs), an increase in the population of mosquitoes and other insects, and a decline in fishery resources downstream. Despite these challenges, local communities were strongly willing to participate in initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring river ecosystems and their related services
Global biogeography of airborne viruses in public transit systems and their host interactions
No full textBackgroundThere is a diverse assemblage of microbes in air in built environments (BEs), but our understanding of viruses and their interactions with hosts in BEs remains incomplete. To address this knowledge gap, this study analyzed 503 metagenomes isolated from air samples from public transit systems in six global cities, namely Denver, Hong Kong, London, New York City, Oslo, and Stockholm. Viral genomes were recovered from samples via metagenomic binning, and viruses' taxonomy, functional potential, and microbial hosts were determined. The study also investigated correlations between virus and host abundances, the coevolution of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems and anti-CRISPR (Acr) proteins, and the potential impacts of auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) on hosts.ResultsAirborne viruses in global BEs exhibited biogeographical variations in diversity, composition, function, and virus-host interactions. Nearly half of the vOTUs analyzed were from the Caulimoviridae family, while 31.8% of them could not be taxonomically classified. Diverse functions were identified within the vOTUs, together with antimicrobial resistance genes with the potential to confer resistance to various antibiotics and antimicrobial agents. Strong correlations were observed between vOTU and host abundances, with clear distinctions between virulent and temperate viruses. However, there was limited co-evolution of CRISPR-Cas systems and Acr proteins, which was likely due to the oligotrophic and physical conditions in the BEs and the dominance of vOTUs with a virulent lifestyle. Phage-encoded AMGs appeared to have the potential to enhance host fitness. These findings highlight biogeographical variations in airborne viruses in BEs and that physical and oligotrophic conditions in BEs drive virus survival strategies and virus-host coevolution.ConclusionThere are biogeographical variations in airborne viruses in BEs in global cities, as physical and oligotrophic conditions in BEs drive virus survival strategies and virus-host coevolution. Moreover, the characteristics of airborne viruses in BEs are distinct from those of viruses found in other, more nutrient-rich ecosystems.4cJVx2Kax5mP_aCmAHF6dhVideo AbstractConclusionThere are biogeographical variations in airborne viruses in BEs in global cities, as physical and oligotrophic conditions in BEs drive virus survival strategies and virus-host coevolution. Moreover, the characteristics of airborne viruses in BEs are distinct from those of viruses found in other, more nutrient-rich ecosystems.4cJVx2Kax5mP_aCmAHF6dhVideo Abstrac
Effects of propagation method and methyl jasmonate treatment on stem bark wound healing in Norway spruce seedlings
No full textHealing of stem bark wounds is important for minimizing pathogen infection risk, restoring nutrient transport and structural support in trees. Here, we explore how propagation through somatic embryogenesis (SE) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment affect wound healing ability in Norway spruce (Picea abies) plants. We inflicted a mechanical wound on the lower stem of MeJA- and non-treated plants produced via SE (emblings) or from seeds (seedlings). Visible signs of healing around the wound edges (onset of healing) were recorded 2 weeks post-wounding; wound size (exposed xylem) was measured every other week (June-September) in year 1, and May and September in year 2. Plant height and diameter were also measured. MeJA positively affected healing onset, with 48% more MeJA- than non-treated plants exhibiting early healing. This resulted in a sharp decrease in wound size for MeJA-treated plants 2-4 weeks post-wounding. However, these benefits only occurred early on, as MeJA reduced the overall healing rate (tissue growth/day) by 9%. For SE, fewer emblings (70%) showed early healing signs compared to seedlings (91%). Yet, non-treated emblings showed the highest healing rate during year 1; in year 2, these effects persisted with all emblings having a 61% faster healing rate and 68% more had completely closed their wounds relative to seedlings. Wounding did not affect growth, MeJA negatively affected diameter but not height, and overall emblings grew less than seedlings. We conclude that MeJA may stimulate stem wound healing initiation in Norway spruce, but slow down healing rate and vice versa for SE plants
Reducing bread surplus and waste at the bakery-retail interface in three European countries
No full textBread is one of the major contributors to food waste in many countries. This study focuses on the bread value chain, particularly the relationship between bakeries and retailers, to provide insights on practices contributing to bread surplus and waste, alongside solutions for how these could be avoided. The study utilises qualitative data collected through bread value chain stakeholder dialogues organised in Finland, Italy, and Sweden. The study identifies six key issues pertinent at the bakery-retail interface that contribute to the emergence of bread surplus and waste and discusses potential solutions: daily surplus and waste measurement, product assortment management, ordering schedules and terms, knowledge and data sharing, consumer education, and surplus bread management. The study contributes to literature on bread waste management and has managerial implications for bakeries and retailers
