Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Ecology and Biogeography of the Ground Fauna of Suez Canal Region
1
9
EN
Esraa
Hamdy
Nature Conservation Sector, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Ministry of Environment, Egypt
esraa.eeaa@gmail.com
Shereen
Elbanna
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Ahmed
Abo Ghalia
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Ahmed
Shabayek
Department of Land and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
10.21608/cat.2017.14150
Ground invertebrate fauna is the most diverse and important group to maintain the soil health. The Suez Canal region has a unique status in Egypt. Since the opening of Suez Canal for international navigation in 1869, population in the Canal region increased and green areas expanded. The expanded cities have initiated new habitats and attracted some taxa from the Nile valley to the west bank of the Suez Canal. This study is an attempt to investigate the distribution pattern of ground-macroinvertebrates in correlation with land-use along the west bank of Suez Canal in a considerable region. The faunal samples were collected using pitfall traps in 9 sites belonging to 3 stations; Abusultan, Fanara and Geneifa, with different land use practices (natural desert, agricultural areas and urbanized coast). A number of 3502 arthropod individuals belong to 129 species were recorded. The highest species richness was shown by Coleopterans, while the most abundant group was Hymenoptera. The agricultural and the urbanized coastal sites have shown significantly lower abundance of ground macro-invertebrates in comparison with the natural desert habitats. It was concluded that urbanization and agricultural practices have altered soil properties, thus they adversely affected the abundance of ground invertebrate assemblage.
Agricultural practices,Coleopterans,Ground fauna,habitats,Hymenoptera,Macroinvert-ebrates,urbanization,pitfall traps,Suez Canal region
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14150.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14150_751a1249b60eccb98ca67cc57ad4238e.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Influence of Microwave Irradiations on Germination, Seedling Growth and Electrolyte Leakage of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
11
24
EN
Abdelghafar
Abu-Elsaoud
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
abdoacacia@gmail.com
Sameer
Qari
Department of Biology, Aljamom university college, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
10.21608/cat.2017.14255
The introduction of telecommunication instruments, especially microwave, leads to a massive increase in electromagnetic pollution. The current research intends to assess the physiological effects of microwave radiations on barley (<em>Hordeum vulgare</em> L.). Barley seeds were exposed to eight different exposure periods of microwave from 0 to 600 seconds. Germination parameters were dose-dependents, the percentage of germinated seeds increased after short exposure periods to microwave recording 100% germination. Further the germination rate, relative germination coefficient were also increased after short exposure periods to microwave. Longer exposure periods reduced the percentage of germination, germination rates, and various germination indices. Morphological and growth traits showed a similar trend and were significantly decreased after longer exposure periods to microwave. Chlorophyll contents were significantly decreased with increasing exposure periods of microwave. Microwave-induced electrolyte leakage (%) was significantly increased (r=0.92*, <em>p</em><0.001) following pretreatment with different exposure periods of microwave. Current research data gives spotlight on possible positive and negative effects of microwave on barley and recommended to minimize the exposure time to environmental microwave to safeguard recovering ability of biological systems. However, the positive effects of microwave are of considerable importance for improving crops.
Agricultural practices,Coleopterans,Ground fauna,habitats,Hymenoptera,Macro invertebrates,urbanization,pitfall traps,Suez Canal region
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14255.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14255_56f69e03019247e811accc1f85ba70b5.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Impact of climate change on the endangered Nubian dragon tree (Dracaena ombet) in the South Eastern of Egypt
25
31
EN
Sayed
Elnoby
Ashtum El Gamil Protected Area, Port Said, Egypt
Abdelrauf
Moustafa
0000-0001-6378-1949
Faculty of science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia
raoufmoustafa2@hotmail.com
10.21608/cat.2017.14256
This review aims to focus on the Nubian dragon tree, which is a distinctive mark of the Gabal Elba area and is native to that part of Egypt. The dragon trees grow slowly, long-lived, umbrella-shaped, with sword-shaped leaves and found in the semi-desert area, where they grow on inaccessible slopes. The average precipitation on the Gabal Elba area, where the Nubian dragon trees are found is not more than 50 millimeters per year, but the unique location of the mountain in front of the Red Sea and its height about 1435 m, captures water vapour and thus increase the precipitation rate to 400 millimeters per year. The Nubian dragon trees are threatened due to the change of their habitat, over-grazing, the diseases and harmful insects; however, the main factor influencing the Nubian dragon tree is the extreme drought. From total 1450 trees recorded only 870 trees have survived while 580 trees were dead, which represents about 60% survival and mortality about 40%. The Nubian dragon trees have aesthetic, medicinal, as well as commercial values. One trail succeeded in propagating of <em>Dracaena ombet</em>. The target species was recorded to be endangered and consequently, a plan of conservation should be prepared, fortunately, all the individuals of the population are located inside the Gabel Elba as a protected area, which helps managing the population. Moreover, plant propagation trials should be considered as well as establishing gene bank, conserving its genetic resources. Eventually <em>Dracaena ombet</em> is a unique medicinal plant that needs to be preserved in these natural habitats.
