Ecologia Balkanica

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p-ISSN: 1314-0213 / e-ISSN: 1313-9940

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Bibliographic and scientific overview of publications on intraspecific diversity of molluscs of Albania
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-01-10) Dhora, Lulzime
This article provides a bibliographic and scientific overview of subspecies and forms in Albanian molluscs. Intraspecific diversity has to do with the levels of variation within species and is studied in individuals within the populations of a species or between populations. This article presents a profound overview of all existing published studies that we could find on the diversity in molluscs of Albania. The reviewed publications are presented in two groups: for subspecies with six published studies, as well as for forms, both in terms of polymorphism of individuals in population and population variation - with seven articles identified. The published knowledge of these phenomena is presented in every case in the form of a summary, extracted directly from the subject of the respective article, together with our own bibliographical indicia which facilitates researchers to use the correct published material that can be used from the reviewed studies. In the molluscs of Albania a high intraspecific diversity is ascertained, in terms of the diversity of subspecies and forms. Therefore, the reviewed publications can be used in terms of solving some problems of genetics, evolution, ecology, and zoogeography.
On the highly invasive slug Arion vulgaris (Moquin-Tandon, 1855) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-01-12) Georgiev, Dilian; Dedov, Ivaylo
New localities of the highly invasive slug Arion vulgaris were recorded in Bulgaria. Some notes on its habitats in the country observed were also reported. A short review on the taxonomy, biology, ecology and the slug general distribution was also made.
Uranium content in Technosols formed on naturally loaded proluvial sediments
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-10) Stoykova, Mariela; Hristova, Mariana
The content of uranium 238 (238U) in naturally evolved soils with a meta-morphic and poorly developed profile, later technogenically contaminated by the activity of the former "Kremikovtsi" metallurgical plant, located at the foot of the Buhov uranium ore field, was investigated. A total of six soil profiles were analyzed, incl. five from the industrial site of the combine and one control. Data on uranium content were obtained by two methods - Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), simultaneously with results for over 50 chemical elements, as well as measured by its daughter product - thorium 234 (234Th), determined by gamma spectrometric analysis via multichannel analyzer with high purity germanium detector (HPGe). The results demonstrate that the uranium content of the investigated profiles in single cases exceeds the background norms of 11-173 Bq/kg and is within the range of 50±5 - 180±40 Bq/kg. The maximum values of the studied element are obtained from the coarsest profiles, with the maximum content of coarse sand, which suggests a primary state of uranium in the form of ore minerals or isomorphically included in primary insoluble accessory minerals in the soil of the studied profiles. From the research, the characteristic relationship of the heavy metal with the soil organic matter was not established. Still, an accumulation was observed in the cambic horizons of the metamorphic profiles. A factor for the upward migration and accumulation of uranium is the change of the water-air soil regime and establishment of periodic reducing conditions; as a general conclusion, the natural radionuclide undergoes migration from the surface horizons of the studied Technosols.
Remodeling of the WQI Index for the evaluation of the Shkumbini River’s water quality in Albania using the statistical method
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-12) Shyti, Bederiana; Bekteshi, Lirim; Paralloj, Silvana; Hila, Erleta
Nowadays, assessing the extent of natural water resources and making an accurate assessment of its quality is a task as important as it is urgent. The determination and assessment of the Water Quality Index (WQI) is a method used in our paper to assess the water quality of the Shkumbini River in Albania - one of the main rivers of our country. We used the analysis of the WQI index, because it is the most optimal analysis we can do with the collected data and because it is an easier index to interpret. WQI is considered fundamental information for analyzing and demonstrating the water quality. We have used the data collected during a 4-year period from the Shkumbini River’s water (in total 72 sets of data) and through the statistical method of Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) we have defined an equation for the assessment of WQI expressed by three variables: biological oxygen demand, hydrogen carbonate and phosphorus (BOD, HCO3, P-total). MLR is implemented by interpreting the correlation coefficient R2, which demonstrates that 99.6% variability of the data is explained by the new regression equation. The t-test was also used, demonstrating the equivalence of the WQI index, calculated from the newly constructed equation, and the values of the first WQI, calculated using nine variables. The reduction of the number of determining variables of WQI has its advantages, both financially, as well as from the way that the water quality of the Shkumbini River is interpreted and monitored.
