@article { author = {Marzouk, Ream}, title = {Taxonomic Consequences of Seed Morphology and Anatomy in Three Lupinus Species (Fabaceae-Genisteae)}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {1-8}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The objective of this paper is to study seed coat morphological and anatomical features of three Lupinus species; L. albus L., L. digitatus Forssk. and L. angustifolius L., in order to reveal the taxonomic relationships among them. Among seed coat macromorphological characters used were seed dimensions, seed weight and testa color, while those of the hilum were lens and macula raphalis. Seed coat micromorphological features revealed a similarity between L. digitatus and L. angustifolius since the outer periclinal walls of the isodiametric epidermal cells are tuberculate. The summit of each tubercle takes the form of umbrella with a central elevation in the former species, while each tubercle possesses long and narrow tips in the latter one. However, in L. albus the outer periclinal walls of the isodiametric epidermal cells are combination between pusticulate and reticulate. The anatomy of seed coat of Lupinus species shows that it is formed of two layers, the exotesta and the mesotesta. The exotesta is distinguished into two sublayers; the outer epidermis which is formed of malpighian cellulosic thickwalled cells (macrosclereids) and the inner hypodermis of hourglass thick-walled cells with large intercellular spaces (osteosclereids). On the other hand the mesotesta layer is formed of parenchyma cells. L. angustifolius, L. digitatus and L. albus displayed the same intermediate cotyledon type with some specification for L. albus.}, keywords = {Cotyledon anatomy,Fabaceae,Lupinus albus,Lupinus digitatus,Lupinus angustifolius,seed macromorphology,seed coat,seed coat micromorphology}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18629.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18629_6e8312355e6017e16acfa5dbe45a3ba2.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd El-Wahab, Raafat and Zaghloul, Mohamed and Moustafa, Abd El-Raouf}, title = {Vegetation and Environment of Gebel Serbal, South Sinai, Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {9-20}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {This study aimed to analyze the floristic composition and the distributional behavior of plant communities in relation to the main physiographic features and soil properties in Gebel Serbal. Canopy cover of plant species and altitude were measured in 58 stands (20 m x 20 m). Gravel percentage, soil texture, hygroscopic moisture, pH, electric conductivity, total carbonate, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil organic matter were determined in each stand. The results revealed that Serbal Mountain is characterized by distinguished microhabitats and low to moderate human impact that result in unique floristic composition and vegetation patterns. One hundred and six species were identified in this study including 11 endemic species, and 36 characteristic species. Based on multivariate analyses, seven main plant communities were recognized in Gebel Serbal area. Distribution of the plant communities was more related to altitude, hygroscopic moisture, and gravel percentage rather than to sand, silt and clay fractions, soil organic matter, and total nitrogen. The present study indicates that Gebel Serbal is the most diverse area in South Sinai, and has a high conservation value. We recommend that Gebel Serbal, a part of St. Katherine Protectorate, should be declared as habitat/species management area.}, keywords = {Gebel Serbal,Mountainous habitats,plant communities,Multivariate Analysis,edaphic factors,endemic species,conservation}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18630.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18630_b5e3a2d6fb81b45677ff26c785ceb86d.pdf} } @article { author = {Dewedar, Ahmed and Khafagi, Ishrak and Abdulla, Hesham and Abdel Kareem, Marwa}, title = {Effectiveness of Short-Deep Treatment Beds for Biological Management of Domestic Wastewater}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {21-30}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Biological treatment of domestic wastewater using constructed wetlands is gaining acceptance worldwide due to low cost and simple operation and maintenance. A treatment system (BIOWATSYST) was established at Abo-Attwa Experimental Station, Ismailia, Egypt in 1998. The system consists of six parallel short-deep treatment beds, three sterilization ponds and a disinfection pond. The beds were filled with gravel and/or sand. Four beds were planted with Phragmites australis and two beds were planted with Cyprus papyrus. The study evaluates the performance of the treatment beds for the removal of nutrients and pathogens from primary treated domestic wastewater, with minimizing the length of the treatment beds. Maximum removal efficiency was 76.3% for the biochemical oxygen demand, 83.9% for chemical oxygen demand, 59.2% for total suspended solids, 58.6% for organic matter, and 22.1% for the total nitrogen. Maximum removal efficiency was 82.6% for fecal coliforms, 79.8% for fecal enterococci, and 87.4% for the coliphages. The results revealed that sand bed was the most effective treatment bed for the removal of both nutrient and pathogenic bacteria from primary treated domestic wastewater.