Abstract

Fluorometric measurements in algal toxicity tests are very commonly

used as surrogate parameters for algal biomass. Although, fluorometry is a powerful

technique, we have demonstrated that it is not suitable for determination of toxic

effects of chemicals, which alter the fluorescence spectra. We recommend the flow

cytometry as the best technique for detecting algal and/or cyanobacterial cell count

and fluorescence per cell. Flow cytometry has many advantages: little volume of

algal/cyanobacterial sample required, suitable also for little algal/cyanobacterial

cells, distinction between live and dead cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry reveals

the early changes in fluorescence spectra as a consequence of the specific chemicals

presence or stress, even though the cell count is not yet affected (an early marker for

ecotoxicology testing).

Keywords

algae, cyanobacteria, ecotoxicity test, fluorescence, flow cytometry

Abstract

The elemental composition of cereal and pseudocereal grain is believed

to significantly affect the portions of the minerals supplied for particular human populations.

Therefore, care needs to be taken to improve the availability of the essential

elements and to decrease unwanted metal accumulation in edible plant parts. In the

present study, we have investigated the element accumulation in the grain of wheat

( Triticum aestivum L.), common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and

tartary buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.), harvested from the same

field under conventional grain production. Soil and grain element compositions were

analysed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and total reflection

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The wheat grain shows significantly higher (p < 0.05)

higher element concentrations than both of the buckwheat species tested. The contents

of elements in 100 g grain were higher than the concentrations listed in the literature

for wheat and buckwheat flours, which indicates significant losses of elements during

milling and polishing. Concerns are raised due to the high and unwanted metal accumulation

in wheat and buckwheat. The data indicate that both of these buckwheat

species accumulate less metal contaminants when compared to wheat.

Keywords

dietary reference intake; energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fagopyrum esculentum , Fagopyrum tataricum , metals, minerals, trace elements, Triticum aestivum ; total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

Invasive alien plants present a threat to diversity of native species. An

attempt to evaluation of potential endangerment of specific habitats due to the presence

of invasive alien plant species was made and results are presented in this paper. Data

about the presence of invasive alien plants in specific habitats were extracted from

the database Flora of Slovenia (at the Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora).

The list of the most frequent invasive alien plant taxa in natural and semi-natural

habitats is presented as well as the lists of invasive alien plants with potentially most

negative influence on the biodiversity in different habitats. In general, taxa with potentially

most negative influence on the biodiversity of natural habitats in Slovenia

are: Robinia pseudacacia , Solidago gigantea, Fallopia japonica and F. × bohemica,

Rudbeckia laciniata, Helianthus tuberosus . In the dataset the highest number of data

about presence of invasive alien plants referred to riparian zones (44%). The second

highly infected group of habitats was floodplain woods. According to the Ellenberg

indicator values the most of the invasive alien plants prefer nutrient-rich and sunny

sites. The negative effect of Fallopia × bohemica on light conditions in established

stands and consequently on the species richness of native plants was also detected.

Keywords

invasive alien plants, habitats, biodiversity, Slovenia, riparian zones

Abstract

Natural perturbations and human pressure increasingly affect the river

ecosystems and their biological communities. Fish species are a good indicator of the

river status and one of the factors for the assessment of ecological condition by the

Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC). River Mirna, one of the larger

right tributaries of the river Sava, is a good example of anthropogenic pressure on the

running water ecosystem. Fish community species structure was analyzed at selected

eight sampling sites located over the 28 km length of the river. Abiotic conditions were

determined by measuring the physical, chemical and hydro-morphological parameters

and the influence of measured parameters on present fish community was analyzed.

It has been determined, that the river Mirna is loaded with organic matter and physically

changed by regulations, river beds canalizing and bank stabilization. Fish were

sampled with standard electro-fishing method to determine species diversity, biomass

of the specimens and their size. 29 fish species from seven families (26 native and 3

allochthonous species) were recorded along with one type of the Danubian brook lamprey

( Eudontomyzon vladykovi ). Only two species, Telestes souffia and Cottus gobio ,

were present at all eight sampling sites. The largest number of specimens (890) and the

largest biomass (5697 g) per 100 m 2 was recorded at the sampling site located after the

town as a result of the flow of purified water from the water treatment plant and a large

number of invertebrates, which are an important food source. The minimum number

of specimens per 100 m 2 (86) and the minimum biomass of fish per 100 m 2 (457 g)

was measured at the relatively natural part of the channel. The most common causes

for this are low temperatures, less food and a fast, turbulent flow. The study confirms

that the changes in abiotic factors induced by anthropogenic activities significantly

influence the structure of fish species community.

Keywords

running waters, loading, anthropogenic pressure, fish community, fish biodiversity

Abstract

In Slovenia, the status of the re-introduced Eurasian lynx population is

monitored using the SCALP (Status and Conservation of Alpine Lynx Populations)

methodology. Monitoring is organized by the Slovenia Forest Service in cooperation

with other institutions and individuals. We analysed the data for the 2005–2009 monitoring

period and compared it with the previous periods to explore population status

and trends for the northern part of the Dinaric population. During this last pentad we

recorded six C1 category data points, 832 data points of category C2, and 96 points

of category C3. These numbers are comparable to the previously reported period of

2000–2004. The spatial distribution of signs of lynx presence remained similar compared

to the previous period. Presence and status of the lynx are easier to interpret

because of additional telemetry data and a habitat suitability that has been produced

since the last report. We assume that this lynx population is critically endangered,

because of demographic as well as genetic reasons. To prevent local extinction, an

active approach is needed for revitalization of the population which would address

demographic factors as well as improve the depleted gene pool.

Keywords

Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx , Dinaric population, monitoring, distribution, Slovenia

Abstract

To assess the status of Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ) in the Austrian Alps we

evaluated signs of lynx presence collected from 2005 to 2009. The spatial distribution

and the number of records collected (228 versus 225) remained stable compared to

the 5-year period 2000–2004. The distribution of the signs of presence showed three

clusters: (1) the clearest in Upper Austria (Kalkalpen National Park), (2) in Styria

(Niedere Tauern), and (3) in southern Carinthia (Carnic Alps). From other regions, only

isolated or unverified records are reported. In fact, based on an analysis of the spatial

and temporal distribution of the information we conclude that there is no population

established, presumably even reproductive units are lacking. Instead, the scattered

observations rather indicate the presence of single individuals only.

Keywords

Alps, Austria, distribution, Lynx lynx , status, lynx

Abstract

A pleon of a new freshwater isopod, provisionally attributed to the

family Sphaeromatidae (Monolistrini sensu Racovitza, 1910) was found in a cave in

Dalmacija (Croatia). Although known from such a small part of the body, Merozoon

vestigatum g. n., sp. n. is easily recognizable. It is doubtlessly a new species which

can only be attributed to a new genus in agreement with the criteria up to now used

for this genera-group. All pleonites are fused with the pleotelson, the free epimera of

the anterior pleonites are very poorly developed, not reaching the pleotelson lateral

borders; uropods are strongly reduced, uniarticulate, inserted in the middle of the

pleotelson lateral sides. It could be shown that its inclusion into Sphaeromatidae can

hardly be challenged, and that its only alternative, Cirolanidae, is very unlikely.

Keywords

Isopoda, Sphaeromatidae, taxonomy, subterranean, Croatia