Ecologia Balkanica

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

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

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Analysis of medicinal plants from the regions of the Strandzha mountain and southern Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-07) Todorov, Krasimir; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenov, Rumen; Gyuzeleva, Donika; Radoukova, Tzenka; Selyami, Dzhansu; Zhelyazkova, SImona; Mladenova, Tsvetelina
This article presents summarized information about the medicinal plants distributed on the territory of Strandzha mountain and the southern Black Sea coast, Bulgaria. According to literature data, 252 medicinal taxa are found on the territory of the two floristic regions, 218 of which are included in the Medicinal Plants Act. All species included in the list are characterized by: biological type, life form, and floral element. 59 plants have conservation status, representing 23.4% of the established species composition. According to the Red List of Higher Plants in Bulgaria and the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria, the following species are critically endangered (CR): Arbutus unedo L. and Sideritis syriaca L. Four Balkan endemics have been identified - Achillea clypeolata Sm., Opopanax chironius (L.) W. D. J. Koch subsp. bulgaricum (Velen.) Andreev, Sempervivum leucanthum Pančič, and Thymus longedentatus (Deg. & Urum.) Ronn.
Ecological effects of changes in the ignition angle of a gasoline engine on exhaust harmful gases emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-28) Kanevski, Hristo; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Stanislav; Shehova, Daniela
The present study reports the results from a real experiments of the impact of the ignition angle on the harmful exhaust gases emitted by a gasoline engine. 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 main emissions considered in the study include some greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). The emissions of harmful gases were measured at 7 different engine speeds and 9 different ignition angles. The obtained data were used to compile regression equations that describe the relationship between the ignition angle, engine speed and the harmful emissions levels. The obtained results and derived equations offer specific recommendations for optimization of the ignition angle to minimize harmful emissions and improve the environmental performance of gasoline engines.
Paths to Sustainable Development: Ecological (R)evolution
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-23) Dakova, Megi; Nikolov, Bogdan; Getzova, Viktoriya
There is increasing talk about the need for mechanisms to reduce the pressure on our planet and the benefits of moving towards a green economy. In this regard, attention is focused on various packages of economic indicators, including several stages - from the creation of the product and its consumption to the need for waste management at the end of its life cycle. The circular economy is a model aimed at extending the life cycle of products. The aim of this study is to synthesize the main strategies and principles for sustainable waste management, the pros and cons of the circular economy, as well as to outline some potential paths for the transition to a circular economy. The relevance of the study is determined by modern trends in harmonizing policies and national measures for the management of packaging and packaging waste. Improving the quality of the environment by preventing and reducing the impact of packaging and packaging waste, preventing the production of packaging waste and promoting the reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of packaging waste instead of its final disposal, thus contributing to the transition to a circular economy.
Laccase-Based Biosensors: Advancements and Applications in Environmental, Biochemical and Biomedical Sensing
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-04-23) Peshkov, Angel; Iliev, Ilia; Dimcheva, Nina
Laccase-based biosensors represent a promising and innovative area of biotechnology that harnesses the natural enzymatic properties of laccase, a copper-containing oxidative enzyme, for detecting various aromatic compounds. These biosensors have garnered attention due to their high specificity, sensitivity, and eco-friendly nature, making them suitable for multiple applications, including environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and industrial process control. This overview provides insights into the fundamental principles, advantages, and key applications of laccase-based biosensors, along with emerging trends and challenges in this rapidly advancing field.
Some aspects of the impact of photovoltaic plants on the environment
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-23) Petrova, Slaveya; Nikolov, Bogdan; Popov, Rumen; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Stanislav; Kanevski, Hristo; Dakova, Megi; Yordanov, Emil; Kazandzhieva, Svetlozara; Klimentova-Nikolova, Yanina
Renewable energy sources (RES) play a key role in the global effort to tackle climate change and ensure a sustainable energy future. They are energy sources that are naturally renewable and have a minimal or zero carbon footprint. The main types of renewable energy sources include wind, solar (thermal and photovoltaic), aerothermal, geothermal, hydrothermal, ambient energy, tidal, wave and other ocean energy, hydroelectric power, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases (EC Directive 2018/2001). Large-scale photovoltaic power plants (PPPs) are being developed at a rapid pace and are set to use thousands or millions of acres of land worldwide. While the energy, economic and environmental impacts of PPPs are generally considered positive, large-scale deployment has negative impacts on non-urban areas. Specific impacts on soils and rural areas (e.g. permanent or temporary soil sealing conditions, complete or partial soil shading, land degradation, habitat fragmentation and loss of traditional agricultural practices) have been identified and require further investigation. The life cycle analysis of PPPs showed that they cannot be accepted as green technologies with zero emissions due to the potential negative effects on the environment. However, they are one of the most promising renewable energy sources, which emphasizes the need to search for sustainable models for their production, construction and operation.
