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Patterns and drivers of soil organic carbon fractions in urban greenspaces
Get PDFResúmen del póster presentado en Annual Meeting 2024 of the British Ecological Society 10-13 dic. (2024) LiverpoolUrban greenspaces can contribute to reduce the city carbon footprint by storing important amounts of soil organic carbon. Here we performed a standardized sampling of five different land uses (urban crops, parks, roundabouts, golf courses and natural ecosystems) across 27 cities in the Iberian Peninsula, and measured two main soil organic carbon fractions (POC and MAOC). We addressed whether POC and MAOC content was similar in urban than in natural ecosytems, and explored how environmental and management factors influenced POC and MAOC. Our results indicate that MAOC is the dominat fraction across land uses and cities, and that some of the urban greenspaces store a similar amount of organic C than its nearby natural ecosystem.N
On the potential role of reactive flow precipitation due to fluid-pressure gradients for the genesis of olivine veins in subducted metaserpentinite
No full textComunicación oral presentada en EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022This work is part of the project DESTINE (PID2019-105192GB-I00) funded by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the FEDER program “Una manera de hacer Europa”. J.A.P.N. acknowledges a Ramón y Cajal contract (RYC2018-024363-I) funded by 452MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the FSE program “FSE invierte en tu futuro”
Digging in the sand: new species and records of mesopsammic sea slugs in the Western Mediterranean (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
No full text44 pages, 20 figures, supplementary material https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2439056Marine interstitial habitats (mesopsammon) have been understudied due to complications of exploring its millimetric and highly adapted organisms. The restrictive ecological conditions of this neglected habitat include faint light and a limited amount of space. These have forced its fauna, with gastropod molluscs as one of the most common groups, to adapt by reducing body size to minute (often shell-less) vermiform organisms. These usually simplified heterobranch species are hard to collect and problematic to determine, often including cases of cryptic and pseudo-cryptic speciation. Here, we explore the interstitial heterobranch diversity alongside the Spanish and Catalan coast (Western Mediterranean) to shed light on the taxonomy of this group. Among the 15 localities, we have collected 315 specimens directly from coarse samples and associated habitats, belonging to ca. 39 different species, providing live photographs, species identification based on the current taxonomic knowledge, and species delimitations based on newly generated sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI). Results show the first records for Spain and the Catalan Coast for some of these neglected taxa, thereby reinforcing or expanding its distribution with molecular data. Moreover, two species are described, the lower heterobranch Rhodope salviniplaweni sp. n. and the nudibranch Embletonia mediterranea sp. n. and the cephalaspidean Laona vestita comb. nov. is reassigned to a different family. Overall, this study represents a significant advancement in the taxonomic and biogeographic knowledge of interstitial fauna, highlighting the value of continued research in these underexplored habitatsFunding for this project was generously provided by the association Artenvielfalt erforschen und retten UG and the Malacological Society of London, to JF-S’s research. Additional support was received from the World Congress of Malacology 2022, facilitating an oral communication and participation in the Symposium in honour of Philippe Bouchet. JM acknowledges support from the Spanish Government through the HETGEN1000 project (PID2021-127037NA-I00/MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and by FEDER una manera dehacer Europa)With the institutional support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)Peer reviewe
Heavy metal concentrations suggest pollution risk varies between sea turtle species in the northwest Atlantic Ocean
No full text8 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, supplementary data https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144190.