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Nikolaidou C, Mola M, Papakostas S, Aschonitis VG, Monokrousos N, Kougias PG. The effect of anaerobic digestate as an organic soil fertilizer on the diversity and structure of the indigenous soil microbial and nematode communities. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-32850-9. [PMID: 38517633 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestate is a popular soil additive which can promote sustainability and transition toward a circular economy. This study addresses how anaerobic digestate modifies soil health when combined with a common chemical fertilizer. Attention was given to soil microbes and, a neglected but of paramount importance soil taxonomic group, soil nematodes. A mesocosm experiment was set up in order to assess the soil's microbial and nematode community. The results demonstrated that the microbial diversity was not affected by the different fertilization regimes, although species richness increased after digestate and mixed fertilization. The composition and abundance of nematode community did not respond to any treatment. Mixed fertilization notably increased potassium (K) and boron (B) levels, while nitrate (NO3-) levels were uniformly elevated across fertilized soils, despite variations in nitrogen input. Network analysis revealed that chemical fertilization led to a densely interconnected network with mainly mutualistic relationships which could cause ecosystem disruption, while digestate application formed a more complex community based on bacterial interactions. However, the combination of both orchestrated a more balanced and less complex community structure, which is more resilient to random disturbances, but on the downside, it is more likely to collapse under targeted perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charitini Nikolaidou
- Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- University Center of International Programmes of Studies, International Hellenic University, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Magkdi Mola
- Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- University Center of International Programmes of Studies, International Hellenic University, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spiros Papakostas
- Department of Science and Technology, International Hellenic University, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Aschonitis
- Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Monokrousos
- University Center of International Programmes of Studies, International Hellenic University, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis G Kougias
- Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Anagnostopoulpou K, Nannou C, Aschonitis VG, Lambropoulou DA. Screening of pesticides and emerging contaminants in eighteen Greek lakes by using target and non-target HRMS approaches: Occurrence and ecological risk assessment. Sci Total Environ 2022; 849:157887. [PMID: 35952888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lakes, albeit ecosystems of vital importance, are insufficiently investigated with respect to the degradation of water quality due to the organic micropollutants load. As regards Greece, screening of lake waters is scarce and concerns a limited number of contaminants. However, understanding the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and other micropollutants in lakes is essential to appraise their potential ecotoxicological effects. The aim of this study was to deploy a multiresidue screening approach based on liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to get a first snapshot for >470 target CECs, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as well as organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in eighteen Greek lakes in Central, Northern and West Northern Greece. The omnipresent compounds were DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), caffeine and TCPP (tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate). Maximum concentrations varied among the different classes. DEET was detected at a maximum average concentration of >1000 ng/L in Lake Orestiada, while its mean concentration was estimated at 233 ng/L. The maximum total concentrations for pesticides, PPCPs, PFASs, and OPFRs were 5807, 2669, 33.1, and 1214 ng/L, respectively, indicating that Greek lakes are still threatened by the intense agricultural activity. Besides, HRMS enabled a non-target screening by exploiting the rich content of the full-scan raw data, allowing the 'discovery' of tentative candidates, such as surfactants, pharmaceuticals, and preservatives among others, without reference standards. The potential ecotoxicity was assessed by both the risk quotient method and ECOSAR (Ecological Structure Activity Relationships) revealing low risk for most of the compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Anagnostopoulpou
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, GR 57001, Greece
| | - Christina Nannou
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, GR 57001, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Aschonitis
- Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization - DIMITRA, Thermi, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece
| | - Dimitra A Lambropoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, GR 57001, Greece.