Red Sea,Protected Area,Gabal Elba,native species,conservation
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14256.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14256_72feef6a6949177b677ca041a2ed8d40.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Growth and Morphometric Characteristic of the Bivalve Callista chione Population in Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt
33
42
EN
Abdel-Fattah
Ghobashy
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Mohamed
Yassien
Invertebrates Aquaculture Laboratory, Aquaculture Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries,
Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba branch, Attaqa, Suez, Egypt
Esraa
AbouElmaaty
Invertebrates Aquaculture Laboratory, Aquaculture Division, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries,
Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba branch, Attaqa, Suez, Egypt
esraa.elsayed@windowslive.com
10.21608/cat.2017.14257
This is the first attempt to study some biological aspects for the bivalve <em>Callista chione</em> in Egypt. The study of dimensional relationships assumes great importance in fishery biology researches. Studying the biological characteristics of <em>C. chione</em> is also essential for improving the state of current production and fishery management, as well as a base for introduction of its potential aquaculture. The growth of <em>C. chione</em> in Timsah Lake was studied in the period from June 2013 to August 2014 by the comparison of the rate of increase of one body parameter relative to that of the other parameter (allometry). The population characteristics of <em>C. chione </em>in Timsah Lake were studied depending on size frequency distribution to determine different age cohorts, growth parameters and mortality and exploitation rates. The results indicated that all morphometric relationships of <em>C. chione</em> showed a negative allometry. The length frequency analysis using FiSAT showed that <em>C. chione</em> population in the lake includes three age groups. The von Bertalanffy Growth Parameters; L∞, k and to, were 6.25 cm, 0.530 and -0.68 y. The growth performance index was estimated as 1.316. The natural mortality, fishing mortality and total mortality were found to be 0.5, 1.91 and 2.41 year<sup>-1</sup>. The estimated exploitation rate for C. chione from Timsah Lake was 0.792 year<sup>-1 </sup>which indicates that it is over exploited. The results of this study will help in better fisheries and management. Strategies for a sustainable exploitation of smooth clams in Timsah Lake.
C. chione,Timsah Lake,biological aspects
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14257.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14257_7ae0f4cf1ac83ce90aa4deb4c6405ce5.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Biosorption of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Industrial Effluent by Non-living Biomass of Two Marine Green Algae Ulva lactuca and Dunaliella salina as Biosorpents
43
52
EN
Jelan
Mofeed
Department of Aquatic Environment, Faculty of Fish Resources, Suez University, Egypt
jelanmofeed@hotmail.com
10.21608/cat.2017.14267
The growing industries in Suez Gulf lead to two serious environmental problems, heavy metals pollution, and eutrophication. The present work focused on, how those two problems can solve each other. Therefore, non-living dried biomass of the most blooming algae, "<em>Ulva lactuca</em> and <em>Dunaliella salina</em>" in Suez Gulf were used as biosorpents to remove heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni and Cr) from two types of aqueous industrial effluents, belonging to petrochemicals (E.1) and fertilizers (E.2) production. The results clarify that Biosorption capacity of <em>D. salina</em> was more powerful for Cd, Zn and Pb within E.1, especially in case of lead (22.34 mg.g<sup>-1</sup>) showing distinct gap with E.2 (7.63 mg.g<sup>-1</sup>). However, <em>U. lactuca</em> was more efficient for Fe (4.07- 15.86 mg.g<sup>-1</sup>) and Cu (0.83- 11.49 mg.g<sup>-1</sup>) within E.1, meanwhile it gave its maximum (2.75- 10.9 mg.g<sup>-1</sup>) within E.2 with significant capacity in case of Mn. On the other hand, anent the removal efficiencies, Cu, Fe and Mn had maximum removal efficiencies by <em>U. lactuca</em> within both effluents (91.8, 87.2 and 84.8% respectively) with a superiority of E.2. However, in case of Zn (87.4%), Pb (86.2%) and Cd (81.5%), <em>D. salina</em> was most efficiency. In conclusion, this work confirms the potential use of <em>U</em>. <em>lactuca</em> for removal of Cu, Fe, and Mn, however, <em>D. salina</em> was more powerful in removing Cd, Zn, and Pb from industrial wastewater.
