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Seasonal variation of rare earth elements in Taraxacum officinale as an indicator of changes in urban pollution
Abstract Taraxacum officinale has been identified as a potential rare earth elements (REEs) accumulator, making it a promising bioindicator for urban environment. However, the influence of seasonal variation on the bioavailability, transport, and accumulation of REEs in plant tissues remains poorly understood. This knowledge gap is crucial, especially in the context of development of reliable bioindicators for urban pollution and managing urban ecosystems sustainably. The aim of this study was to evaluate seasonal changes in the content and distribution of Sc, Y and 14REEs in soils and dandelion roots and leaves from urban areas. Ten research sites typical for urbanised areas were designated and samples of soils and plants were collected in the spring and autumn season. The assessment of the level of studied elements combined with statistical analysis was performed. Variation in REEs accumulation in soil was found. Due to the lack of heavy industry in the city, the major source of REEs contamination in soils might be related to transportation and local agrotechnical and nutrition treatments. Our research on dandelion showed a decrease in REEs content in roots and leaves during autumn compared to spring. Slightly higher translocation efficiency was observed in autumn, possibly due to the plant’s age and tolerance mechanism.
Potential Impact of Urban Land Use on Microplastic Atmospheric Deposition: A Case Study in Pristina City, Kosovo
Microplastics (MPs) pervade various ecosystems, including urban landscapes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of MPs in atmospheric deposition samples is related to land use. For this purpose, atmospheric deposition was collected from 15 to 25 March 2021 at seven research sites in the city of Pristina (Kosovo). Each research site was characterized by different land use. Collected atmospheric deposition samples were analyzed in the laboratory, and then the filtered samples were assessed using a light microscope. The type and size of microplastics in the samples were defined and statistically analyzed. The highest number of total MPs was noted on the highway, while the lowest one was near to the park. A positive relationship was observed between the number of total MPs and the proportion of areas classified as “roads and associated areas” in the land use of the analyzed research sites. Furthermore, a negative relationship was found between the number of total MPs and the proportion of areas classified as “green urban areas”. Based on our preliminary research, it can be observed that the type of land use may have a key role in MPs’ atmospheric deposition.
Perception of biogas plants: A public awareness and preference - A case study for the agricultural landscape
How chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum) ‘Palisade White’ deals with long-term salt stress
AbstractSalinity is a serious problem in the cultivation of ornamental plants. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum) ‘Palisade White’ was evaluated in order to examine its responses to long-term salt stress. Plants were grown in substrate supplemented with NaCl doses (g dm−3 of substrate) 0, 0.44, 0.96, 1.47, 1.98, 2.48 and 2.99. The initial electrical conductivity (EC) of the substrates was 0.3, 0.9, 1.4, 1.9, 2.6, 3.1 and 3.9 dS m−1, respectively. Plant growth, relative water content (RWC), Na, Cl, K, N and P concentrations, membrane injury (MI), chlorophyll and proline levels, as well as gas exchange parameters in leaves of chrysanthemum were determined. A dose-dependent significant reduction of growth and minor decrease of leaf RWC were observed. Foliar Na and Cl concentrations increased with the highest NaCl dose up to 6-fold. However, the concentration of K increased by about 14 %, N by about 5 % but P decreased by about 23 %. Membrane injury was rather low (11 %) even at the highest NaCl dose. Statistically significant decreases of stomatal conductance (20 %), transpiration rate (32 %) and photosynthesis (25 %) were already observed at the lowest NaCl dose and about 40 % decrease of all these parameters with the highest dose. A significant reduction in the intercellular CO2 concentration occurred at the lower NaCl doses and no changes with the highest dose. These results show that in plants grown with the highest NaCl dose, non-stomatal limitation of photosynthesis may occur. According to Maas and Hoffman tolerance assessment (1977) chrysanthemum ‘Palisade White’ may be considered as moderately sensitive to salt stress in terms of growth inhibition. However, it is able to cope with long-term salt stress without any signs of damage, such as chlorophyll depletion, leaf browning or necrotic spots probably due to maintenance of K homeostasis and proline accumulation, which alleviate the toxic effect of chloride.
Atmosfera pod presją: Jakie są zależności pomiędzy warunkami meteorologicznymi a poziomem zanieczyszczenia powietrza w Poznaniu w dekadzie 2012-2022?