-- Data availability: Data will be provided via email request to the corresponding authorHeavy metal pollution poses an increasing threat to marine life globally. Due to bioaccumulation, the risks of heavy metal pollution are particularly acute for large species at high trophic levels although this will vary based on a species' diet and foraging location. Here, we assessed exposure risk to heavy metal pollution in three sea turtle species: the green (Chelonia mydas), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles. Specifically, we collected skin and scute samples from deceased turtles found after cold-stunning in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, USA (green: n = 8, Kemp's ridley: n = 30, loggerhead: n = 17). Using ICP-MS, we analyzed samples for aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, silver, and zinc concentrations. Across all species, heavy metal concentrations were predominantly higher and more variable in scute than skin. When comparing species, PCA analysis revealed loggerhead turtles had the least variability in metal heavy concentrations, potentially driven by a generalist foraging strategy, relative to green and Kemp's ridley turtles. Nevertheless, all three species had concentrations of As and Cd near values considered toxic in vertebrates with loggerhead turtles having the highest concentrations. These findings underscore the importance of considering inter-specific differences when assessing the risks of heavy metal exposure in sea turtles and highlight As and Cd as key pollutants of concern in the northwest AtlanticThis work was supported by Purdue University Fort Wayne Center for Marine Conservation and Biology, PFW's Jack W. Schrey Distinguished Professor Fund, Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc [ESA permit 23639], Massachusetts Environmental Trust (grant number #ENV21MET01), and The Leatherback Trust. [...] NJR was supported by the Spanish government (AEI) through the Ramon y Cajal postdoctoral program [#RYC2021-034381-I]With the institutional support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)Peer reviewe
River Drying Causes Local Losses and Regional Gains in Aquatic Invertebrate Metacommunity Diversity: A Cross-Continental Comparison
Get PDFDrying river networks include non-perennial reaches that cease to flow or dry, and drying is becoming more prevalent with ongoing climate change. Biodiversity responses to drying have been explored mostly at local scales in a few regions, such as Europe and North America, limiting our ability to predict future global scenarios of freshwater biodiversity. Locally, drying acts as a strong environmental filter that selects for species with adaptations promoting resistance or resilience to desiccation, thus reducing aquatic α-diversity. At the river network scale, drying generates complex mosaics of dry and wet habitats, shaping metacommunities driven by both environmental and dispersal processes. By repeatedly resetting community succession, drying can enhance β-diversity in space and time. To investigate the transferability of these concepts across continents, we compiled and analyzed a unique dataset of 43 aquatic invertebrate metacommunities from drying river networks in Europe and South America. In Europe, α-diversity was consistently lower in non-perennial than perennial reaches, whereas this pattern was not evident in South America. Concomitantly, β-diversity was higher in non-perennial reaches than in perennial ones in Europe but not in South America. In general, β-diversity was predominantly driven by turnover rather than nestedness. Dispersal was the main driver of metacommunity dynamics, challenging prevailing views in river science that environmental filtering is the primary process shaping aquatic metacommunities. Lastly, α-diversity decreased as drying duration increased, but this was not consistent across Europe. Overall, drying had continent-specific effects, suggesting limited transferability of knowledge accumulated from North America and Europe to other biogeographic regions. As climate change intensifies, river drying is increasing, and our results underscore the importance of studying its effects across different regions. The importance of dispersal also suggests that management efforts should seek to enhance connectivity between reaches to effectively monitor, restore and conserve freshwater biodiversity.We thank Maxence Forcellini, Bertrand Launay, Maïlys Gauthier, Jéssica Camilla da Silva Vieira de Araújo, Christopher T. Robinson, Gemma Burgazzi, Barbora Loskotová, Marko Miliša, Maria Soria, Pau Fortuño, Raúl Acosta, Guillermo Quevedo-Ortiz, Marek Polášek, Nieves López-Rodríguez, Martí Piñero-Fernández, Dolors Vinyoles, Arnold Móra, Bálint Pernecker, Bernadett Boóz, Dorottya Hárságyi, József Balázs Berta, Zsuzsanna Pap, Anita Szloboda, and Éva Horváth-Tihanyi for collecting and sharing invertebrate abundance data. We thank Naiara López-Rojo for help with spatial distance calculations, Maxime Logez for help with the calculation of diversity metrics, and Hervé Pella for help with the map figure. D.E.-C. was supported by MOPGA 2023 Visiting Fellowship. This research was funded by the DRYvER project (Horizon 2020 #869226), the MECODISPER project (CTM2017-89295-P) funded by the Spanish “Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades—Agencia Estatal de Investigación”; and co-funded by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund). Research in Brazil was funded by the FUNCAP project (N° PS1-0186-00210.01.00/21) of the Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, and in Ecuador by Universidad San Francisco de Quito—USFQ grants (#17074). R.Sa. was funded by the Environment Agency (award SC220011).Peer reviewe
Co-living on the edge: The role of temporal overlap between predator and prey to explain coexistence between mesocarnivores in remnant riparian forests