Photovoltaic power plants on agricultural land – are they really green?
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-01-22) Klimentova-Nikolova, Yanina; Petrova, Slaveya; Nikolov, Bogdan; Popov, Rumen; Lyubomirov, Slavi; Asenov, Stanislav; Kanevski, Hristo; Dakova, Megi; Angelov, Nikola; Kazandzhieva, Svetlozara; Yordanov, Emil
Photovoltaic systems are a rapidly developing technology that plays a crucial role in the transition to clean energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is important to consider their potential impacts on the environment and biodiversity, especially when installing them on agricultural land. The aim of this study is to analyze and assess the impact of photovoltaic power plants (PPPs) on soil properties, microclimate and biodiversity. Renewable energy infrastructure can impact biodiversity in different ways during its construction, operation and maintenance, as well as during decommissioning or recommissioning. Potential impacts of PPPs on biodiversity include direct morbidity and mortality of wildlife species, habitat loss and degradation, habitat fragmen-tation and barrier effects, habitat alteration or creation, behavioral changes, physiological changes and displacement, infrared wave impacts, impacts on ecosystem services, indirect impacts, and cumulative impacts at the population level. Constructions with photovoltaic panels can affect soil and microclimate conditions by trapping precipitation and atmospheric deposition, changing surface albedo, increasing ground shading, and influencing wind speed. Significant changes in these parameters have been found in all studied locations, which can lead to changes in species composition, richness and diversity. The results obtained for the main negative impacts of PPPs on agricultural lands on the environment can be used to solve a wide range of management tasks such as control over investment proposals in the field of photovoltaics, etc.
Influence of Camelina crops on soil CO2 emissions
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-02-03) Petrova, Slaveya; Stanchev, Georgi; Marcheva, Marina; Popov, Vladislav
The Green Deal poses different challenges for EU agriculture, and this production will cost more and will be reflected on the global market once agriculture is included in the emissions trading system. Sustainable land management will be crucial to achieving the EU's climate neutrality target by 2050, as it will increase the amount of carbon captured and stored in plants and soils. Agriculture’s role in carbon sequestration is most closely linked to soil as a carbon sink. Soils have the potential to act as significant carbon sinks, storing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as CO2. Through practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and organic farming, farmers can improve soil carbon sequestration, contributing to climate mitigation efforts. The aim of the present study was to track the dynamics of soil CO2 emissions during the vegetation of Camelina in different intercropping systems and, on this basis, to evaluate the possibilities for sustainable management of carbon in the soil. After the three-year studies, we can recommend the use of Camelina as monocultures and especially in mixed crops with legumes as a step towards sustainable management of CO2 emissions and towards the so-called carbon agriculture. This approach has the additional advantage of biologically nourishing the soil with nitrogen, as well as creating more favorable conditions for the development of the soil microbiome.
First record of chestnut blight on Quercus petraea (Fagaceae) in Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-03-18) Filipova, Eva; Manova, Vasilissa; Bonchev, Georgi; Boycheva, Irina; Georgieva, Margarita
Chestnut blight is one of the most destructive diseases on species of Castanea genus (Fagaceae). The causal agent of the disease is the ascomycete fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Valsaceae). In the period 2018-2020, chestnut blight was found on both European (sweet) chestnut (Castanea sativa) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea) trees in mixed chestnut-oak stands planted in the region of State Forest Enterprise (SFE) Simitli (Pirin Mt.) and SFE Petrich (Belasitsa Mt.). The present study provides new data on the first detection of damage caused by Cryphonectria parasitica on Quercus petraea plantations in southwestern Bulgaria. The frequency and impact of the disease, the variety of vegetative compatibility types of the pathogen, as well as the molecular identification and mating type of the pathogen from oak samples were characterized.
Morphometric variation of two endangered Bulgarian medicinal plant species Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla achtarowii Pawł. (Rosaceae)
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-03-21) Gavrilova, Anna; Gavrilov, Genadi; Vitkova, Antonia
Morphometric variation of the protected in Bulgaria species Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and A. achtarowii Pawł. (Rosaceae) was investigated based on ten morphometric characters under in-situ and ex-situ environmental conditions. Plant materials originating from Bulgarian localities of A. mollis and A. achtarowii in Central Balkan Mountains (1100-2000 m a.s.l.) were compared to others, harvested from experimental live collection, grown in Sofia (570 m a.s.l.). Abiotic factors like water regime, and temperature had strong influence on the performance of both species in-situ and ex-situ. A distinctive difference in some morphometric characters of A. mollis in nature over the past 40 years was found. When exposed to prolonged temperature and drought stress A. achtarowii showed considerable variability regarding flower diameter and epicalyx indentation. The presented study should be used as a practical example of how some high mountain apomictic species react to changes in the environment and what are the resulting implications related to their traditional taxonomic treatment and conservation.
