GENERAL ASSESSMENT OF THE OCCURRENCE OF KERATINOLYTIC FUNGI IN RIVER AND MARINE BEACH SEDIMENTS OF CATALONIAN WATERS (SPAIN)

Sediments from 8 river mouths of the Catalonian coast (Spain) were examined for keratinolytic fungi. Out of 1250 river and marine samples examined, 499 (39.9%) were positive for these fungi.Aphanoascus fulvescens (anamorph + teleomorph),Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Ch. tropiciun, Ch. an. ofArthroderma curreyi, Ch. pannicola, Ch. europae andCh. indicum were the predominant species in the sediments. River samples were rich in keratinolytic fungi, whereas in marine beach sediments they occurred sporadically. The results of a preliminary experiment demonstrated that, marine water exerted a dramatical impact on river keratinolytic fungi causing their total or near-total elimination. The qualitative and quantitative compositions of river keratinolytic mycoflora depended on the degree of water contamination with sewage and on natural factors (mainly temperature). The keratinolytic mycoflora of two rivers was possibly altered dramatically by water contaminants, including poisons of industrial origin, and marine salinity. The problem of public health risk resulting from the distribution of keratinolytic fungi within the highly-frequented recreational waters is discussed.     

Quality of Tigris River passing through Baghdad for irrigation

The effect of Baghdad city on the water quality of the Tigris River was studied from April 1977 to March 1978. The chemical and physical characteristics of the water which are necessary in judging the quality of water for irrigation were studied. It was found that Baghdad was responsible for increasing the water salinity from 390 to 443 mg l^?1. Total hardness and turbidity were increased when the river passed through Baghdad. The increase in the total hardness was mostly due to the increase in Mg concentration. The results also suggested that there should be no problem from the heavy metals or inorganic N in this water when used for irrigation. The Tigris River water in Baghdad was classified as classC ₂ S ₁; that is water of second class with regard to salinity and first class with regard to sodicity.     

The Selection Exerted by Oil Contamination on Mangrove Fungal Communities

Mangrove ecosystems are tropical environments that are characterized by the interaction between the land and the sea. As such, this ecosystem is vulnerable to oil spills. Here, we show a culture-independent survey of fungal communities that are found in the sediments of the following two mangroves that are located on the coast of Sao Paulo State (Brazil): (1) an oil-spill-affected mangrove and (2) a nearby unaffected mangrove. Samples were collected from each mangrove forest at three distinct locations (transect from sea to land), and the samples were analyzed by quantitative PCR and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based PCR-DGGE analysis. The abundance of fungi was found to be higher in the oil-affected mangrove. Visual observation and correspondence analysis (CA) of the ITS-based PCR-DGGE profiles revealed differences in the fungal communities between the sampled areas. Remarkably, the oil-spilled area was quite distinct from the unaffected sampling areas. On the basis of the ITS sequences, fungi that are associated with the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota taxa were most common and belonged primarily to the genera Epicoccum, Nigrospora, and Cladosporium. Moreover, the Nigrospora fungal species were shown to be sensitive to oil, whereas a group that was described as ??uncultured Basidiomycota?? was found more frequently in oil-contaminated areas. Our results showed an increase in fungal abundance in the oil-polluted mangrove regions, and these data indicated potential fungal candidates for remediation of the oil-affected mangroves.     

Changes in the structure of fungal communities of soil treated with sewage sludge

The influence of a single addition of sewage sludges to soils on the composition of fungal communities, soil pH (physical factor) and presence of Eschericha coli (sanitary factor) during 1 year was studied. Only the pH of soil treated with limed sewage sludge increased significantly from 7.01 to 7.58 after 3 months. E. coli was still present in soil 1 year after application of sewage sludge. Fungal numbers increased in the sewage-sludge-treated soil up to 6 months after application (maximum value was 7.5 times that of the control) and then decreased to reach values comparable to those of the control. Treated soils showed different fungal communities to the control with presence of keratinolytic fungi (Sporothrix schenckii, Microsporum sp.), yeasts (Geotrichum candidum, Candida sp., Rhodotorula sp. Cryptococcus sp.), and other potential pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani). The results indicate that fungi belonging to the genus Candida could be used as specific indicator organisms of the sanitary condition of soils treated with sewage sludge.     