No full text[ES] El uso de cámaras de fototrampeo es un método muy efectivo para la monitorización de comunidades de mesocarnívoros, permitiendo estudiar aspectos como los patrones de actividad, la ecología trófica o la coexistencia espacial. En este trabajo estudiamos la coexistencia de diferentes especies de mesocarnívoros presentes en un hábitat de bosque de ribera que funciona como refugio en una matriz agrícola intensiva, mediante datos de fototrampeo obtenidos entre mayo del 2021 y marzo del 2022. Estudiamos el solapamiento temporal entre las dos especies más abundantes de la comunidad, una generalista trófica (zorro; Vulpes vulpes) y una especialista facultativa (gineta; Genetta genetta) con una de sus presas potenciales más importantes (micromamíferos) a lo largo de todas las estaciones del año. El solapamiento temporal entre zorro y gineta fue moderado en todas las estaciones excepto en invierno mientras que el solapamiento con los micromamíferos fue más elevado para la gineta, especialmente en primavera y otoño, cuando estas presas tienen una mayor actividad. Los resultados sugieren que la coexistencia entre estas dos especies, que además comparten entorno con otras siete especies de carnívoros, sí puede estar mediada por la diferenciación en los patrones de actividad a lo largo del año, sugiriendo también una especialización en el nicho trófico para la gineta, que solapa más su actividad con los micromamíferos que el zorro.[EN] The use of camera traps is a very effective method for monitoring mesocarnivore communities, allowing to study aspects such as activity patterns, trophic ecology, and spatial coexistence. In this study, we examined the coexistence of two mesocarnivore species present in a riparian forest habitat that serves as a refuge in an intensive agricultural matrix, using camera trap data collected from May 2021 to March 2022. We studied the temporal overlap between the two most abundant species, a trophic generalist (the red fox; Vulpes vulpes) and a facultative specialist (the common genet; Genetta genetta), with one of their main potential preys (micromammals) throughout all seasons of the year. The temporal overlap between the fox and the genet was moderate in all seasons, except in winter, where it was significantly lower. The overlap with small mammals was higher for the genet, especially in spring and autumn, when they show greater activity. The results show that coexistence between these two species, which share the study area with seven more carnivores, could be possible due to the differences in activity patterns between them. Moreover, the higher overlap between common genet and micromammals suggests also a trophic niche differentiation that could help coexistence.Peer reviewe
Different objective, same mechanism, and unforeseen consequences: Insights into a pioneering species introduction for conservation
No full textThe introduction of exotic species to new habitats has been a historical human practice, ranging from utilitarian benefits to conservation efforts. This phenomenon has intensified over time, resulting in unexpected ecological and socio-economic impacts on receiving ecosystems. The case of the North African aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) introduction in the SE Iberian Peninsula in 1970 illustrates the multifaceted consequences and complexities associated with species introduction. Aoudad's introduction can be contextualized in four categories regarding socio-economic and ecological contexts, such as assisted colonization, hunting interest, taxon substitution, and trophic rewilding. Initially, the establishment of the species was promoted, and its growth favoured. However, its expansion along with ecological and socio-economic impacts led to conservation conflicts and impacts on human activities. Over the last two decades, aoudad management has shifted focus to active population control to mitigate ecological and socio-economic risks. Such species introductions highlight the challenge of predicting ecological and socio-economic outcomes, given the limited understanding of complex ecosystem dynamics and social context changes. Recent propositions regarding conservation strategies involving species introductions must heed the lessons from the aoudad case. The aoudad case emphasizes the importance of applying precautionary principles in species introductions, given the potential for irreversible consequences posed by established populations of introduced species.RPR was funded by a ‘Juan de la Cierva’ contract FJC2020–045938-I/MCIN/AEI/10.13039 /501100011033 and European Union Next Generation.Peer reviewe
Supplementary information for On the exergoeconomics of the thermochemical recycling of end-of-life tires by pyrolysis [Dataset]
No full textUnder a Creative Commons BY NC ND 4.0 license.S1. Twin-auger pyrolyzer: Desing and sizing considerations: In the model pyrolysis plant, the pyrolyzer is made of stainless steel 316 L, and its dimensions have been estimated according to Eq. S1 and Eq. S2, which are associated with the solid residence time (RT) within the heated zone and the ELTs mass flow rate (m ̇_ELTs), respectively [1].
