Ecologia Balkanica

Permanent URI for this collection

https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/4

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

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

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.
Bibliographic and scientific overview of publications on intraspecific diversity of molluscs of Albania
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-01-10) Lulzime, Dhora
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.
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).
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.
Ecological effects of changes in Air-Fuel Ratio of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-06-16) Kanevski, Hristo; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Svetoslav; Parushev, Anatoliy; Petrova, Slaveya
The present study examines the effect of the air-fuel mixture ratio on harmful emissions from a gasoline engine, analyzed from an ecological perspective. The experiments were carried out with a BMW 318 gasoline engine equipped with a MegaSquirt 3 electronic control unit and TunerStudio MS software, as well as a Kane AUTOplus gas analyzer. The concentrations of three gaseous pollutants - carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), were measured at different engine speeds and different air-fuel ratios. The obtained data were used to compile regression equations that describe the relationship between the air-fuel mixture ratio and the harmful emissions levels. The results show significant changes in gaseous pollutants’ emissions depending on engine settings, which highlights the importance of optimizing these parameters to reduce both the environmental pollution and greenhouse gases levels into the atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
New data on the distribution of Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. (Orchidaceae, Asparagales) in Eastern Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-10-05) Dimitrov, Desislav; Boycheva, Petya
For the first time Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. family Orchidaceae has been proven for the floristic region of Northeastern Bulgaria. It is considered a rare species of the flora of Bulgaria and is included in Appendix III to the Law on Biological diversity as a protected species. Regarding the light regime, it is a typical heliophyte, preferring open habitats and well-lit ecological niches. In October 2022, we discovered a new deposit of the species on the territory of the protected area Provadiysko - Rojaksko plateau, between the villages of Dobrina and Staroselets, municipality of Provadia, which is the first deposit for Northeastern Bulgaria. The population is represented by single specimens distributed in a meadow on the periphery of forest massifs and shrub communities, and the habitat is characterized by a rich floristic diversity. Undoubtedly, studying the population characteristics of this species is important for its protection.
New data on the distribution of Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. (Orchidaceae, Asparagales) in Eastern Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-10-05) Dimitrov, Desislav; Boycheva, Petya
For the first time Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. family Orchidaceae has been proven for the floristic region of Northeastern Bulgaria. It is considered a rare species of the flora of Bulgaria and is included in Appendix III to the Law on Biological diversity as a protected species. Regarding the light regime, it is a typical heliophyte, preferring open habitats and welllit ecological niches. In October 2022, we discovered a new deposit of the species on the territory of the protected area Provadiysko - Rojaksko plateau, between the villages of Dobrina and Staroselets, municipality of Provadia, which is the first deposit for Northeastern Bulgaria. The population is represented by single specimens distributed in a meadow on the periphery of forest massifs and shrub communities, and the habitat is characterized by a rich floristic diversity. Undoubtedly, studying the population characteristics of this species is important for its protection.
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.
On the highly invasive slug Arion vulgaris (Moquin-Tandon, 1855) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Bulgaria
(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.
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.
Paleoecological data on the distribution of Pinus peuce Griseb. in Southwestern Bulgaria for the last 30000 years
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-09-25) Tonkov, Spassimir