Effects of salinity and flooding on the infectivity of salt marsh arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Aster tripolium</Emphasis> L.

Salt marshes are characterized by the occurrence of combined salinity and flooding stresses. The individual and combined effects of salinity and flooding on the establishment and activity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization in the salt marsh halophyte Aster tripolium L. by indigenous salt marsh AM fungi were evaluated. A. tripolium plants were cultivated in a mixture of sand and salt marsh soil under different salinity concentrations (5%, 50% or 100% artificial seawater) and water regimes (non-flooding, tidal flooding and continuous flooding). Plants were harvested after 3 and 8 weeks and their growth was negatively influenced by increased salinity and water level. Increased salinity level affected the establishment of AM colonization, AM fungal growth and activity (measured as succinate dehydrogenase activity) within roots, and extraradical mycelium growth. The influence of flooding on the establishment of colonization and on intra- and extraradical AM fungal growth was dependent on the water regime. Continuous flooding reduced colonization and AM fungal growth, whereas tidal flooding did not affect these parameters unless combined with intermediate salinity level (50% seawater) at the end of the experiment. The water regime did not influence AM active colonization. The ratio of root to soil AM fungal growth increased as the water level increased. The results of this study demonstrate that the establishment and activity of AM colonization in A. tripolium is more influenced by salinity than by flooding, and suggests that the functionality of salt marsh AM fungi is not affected by flooding.     

Influence of Salinity in the Bioavailability of Zn in Sediments of the Gulf of Cádiz (Spain)

This study assesses the effect of salinity in bioavailability and toxicity of Zn by means of laboratory bioassays by observing contamination in both sediment and water, accumulation of Zn in biological tissues, and histopathological damage in the gills and guts tissues of Ruditapes philippinarum clams, which were exposed to different types of sediments from the Gulf of Cádiz (SW Spain) as well as two dilutions of toxic mud coming from an accidental mining spill. With this objective, the coefficients of distribution (K _D) for Zn between overlying water and sediments were calculated, the histopathological frequencies in the tissues of the gills and guts of clams were determined, and the biota-sediment bioaccumulation factors as well as the bioaccumulation factors were quantified in the different stations. Results showed that the greatest histopathological damages appeared when the salinity values decreased. Statistical results showed that salinity was inversely correlated with histopathological damage (p?<?0.01) for the lesion index for gills. The most outstanding results were observed in the two dilutions of toxic mud (0.3% and 7.9%) at a salinity value of 10. Salinity was inversely correlated with the concentration of Zn in biological tissues (p?<?0.05) and inversely correlated with the concentration of Zn in water and sediment. Zn mobilization to the overlying water is produced when salinity values decrease.     

Fungal flora of soil polluted with copper

The effects of copper pollution on the soil fungal flora was investigated. Soils treated with 100, 200, 400, 800 or 1600 μg Cu g^?1 were used for experiments to study changes in fungal populations, especially the development and dominance of copper-tolerant fungi. Fungi were sampled 1, 3 and 5 months after copper treatment.All the correlation coefficients between the copper contents and the number of fungal colonies plated were positive. The higher the copper concentration in soil, the more 1000 μ Cu ml^?1 tolerant fungi were isolated. The relative number of 1000 μg Cu mr^?1 tolerant fungi from the soil treated with 1600 μg Cu g^?1 was about 30% of those of the control 14 days after treatment. Within the limits of this experiment, the increase in fungal populations was directly correlated with the increase of dominant Cu-tolerant fungi.From control soils, containing low quantities of copper, 1000 μg Cu ml^?1 tolerant fungi were also isolated; whereas, from soils containing high amounts of copper, some Cu-sensitive fungi were isolated. Most of the 1000 μg Cu ml^?1 tolerant fungi were Penicillium spp. It was concluded that the genus Penicillium may be dominant in soils polluted with copper.     

