Department of Civil Engineering & the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton S017 1BJ, UK.
Published: August 2004
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Interrelations of fungal mycelium with other soil biota are of paramount importance in forestry and soil ecology. Here we present the results of statistical analysis of a comprehensive data set collected in the first (and the only) British fungus sanctuary over a period of four months. The variables studied included a number of soil properties, bacteria, protozoan flagellates, ciliates and amoebae, microbial and plant feeding nematodes, various microarthropods, and two fungal biomarkers--glomalin and ergosterol. One way ANOVA showed that the dynamics of the microbiota studied was influenced by seasonal changes. Superimposed on these changes, however, was variability due to biological interactions and habitat characteristics. Two fungal biomarkers, ergosterol and glomalin, were differently influenced by other biota and abiotic variables. The results indicate that the dynamics of soil fungi is influenced not only by soil microarthropods, but also by those found in forest litter. The overall outcome, therefore, is likely to be very complex and will depend upon specific conditions of any particular ecosystem.
AbstractChanging climates are driving population declines in diverse animals worldwide. Winter conditions may play an important role in these declines but are often overlooked. Animals must not only survive winter but also preserve body condition, a key determinant of growing season success.
Four salt-tolerant and aromatics degrading strains used in this study were isolated from polluted technogenic soil on the territory of the Verkhnekamsk potash deposit (Russia). The strains were aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-endospore-forming irregular rods, exhibiting a marked rod-coccus growth cycle. They contained lysine-based peptidoglycan, teichulosonic acid and poly(glycosyl phosphate) polymers in the cell walls.
Cocoa-growing areas in Ghana have experienced a rise in mining activities affecting cocoa cultivation and increased concentrations of potentially toxic metals in the soil, which can accumulate in cocoa beans. This study evaluated potential toxic metal contamination in cocoa beans and soils from cocoa farms in mining and non-mining areas in Ghana. We used X-ray fluorescence and an ICP-MS to determine metal concentrations, and a Zeeman mercury analyzer to determine mercury.
A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile, coccus-shaped, and red-pigmented bacterial strain designated as CJ14 was isolated from lettuce cultivation soil in Yong-In, South Korea. Strain CJ14 grew optimally on Luria-Bertani agar at 37 ℃ and pH 7.0 in the absence of NaCl.
This study investigates the quantities of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Dong Nai Province's surface soils. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) were used to determine element concentrations. To validate the concentration results, established reference materials (NIST 2711 and IAEA Soil-7) were used.
