In this study, we identified and characterized the hydrographic attributes related to the success of recruitment of migratory fishes in the Upper Paraná River floodplain. To achieve our objectives, we analyzed inter-annual variations in the abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY; index of recruitment) of six migratory species and their relations with hydrographic attributes. Recruitment was relate...

In this study, concentrations of heavy metals in soils around a Zn-smelter in Qeshm island, Iran, are investigated. Calculated geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), and contamination degree (Cdeg) values indicate surface soil contamination by toxic metals (As, Cd, Pb, and Zn). The results also indicate that most contaminated areas are located in the vicinity of the smelter an...

Biopedturbation, or animal-caused soil disturbance, may be important for development and maintenance of small-scale heterogeneity in ecosystems with the potential to alter seed mortality and recruitment. However, its role in tropical forests has been largely ignored. This study explored effects of vertebrate biopedturbation on seed (1) microsite heterogeneity, (2) predation and (3) germination ...

Dating of prehistoric anthropogenic earthworks requires either excavation for archaeological artifacts or macroscopic organic matter suitable for 14C analysis. Yet, the former, in many cases, is undesirable and the latter is difficult to obtain. Here we present a soil science procedure, which has the potential to overcome these problems. It includes careful sampling of buried former soil surfac...

Soil is one of our most precious natural resources. Proper soil management is a key to sustainable agricultural production. Soil management involves six essential practices: proper amount and type of tillage, maintenance of soil organic matter, maintenance of a proper nutrient supply for plants, avoidance of soil contamination, maintenance of the correct soil acidity, and control of soil loss (...

Cement dust deposition on soil has been implicated in the heavy metal (HM) contamination of soil, leading to adverse effects on plants and humans. This study assessed the impact of cement dust deposition on the HM content of the soil samples in the vicinity of a cement factory and its implication on the public health of the host community. Topsoil samples were collected at varying distances and...

in this study, concentrations of heavy metals in soils around a zn-smelter in qeshm island, iran, are investigated. calculated geoaccumulation index (igeo), contamination factor (cf), and contamination degree (cdeg) values indicate surface soil contamination by toxic metals (as, cd, pb, and zn). the results also indicate that most contaminated areas are located in the vicinity of the smelter an...

In this study, biodegradation of corn starch/glycerol/Na-MMT nanocomposites by soil burial tests were carried out for up to 6 months. Films were prepared by casting method according to central composite design and response surface methodology was applied for analysis of the results. The effects of formulation on the water solubility, contact angle and tensile strength of starch films were inves...