Salinity tolerance and mycorrhizal responsiveness of native xeroriparian plants in semi-arid western USA

Restoration of salt-affected soils is a global concern. In the western United States, restoration of salinized land, particularly in river valleys, often involves control of Tamarix, an introduced species with high salinity tolerance. Revegetation of hydrologically disconnected floodplains and terraces after Tamarix removal is often difficult because of limited knowledge regarding the salinity tolerance of candidate native species for revegetation. Additionally, Tamarix appears to be non-mycorrhizal. Extended occupation of Tamarix may deplete arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, further decreasing the success of revegetation efforts. To address these issues, we screened 42 species, races, or ecotypes native to southwestern U.S. for salinity tolerance and mycorrhizal responsiveness. As expected, the taxa tested showed a wide range of responses to salinity and mycorrhizal fungi. This variation also occurred between ecotypes or races of the same species, indicating that seed collected from high-salinity reference systems is likely better adapted to harsh conditions than seed originating from less saline environments. All species tested had a positive or neutral response to mycorrhizal inoculation. We found no clear evidence that mycorrhizae increased salinity tolerance, but some species were so dependent on mycorrhizal fungi that they grew poorly at all salinity levels in pasteurized soil.     

EFFECTS OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON TOLERANCE CAPABILITY OF CORN GROWN UNDER SALT STRESS CONDITION

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effect of salinity on the efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus mossea and natural mycorrhiza, of Glomus species, was investigated in terms of growth and nutrition of corn plant (Zea mays L). Plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 2.0, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 8.0, 12.0 dS m^?1of Hoagland's Solution [sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄)_, Calcium dichloride (CaCl₂), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) 7:9:3:1 ratio, respectively]. Both types of mycorrhizal fungi did not display significant protection in the host plant against the detrimental effects of the soil salinity. The effect of inoculation on growth varied only with the level of salinity. Maximum root colonization and spore numbers were observed in plants cultivated with low salinity levels. It was found that significant interaction between AMF x Salinity level for calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) of shoot, and for Zn and Mn, of root.     

Origin and properties of β-glucosidase activity of tomato-field soil

The distribution of β-glucosidase activity in a tomato-field soil was examined. Of the total activity found, > 50% was in the < 2mm soil fraction, 20% in the organic debris and a significant proportion in roots. In an attempt to determine the origin of β-glucosidase in this soil, the properties of β-glucosidase of various fungal and bacterial isolates from the soil, and of plant materials, were studied.Selective inhibition of bacterial or fungal growth in re-moistened, over-dried, inoculated soil indicated that fungi were a more important source of β-glucosidase in this soil. Monierella, Actinomucor, Coniochaeta and Penicillium were the principal fungi isolated from the soil by the dilution-plate technique, comprising over 60% of the total isolates. Remoistened oven-dried soil, inoculated with Mortierella and Actinomucor spp exhibited higher β-glucosidase activity after incubation than did soil inoculated with other strains.The β-glucosidase activity of extracts from cultured fungal strains had similar pH optima and Q₁₀ values to those of soil extracts. The β-glucosidase of extracts from isolates of bacteria and actinomycetes had similar Q₁₀ values, but higher pH optima, than did that of soil extracts.These results indicate that fungi, mainly some of the mucoraceous fungi, may be the primary source of β-glucosidase in tomato-field soil.     

Abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in relation to soil salinity around Lake Urmia in northern Iran analyzed by use of lipid biomarkers and microscopy

Saline soils around Lake Urmia in northern Iran constitute a stressed environment for plants and microbial communities, including arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Soil and root samples were collected from fields cultivated with the glycophytes Allium cepa L. and Medicago sativa L., and sites dominated by the halophyte Salicornia europaea L. Soil and root samples were analyzed for the AM fungal signature neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) 16:1ω5. The roots were also examined microscopically for mycorrhizal colonization. Each plant species was sampled across a salt gradient. Microscopic examination showed no AM fungal structures in the roots of S. europaea. The highest root colonization was recorded for M. sativa. The highest NLFA 16:1ω5 values were found in soil around M. sativa roots and the lowest in soil around S. europaea roots. We found evidence for stimulation of vesicle formation at moderate salinity levels in M. sativa, which is an indication of increased carbon allocation to mycorrhiza. On the other hand, we found a negative correlation between salinity and arbuscule formation in A. cepa, which may indicate a less functional symbiosis in saline soils.     

Volatile organic compounds in water and sediment from the Morava and the Danube Rivers (Slovakia) using purge and trap injection and gas chromatography

Purge and trap injector (PTI) with high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) was used to determine the concentration levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water and sediments from the Morava and the Danube Rivers. Thus the average concentrations of volatile n-alkanes (C₆-C₁₃) in water and sediments were found to be 0.02—1.33 μg/l and 0.04–105 μg/kg wet weight respectively. While the average concentrations of volatile aromatics in water and sediments were found to be 0.07–3.62 μg/l and 0.08–290 μg/kg wet weight respectively. In general different concentration levels were found at different locations, and at different time periods. With PTI-HRGC small sample size (5–20 ml) of water and (10–20 g) of sediments were used to analyse the VOCs in a simple, rapid method, with low background contamination since the system is completely closed. Relatively higher concentrations of VOCs were found in water and sediment samples from the Morava in comparison with those from the Danube, and higher concentration levels were found in spring time than in summer time.     

Partition of Nonylphenol and Related Compounds Among Different Aquatic Compartments in Tiber River (Central Italy)

Nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol mono- and di-ethoxylate (NP1EO, NP2EO) and bisphenol A (BPA) were determined in water, suspended particulate matter (s.p.m.) and bed sediment collected from the most polluted stretch of Tiber river (Italy) in the neighbourhood of Rome. Analytes were recovered from water samples by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on Si–C₁₈ cartridges and analysed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Solid samples were extracted by using an aqueous solution of the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80. Results indicated that 2–42% of NP, 9–45% of NP1EO, 11–18% of NP2EO and 4–62% of BPA respectively occurred in the suspended phase. In general, for all compounds a higher affinity for s.p.m. than for bed sediments was observed, reflecting differences in the nature of particles and in their sorption capacity for organic micro-pollutants. The partition of target compounds in river compartments was affected by differences in hydrological conditions between the two sampling campaigns. Run-off from the basin or resuspension/redissolution from sediments was an important source of nonylphenol and bisphenol A during high discharge regimes. Partition coefficients of compounds (log K _oc ) between water and s.p.m. were calculated under stable flow condition. K _oc values, experimentally measured in the river, were higher than those predicted by K _ow , implying that specific chemical interaction could occur in the sorption mechanisms for these group of compounds.     

水分含量对秸秆还田土壤碳矿化和微生物特性的影响

An 80-d incubation experiment was conducted to investigate straw decomposition,the priming effect and microbial characteristics in a non-fertilized soil(soil 1) and a long-term organic manure-fertilized soil(soil 2) with and without13 C-labeled maize straw amendment under different moisture levels. The soil 2 showed a markedly higher priming effect,microbial biomass C(Cmic),and β-glucosidase activity,and more abundant populations of bacteria and fungi than the soil 1. Also,soil CO2 emission,Cmic,β-glucosidase activity,and bacterial and fungal population sizes were substantially enhanced by straw amendment. In the presence of straw,the amount of straw mineralization and assimilation by microbes in the soil at 55% of water holding capacity(WHC) were significantly higher by 31% and 17%,respectively,compared to those at 25% of WHC. In contrast,β-glucosidase activity and fungal population size were both enhanced as the moisture content decreased. Cmicdecreased as straw availability decreased,which was mainly attributed to the reduction of straw-derived Cmic. Amended soils,except the amended soil 2 at 25% of WHC,had a more abundant fungal population as straw availability decreased,indicating that fungal decomposability of added straw was independent of straw availability. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis based on fungal denatured gradient gel electrophoresis band patterns showed that shifts in the fungal community structure occurred as water and straw availability varied. The results indirectly suggest that soil fungi are able to adjust their degradation activity to water and straw availability by regulating their community structure.     

Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and salinity on growth,biomass, and mineral nutrition of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Acacia auriculiformis</Emphasis>

The effect of salinity on the efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Glomus fasciculatum and G. macrocarpum, alone and in combination was investigated on growth, development and nutrition of Acacia auriculiformis. Plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 S m^-1 solutions of 1 M NaCl. Both mycorrhizal fungi protected the host plant against the detrimental effect of salinity. The extent of AM response on growth as well as root colonization varied with fungal species, and with the level of salinity. Maximum root colonization and spore production was observed with combined inoculation, which resulted in greater plant growth at all salinity levels. AM fungal inoculated plants showed significantly higher root and shoot weights. Greater nutrient acquisition, changes in root morphology, and electrical conductivity of soil in response to AM colonization was observed, and may be possible mechanisms to protect plants from salt stress.     

Adsorption of Dimethyl Phthalate on Marine Sediments

Experiments were performed to investigate the sorption behaviors of dimethyl phthalate on marine sediments. The sorption of dimethyl phthalate on marine sediments reached equilibrium within 10 h. The sorption behavior of dimethyl phthalate on HCl-treated and untreated sediments accorded well with the linear sorption isotherm. The sorption occurred primarily via partition function of organic carbon of marine sediments. The sorption behavior of dimethyl phthalate on H₂O₂-treated sediment was nonlinear and conformed to Freundlich isotherm. Sorption of dimethyl phthalate on H₂O₂-treated sediment was chiefly through surface function of clay in marine sediments. Salinity of seawater had an important effect on the sorption of dimethyl phthalate. As the salinity of seawater increased, both the partitioning coefficients K _d and empirical constant K would increase.     

Interactions of arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi and Bacillus strains and their effects on plant growth,microbial rhizosphere activity (thymidine and leucine incorporation) and fungal biomass (ergosterol and chitin)

The effects of two Bacillus strains (Bacillus pumillus and B. licheniformis) on Medicago sativa plants were determined in single or dual inoculation with three arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and compared to P-fertilization. Shoot and root plant biomass, values of thymidine and leucine incorporation as well as ergosterol and chitin in rhizosphere soil were evaluated to estimate metabolic activity and fungal biomass, respectively, according to inoculation treatments. For most of the plant parameters determined, the effectiveness of AM fungal species was influenced by the bacterial strain associated. Dual inoculation of Bacillus spp. and AM fungi did not always significantly increase shoot biomass compared to single AM-colonized plants. The most efficient treatment in terms of dry matter production was the dual Glomus deserticola plus B. pumillus inoculation, which produced similar shoot biomass and longer roots than P-fertilization and a 715% (shoot) and 190% (root length) increase over uninoculated control. The mycorrhizas were more important for N use-efficiency than for P use-efficiency, which suggests a direct mycorrhizal effect on N nutrition not mediated by P uptake. Both chemical and biological treatments affected thymidine and leucine incorporation in the rhizosphere soil differently. Thymidine was greater in inoculated than in control rhizospheres and B. licheniformis was more effective than B. pumillus in increasing thymidine. Non-inoculated rhizospheres showed the lowest thymidine and leucine values, which shows that indigenous rhizosphere bacteria increased with introduced inocula. The highest thymidine and leucine values found in P-fertilized soils indicate that AM plants are better adapted to compete with saprophytic soil bacteria for nutrients than P-amended plants. Chitin was only increased by coinoculation of B. licheniformis and G. intraradices. B. pumillus increased ergosterol (indicative of active saprophyte fungal populations) in the rhizosphere of AM plants and particularly when colonized by G. mosseae. The different AM fungi have different effects on bacterial and/or fungal saprophytic populations and for each AM fungus, this effect was specifically stimulated or reduced by the same bacterium. This is an indication of ecological compatibilities between microorganisms. Particular Glomus–bacterium interactions (in terms of effect on plant growth responses or rhizosphere population) do not seem to be related to the percentage of AM colonization. The effect on plant growth and stimulation of rhizosphere populations, as a consequence of selected microbial groups, may be decisive for the plant establishment under limiting soil conditions.     