The paleoecological information on the distribution of the Tertiary relic and Balkan endemic Pinus peuce Griseb. (Macedonian pine) is summarized on the basis of the results from pollen analysis, plant macrofossil determination and radiocarbon dating of lake and peat bog sediments in the mountains of Southwestern Bulgaria. The oldest record is of Middle Pleniglacial age (30000-24000 cal. yrs. BP) when pollen of P. peuce, together with pollen of other coniferous and deciduous trees, was established from the West Rhodopes Mountain. During the Late Glacial (14500-11600 cal. yrs. BP) stands of pines, P. peuce included, thrived among cold-tolerant herb communities in the Rila, Pirin and the West Rhodopes mountains, confirmed by the first macrofossils (needles) determined. The minor participation of P. peuce in the early Holocene (11600-8800 cal. yrs. BP) Betula forests was succeeded by its wider distribution after 8200-7900 cal. yrs. BP when a coniferous belt composed by pines and Abies was shaped in the Rila and Pirin mountains. This vegetation reconstruction is supported by numerous macrofossils of P. peuce (needles, seeds, and partly stomata). Since 2600 cal. yrs. BP in the conditions of a more humid and cooler climate, the pulsating invasion of Picea abies restricted to some extent the distribution of P. peuce. Both species, together with Pinus sylvestris, shaped the timber-line at many places. The main conclusion from this survey is that populations of P. peuce survived the harsh glacial climatic conditions in montane refugia with subsequent gradual widespread during the Holocene.
Paleoecological data on the distribution of Pinus peuce Griseb. in Southwestern Bulgaria for the last 30000 years
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-09-25) Tonkov, Spassimir
The paleoecological information on the distribution of the Tertiary relic and Balkan endemic Pinus peuce Griseb. (Macedonian pine) is summarized on the basis of the results from pollen analysis, plant macrofossil determination and radiocarbon dating of lake and peat bog sediments in the mountains of Southwestern Bulgaria. The oldest record is of Middle Pleniglacial age (30000-24000 cal. yrs. BP) when pollen of P. peuce, together with pollen of other coniferous and deciduous trees, was established from the West Rhodopes Mountain. During the Late Glacial (14500-11600 cal. yrs. BP) stands of pines, P. peuce included, thrived among coldtolerant herb communities in the Rila, Pirin and the West Rhodopes mountains, confirmed by the first macrofossils (needles) determined. The minor participation of P. peuce in the early Holocene (11600-8800 cal. yrs. BP) Betula forests was succeeded by its wider distribution after 8200-7900 cal. yrs. BP when a coniferous belt composed by pines and Abies was shaped in the Rila and Pirin mountains. This vegetation reconstruction is supported by numerous macrofossils of P. peuce (needles, seeds, and partly stomata). Since 2600 cal. yrs. BP in the conditions of a more humid and cooler climate, the pulsating invasion of Picea abies restricted to some extent the distribution of P. peuce. Both species, together with Pinus sylvestris, shaped the timber-line at many places. The main conclusion from this survey is that populations of P. peuce survived the harsh glacial climatic conditions in montane refugia with subsequent gradual widespread during the Holocene.
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.
Seasonal differences on stress on stress responsiveness in the Mediterranean mussel from the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea – an indicator for an ecosystem health decline?
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-09-17) Yancheva, Vesela; Todorova, Borislava; Georgieva, Elenka; Antal, Laszlo; Nyeste, Krisztian
In this short note, we present new results on stress on stress response measurements in both farmed and wild Mediterranean mussels from the town of Sozopol, Bulgaria, collected in the summer of 2024 (August) and compare them with our previous results for the winter and spring season.
Seasonal differences on stress on stress responsiveness in the Mediterranean mussel from the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea – an indicator for an ecosystem health decline?
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-09-17) Yancheva, Vesela; Todorova, Borislava; Georgieva, Elenka; Stoyanova, Stela; Antal, Laszlo; Nyeste, Krisztian
In this short note, we present new results on stress on stress response measurements in both farmed and wild Mediterranean mussels from the town of Sozopol, Bulgaria, collected in the summer of 2024 (August) and compare them with our previous results for the winter and spring season.
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.
Sensor system for in-situ monitoring the surface waters quality of the Veleka River, Strandzha Nature Park (Bulgaria)
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-06-19) Popov, Rumen; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Stoyanova, Stela; Petrova, Slaveya; Nikolov, Bogdan; Yancheva, Vesela; Georgieva, Elenka; Shotarova, Snezha; Asenov, Stanislav; Tokmakov, Dimitar
Monitoring the environmental status along the Veleka River (Strandzha Mtn, Bulgaria) is an essential measure for avoiding the dangers of ecological catastrophes and for preserving the unique biological diversity in this region. A system for monitoring some of the main parameters of surface waters, soils and air, as well as the sunlight levels, has been designed and initially tested. For this purpose, an automatic, remote measuring station was developed, intended for installation on the shore, near the riverbed. It has been designed not only for collecting and archiving information about the physico-chemical status of the river, but also periodically sends the data to a communication server. The developed system of several automatic measuring stations will enable us not only to analyze the current status, but also to generate an early warning in case of danger health ecosystem decline.

Browse

Browsing Ecologia Balkanica by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options