Psychological and physiological responses to smells from nature-potential health benefits for urban dwellers
No full textAn increasing number of studies explore the health benefits of nature exposure, yet few examine its effects through smells. This paper aims to review the literature on the psychological and physiological effects of smells emitted by natural sources. Findings from 30 studies show that smells from nature reduce stress, promote relaxation and enhance well-being. Their integration into cities can enhance nature exposure, urban satisfaction and promote healthier environments
Nontarget and Suspect Screening of Fluorinated Ionic Liquids and PFAS in European Wastewaters Using Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorinated ionic liquids were investigated in municipal effluents from 30 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across 15 European countries using supercritical fluid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (SFC-HRMS) for nontarget screening. Bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimide (bis-FASI) ionic liquids were detected as bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NTf2-), two rarely reported homologues (+/- 2 CF2, namely FSI- and BETI-), and two previously unreported homologues (+/- 1 CF2, namely FTFSI- and FTNTf2-). Bis-FASIs were present in 85% of samples and were more abundant in effluents from larger WWTPs. The fluorinated anion PF6-, commonly used in ionic liquids, was found in all samples (100 ng/L), yet PF6- alone surpassed the combined concentration of all low-fluorinated substances in 27 out of 30 samples. These results reveal the significance of unconventional fluorinated substances for the overall fluorine load in wastewater, highlighting the need to extend monitoring strategies beyond legacy PFAS
The perception of walking on an urban forest path in daylight and under electric lighting
No full textIn daylight, urban forests promote human health and well-being by offering opportunities for recreation and psychological restoration. In urban forests, electric lighting is often installed to enable recreation during the dark season. This study explored how urban residents experience walking in an urban forest in daylight compared to walking in darkness with electric lighting. Local residents participated in a field study in an urban forest in Sweden. Participants, 48 in total (n = 23 in daylight, n = 25 in electric light) engaged in structured walks along a 270-m long gravel path equipped with pole-mounted electric lighting. During the walks, the participants completed observer-based environmental assessments for visual accessibility, prospect-escape, perceived safety, perceived comfort quality of the electric light, restorative potential, and reported their intentions to choose or avoid a similar path in the future. After the structured walks, participants verbally reflected upon their experience, providing contextualised qualitative information that nuanced the assessments. Analysis of variance, with age, gender, value orientation and connectedness with nature as co-variates, revealed that most of the assessed experiences deteriorated from daylight to electric light. Despite this, mean values indicated that the urban forest path was perceived to hold a restorative potential and that the participants had an intention to choose similar paths under electric light conditions. In a public health perspective, the provision of electric light along urban forest paths close to residential areas could be favourable but must be balanced against the detrimental effects of light pollution on other species and energy use
Nutritional Aspects of the Association of Spineless Cactus and Urea with Tifton-85 Hay in Wethers' Diets
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of including 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of spineless cactus (SC; Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) plus urea and ammonium sulphate (UAS) (9:1), replacing Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85), on nutrient intake and digestibility, feeding behaviour, water intake, and rumen dynamics. Five rumen-fistulated and cannulated crossbred wethers were randomly assigned in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. A roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30 was supplied. Organic matter (OM) and metabolisable energy (ME) intakes showed quadratic responses (p < 0.05), with maximum values of 1157 g/day and 14.50 MJ/day estimated at SC+UAS levels of 364 and 410 g/kg DM, respectively. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and non-fibre carbohydrates, as well as water excretion in faeces and degradation rate of DM, increased with SC+UAS inclusion (p < 0.05). Indigestible neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake, feeding and rumination times, voluntary water intake, NDF degradation and passage rates, as well as the indigestible NDF passage rate, decreased with SC+UAS inclusion (p < 0.05). In wethers' diets with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30, a roughage combination of SC+UAS and Tifton-85 hay in a 41:29 ratio is recommended to maximise ME intake
Uppföljning av kvalitetsförändringar i ängs- och betesmarker – fjärilar och humlor