}, keywords = {Constructed wetland,Cyprus papyrus,Phragmites australis,physicochemical monitoring,Sewage,Wastewater,biological management,treatment beds}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18631.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18631_7cd02f991f8c34b655050a5b261f9884.pdf} } @article { author = {Hegazi, Muhammad}, title = {Distribution of the Invasive Species Caulerpa prolifera along the Coasts of the Suez Canal, Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {31-35}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Seven years-round since 1999, distribution and percentage cover were investigated in Caulerpa prolifera collected from 13 stations along the coast of the Suez Canal at different depths and from different types of substrates as well as from monthly collected samples in a dense unshaded meadow at a depth of 3-7 m at Great Bitter lakes. Caulerpa prolifera start increasing their cover in Spring and continued to increase into Autumn, with maximum cover in Winter. The seasonality patterns have been correlated with changes in light, temperature, desiccation and grazing. A rapid spread and high abundance of the invaded Caulerpa prolifera were observed on sandy or muddy sea bottom in shallow protected area of the Great Bitter Lakes. Caulerpa prolifera changes the ecology of area by reducing the abundance of native marine fauna and flora.}, keywords = {Caulerpa prolifera,chlorophyta,Seaweeds,invasion,Bitter Lakes,Suez Canal}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18632.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18632_c067b33655280cbd567415ca94e5349d.pdf} } @article { author = {Dewedar, Ahmed and Khafagi, Ishrak and Abu-Seadah, Akram and Rashad, Alaa El-Din}, title = {Comparative Efficiency of Cyperus papyrus and Phragmites australis for Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {37-42}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The present study intended to compare the efficiency of the wetland plants Phragmites australis (cav.) Trin. ex Steudel and Cyperus papyrus L. for the accumulation of heavy metals. Maximum accumulation of the heavy metals Pb (132.5-175 μg/g DW), Zn (97.5-100 μg/g DW) and Cr (80.5-90 μg/g DW) was recorded in roots of the two wetland plants C. papyrus and P. australis, respectively. Cadmium showed the lowest metal accumulation in the tissues of both plants (0.55-5.5 μg/g DW). C. papyrus roots accumulated higher levels of most metals than those of P. australis. Heavy metals were shown to be not only accumulated in roots of both plants but also were translocated to the shoots and accumulated in the harvestable plant parts. The results showed variation in the levels of the heavy metals accumulated in the different parts of C. papyrus and P. australis, in spite of being planted at the same site and subjected to the same conditions. The potential use of Phragmites australis and Cyperus papyrus in phytoremediation is also discussed}, keywords = {Phytoremediation,Cyperus papyrus,Phragmites australis,common reed,Heavy metals}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18633.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18633_b2657f704012074385a8c3da488780f9.pdf} } @article { author = {Mashaly, Ibrahim}, title = {Quantitative Phytosociological Study of Some Halophytes and Xerophytes in Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {43-52}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The present study was carried out on some halophytes and xerophytes in the Deltaic Mediterranean coastal salt marshes, desert of north and south Sinai and the northern part of the Red Sea coastal desert by studying their distribution and response to prevailing environmental factors. Vegetation and soil were sampled in 56 stands representing different saline and xeric habitat types. Relative values of frequency, density and cover were determined for each perennial species and were then added to provide an estimate of its importance value. Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) classified the stands into four defined vegetation groups using importance values of plant species. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were used to study species-environment relationships. The vegetation groups obtained by TWINSPAN classification were distinguishable and had a clear pattern of segregation on the ordination planes. Moisture content, porosity, sand fraction, sodium cation, electrical conductivity (EC) and chloride contents were the most important soil factors for the distribution of halophytic species. While the contents of calcium carbonate, magnesium and calcium cations, total nitrogen, silt and clay fractions and the soil reaction (pH) were the most effective soil factors affecting the distribution of xerophytic species.}, keywords = {classification,edaphic factors,halophytes,ordination,Xerophytes}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18634.