What's for dinner? Diet and trophic niche overlap in two sympatric carnivores in agricultural and near-natural habitats in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-02-29) Petrov, Alexander; Peeva, Stanislava; Mollov, Ivelin
The feeding behavior and trophic niche overlap between Stone Marten (Martes foina Erxleben, 1777) and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) in two regions of Bulgaria with different human influence were determined. A total of 1,440 fecal samples were collected from agricultural area in the Upper Thracian Plain and from near-natural habitat in Central Stara Planina Mts. In agricultural area, both predators preferred fruits in all seasons, while rodents dominated in winter diets in the mountain area. Our results showed that the Stone Marten and the Red Fox had high trophic niche overlap in both habitats.
Sustainable development of rural areas in protected territory – a case study from Strandzha, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-05) Petrova, Slaveya; Nikolov, Bogdan; Tokmakov, Dimitar; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Popov, Rumen; Asenov, Stanislav; Velcheva, Iliana; Yancheva, Vesela; Georgieva, Elenka; Stoyanova, Stela
Sustainable development is based on three pillars: sustainable economic growth, social well-being and environment protection. Sustainable rural development is regarded as a multidimensional concept including an equitable and balanced development within a rural area, an increased level of social cohesion and equitability, as well as the assuming of responsibility for using natural resources and revealing at environmental protection. The studied region is located into the Strandzha Mtn - the only Bulgarian territory included in the five priority territories for conservation in Central and Eastern Europe. We have identified some core problems that should be addressed aiming to achieve the sustainable development of this area. Some of them are as follows: the absence of developing projects and focus on the development of individual villages, the lack of willingness of local people to cooperate , local resources are not effectively used and the local community is not adequately involved.
Analysis of Wild Edible Mushrooms in the Regions Strandzha and the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-03-05) Radoukova, Tzenka; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Mladenov, Rumen; Todorov, Krasimir; Rusinova-Videva, Snezhana
This article attempts to summarize the available data on wild edible macromycetes in the regions Strandzha and the Black Sea coast in connection with the clarification of ethnomycology. The total number of registered species of edible mushrooms for both areas is 105. The species Boletus caucasicus Singer ex Alessio; Boletus luridiformis Rostk. var. luridiformis and Laccaria bicolor (Maire) P.D. were noted only for the region of the Black Sea coast. The species composition, ecological-trophic structure and seasonality of edible mushrooms are briefly discussed. A list of 14 macroscopic edible fungi with conservation significance for the mycota of the two territories, assessed with the latest IUCN criteria, is given. Critically Endangered (CR) according to the Red List of fungi in Bulgaria and the Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria was Boletus caucasicus Singer ex Alessio.
Development of a system for continuous environmental noise monitoring (Smolyan, Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-15) Hadzhigenchev, Svetoslav; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Shotarova, Snezha; Nikolov, Bogdan; Petrova, Slaveya
Noise pollution is generally regarded as an exposure of people or wildlife to levels of sound that are annoying, stressful, or damaging to the organism. Humans are exposed to noise constantly, from barely audible levels to potentially painful and damaging levels. Cities and agglomerations are subjected to the environmental noise pollution in a greater extent, so the smaller towns and villages are usually neglected in such monitoring studies. The aim of the present study was to: 1) develop a system for continuous environmental noise monitoring; 2) test and validate the system in the urban area of Smolyan town, Bulgaria; 3) assess the level of noise pollution based on systematic measurements. A simple system for continuous environmental noise monitoring has been developed. The system uses budget noise meters, class 2 (verified to be effective enough), placed in special cells for protection from atmospheric influences. The analogue signal from the sound meters is digitized and processed by a microcontroller to obtain the equivalent noise levels. This data is transmitted through an Ethernet controller to ThingSpeak, an IoT application and API for storing and retrieving data using HTTP protocols. Data from the continuous monitoring proved the existence of a significant environmental noise pollution in Smolyan (both in the central part and residential areas), which was almost permanent during twenty-four hours and all year round.
Mapping of Forest Habitats in Mountainous Areas – a Case Study from Svoge Municipality, Western Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-18) Grigorov, Borislav; Vassilev, Kiril
The study is focused on the study of forest habitats of Svoge Municipality, situated in the western part of the country. The total area of Svoge Municipality is 868 km2. 134 relevés were collected during the period of 2015-2019, following the Braun-Blanquet approach and 445 field points were verified, as well. As a result, nine forest habitat types, included in Directive 92/43/EEC, were identified, representing a habitat diverse municipality. They are covering 135.89 km2 or 15.7% of the total municipality’s area. The habitat type of the Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests (9130) covers the largest area (57.86 km2), followed by the habitat type of the Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion (9150) (31.03 km2). The dominance by beech forest is typical for the Western Balkan Range where these types of forests expanded due to climatic and anthropogenic factors, which led to the reduction of the belts, dominated by the common hornbeam, the spruce and the fir. Major threats include forest degradation and loss, because of logging activities, pests, presence of invasive species, quarries and illegal household disposing. Measures, including afforestation with local species and forest regeneration, are needed.