Comparative leaf epidermis and molecular analyses of Micromeria dalmatica Bentham and Clinopodium vulgare L. from Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-08) Mladenova, Tsvetelina; Naimov, Samir; Apostolova, Elena; Stoyanov, Plamen; Mladenov, Rumen; Bivolarska, Anelia; Raycheva, Tsvetanka; Gyuzeleva, Donika; Pechanska, Adriana; Balabanova, Rada; Kuzdova, Demetra; Todorov, Krasimir
The volume and number of taxa within the genus Micromeria have changed over the past decades based on several molecular genetic studies. In the Bulgarian flora, no revision has been conducted, and the boundaries of the genus remain unclear. Molecular studies have shown that members of the section Pseudomelissa within the genus Micromeria are more closely related to the genus Clinopodium than to the typical section Micromeria. In the present study, anatomical investigations of the leaf epidermis were carried out, and the molecular genetic structure of Micromeria dalmatica was determined. Its phylogenetic relationship with Clinopodium vulgare was established based on sequences in the ITS1 and tRNA-Leu regions
Cyprus Lizards: Patterns of distribution, endemic species habitat suitability modelling and conservation implications
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-05-31) Svana, Kaliana; Zotos, Savvas; Kiamos, Nikolaos; Lymberakis, Petros; Mylonas, Moisis
Considering the limited information on the distribution of Cyprus’ lizards, especially on endemic and endangered species, herein we explore their spatial patterns, with the aim of addressing this knowledge gap and contributing to informed conservation of the species as they face increasing pressure and threats. We recorded the eleven species present on the island, belonging to five families, of which two are endemic species (i.e. Laudakia cypriaca, Phoenicolacerta troodica) and four are endemic sub-species (i.e. Ablepharus budaki budaki, Acanthodactylus schreiberi schreiberi, Mediodactylus orientalis fitzingeri, Ophisops elegans schlueteri), including one listed as endangered by IUCN. We present new species occurrences and maps for all species, resulting from our extensive systematic survey in 2009. As a novelty, for the lizards and the island, we conducted species distribution modelling (SDM) for five endemic taxa. We used the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt), with a combination of selected environmental predictors and user defined parameter settings. We provide potential habitat suitability maps and investigate the role of environmental predictors influencing the possible species’ distribution. We conclude that temperature, precipitation and vegetation have the most important influence in predicting habitat suitability. We propose five subregions, as a general pattern of differing habitat suitability for lizard species on the island. We discuss the added value and conservation implications of new knowledge and datasets we provide.
The Invasive Mollusc Monodacna colorata (Bivalvia, Cardiidae) In The Ecosystems Of Hydraulic Structures Of The Zaporizhzhia NPP (Enerhodar, Ukraine)
(Plovdiv University Press Paisii Hilendarski, 2024-06-09) Marenkov, Oleh; Yermolenko, Serhii; Nesterenko, Oleh; Kurchenko, Viktoriia
The mollusc Monodacna colorata (Eichwald, 1829) was detected for the first time in the cooling ponds of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Hydrobiological studies of the NPP's hydraulic structures were carried out in the summer period of 2021. We used standard benthos sampling methods with the Ekman Dredge. Eight individuals of M. colorata were found in the samples. This is the Ponto-Caspian species, native to the Black Sea Basin. M. colorata usually inhabits transitional brackish water bodies. However, in recent decades it has shifted its range and settled in freshwater reservoirs. The reproduction of M. colorata in the cooling pond may lead to additional biological obstacles in the water supply system of Zaporizhzhia NPP. Therefore, regular monitoring is necessary to assess and control the abundance of M. colorata.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spatial distribution of nocturnal raptor species (Aves: Strigiformes) in the Upper Thracian lowland, Bulgaria
(Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2024-06-09) Hristova, Polina; Popgeorgiev, Georgi; Dobrev, Dobromir; Plachiyski, Dimitar; Stoev, Stoycho; Nedyalkov, Nedko; Dobrev, Vladimir
Here we aim to present the recent breeding distribution of the owl species from the Upper Thracian Lowland, Bulgaria, and to compare it with previous studies to highlight distribution changes in the species. Moreover, as a second objective we aim to present the non-breeding distribution (during winter or migration) of the studied species for the first time. The most common species, widely distributed in the study area were the Little owl, the Eurasian Scops owl, the Long-eared owl and the Barn owl. We found new localities for the Short-eared owl and the Eagle owl that are rare breeding species in the study area. The Tawny owl is also rare in the Upper Thracian Lowland and mostly occurs in old preserved forest patches along the Maritsa river valley.
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).
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.

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