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18634_649e421757eee9d5c07a4825bae05a1c.pdf} } @article { author = {Hegazi, Muhammad and Amin, Abeer and Gaballah, Mona}, title = {Temporal Variation in the Epiphytes of Laurencia obtusa and Cystoseira myrica from South Sinai, Northern Red Sea}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {53-60}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Algal epiphytes were examined for 12 months at Shura El-Roweysia and several tidal levels on the shore of South Sinai dominated by Laurencia obtusa and Cystoseira myrica. Sixty seven species of the epiphytes were recorded (41 Bacillariophyta, 20 Cyanophyta, 3 Chlorophyta and 3 Pyrrhophyta). An inverse relationship between percentage cover of L. obtusa and their epiphytes were observed to be affected by desiccation stress due to frequent emersion of the intertidal flat and exposure to strong radiation, while high cover percentage of C. myrica was associated with the high number of epiphytes.}, keywords = {Epiphytes,Seaweeds,Laurencia obtusa,Cystoseira myrica,South Sinai,Red Sea}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18636.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18636_dd004e7d5972aa2f79e5a23f7f479090.pdf} } @article { author = {El Tobgy, Kareem and Osman, Yaser and Atta-Alla, Hamdy}, title = {Response of Some Marjoram Cultivars to Fertilization under Sandy Soil Conditions II- Origanum majorana marcelka, Origanum majorana blart, Origanum majorana, Origanum majorana kruiden, and Origanum majorana (local)}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {61-66}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The present work was carried out in 2001 and 2002 seasons in the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal, Ismailia University, to evaluate the production of some marjoram cultivars namely Origanum majorana marcelka, Origanum majorana blart, Origanum majorana and Origanum majorana kruiden compared to local one Origanum majorana (Syn. Majorana hortensis M.) grown under sandy soil conditions and normal fertilization doses of organic manure (20 m3), calcium super phosphate (300 kg/feddan), ammonium sulphate (300 kg/feddan) and potassium sulphate (100 kg/feddan) were added. The results revealed that Origanum majorana marcelka was superior in growth characters in terms of number of branches and both plant fresh and dry weights. Moreover, it gave high oil percentage in the two seasons (1.14% and 1.02%, v/w) compared to the local cultivar (0.69% and 0.71%, v/w). Also, it was pioneer in the oil constituents, as it recorded the highest total of oxygenated and hydrocarbon compounds in the oil (94.02%) compared to the other studied cultivars. Identification of volatile components was performed using the modern technique of Gas Chromatography equipped with Head Solid State technique. The major oxygenated compounds of Origanum majorana marcelka were terpinene-4-ol, linalyl acetate and linalool (19.11, 17.01 and 16.54%, compared to the local cultivar, 17.97, 13.99 and 15.59%, respectively).}, keywords = {Essential oil constituents,Head Solid State technique,oregano,origanum cultivars,sandy soil}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18637.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18637_61672ae9f838bc13e3a4d27973fc2a5e.pdf} } @article { author = {Sayed, Waiel and Zahran, Hamdi and Salem, Wessam}, title = {The Use of Frankia Spores As Inocula For Casuarina equisetifolia Plants}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {67-73}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Spores of four Frankia-Casuarina strains were tested for their ability to infect and fix atmospheric nitrogen in combination with Casuarina equisetifolia plants, after being stored for 3 and 6 months in different media. The media used were liquid cultures (BAP) and wet or dry polyacrylamide. The Frankia strains used were: UGL020601, UGL020604, HFPCcI3 and ORS021001. Inoculation with stored spore inocula showed reduction in total nitrogen content. The reduction ranged between 33 and 88% of freshly prepared spores-inoculated plants, depending on strain and the inoculum type. The wet gel-incorporated Frankia strains scored the best values within all treatments. In general, the reduction in plant total nitrogen was lower after 3 months than after 6 months of storage at 7°C for all treatments indicating better performance after short storage. The number of nodules decreased gradually with the increase in storage time for all strains and treatments. For all the tested strains, spores scored better values for root/shoot and nodules/plant ratios (i.e. lower and higher ratios) for all strains stored for 3 months, as wet gel, than for other treatments. Dry powdered gel may have an advantage of long "shelf- life" than the other treatments and may be used also as a preservation medium for large-scale inoculation with Frankia. In general, it is recommended to store dry or wet gel-immobilized Frankia spores in the refrigerator for up to 3 months for commercial purposes.}, keywords = {Casuarina equisetifolia,Frankia,Polyacrylamide gel,spores}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18638.