Objective: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of fungi that may affect human health in sand and water on Israeli Mediterranean Sea coast beaches.
Methods: The study included screening of the sand and water of six urban beaches from north to south on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sand samples were extracted with water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. Water samples were quantitated as well. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and ITS sequencing identified the fungi.
Results: The study considered several parameters: 1. Presence of fecal-contamination-related fungi; 2. Presence of dermal-infection-related fungi. 3. Presence of allergy-related fungi; 4. Presence of fungi posing risk for immunocompromised individuals. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: and other species, , and species. Yeast isolates included -including the human commensals and - and species.
Conclusions: The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use, better management, and the benefit of public health.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jof8090950 | DOI Listing |
Mar Environ Res
January 2025
Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
This study delves into the eco-dynamics of three dolphin species in the ultra-oligotrophic waters off the southern Israeli Mediterranean coast - two neritic: the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and one pelagic: the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). It utilizes compound-specific stable isotope analysis of individual amino acids to investigate carbon and nitrogen source variability and trophic positioning among the three species. Muscle samples from stranded individuals were analyzed for carbon (δC) and nitrogen (δN) isotopic ratios of amino acids, with ΔδN (Glutamate-Phenylalanine) acting as an indicator of relative trophic position.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Total Environ
December 2024
Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 3498838, Israel; Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Israel National Nature and Parks Authority, Gan Leumi Beit Yannay, Kfar Vitkin, Israel.
The Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) exhibits high temperature and salinity, low levels of biologic production and is considered oligotrophic. Nonetheless, it is also a hotspot of biodiversity, with several important endangered flagship species, including several species of sea turtles. These turtles serve as bioindicators for the health of their ecologic systems, due to changes in diet, habitat and migration patterns that characterize different stages in their lives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Arid Environ
October 2024
School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures, University of Haifa, Israel.
Cultivated for millennia, the grapevine held a special status as one of the most important fruits in the historical Levant and the Mediterranean world. However, since past farmers typically did not leave written accounts of their activities, viticulture history is often shrouded in ambiguity, especially concerning the classification of grapevine landrace varieties. Hence, the study of archaic viticulture relies heavily on methodological fusion to unravel its more readily discernible biological and oral traditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhysiol Plant
August 2024
The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
In light of the changing climate that jeopardizes future food security, genomic selection is emerging as a valuable tool for breeders to enhance genetic gains and introduce high-yielding varieties. However, predicting grain yield is challenging due to the genetic and physiological complexities involved and the effect of genetic-by-environment interactions on prediction accuracy. We utilized a chained model approach to address these challenges, breaking down the complex prediction task into simpler steps.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Total Environ
October 2024
Dead Sea and Arava Science Centre, Masada National Park, Mount Masada, Dead-Sea 86910, Israel; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat Campus, Eilat 8855630, Israel. Electronic address:
Due to ongoing ocean warming, subtropical environments are becoming accessible to tropical species. Among these environments are the vermetid reefs of the Southeastern Mediterranean (SEM). In the last decades, these valuable coastal habitats witnessed the proliferation of numerous alien species of tropical origin.
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