Evaluation soil erosion risk in mountain catchment by two empirical models
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-20) Pavlova-Traykova, Eli; Mitova, Milena
Productive capacity of soils is seriously affected by erosion, causing significant environmental damages. Soil erosion led to instability in ecosystems and decline in agriculture productivity as well as in forest territories. The negative anticipation about climate hesitation for acceleration soil erosion shows the need for monitoring the condition of the soils and taking adequate measures to reduce the risk. For that reason, different models for assessing soil erosion risk and determining potential levels of erosion are strongly advocated in researches. Two of the well-known and commonly used empirical models for the territory of Balkans are Erosion Potential Method (EPM) and Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The objective of the research is to apply EPM and USLE models at the Sedelska River watershed, tributary of Struma River (Southwest Bulgaria), to assess soil erosion risk and investigate its spatial distribution. The results of the two methods are compared, finding that the EPM method slightly underestimates the final results compared to the USLE methodology. In both models, the territories with the strongest erosion risk were determined, and some of them coincide. When applying the USLE, it was found that the largest area of the research site is occupied by the lands on which a low actual risk is observed (47.10%). From the results obtained when applying the EPM, the watershed falls into the third degree of the Gavrilovich scale - a watershed with moderate erosion. The average amount of soil eroded assess with EPM is 3 t/ha/y. According to USLE the average potential risk with amounts of eroded soil of 100-200 t/ha y.
Soil erosion risk assessment on the territory of Botevgrad Valley area (West Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-20) Mitova, Milena; Ilieva, Krastena; Hristov, Biser
The mountainous and semi-mountainous nature of the relief on the territory of Botevgrad Valley (West Bulgaria) is a prerequisite for erosion processes with different intensity. The erosion is mostly hidden, in surface washing and removal of the fertile soil horizons. The degree of erosion in the area is low to moderate. The water erosion is represented as the annual average value of the amount of eroded soil through the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) model integrated into the Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The estimated potential risk of water erosion on a main part (65.92%) of the land is very high. It was evaluated that potential risk can have values about 200 t/ha y eroded soil. The assessment of the estimated actual soil losses from water erosion in the Botevgrad Valley has a low actual risk (class 2). The estimated loss of eroded soil is about 3 t/ha y, which is typical for that region.
Seasonal dynamic of main classes phenolics and radical scavenging activity of invasive tree Ailanthus altissima extracts
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-04-29) Andonova, Tsvetelina; Rusinova-Videva, Snezhana; Bojilov, Dimitar; Apostolova, Elena; Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Slavov, Iliya; Dimitrova-Dyulgerova, Ivanka
Aerial herbal substances from Ailanthus altissima were the subject of the present study, which aimed to follow the dynamics in the accumulation of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential during vegetation, namely polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins quantified by pharmacopoeial methods. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts from dry plant material (under reflux and heating at 200°C) and ethanolic extracts from fresh plant material (under vacuum) were prepared to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction process of the antioxidant active components. Radical scavenging activities (according to ABTS and DPPH in vitro assays) were found for all tested extracts. Flower buds and flower extracts demonstrated the best results, followed by leaves and stem bark, which correlated with the total polyphenols and flavonoid content found. Vacuum extracts of flowers collected at the beginning of flowering were distinguished by the strongest antioxidant potential (3272.28 ABTS mmol TE/g dw and 2125.67 DPPH mmol TE/g dw). The same type of extract is also suitable for stem bark (411.61 ABTS mmol TE/g dw) for which the collection period is the beginning and the end of the growing season. Ethanolic leaf extracts (collected at the beginning flowering stage) with the application of temperature treatment exhibited the best antioxidant potency (504.75 ABTS mmol TE/g dw and 404.72 DPPH mmol TE/g dw) for this plant substance. The results of the present study provide a good basis for future research on Ailanthus altissima intending to incorporate it into phyto-preparations with strong antioxidant activity.