No full textDenna rapport sammanställer resultaten från en 15-årig inventering (2006–2020) av dagflygande fjärilar och humlor inom ramen för kvalitetsuppföljningen av ängs- och betesmarker. Inventeringen har genomförts av Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) på uppdrag av Jordbruksverket. Datainsamlingen har skett inom cirka 700 ängs- och betesmarksobjekt som valts ut från Jordbruksverkets databas TUVA. För varje objekt har förekomst av fjärilar och humlor registrerats längs standardiserade transekter, tillsammans med beskrivande miljövariabler såsom typ av hävd, betesdjurslag, blomrikedom och vegetationshöjd. Resultaten presenteras som glidande femårsmedelvärden och förändringar har analyserats genom jämförelser mellan tre tidsperioder: 2006–2010, 2011–2015 och 2016–2020. Syftet är att undersöka långsiktiga trender i artrikedom och abundans i ängs- och betesmarker samt att analysera hur pollinatörers förekomst samvarierar med miljöfaktorer i dessa gräsmarker.Analyserna visar att både artrikedom och abundans (individantal) hos fjärilar och humlor generellt varit stabil eller ökat under perioden. Den positiva trenden drivs i huvudsak av vanliga, generalistarter, medan hotade och specialiserade arter varken ökar eller minskar. Särskilt blomrika, hävdade marker framstår som avgörande för bevarandet av mångfalden av fjärilar och humlor i ängs- och betesmarker.Fjärilar visar en positiv utveckling i såväl artantal som Shannon-diversitet i alla regioner. Totalt observerades 98 arter, och 11 arter visar signifikant ökad abundans, medan endast tre arter minskar. Det totala individantalet per hektar är stabilt, med vissa regionala variationer. Tidigt flygande arter samt arter beroende av träd- och buskvegetation visar svaga ökningar. Bland enskilda arter har bland annat ängspärlemorfjäril och påfågelöga ökat i abundans, medan puktörneblåvinge har minskat.Gräsmarksfjärilar visar ingen statistiskt säkerställd förändring i abundans över tid i de ängsoch betesmarker som ingår i TUVA-databasen. Resultatet överensstämmer delvis med observationer från Svensk Dagfjärilsövervakning, där en viss minskning noterats under samma period (Petterson och Arnberg 2025). Metodikskillnaden mellan Svensk Dagfjärilsövervakningens subjektivt valda inventeringslokaler i alla landskapstyper och Fjärilsoch humleinventeringens stickprovsinventering av ängs- och betesmarksobjekt i TUVA gör att skillnader i resultat är förväntade.Humlor uppvisar liknande mönster, med totalt 33 observerade arter. Både artantal och Shannon-diversitet har ökat, särskilt bland korttungade arter och snylthumlor. De långtungade humlorna har ökat nationellt men det finns regionala skillnader där antalet arter har ökat i Götaland medan Shannon-index visar på en minskad artrikedom i norra Sverige. Ingen humleart visar signifikant minskning i abundans medan 11 arter, såsom åkerhumla och mörk jordhumla, ökar i abundans.Flera miljövariabler visar starka samband med förekomsten av både fjärilar och humlor. Framför allt är blomrikedom, mätt som andel nektarbärande blommor, positivt korrelerad med såväl artantal som abundans. Blomrikedomen varierar över tid och mellan regioner, och i norra Sverige har en signifikant ökning observerats under inventeringsperioden. Vegetationshöjd uppvisar ett positivt, men svagt, samband med förekomsten av pollinatörer. Höjden har förblivit relativt konstant under perioden och varierar endast måttligt mellan regionerna. Norra Sverige har dock en lägre andel areal med kort vegetation, vilket överensstämmer med den lägre andelen betade marker i regionen.Även latitud och markfuktighet har visat sig ha ett samband med populationsstorlek och artantal. Exempelvis minskar både fjärilars artantal och abundans med ökande latitud, medan humlornas abundans följer ett U-format mönster, med lägre förekomst i mellersta Sverige och högre i de södra och norra delarna. Antalet humlearter ökar däremot med latitud, vilket antyder att sammansättningen av humlearter förändras i ett geografiskt mönster.Jämförelser mellan de två modelltyperna, GLM och GAMM, visar att GAMM generellt ger en mer detaljerad bild av sambanden mellan miljövariabler och populationsstorlek. GAMMmodellen förklarade en större andel av variationen i både fjärils- och humledata och fångade även icke-linjära samband samt variationer mellan år.Hävdtrycket, särskilt genom bete, har minskat i ängs- och betesmarkerna i TUVA-databasen under den studerade perioden. Betesmarker utgör cirka 90 % av den totala arealen i TUVAdatabasen, men andelen marker som betas aktivt har minskat från 85 % under perioden 2006– 2010 till 75 % under 2016–2020. Minskningen är särskilt tydlig i Götalands mellanbygder och Mellersta Sverige. I södra Sverige betas ungefär hälften av betesmarksarealen i TUVAdatabasen av nötdjur, medan motsvarande andel i norra Sverige endast uppgår till omkring en fjärdedel. I övrigt är djurslagen relativt jämnt fördelade över landet. Norra Sverige utmärker sig dock genom ett generellt lägre hävdtryck och avvikande nyttjandemönster, bland annat en lägre andel aktivt betade marker (cirka 50 %) och en mindre andel marker som betas av nötdjur. Slåttermarker är betydligt ovanligare än betesmarker i hela landet, men förekommer något oftare i de norra delarna. Fördelningen av areal mellan olika vegetationshöjder är jämn på nationell nivå, men regionala skillnader förekommer.Sammanfattningsvis visar resultaten att fortsatt aktiv hävd är avgörande för att bevara blomrika ängs- och betesmarker och därmed upprätthålla pollinatörers mångfald. Fjärils- och humleinventeringen ger värdefull information om trender för arter och artgrupper i de ängsoch betesmarker som ingår i den omfattande TUVA-databasen. Stickprovet är representativt för dessa marker, som utgör några av Sveriges mest värdefulla gräsmarker med kontinuerlig hävd, och resultaten ger därmed ett viktigt underlag för framtida uppföljning och bevarandearbete