RT= L/(RPM ×P) Eq. S1
m ̇_ELTs= π ×((∅_esc^2-∅_sft^2)/4)×TP×RPM×ρ_ELTs×δ×α×60 [kg/h] Eq. S2
Here, L is the pyrolizer length (m), RPM is the rotational speed of the twin-augers, and TP is the thread pitch of the screws (m). Likewise, ∅_esc is the screw diameter (m), ∅_sft is the screw shaft diameter (m), ρ_ELTs is the ELTs particle density (kg/m3), δ is the load factor, and α is the section reduction due to screw inclinations (α=1 for horizontal screws). Similar to the lab-scale pyrolizer, δ is assumed to be 20 % to enhance mixing and minimize ELTs granules accumulation on the screws. The ρ_ELTs was approximated to the density of rubber granules (800 kg/m3). Characteristics of the screw conveyors were defined based on manufactures information available online [2]. The twin augers consist of standard intermeshing screw conveyors with at diameter of 15 cm, approximately. Two different configurations were considered for the present study. First, a jacketed reactor in which combustion gases provide the heat for pyrolysis, Fig. S1. Second, an externally heated reactor surrounded by electric heating elements Fig. S2. Based on the processing capacity targeted, the total length of the reactor is around 33 m. To facilitate manufacturing, assembly, and operation, three independent reactors of 11 m are considered. The reactor dimensional features are necessary to determine parameters in the thermodynamic calculations such as the heating power requirements (sensible heat). The pyrolysis unit is divided into three reactors to facilitate manufacture, installation, and operation.S2. Implementation of the theory of exergy cost (TEC) to the pyrolysis process
Before implementing the TEC, the physical structure of the ELTs pyrolysis process at industrial scale was mathematically represented by means of the incidence matrix: A(n × m) [3]. A(n × m) shows in a matrix form how the components and the flows of the model plant interact.S1. Twin-auger pyrolyzer: Desing and sizing considerations: Fig. S1. Configuration of the pyrolyzer in the reference process. Fig. S2. Configuration of the pyrolyzer in the alternative process. Table S1. Assumption and consideration for the thermodynamic and exergoeconomic calculations of the model pyrolysis plant. S2. Implementation of the theory of exergy cost (TEC) to the pyrolysis process. S3. Laboratory-scale TRL-4 pyrolysis plant: Table S2. Thermodynamic characteristics of the streams of the lab-scale facility. S4. Model pyrolysis plant: reference process: Table S3. Thermodynamic characteristics of the streams of the model pyrolysis plant. Table S4. Fuel, product, and irreversibilities by component of the model plant. Table S5. Exergoeconomic costs for different ELTs prices of the model plant. Table S6. Equipment costs of the model pyrolysis plant. S5. Alternative process to the model pyrolysis plant. Fig. S3. Alternative process to the model pyrolysis plant at industrial scale. Table S8. Productive structure (exergy flows) of the alternative process. Table S9. Fuel, product, and irreversibilities by component: alternative process. Table S10. Exergy cost, unit exergy cost, and exergoeconomic cost of the alternative process (ELTs price: 50 USD/t). Table S11. Exergoeconomic cost of the alternative process for different ELTs prices. Table S12. Equipment costs for the alternative process.The authors would like to express their gratitude to COLCIENCIAS for the financial support to the research project 1210-715-51742. F. Campuzano acknowledges COLCIENCIAS for the Ph.D. scholarship 757–2016. This work was also supported by the Grupo de Investigaciones Ambientales (GIA) at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) and the Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).Peer reviewe
Nucleotides and amino-acids sequences corresponding to the Heavy and the (two) Light chains from Mab P1/MCA4 [Dataset]
No full textNucleotides and amino-acids sequences corresponding to the Heavy and the (two) Light chains from Mab P1/MCA4.Peer reviewe
Early Pleistocene vertebrate tracks impressed on Oligocene beds from the southernmost Iberian Peninsula: Palaeogeographic implications
No full textThe southern of the Iberian Peninsula preserves a diverse ichnological record of vertebrates from the late Neogene–Quaternary. While the ages of several tracksites, such as those from the Miocene–Pliocene transition and the middle-late Pleistocene, are well-established, others remain undated or have unknown ages. This paper reports the discovery of the southernmost tracksite in the Iberian Peninsula and continental Europe on the Island of Tarifa (Cádiz). The tracksite contains over 600 vertebrate footprints from the early Pleistocene that are grouped in four morphotypes. Morphotypes 1, 2 and 3 (M1, M2 and M3) are predominantly didactyl-shaped, rounded to ovoid and elongated, and associated with tracks left by artiodactyls. Morphotype 4 (M4), suboval to subcircular in outline, is the largest and is probably related to the imprint left by proboscideans. We also document the progressive transition from morphotype 2 with isolated, rounded footprints to morphotype 3 with elongated tracks formed by overlapping two tracks of the same animal which is observed. The consistency of the substrate, together with the trackmaker limb dynamics, conditioned the final morphology of the tracks, which were produced in a very soft clay-rich substrate of late Oligocene, that was folded and tilted in the latest Pliocene. This relief configuration gave rise to a narrow, partially or totally flooded corridor through which the trackmaker animals passed continuously, simultaneously, and in opposite ways. This discovery from the southernmost tip of continental Europe is the first one from the early Pleistocene in the Iberian Peninsula and a rare example from the Mediterranean region.This work was supported by the R+D+i Project PCM-00096, the Project PID2019-104625RB-100, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, and the grants to the Research Group RNM276 (Junta de Andalucía), and the CCTH from University of Huelva.Peer reviewe