Study of soils in mountain ecosystems in Yundola, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-09) Bogdanov, Simeon; Baubekova, Gauhar; Daribayeva, Sevara; Tauakelov, Chingis; Grigorova-Pesheva, Bilyana
The productivity of forest plantations depends directly on the soil's ability to meet the specific requirements of each tree species. Soil fertility is a determining factor in the existence, development, and normal functioning of forest ecosystems. Natural coniferous forests in mountain ecosystems are a particularly important part of Bulgaria's forest resources. They are of great economic importance, but also have protective functions. The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of the main soil types in natural mountain ecosystems in Yundola, Bulgaria. The object of this study is the most widely distributed soils in Bulgaria's natural mountain ecosystems. These are Dystric-Eutric Cambisols, Umbric Cambisols and Modic Cambisols, which belong to the class of metamorphic soils (Cambisols). Statistical analysis of the results revealed statistically significant differences in soil organic matter content, C:N ratio, and pH among the three studies soil types, which were consistent with changes in altitude.
Solvent-dependent antibacterial activity of Nepeta nuda leaf extracts
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-09) Petrova, Detelina; Georgieva, Tereza; Chaneva, Ganka; Zhiponova, Miroslava
The medicinal plant Nepeta nuda L. (known as ‘naked catmint’) is characterized by various biological activities due to the high content of terpenes, iridoids and phenolic compounds. In the present study, we analysed the antimicrobial activity of N. nuda leaf extracts against 16 human pathogenic microorganisms. The antimicrobial efficiency of N. nuda extracts was investigated depending on their preparation by applying primary extraction solvents (chloroform/Chl and methanol/Met), and the respective secondary solvents for dissolving the dry primary extracts (Chl, Met), as well as H2O and dimethyl sulfoxide/DMSO. The applied disk-diffusion method allowed evaporation of the solvent prior contact to the bacteria, and the effect of extracted N. nuda polar and non-polar secondary metabolites could be evaluated. The dry Met and Chl extracts showed good solubility in the respective secondary solvents Met, Chl and DMSO, while H2O appeared as inappropriate solvent. The leaf extracts showed activity to 6 of the tested 15 bacteria and no antifungal activity was detected. High inhibitory effect was established when using Met and Chl solvents, while the H2O extracts were inactive. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus showed the strongest sensitivity to Chl extracts. The most susceptible to exposure of Met extracts turned out to be Bacillus subtilis and A. calcoacetisus. We concluded that the use of solvents with different polarity succeeded to extract N. nuda antimicrobial substances. Therefore, the obtained extracts could be further explored for application as biocontrol agents, natural preservatives and for medicinal purposes.
Investigation of the radioactivity of soils collected from Shumen Plateau Nature Park, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-20) Arhangelova, Nina; Salim, Seniha
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of radioactivity, radiological doses and the increased lifetime risk of cancer of radionuclides contained in soils collected from the territory of Shumen Plateau Nature Park, (North-Eastern Bulgaria). A gamma spectrometric system was used to estimate the natural radionuclides. The average values for the specific activities for 238U, 232Th, 40K measured in soils were 28.65 ± 4.30 Bq/kg, 18.86 ± 2.83 Bq/kg and 609.09 ± 91.36 Bq/kg, respectively. Only the average value for 40K was higher than the documented worldwide values of, respectively 35 Bq/kg, 30 Bq/kg and 400 Bq/kg. We calculated the average values for assessing radiological hazards: radium equivalent activity 102.52 Bq/kg, external hazard index 0.28 Bq/kg, internal hazard index 0.35 Bq/kg, absorbed gamma dose rate in air 52.04 nGy/h, annual effective dose rate 0.32 mSv/y, total excess lifetime cancer risk 1.95 × 10-3 and radioactivity level index 0.79 mSv. The average values we obtained for radiological indices and specific activities are lower than the global average values quoted in UNSCEAR 2000.