Fundamentals, Operation and Global Prospects for the Development of Biogas Plants-A Review
As the global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, biogas production has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable energy generation. This review article presents the advantages of biogas technologies (mainly agricultural, based on waste of animal and plant origin) and extensively discusses the main principles of biogas production in the anaerobic digestion (AD). In this respect, the main parameters of the process, which require monitoring and decisive for its efficiency are described, therefore: temperature, pH value, retention time and organic loading rate (OLR). The principles of substrate selection are also discussed and the necessity and advantages of the use of organic waste according to the model of a circular economy and the concept of sustainable development, are indicated. It is emphasized that according to the new European regulations, the crops classified as food cannot be considered energy crops. The part on biogas production is summarised with an explanation of the necessity to treat and purify biogas. Biogas purification is important from the point of view of the efficiency of its conversion into electricity. A special place in this paper is devoted to the design, construction, functioning and operation of biogas plants, based on both scientific and practical aspects. In conclusion of this chapter, the economic aspects and profitability of operating biogas plants are discussed. Cost and benefit analyses are the major tool used for the systematic evaluation of the financial costs and potential benefits associated with the operation of biogas plants. The important fact is that the return on investment can be achieved within a few years, provided the activities are well-planned and executed. In addition to the fundamental issues of the operation of biogas plants, this article presents the global situation regarding the development of biogas plants, discussing in detail the specific needs and limitations on different continents. It is a interesting and extensive part of this article. The global agricultural biogas market is at very different levels of development. Most such installations are located in Asia and Europe. China has the highest number of biogas plants, with more than 100,000 biogas plants, followed by Germany with over 10,000 plants. In addition to the 100,000 biogas plants, China also has a large number of household biogas units, which gives a total of approx. 40 million operating units. The article concludes with a discussion of opportunities and barriers to the development of biogas plants, pointing to: financial issues, access to feedstock, political regulations, public awareness and the geopolitical situation. The most frequently cited reasons for investment failure include economic problems, lack of professional knowledge.
Measuring the evolutionary game process among three functional space types at the county scale in Henan Province, China
Common weeds as heavy metal bioindicators: a new approach in biomonitoring
AbstractEnvironmental pollution by heavy metals affects both urban and non-urban areas of Europe and the world. The use of bioindicator plants for the detection of these pollutants is a common practice. An important property of potential bioindicators is their easy availability and wide distribution range, which means that they can be practically used over a wide area. Therefore, common and widely distributed weeds: Trifolium pratense L., Rumex acetosa L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Plantago lanceolata L., ornamental species Alcea rosea L., and Lolium multiflorum L. var. Ponto were selected as a potential bioindicators of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn). Plants were exposed in the same soil conditions in three sample sites in the Poznań city. It was found that all species had heavy metal accumulation potential, especially A. rosea, P. lanceolata and L. multiflorum for Zn (BCF = 6.62; 5.17; 4.70) and A. rosea, P. lanceolata for Cd (BCF = 8.51; 6.94). Translocation of Cu and Zn was the most effective in T. pratense (TFCu = 2.55; TFZn = 2.67) and in A. retroflexus (TFCu = 1.50; TFZn = 2.23). Cd translocation was the most efficient in T. pratense (TFCd = 1.97), but PB was the most effective translocated in A. retroflexus (TFPb = 3.09).. Based on physiological response to stress, it was detected an increasing level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in roots and leaves of all samples, with the highest in all organs of A. rosea. Enzymatic activity levels of CAT, APOX, and also the marker of polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation MDA, were higher after 6 weeks of exposure in comparison to control samples and varied in time of exposure and between species and exposure. After the experiment, in almost all samples we detected a reduction of chlorophyll content and relative water content, but in efficiency of photosynthesis parameters: net photosynthesis rate, intercellular CO2 concentration and stomatal conductance, we noted increased values, which proved the relatively good condition of the plants. The examined weeds are good bioindicators of heavy metal contamination, and their combined use makes it possible to comprehensively detection of environmental threats.
Rare earth elements and landscape: Is there a relationship between them? – New evidence from Poland (Eastern Europe)
Urban visual pollution: comparison of two ways of evaluation - a case study from Europe
AbstractVisual pollution by outdoor advertisements (OAs) of the urban landscape in the old town of Gniezno city (Poland) was the main aim of the presented work. For this purpose, the part of Warszawska Street located near the old market was selected. The detailed objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of OA on the building perception and compare two different methods to check the possibility of their interchangeably potential. The city audit and public opinion about selected buildings were performed. The photographs with and without OAs were also analyzed. The statistical analysis was performed to find the significant differences between these two methods and define differences between groups of respondents. In general, the results revealed the strong effect of the building quality (condition and appearance of the building) on the final score of the building perception. This was valid for both evaluation methods. The significant differences between building perception with and without OAs and groups of respondents were found only for the building with good facade quality. While, in the case of low-quality buildings the perception of the urban landscape was low regardless of the presence of OAs. Moreover, we can primarily conclude that city audit and survey of public opinion can be used interchangeably.
Biogas Plants: Fundamentals, Operation and Prospects
As the global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, biogas technology has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable energy generation. This review article presents the advantages of biogas technologies and extensively discusses the main principles of biogas production in the methane fermentation process. In this respect, the main parameters of the process, which require monitoring and are at the same time decisive for its course and efficiency are described, the principles of substrate selection are discussed and the necessity and advantages of the use of organic waste according to the model of a circular economy and the concept of sustainable development, are indicated. The part on biogas production is summarised with an explanation of the necessity to treat and purify biogas, taking into account the share of methane extracted. A special place in this paper is devoted to the design, construction, functioning and operation of biogas plants, based on both scientific and practical aspects. In conclusion of this chapter, the economic aspects and profitability of operating biogas plants are discussed, taking into account, in a theoretical balance sheet – in addition to investment and operating costs and the availability and cost of raw materials – the possibilities of producing and using electricity and heat, as well as environmental and social benefits. The article concludes with a discussion of opportunities and barriers to the development of biogas plants, pointing to: financial issues, access to feedstock, political regulations, public awareness and the geopolitical situation as key factors issues related to biogas plants – in different regions of the world.
Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Mechanisms of Ecosystem Service Supply - Demand Contradictions Under Urbanization
Clarifying the driving mechanisms of ecosystem service (ES) supply and demand under urbanization is of significant importance for urban ecological planning and management. However, how the balance of ES supply and demand and its driving mechanisms vary with the degree of urbanization has been little studied. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes and the correlations between ES supply and demand and the degree of urbanization in the Zhengzhou Metropolitan Area (ZZMA) from 2000 to 2020 and further explored the driving mechanisms behind these changes. The results showed that, (1) between 2000 and 2020, the ZZMA experienced a deficit in comprehensive ES supply and demand, and regions with rapid urbanization development were more likely to trigger imbalances in ES supply and demand; (2) the spatial mismatch between low–high ES supply and demand was primarily distributed in the built-up areas of various cities, while the high–low spatial mismatch was mostly found in forest and grassland areas; (3) the comprehensive urbanization level of the ZZMA was spatially negatively correlated with the ratio of ES supply and demand. Regions with lower ES balance were more susceptible to disturbances caused by urbanization; (4) population density was the key factor influencing the supply and demand of carbon sequestration, oxygen release, water conservation, and food provision services, while the proportions of forest land and construction areas had the greatest influence on the supply and demand of air purification and leisure services. It is important to ensure the ecological status of the northwestern, southwestern, and central mountainous and forested areas; maintain the agricultural status of the main grain-producing areas in the eastern plains; strengthen ecological restoration and green infrastructure in built-up areas; and formulate differentiated management policies to promote the sustainable supply of ES and safeguard the ecological security of the region.
Does a gender of Welwitschia mirabilis plants influence their photosynthetic activity?
Welwitschia mirabilisHook.f. (Welwitschiaceae, Gnetales) is a gymnosperm plant unique in its habit with an isolated taxonomic position. This species is dioecious, but no studies of its photosynthetic activity were conducted with examination of differences among male and female plants. To fill this gap, the day and night photosynthetic activity of male and female specimens ofWelwitschia mirabiliscultivated in the botanical garden was studied in controlled conditions. Photosynthetic activity was studied using net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular CO2concentration (Ci) parameters. Additionally, a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was used to assess the condition among male and female plants in full sunlight. The studiedWelwitschiaplants revealed variability in photosynthetic activity both during the day and the night. The photosynthetic activity was low in the morning hours and higher in the afternoon. There is a difference in the photosynthetic activity during the night between sexes, being higher in female specimens. Stomatal density was evaluated separately for adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. Statistically significant differences in the stomatal density on abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces were observed in both sexes, especially distinctive in female specimens. NDVI has revealed that there were weak differences between male and female plants.
Trifolium pratense and the Heavy Metal Content in Various Urban Areas
Effective biomonitoring strategies are essential for identifying and assessing the sources and levels of contamination of heavy metal pollutants in urban areas, given their negative impacts on human health and the environment. This study aimed to assess the potential of common weed, Trifolium pratense as a bioindicator of heavy metal contamination in various land uses in urban areas, with a focus on Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb. The results have shown that Cr and Ni had high bioconcentration factor (BCF) values in most sites, in comparison with Cu, Cd and Pb. Contamination factor (CF) values varied across all sites. The industrial area and old town sites had the highest translocation factor (TF) values for Cr and Ni, indicating greater transport of these metals from roots to aerial parts of plants. Differences between heavy metals (HMs) according to land use were observed; especially, Pb and Cu were more concentrated in soils than other heavy metals in industrial areas. Overall, these findings suggest that Trifolium pratense is a promising bioindicator for heavy metal contamination in various land uses in urban areas, making it a potentially valuable tool for monitoring heavy metal pollution in cities of the northern hemisphere.
Evaluation of Ambient Ozone Effect in Bean and Petunia at Two Different Sites under Natural Conditions: Impact on Antioxidant Enzymes and Stress Injury
Tropospheric ozone is a harmful air pollutant and greenhouse gas that adversely affects living organisms. The effect of long-term ozone stress on the activity of SOD, APX, and GuPX, as well as lipid peroxidation and membrane injury in bean and petunia growing at a city site and in a forest, characterised by different ozone concentrations, was examined. The experiments were conducted in three growing seasons with different tropospheric ozone concentrations and meteorological conditions. Plants’ exposition to increased ozone concentration resulted in enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, level of lipid peroxidation, and membrane injury. In all years, higher ozone levels and solar radiation were observed at the forest site. The pattern of the changes in enzyme activity was dependent on ozone concentrations as well as on environmental conditions and varied from year to year. In the second year with the highest ozone concentration, the activity of GuPX and SOD increased the most. However, despite higher ozone concentration in the forest, a larger increase in APX and SOD activity in both species and GuPX activity in bean was recorded at the city site. The present results revealed that plant response to ozone might vary in different locations not only due to differences in ozone concentration but also because of the impact of other environmental factors, such as solar radiation and temperature.