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Bizos G, Papatheodorou EM, Chatzistathis T, Ntalli N, Aschonitis VG, Monokrousos N. The Role of Microbial Inoculants on Plant Protection, Growth Stimulation, and Crop Productivity of the Olive Tree ( Olea europea L.). Plants (Basel) 2020; 9:plants9060743. [PMID: 32545638 PMCID: PMC7356289 DOI: 10.3390/plants9060743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an emblematic, long-living fruit tree species of profound economic and environmental importance. This study is a literature review of articles published during the last 10 years about the role of beneficial microbes [Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Plant Growth Promoting Fungi (PGPF), and Endophytes] on olive tree plant growth and productivity, pathogen control, and alleviation from abiotic stress. The majority of the studies examined the AMF effect using mostly Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus mosseae species. These AMF species stimulate the root growth improving the resistance of olive plants to environmental and transplantation stresses. Among the PGPR, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azospirillum sp. and potassium- and phosphorous-solubilizing Bacillus sp. species were studied extensively. These PGPR species were combined with proper cultural practices and improved considerably olive plant’s growth. The endophytic bacterial species Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus sp., as well as the fungal species Trichoderma sp. were identified as the most effective biocontrol agents against olive tree diseases (e.g., Verticillium wilt, root rot, and anthracnose).
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Bizos
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology, International Hellenic University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Efimia M. Papatheodorou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.M.P.); (N.M.)
| | - Theocharis Chatzistathis
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.C.); (V.G.A.)
| | - Nikoletta Ntalli
- Department of Pesticides Control and Phytopharmacy, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 S. Delta Str., 14561 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vassilis G. Aschonitis
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.C.); (V.G.A.)
| | - Nikolaos Monokrousos
- Laboratory of Molecular Ecology, International Hellenic University, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence: (E.M.P.); (N.M.)
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Aschonitis VG, Gavioli A, Lanzoni M, Fano EA, Feld C, Castaldelli G. Proposing priorities of intervention for the recovery of native fish populations using hierarchical ranking of environmental and exotic species impact. J Environ Manage 2018; 210:36-50. [PMID: 29331625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The freshwater populations of native fish species (Ns) have reached critical levels in many parts of the world due to combined habitat deterioration by human interventions and exotic fish species (Es) invasions. These alarming conditions require combined and well-designed interventions for restoring environmental quality and restricting Es invasion. The aim of the study is to propose a method to design spatially explicit priorities of intervention for the recovery of Ns populations in highly impacted freshwater systems by exotic multi-species invasion and water quality (WQ) degradation. WQ and Es are used as Ns descriptors, which require intervention. The method uses gradient analysis (ordination method of Canonical Correspondence Analysis) for assessing the weights of Ns descriptors' effects, which are further used to develop weighted severity indices; the severity index of WQ (Swq) and Es invasion (Se), respectively. Swq and Se are further merged to one combined total severity index St. The proposed method provides a) a ranking of the sites, based on the values of St, which denotes the priority for combined intervention in space and can be visualized in maps, b) a ranking of the most important Ns descriptors for each site to perform site-specific interventions, and c) Es rankings based on their potential threat on Ns for species-specific interventions. WQ, Es and Ns data from 208 sampling sites located in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy) were used as a case study for the presentation of the proposed method. The application of the method showed that the north and northwestern lowland areas of Emilia-Romagna region presented the higher priority for intervention since the Ns of these areas are the most impacted from combined Es invasions and WQ degradation. Specific Es belonging to cyprinids, which are mostly responsible for the decline of aquatic vegetation and the increase of water turbidity, and a top Es predator (Wels catfish) were mostly present in these areas. Additionally, the most important WQ stressors of Ns were found to be COD, BOD and temperature that are all connected to oxygen depletion. The aforementioned conditions in the areas described by high priority for intervention can be used as a basis for the development of specific Ns conservation practices targeting the containment of the most harmful Es, the restoration of aquatic vegetation and the improvement of oxygen conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- V G Aschonitis