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18638_b32b091f470f83192504028fbe03d502.pdf} } @article { author = {El-Shoubaky, Gihan and Hamed, Adel}, title = {The Characteristic Algal Mats and Flora of El-Timsah Lake}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {75-80}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The study attempted to characterize the physicochemical limnology and the algal community of El-Timsah Lake during March 2004 to May 2005. The physicochemical limnology plays a key role in the blooming characteristic of benthic mats during spring season. Two mats were recognized visually of green and black colours. The green mat was constructed by the mechanical entanglement of filaments of Cladophora with four species of diatoms trapped within the filaments. In addition, the mat also bears fragments of Ulva, Enteromorpha and Chaetomorpha. The black mat was constructed primarily from filaments of Oscillatoria nigroviridis with two genera of coccoid cyanobacteria and some diatom species. Mat-forming algae grow initially on the bottom, but often “breaks away” to create numerous floating pads on the surface of the lake. Although, marine macroscopic algae were identified during this investigation, a brackish stratification was consistently confirmed by the appearance of some indicators of brackish type of diatoms such as Melosira nummuloids, Achnanthes brevipes var. intermedia, Skeletonema subsalsum, Navicula capitata, Navicula digitoradiata and Surirella brebissonii.}, keywords = {Algal mats,brackish stratification,El-Timsah Lake}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18639.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18639_c361ead4733444567837f3ff26039afd.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdel-Rahman, Ibtehal and Hegazi, Muhammad}, title = {Depositional Environments, Facies Pattern and Marine Plants Distribution in Ras Muhammad Area, Sinai, Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {81-89}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Ras Muhammad Marine National Park is located on faulted and uplifted Neogene blocks that are partially covered by Quaternary limestones of predominantly coralgal facies. The physiography of the reefal limestone cropping out in the area and also the present-day depositional environments are tectonically controlled. Surface morphology observations show that earthquake pools that cut through the uplifted Pleistocene reefs indicate continuing recent movements, as indicated by numerous records of seismic activity in the study area. The morphostructural-generated depositional facies patterns on the peninsula are a wide tidal belt with tidal shoals and coastal spits, barrier and fringing reefs, three elongated embayments, Hiddan Bay, mangrove and tidal channels, Ras Muhammad pool and sabkha, and earthquake pools (two earth fissures). The distribution of marine plants is described for each area. The abundance of algae in Ras Muhammad appeared to be inversely related to the abundance of living corals.}, keywords = {Depositional environments,morphostructural setting,marine plants,Ras Muhammad,Sinai}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18640.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18640_c331a695e05833b8b72e29d340c93b1a.pdf} } @article { author = {El-Shatoury, Sahar and Abdulla, Hesham and El-Kraly, Omnia and El-Kazzaz, Waleed and Dewedar, Ahmed}, title = {Endophytic Actinomycetes of Some Medicinal Plants in Saint Katherine Area, Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {91-96}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {A number of 41 morphologically different endophytic actinomycete isolates were recovered from surface-sterilized medicinal plants; Artemisia herba-alba, Echinops spinosus, Mentha longifolia and Ballota undulate. A simplified method for selective recovery of actinomycetes from internal plant tissues is described. Successful recovery was achieved on the media: starch-casein agar, 1/10 diluted starch casein agar, tap water-yeast extract agar and MG-plant extract agar. Preliminary description of the isolates, according to microscopic examination and amino acid composition of the cell wall hydrolystates, indicated prevalence of genus Streptomyces. The highest number of endophytic actinomycetes was recovered from Mentha longifolia and represented 34% of the isolates. Organic extracts of the growth metabolites from the cultures were tested for cytotoxicity against Artemia salina as well as for antimicrobial activities against 4 reference bacterial strains, 6 clinical bacterial cultures and two clinical fungal cultures. Variable activities were obtained with different actinomycete isolates; the highest activity could be detected against Gardnerella vaginitis and Shigella boydii strain ATCC 9207; being represented in 29% of the isolates in both cases. For the first time, the isolation of endophytic actinomycetes from Saint Katherine wild plants is reported and their potential use as novel source of bioactive compounds is discussed.}, keywords = {antimicrobial activity,Cytotoxicity,endophytic actinomycetes,medicinal plants,Saint Katherine}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18641.