The relationship of atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables for the Sofia region, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-25) Baubekova, Gaukhar; Tauakelov, Chingis; Daribayeva, Sevara; Gosteva, Lyudmila
The research on the relationship between meteorological conditions and atmospheric air pollution in Sofia city was conducted based on 1-hour data on meteorological variables (air temperature, global solar radiation, wind speed) and atmospheric pollutants (NO2, CO, O3, SO2, PM10) for 2012-2016. As a result of the correlation and regression analysis of the influence of meteorological variables on the daily concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, the strongest effect is expressed in ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10). In urban areas, air temperature (AT), the intensity of global solar radiation (GSR) and, wind speed (WS) have a stronger impact on the concentration of pollutants. There is a strong correlation between air temperature (r = 0.53 ÷ 0.76) and solar radiation (r = 0.65 ÷ 0.77) with ozone concentrations. An exception is the area of Orlov most, where there is an average correlation with temperature and a minor correlation with solar radiation. In regions (except Kopitoto) there are average correlations between air temperature and PM10, SO2, and CO (r = 0.55 ÷ 0.62). There is a weak correlation between NO2 and air temperature and solar radiation in the areas of Druzhba and Nadezhda.
New herpetological reports for the Aegean islands of Kitriani, Telendos and Pserimos (Greece)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-05-29) Grano, Mauro; Cattaneo, Cristina; Cattaneo, Augusto
During naturalistic research performed in August of 2022 and 2023 in several Aegean islands, three new herpetological records occurred: Hemorrhois nummifer on Telendos Island, Laudakia stellio on Pserimos Island and Dolichophis caspius on Kitriani Islet.
Optimizing allelopathy screening bioassays by using Tagetes sp. -water absorption capacity of the seeds
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-06) Marinov-Serafimov, Plamen; Golubinova, Irena; Zapryanova, Nadejda; Nikolov, Bogdan; Petrova, Slaveya
The aim of the present study is to: i) analyze the water absorption capacity of seeds of some Tagetes sp.; ii) compare the water absorption of Tagetes sp. and Lactuca sativa L. seeds in order to assess the potential of genus Tagetes as test object for laboratory screening studies for establishing allelopathic interference in plant communities. Tagetes erecta (local population from Germany), Tagetes patula (local population from Germany), and Tagetes patula variety “Usmivka” (Bulgarian variety) have been included in the study. Equivalence in the water absorption capacity (Ws%) of the seeds of studied Tagetes sp. and Lactuca sativa L. variety “Great Lakes” was found, with the maximum of water absorption occurring at the first hour and stopping by the fourth hour, regardless of the temperature range in which the imbibition takes place. The significant differences in the cumulative values of the average water absorption capacity of the Tagetes sp. seeds compared to Lactuca sativa L. variety “Great Lakes” (Ws% average ranged from +5.68 to +83.27%), indicate that the species of genus Tagetes can be successfully used in laboratory screening studies to establish allelopathic interference under in vitro conditions. Further research is needed to establish seed water absorption capacity (Ws%) of Tagetes sp. depending on the type of aqueous extracts used in allelopathic studies (cold or temperate), as well as of the concentrations applied.
Summer diet of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1785) in agricultural areas in South-Eastern Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-09) Petrov, Alexander; Pancheva, Ekaterina
The summer diet of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes Linnaeus, 1785) in agricultural areas of South-Eastern Bulgaria was studied. Fecal samples were collected and processed in the laboratory of University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”. Insects, rodents, and fruits were the most commonly used dietary components. A relatively high percentage of reptiles were also found, which was observed in agricultural areas with a Mediterranean climate in Greece.
Density and composition of breeding bird communities in lowland forests
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-09) Hristova, Polina; Popgeorgiev, Georgi; Dobrev, Vladimir; Dobrev, Dobromir; Dimitrov, Hristo; Plachiyski, Dimitar
Bird communities were studied during three consecutive years (2020–2022) in forest fragments from the Western Upper Thracian lowland, Bulgaria. In total, 62 bird species with 4922 individuals were registered using point count methodology. Relative species abundance and frequency for all species was calculated. Density for the most abundant 19 species for the whole study area was estimated using DISTANCE software. Area-specific densities were estimated for nine species in nine of the studied forests. The results showed overall high species richness, which is consistent with other surveys in deciduous lowland forests. The most abundant species for the whole area made up to 61% of all registered species (Luscinia megarhynchos, Fringilla coelebs, Streptopelia turtur, Turdus merula, Oriolus oriolus, Sylvia atricapilla). The estimated densities were consistent with other studies in similar forest habitats. Species with the highest density was found to be Great tit D = 1.29 (1.14 – 1.46), followed by Hawfinch, European turtle dove, Common chaffinch, European robin and Blackbird, whereas specialist species (e.g. forest-interior) were less abundant. Eurasian hoopoe was found with lower densities for the whole territory D = 0.27 (0.23 – 0.31), while the Robin had the highest estimation for the forest of Begovo D = 2.28 (1.36 – 3.85).

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