Eutrophication is one of the causes of the degradation of reefs worldwide. The aim of this research is to determine if sewage discharge reaches the fore reefs at northwest of Cuba using δN in tissues of the octocorals Eunicea flexuosa and Plexaura kuekenthali and the concentration of microbiological and physical-chemical variables. Thirteen reefs at 10-m depth were selected near river basins and far from the urban and industrial development of Havana City. Branch tips of both species were collected, the concentrations of nutrient and microorganisms in water samples were quantified, and horizontal visibility in the water (Vis) was determined. Overall, δN of E. flexuosa ranged from 1.5 to 6.3‰ and P. kuekenthali from 1.7 to 6.7‰. The tissue of both species was significantly enriched in N in reefs near polluted watersheds compared with reefs far from pollution by anthropogenic activities. The δN of both species showed a positive and significant correlation with the concentration of fecal and total coliform bacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, and NH and a negative and significant correlation with the Vis. The δN of the two species and microbiological and physical-chemical variables evidenced water quality decline by sewage discharge that reached reefs near polluted watersheds.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-09956-x | DOI Listing |
Luminescence
January 2025
Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
The environmental impact of chemicals used in aquaculture, particularly nitrofurantoin, has raised global concern. Nitrofurantoin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, is commonly used in aquaculture despite safety risks. Determination of nitrofurantoin in water samples of fish ponds is necessary to ensure the safety and quality of seafood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
Water scarcity is an ecological issue affecting over 10% of Europe. It is intensified by rising temperatures, leading to greater evaporation and reduced precipitation. Agriculture has been confirmed as the sector accounting for the highest water consumption globally, and it faces significant challenges relating to drought, impacting crop yields and food security.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants (Basel)
January 2025
Department Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy.
In the Mediterranean basin, urban forests are widely recognized as essential landscape components, playing a key role in nature-based solutions by enhancing environmental quality and providing a range of ecosystem services. The selection of woody plant species for afforestation and reforestation should prioritize native species that align with the biogeographical and ecological characteristics of the planting sites. Among these, L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants (Basel)
January 2025
College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
In order to explore the water and fertilizer requirements of eggplants in the western oasis of the river, the experiment was conducted in Minle County of Gansu Province in 2022 and 2023 under three water stress gradients and three nitrogen application levels: (1) moderate water stress (W, 50-60% in field water capacity [FC]), mild water stress (W, 60-70% in FC), and full irrigation (W, 70-80% in FC); (2) low nitrogen (N, 215 kg·ha), medium nitrogen (N, 270 kg·ha), and high nitrogen (N, 325 kg·ha). Moderate and mild water stress were applied during eggplant flowering and fruiting while full irrigation was provided during the other growth stages; a control class (CK) was established with full irrigation throughout the whole plant growth without nitrogen application. This study investigated the effects of water-saving and nitrogen reduction on the yield, quality, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of eggplants in a cold and arid environment in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area of China.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlants (Basel)
January 2025
Traditional Medicine Laboratory, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa.
Medicinal plants are sources of crude traditional herbal medicines that are utilized to reduce the risk of, treat, or manage diseases in most indigenous communities. This is due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is estimated that about 80% of the population in developing countries rely on herbal traditional medicines for healthcare.
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