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18641_c0f56e168f85df9947f8805fb460ead0.pdf} } @article { author = {Mahalel, Usama and Moustafa, Mahmoud and El-Zayat, Soad}, title = {Biodetermination of Plant Saponins Content by Using Trichoderma viride}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {97-101}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The saponins contents of six Egyptian plants; Alhagi maurorum, Lippia nodiflora, Pergularia tomentosa, Spergularia marina, Tribulus terrestris and Zygophyllum album were biologically determined by using Trichoderma viride Pers. a sensitive fungus to saponins. Potato-glucose medium was used in culturing the fungus. The experiment revealed that the high value of saponins contents was recorded in Spergularia marina (6.06 mg/100 ml). Whereas, the minimum value was recorded in Lippia nodiflora and Alhagi maurorum (1.14 and 1.88 mg/100 ml, respectively).}, keywords = {Trichoderma viride,Pergularia tomentosa,Spergularia marina,Alhagi maurorum,Lippia nodiflora,Zygophyllum album,saponins}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18642.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18642_7bb5e5b165efd49cb40e89979adc9919.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdul Wahid, Omar and Ismail, Ismail and Abo-Esha, Ahmed}, title = {Non-chemical Control of Potato Early Blight Caused by Alternaria alternata}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {103-109}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Early blight of potato caused by Alternaria alternata (Fries) Keissler is one of the factors that affect potato production. Using chemical control to reduce disease severity represent another risk for agriculture. Biological control, using microorganisms, as well as plant extract and compost are safe measures that give reliable control. Applying either measure of control reduced disease incidence to less than 2% during two successive seasons. Microbial spray of diseased potato reduced the disease to various extents. Trichoderma sp. was the most effective among all tested microorganisms, followed by Penicillium sp. On the other hand, alcoholic extract of three plants was more effective than their water extract. However, water extract showed highly significant reduction of disease incidence. Polygonum gave the highest reduction of disease incidence in both cases. Also water extract of compost greatly suppressed early blight when applied as spray to potato leaves. Duration of extraction may affect the ability of compost extract to suppress disease. All results were comparable to that of fungicides.}, keywords = {Trichoderma,compost,plant extract,potato blight,non chemical control}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18643.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18643_f0016434b10dc1a5433f026bf3737ea0.pdf} } @article { author = {Badr El-Din, Said and Radwan, Samir and Zidan, Wafaa and Zahra, Moawad}, title = {Microbial Diversity in Two Egyptian Soils}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {111-118}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {Microbial DNA extracted from two soil samples collected from Beni-Suef and Kafr El-Sheikh were subjected to PCR amplification with primers specific for 16S rDNA gene and cloned in linear pCR 2.1 plasmid vector. Recombinants were transformed into Escherichia coli competent cells. Sixty clone inserts (30 from each soil sample) were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Forty sequences of the sixty clones were affiliated with previously recognized bacterial groups. Thirty six of these had closest relatives among cultured taxa and clustered primarily with three divisions containing microrganisms commonly associated with soil: Proteobacteria, Gram-positive organisms, and Cytophaga-Flexibacter-Bacteroides group. The results also showed the presence of one clone related to Nirospira retrieved from Beni-Suef soil, one clone from Archaea kingdom retrieved from Kafr El-Sheikh soil, and three clones affiliated to the newly described Holophaga-Acidobacterium phylum in both Beni- Suef and Kafr El-Sheikh soils. Seven sequences grouped with known divisions but had closest relatives among soil taxa known only from rDNA sequences analysis. Twelve clone sequences were distantly related to known sequences. Many of these sequences may represent new bacterial divisions.}, keywords = {Archaea,Beni-Suef,Holophaga-Acidobacterium,Kafr El-Sheikh,microbial diversity,Phylogenetic analysis,Proteobacteria,soil DNA,16S rDNA}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18644.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18644_8c770375517c8638f8472078a0e50ebc.