Biosorption,Heavy metals,Industrial Waste,Ulva lactuca Dunaliella salina
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14267.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14267_44b45fccc21ef45e9b0210da0fac0265.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Evaluation of Field Techniques to Diagnose Early Subclinical Mastitis in Relation to Hygiene Score in a Buffalo Farm
53
60
EN
Alyaa
Saber
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
Marwa
Hassan
Department of Animal Hygiene, Zoonoses and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522, Ismailia, Egypt
Adel
El Nabtiti
Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522, Ismailia, Egypt
Ahmed
Hassan
Department of Animal Hygiene, Zoonoses and Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522, Ismailia, Egypt
Samira
Mansour
0000-0001-8975-5335
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
samirarmansour@yahoo.com
10.21608/cat.2017.14274
This study was carried out to evaluate several diagnostic tests that could be used in early detection of subclinical mastitis in apparently healthy dairy buffaloes in a dairy farm, Ismailia, Egypt, in correlation to their hygienic status. In parallel, bacteriological examination of milk samples was carried out as a standard golden test. Recorded data showed that hygiene score was significantly influenced by seasonal variations at different sampling periods. California Mastitis Test (CMT) and electric conductivity (EC) measurements also displayed a significant variation between healthy buffaloes and those have subclinical mastitis along the year at different seasons. A significant correlation (r=0.752) between CMT and EC measurements was verified and both tests showed the same prevalence of detecting subclinical mastitis among investigated samples. Bacteriological examination of milk samples was significantly different at sampling periods and was significantly correlated with EC measurements. A mixed infection of buffalo's udder was reported where <em>Enterobacter</em> spp. and coagulase-negative <em>Staphylococcus</em> (CNS) were the most common bacteria isolated from milk samples. Depending on the data obtained, the indirect screening tests such as CMT and EC could be used as reliable tests to monitor the udder health and the hygienic status in general. These ensure, on the spot, the high raw milk quality in the buffalo’s farm. Therefore, this study suggests using these simple and fast tests for the early detection of the subclinical mastitis in lactating buffaloes.
Subclinical mastitis,Buffalo,California mastitis test,EC,Hygiene score
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14274.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14274_3edc6a6f9c1a82ce5594ba29d9107334.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Tolerance and Biosorption of Manganese, Iron and Aluminium by Five Aspergillus Species Isolated from Freshwater
61
69
EN
A
Mahmoud
Company of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Luxor, Egypt
M
Massoud
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
massoud_ms65@sci.aswu.edu.eg
F
Abdel-Motaal
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
S
El-Zayat
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
10.21608/cat.2017.14284
Microorganisms play a significant role in bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soil and wastewater. The present study has been carried out to understand the tolerance potential of different species of <em>Aspergillus</em> (<em>A.</em> <em>flavus</em>, <em>A.</em> <em>niger</em>, <em>A. nidulans</em>, <em>A. oryzae</em> and <em>A. terreus</em>) which were isolated from the Nile water. The degree of tolerance of fungi was measured by minimum inhibitory concentration in the presence of different concentration of metals (Mn, Fe and Al) and compared to a control sample. Results showed variations in the tolerance level of different isolates of <em>Aspergillu</em>s. <em>A. niger</em> and <em>A. oryzae</em> were tolerant while <em>A. nidulans</em> was the most sensitive species. Removal of manganese, iron, and aluminium using powder and viable <em>Aspergillus</em> <em>oryzae</em> biomass was investigated. Metals (Mn, Fe. and Al) removal increased with an increasing dose of biosorbent for the powder and viable biomass within two hours. These results showed that powder and viable <em>Aspergillus</em> <em>oryzae</em> biomass can be used for removal of heavy metals from polluted water.
Aspergillus,A. oryzae,bioremediation,Heavy metals,resistance
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14284.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14284_c5bf1434fd3e9e52a6cfa718a8d67b91.pdf
Egyptian Society for Environmental Sciences
Catrina: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences
1687-5052
2090-2786
16
1
2017
09
01
Floristic Composition and Vegetation Analysis in Suez Governorate, Egypt
71
86
EN
Hoda
Abd El-Hamid
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, 41522Ismailia, Egypt
10.21608/cat.2017.14291
The present study provides a detailed depiction of the floristic composition and vegetation analysis of four habitats in Suez Governorate, Egypt. The investigated habitats include desert, waste lands, crop fields and orchards. A total of 107 species (56 annuals, 2 biennials and 49 perennials) belonging to 93 genera and 33 families were recorded in the study area. The most represented families were Asteraceae, Poaecae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Chenopodiaceae. Therophytes were the most prevailing life-forms. Chorological analysis revealed that the Saharo-Sindian and Mediterranean chorotypes either pure or extended into other regions form the major component of the floristic structure. The application of TWINSPAN classification technique on the importance values of 107 plant species recorded in 40 stands representing the studied habitats produced four vegetation groups named after their dominant species. Group A: dominated by <em>Zygophyllum coccineum, </em>group B: dominated by <em>Tamarix nilotica</em>, group C: dominated by <em>Beta vulgaris</em>, <em>Chenopodium murale </em>and <em>Melilotus messanensis</em> and group D: dominated by <em>Oxalis corniculata.</em> Species richness, Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indices measurements indicated that vegetation groups D and C were the most diverse ones, followed by groups A and B. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) results indicated a reasonable segregation among these groups along the first and second axes. Linear correlation of soil variables with the importance values of some dominant species and the application of Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA- biplot) indicated significant correlation between species distribution of the studied habitats and the soil variables such as, soil texture, organic matter, CaCo<sub>3</sub>, pH, electrical conductivity, bicarbonates, chlorides, sodium, magnesium, pota-ssium and calcium.
Flora,chorology,classification,ordination,soil-vegetation relationships
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14291.html
https://cat.journals.ekb.eg/article_14291_63ea9c89a020d45d0cb7034cd89c091c.pdf