ISSN 2756-3367
Research Article
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 8 (3), pp. 001-006, March, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Comparison diversity and distribution of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in five different water treatment processes
Wei Bo* and Wu Xin
State Oceanic Administration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, Peoples Republic of China.
Accepted 05 November, 2020
Abstract
A better understanding of the biology and ecology of the microbial populations in biological reactor systems is the key to developing and optimizing efficient and economic reactor systems. In the study, we have analyzed the diversity and community components of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in five different water treatment processes. All results indicated that the diversity and abundance of AOB were influenced by distinct influent characteristics and system operation. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the distribution pattern of AOB among different processes showed that genetic types of amoA could separate into three which were municipal wastewater treatment pattern, food industrial wastewater treatment pattern and raw water treatment pattern.
Key words: Ammonia oxidizing bacteria, ammonia monooxygenase gene, activated sludge, granular activated carbon, water treatment processes.
Wei Bo*, Wu Xin
Page: 1 - 6
Research Article
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 8 (2), pp. 001-009, February, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Assessing ecosystem effects of small–scale cutting of Cameroon mangrove forests
Longonje N. Simon1* and Dave Raffaelli2
1Department of Environment, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon.
2Environment Department, University of York, YO 105 DD United Kingdom.
Accepted 13 November, 2020
Abstract
One of the most universal forms of resource-use in the tropics is small-scale wood exploitation; but ecologists are only starting to study its effects. This paper examines the effects of small-scale wood harvesting on forest structure and composition of mangrove forests. A stratified sampling method was used to select the sample zone. The forest characteristics were assessed by employing the quadrat/census plot method (Cintron and Schaeffer, 1984). To assess canopy structure, plot perimeter was used as a basis for line intercept sampling (Lertzman et al., 1996). Two-thirds of all canopy gaps were caused by human activities and this might have dramatic effects on regeneration because there were significantly more seedlings in canopy gaps compared with closed canopy areas. Rhizophora was the dominant species and formed a virtually monospecific stand in the coastline zone with a gradual transition to a mixed forest of Laguncularia, Avicennia and Rhizophora. Ecological characteristics such as mean tree density, seedling density, mean diameter at breast height, basal areas and gap sizes differed among seaward, middle and landward zones. The findings from the present study highlight that the ecological effect of small scale wood exploitation is a potential threat to mangrove forest ecosystem health.
Key words: Cameroon, mangrove ecology, forest ecosystem health.
Dave Raffaelli, Longonje N. Simon*
Page: 1 - 9
Review
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 8 (1), pp. 001-006, January, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Diversity of endophytic fungi in some tropical medicinal plants – A report
Kalyanaraman Rajagopal1*, Maheswari S.2 and Kathiravan G.1
1Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Vels University, Pallavaram, Chennai 600117, India.
2Department of Botany, Vinayaka Missions University, Salem 603 308, Tamil Nadu, India.
Accepted 13 October, 2020
Abstract
Endophytic fungi are a taxonomically and ecologically heterogenous group of organisms; mainly belong to ascomycetes, coelomycetes and hypomycetes. The abundance of endophytic fungi in tropical regions has been studied. However, scant attentions have been given to medicinal plants of tropics. Synthesis of Indole acetic acid and metabolites showing antiviral, volatile metabolites, anticancer agents, anti-oxidants, insecticidal activities, antidiabetic and immunosuppressive compounds are widespread among the endophytic fungi. Now, more concentration has been given to the chemistry and bioactive compounds of endophytic fungi, mycodiversity and their ecological role. This review deals with the brief survey of the endophytic fungi of some medicinal hosts and their bioactive compounds characterized.
Key words: Ascomycetes, coelomycetes, ecology, hypomycetes, secondary metabolites, and tropical.
Maheswari S and Kathiravan G, Kalyanaraman Rajagopal*
Page: 1 - 6
Research Article
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 7 (4), pp. 001-007, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Ecology and behavior of the estuarine dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Sepetiba Bay, South-eastern Brazil
Mariana Freitas Nery1,2*, Sheila Marino Simão2 and Tereza Pereira2
1Instituto de Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile.
2Laboratório de Bioacústica de Cetáceos, DCA, IF, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465 km 7 Seropédica, RJ, 23890-000, Brazil.