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd El-Rahim, Wafaa and El-Ardy, Ola and Moawad, Hassan}, title = {Accelerating Textile Dye Bioremoval by Aeration}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {119-126}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {A series of batch and bioreactors experiments were carried out for absorption of dis-azo dyes present in textile mill effluents under different aeration conditions. One fungal strain with five rates of air was used to absorb direct brown dye. Five liters bioreactors were applied to study the removal performance. The experimental results are compared for various operating conditions. The effects of airflow rate (1/8, ¼, ½, 1, 2 v/v min) inlet on the dye removing were assessed. It was found that the rate of aeration of ½ v/v min induced increase in dye removal percentages (72%) and fungal biomass (9.2 g); at the rate of aeration of 2 v/v min, high dye removal percentage (77%) was recorded with a decrease in biomass dry weight at the end of the incubation time. The results also indicated that the biomass dry weight obtained at three flow rates of aeration was more or less similar until the end of the growth stage (after incubation for three days). The results obtained indicate that using low rate of aeration (1/8, ¼, ½ v/v min) was better for dye biosorption than high rate (1, 2 v/v min), and therefore it is recommended for dis-azo dye removing.}, keywords = {Aeration,batch fermenter,fungal strain,removing of dis-azo,Textile dyes}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18645.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18645_b77dab663f2109095cfa6fa8cc460b9a.pdf} } @article { author = {Abd El-Wahab, Raafat and Zayed, Abd El-Monem and Moustafa, Abd El-Raouf and Klopatek, Jeffery and Helmy, Mohamed}, title = {Landforms, Vegetation, and Soil Quality in South Sinai, Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {127-138}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {The present study focused on the assessment of soil quality in South Sinai, an arid to extremely arid region, particularly the effect of landform type and vegetation on some of the studied soil properties. Vegetation and soil surveys were carried out in 200 plots selected in 8 different landforms. Soil productivity was evaluated using corn Zea mays seed plantation in greenhouse pot experiment. Some soil properties in addition to nutrients uptake in shoots and roots of corn were analyzed. The obtained results showed a variation in soil texture, water holding capacity, and nutrient elements among different landforms and vegetative cover categories. Soil pH, EC, silt and clay content, water holding capacity, and soil organic matter are the most important soil parameters or driving variables that influence the availability of soil nutrients and control coverage and structure of vegetation. Soil quality index was constructed based on rating of these driving variables. The provided model of soil quality index is specific for surface soil and it could be useful in evaluation and management of soil resources in arid ecosystems. Water availability is shown to be the key variable in controlling soil productivity. Total plant cover and vegetation structure are considered the easy visual indicators for preliminary inspection of soil properties, soil productivity, and soil quality.}, keywords = {Arid lands,Landforms,soil productivity,Soil quality index,South Sinai,Vegetation,water availability}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18646.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18646_8a6f74c94093e6083a540620d4177784.pdf} } @article { author = {Deif, Hisham and Karam, Mohamed and Beltagi, Mohamed and Hassan, Hassan}, title = {Genetic Relatedness among Six Common Phoenix dactylifera (Palmae) Cultivars in Ismailia Region, Egypt}, journal = {Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {139-147}, year = {2018}, publisher = {Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences}, issn = {1687-5052}, eissn = {2090-2786}, doi = {}, abstract = {SDS-PAGE electrophoretic analysis of young leaves protein was used to asses the genetic relatedness among 54 specimens belonging to 6 common cultivars of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Aglany, Amry, Haiany, Bent Aisha, Samany, and Zaghloul), that were collected from 7 different locations in Ismailia region. A total of 10 different protein bands were collectively detected in the gels of the 54 studied specimens. The resulted protein profile comprised one monomorphic band. The maximum number of bands observed was 10 bands found in one specimen of Zaghloul cultivar. While the minimum number of bands observed was three bands found in one specimen of Aglany cultivar and two specimens of Bent Aisha cultivar. The data of the allele frequencies of the six studied date palm cultivars revealed that all the alleles in Haiany cultivar were monomorphic, except in three loci with the lowest percentage of polymorphic loci (30%). While Bent Aisha and Aglany cultivars have the highest polymorphism (70% and 80%, respectively). In addition, it was found that the ratio of gene diversity/locus varied greatly within the specimens of the six studied date palm cultivars. Agglomerative cluster analysis, based on the genetic distances of the studied 54 specimens, revealed the variations and relatedness among the six collected cultivars.}, keywords = {Allele frequency,Genetic distances,Ismailia region,Palmae,Phoenix dactylifera cultivars,SDS-PAGE Electrophoresis}, url = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18647.html}, eprint = {https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_18647_e63c7aa8aa02eeb39694ce8cdaea89dc.pdf} }