Distribution and abundance of fungi in the soils of Taylor Valley, Antarctica

The occurrence and distribution of culturable fungi in Taylor Valley, Antarctica was assessed in terms of soil habitat. Soil transects throughout the valley revealed differential habitat utilization between filamentous and non-filamentous (yeast and yeast-like) fungi. In addition, there were significant differences in species distribution patterns with respect to soil pH, moisture, distance from marine coastline, carbon, chlorophyll a, salinity, elevation and solar inputs. Filamentous fungal abundance is most closely associated with habitats having higher pH, and soil moistures. These close associations were not found with yeast and yeast-like fungi demonstrating that yeast and yeast-like fungi utilize a broader range of habitat. An intensive survey of the Victoria Land is necessary to gain a better understanding of their role in soil functioning and nutrient cycling processes.     

Effects of industrial liquid wastes on dinitrogen fixation and microflora of soils and waters

Potential N₂-fixation was investigated in a number of samples representing soils and water courses under the effect of some industrial wastes in Helwan area of Egypt. Microbiological analysis of soil and water samples showed the general enrichment of fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria including N₂-fixers. Among asymbiotic N₂-fixers, azospirilla compared to azotobacters and clostridia were found to be present with rather higher densities in all samples tested. Generally, the microbial numbers increased by increasing the distance from the Industrial Complex at Helwan, which could be attributed to the high levels of salinity and total heavy metals near the factories. The results indicated that the industrial wastes near the factories exerted inhibitory effects on the acetylenereducing activity in soils, which seriously reduces their biological fertility. Such effects were decreased by getting away from the factories. Significantly negative correlations were recorded between densities of N₂-fixers or N₂-ase activity and salinity and total heavy metals content in both soil and water samples.     

Distinctive fungal and bacterial communities are associated with mats formed by ectomycorrhizal fungi

The distinct rhizomorphic mats formed by ectomycorrhizal Piloderma fungi are common features of the organic soil horizons of coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest. These mats have been found to cover 25-40% of the forest floor in some Douglas-fir stands, and are associated with physical and biochemical properties that distinguish them from the surrounding non-mat soils. In this study, we examined the fungal and bacterial communities associated with Piloderma mat and non-mat soils. Each mat and non-mat area was repeatedly sampled at four times throughout the year. Characterization of the mat activity and community was achieved using a combination of N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase) enzyme assays, and molecular analysis of fungal and bacterial communities using T-RFLP profiles, clone libraries, and quantitative PCR. Piloderma mats had consistently greater NAGase activity across all dates, although the magnitude of the difference varied by season. Furthermore, we found distinct fungal and bacterial communities associated with the Piloderma mats, yet the size of the microbial populations differed little between the mat and non-mat soils. Significant temporal variation was seen in the NAGase activity and in the sizes of the fungal and bacterial populations, but the community composition remained stable through time. Our results demonstrate the presence of two distinct microbial communities occupying the forest floor of Douglas-fir stands, whose populations and activities fluctuate seasonally but with little change in composition, which appears to be related to the physiochemical nature of mat and non-mat habitats.