Accepted 15 August, 2020
Abstract
The dynamics of habitat utilization by Sotalia guianensis has been investigated. Between January 1997 and May 1998, 145 h of direct observations were made from a fixed location at Ponta do Zumbi on Marambaia Island, and 249 groups of dolphins were sighted. Initial and final times of the observation, approximate location, presence of calves, activities performed by the dolphins and prevailing weather conditions were recorded for all sightings. Dolphin groups were observed during all seasons of the year, and sightings occurred mainly during the late morning (9:00 - 11:59 h) and early afternoon (12:00 - 14:59 h). Dolphins exhibited a preference for the sheltered sub-areas of the bay rather than for the sub-area adjacent to the open sea. The most commonly observed aggregation of animals consisted of groups of 1 – 10 individuals. The activities performed by the dolphins were, in decreasing order of frequency of occurrence: foraging/feeding, travelling, socialization and resting. Daily and seasonal profiles of dolphins activities were dictated by many interacting factors (temporal, environmental and population characteristics), none of which could alone explain the manner in which the animals utilize the area or the organization of life cycle in the habitat.
Key words: Sotalia guianensis, habitat use, behaviour, group size.
Mariana Freitas Nery*, Sheila Marino Simão and Tereza Pereira
Page: 1 - 7
Research Article
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 7 (4), pp. 001-006, April, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
‘Traditional religion and natural resources’: A reflection on the significance of indigenous knowledge systems on the utilisation of natural resources among the Ndau People in South-eastern Zimbabwe
Oswell Rusinga1* and Richard Maposa2
1Department of Physics, Geography and Environmental Science, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe.
2Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe
Accepted 10 January, 2020
Abstract
The depletion of natural resources is one of the greatest challenges with far reaching consequences if sustainable environmental management programmes are not properly put into practice in Zimbabwe. The major contending issue, however, is how the exigency of sustainable environmental management can be contextualised in light of the local indigenous knowledge systems. Although literature is abound on the recommended environmental conservation models, it is heavily influenced by western scientific discourses whose perspectives are far removed from the existential realities of local populations. In our observations, Africans were and still conscious of the devastating consequences of the unsustainable utilisation of natural resources, which the Shona people call, zvisikwa. This concept of zvisikwa is constitutive of a deep-seated symbolism whose interpretations and meanings are rooted in the religio-cultural milieu of the locals. Specifically, this study is carried out among the Ndau, a Shona linguistic group in south-eastern Zimbabwe. The traditional utilisation of natural resources is systematic and rational as people acknowledge the ability of land to continue to regenerate itself. It is this perceived paradigm of indigenous knowledge systems that the study embraces as it guarantees the continuity and harmony of the socio-cultural networks that ensure the survival of rural societies.
Key words: Traditional religion, natural resources, indigenous knowledge systems, utilisation and environment.
Oswell Rusinga*, Richard Maposa
Page: 1 - 6
Research Article
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 9428-167X Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Age and growth rate determination using growth rings of selected miombo woodland species in charcoal and, slash and burn regrowth stands in Zambia
Stephen Syampungani1*, Coert Geledenhuys2 and Paxie W. Chirwa3
1Copperbelt University, School of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia.
2Department of Forest and Wood Science, University of Stellenbosch, P/Bag X1, 7602 Matieland, South Africa.
3University of Pretoria, Forestry Chair, Postgraduate Studies, Lynwood Rd, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
Accepted 22 September, 2019
Abstract
The field of dendrochronology has not been widely applied in tropical species because many scientists generally perceive that such species rarely produce distinct growth rings. This study was undertaken to determine if the key Miombo species produce distinct growth rings and to determine the relationship between the number of growth rings and age of the tree and stem diameter. The results showed a high correlation between number of growth rings and stand age for both charcoal (P < 0.001, r = 0.9246) and slash and burn (P < 0.001, r = 0.9019) regrowth stands. Additionally, the study has revealed high mean annual ring width values ranging from 4.4 to 5.6 mm in both charcoal and slash and burn regrowth stands. The pattern of ring development per year and the mean annual ring width values provide a basis for the use of ring counts in determining the age of Miombo regrowth stands and predicting the merchantable age for key Miombo woodland species. The results can therefore be used in planning the cutting cycles in Miombo woodlands. However, the phenomenon of missing growth rings suggests that the influence of environment in the use of growth rings in age determination need to be considered in areas that experience droughts.
Key words: Growth rates, growth rings, slope, diameter at breast height and cutting rotations.
Stephen Syampungani*, Coert Geledenhuys and Paxie W. Chirwa
Page: 1 - 8