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - A Gavioli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Lanzoni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - E A Fano
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Feld
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - G Castaldelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Tamburini E, Castaldelli G, Ferrari G, Marchetti MG, Pedrini P, Aschonitis VG. Onsite and online FT-NIR spectroscopy for the estimation of total nitrogen and moisture content in poultry manure. Environ Technol 2015; 36:2285-2294. [PMID: 25744206 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2015.1026287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The nitrogen and moisture of manure are highly variable parameters and depend on animal type, husbandry techniques, environmental conditions and storage time. The precision in manure dose estimation for crops fertilization depends on the total nitrogen and moisture content just before its incorporation in the field. The aim of the study is to develop a Fourier Transform Near Infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy method to determine the total Kjeldhal nitrogen (TKN%) and moisture (M%) of different types of poultry manure prior to land application. Samples covering a wide range of poultry types and different husbandry conditions were obtained from farms of North-Eastern Italy in order to develop the method. The method was calibrated (R(2) = 0.94 for TKN%, R(2) = 0.99 for M%) and validated (R(2) = 0.82 for TKN%, R(2) = 0.95 for M%) in the laboratory. An external validation was also performed in situ with independent samples, of similar origin to the previous data set, which were collected just before application in the field. Spectra acquisitions for these samples were carried out using the same instrumentation which was placed in a special vehicle for monitoring campaigns. The results showed satisfactory prediction accuracy (R(2) = 0.82 for TKN%, R(2) = 0.93 for M%). Finally, an additional analysis was performed to discriminate the different types of poultry effluents. The TKN and M measurements in the disposal areas indicated that current agronomic practices lead to more than double poultry manure oversupply. The proposed FT-NIR methodology aims to improve the current fertilization management and environmental protection by providing fast and precise estimations of poultry manure doses prior to land application.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tamburini
- a Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology , University of Ferrara , Ferrara , Italy
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Litskas VD, Aschonitis VG, Antonopoulos VZ. Water quality in irrigation and drainage networks of Thessaloniki plain in Greece related to land use, water management, and agroecosystem protection. Environ Monit Assess 2010; 163:347-359. [PMID: 19277883 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-0839-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A representative agricultural area of 150 ha located in a protected ecosystem (Axios River Delta, Thermaikos Gulf-N. Aegean, Greece) was selected in order to investigate water quality parameters [pH, electrical conductivity (EC(w)), NO(3)-N, NH(4)-N, total phosphorus (TP)] in irrigation and drainage water. In the study area, the cultivated crops are mainly rice, maize, cotton, and fodder. Surface irrigation methods are applied using open channels network, and irrigation water is supplied by Axios River, which is facing pollution problems. The return flow from surface runoff and the surplus of irrigation water are collected to drainage network and disposed to Thermaikos Gulf. A 2-year study (2006-2007) was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of land use and irrigation water management on the drainage water quality. The average pH and NO(3)-N concentration was higher in the irrigation water (8.0 and 1.3 mg/L, respectively) than that in the drainage water (7.6 and 1.0 mg/L, respectively). The average EC(W), NH(4)-N, and TP concentration was higher in the drainage water (1,754 muS/cm, 90.3 microg/L, and 0.2 mg/L, respectively) than that in the irrigation water (477.1 muS/cm, 46.7 microg/L, and 0.1 mg/L, respectively). Average irrigation efficiency was estimated at 47% and 51% in 2006 and 2007 growing seasons (April-October), respectively. The loads of NO(3)-N in both seasons were higher in the irrigation water (35.1 kg/ha in 2006 and 24.9 kg/ha in 2007) than those in the drainage water (8.1 kg/ha in 2006 and 7.6 kg/ha in 2007). The load of TP was higher in the irrigation water in season 2006 (2.8 kg/ha) than that in the drainage water (1.1 kg/ha). Total phosphorus load in 2007 was equal in irrigation and drainage water (1.2 kg/ha). Wetland conditions, due to rice irrigation regime, drainage network characteristics, and the crop distribution in the study area, affect the drainage water ending in the protected ecosystem of Thermaikos Gulf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis D Litskas
- School of Agriculture, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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