Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences - Journal Articles

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    Integration of non-target metabolomics and sensory analysis unravels vegetable plant metabolite signatures associated with sensory quality: a case study using dill (Anethum graveolens)
    (Elsevier, 2021) Castro-Alves, Victor; Kalbina, Irina; Nilsen, Asgeir; Aronsson, Mats; Rosenqvist, Eva; Jansen, Marcel A. K.; Qian, Minjie; Öström, Åsa; Hyötyläinen, Tuulia; Strid, Åke; Knowledge Foundation; Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas
    Using dill (Anethum graveolens L.) as a model herb, we reveal novel associations between metabolite profile and sensory quality, by integrating non-target metabolomics with sensory data. Low night temperatures and exposure to UV-enriched light was used to modulate plant metabolism, thereby improving sensory quality. Plant age is a crucial factor associated with accumulation of dill ether and α-phellandrene, volatile compounds associated with dill flavour. However, sensory analysis showed that neither of these compounds has any strong association with dill taste. Rather, amino acids alanine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, valine, and leucine increased in samples exposed to eustress and were positively associated with dill and sour taste. Increases in amino acids and organic acids changed the taste from lemon/grass to a more bitter/pungent dill-related taste. Our procedure reveals a novel approach to establish links between effects of eustressors on sensory quality and may be applicable to a broad range of crops.
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    Oxidation and fragmentation of plastics in a changing environment; from UV-radiation to biological degradation
    (Elsevier B.V., 2022) Andrady, Anthony L.; Barnes, Paul W.; Bornman, Janet F.; Gouin, T.; Madronich, Sasha; White, C. C.; Zepp, Richard G.; Jansen, Marcel A. K.; Science Foundation Ireland; North Carolina State University; Loyola University
    Understanding the fate of plastics in the environment is of critical importance for the quantitative assessment of the biological impacts of plastic waste. Specially, there is a need to analyze in more detail the reputed longevity of plastics in the context of plastic degradation through oxidation and fragmentation reactions. Photo-oxidation of plastic debris by solar UV radiation (UVR) makes material prone to subsequent fragmentation. The fragments generated following oxidation and subsequent exposure to mechanical stresses include secondary micro- or nanoparticles, an emerging class of pollutants. The paper discusses the UV-driven photo-oxidation process, identifying relevant knowledge gaps and uncertainties. Serious gaps in knowledge exist concerning the wavelength sensitivity and the dose-response of the photo-fragmentation process. Given the heterogeneity of natural UV irradiance varying from no exposure in sediments to full UV exposure of floating, beach litter or air-borne plastics, it is argued that the rates of UV-driven degradation/fragmentation will also vary dramatically between different locations and environmental niches. Biological phenomena such as biofouling will further modulate the exposure of plastics to UV radiation, while potentially also contributing to degradation and/or fragmentation of plastics independent of solar UVR. Reductions in solar UVR in many regions, consequent to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments for protecting stratospheric ozone, will have consequences for global UV-driven plastic degradation in a heterogeneous manner across different geographic and environmental zones. The interacting effects of global warming, stratospheric ozone and UV radiation are projected to increase UV irradiance at the surface in localized areas, mainly because of decreased cloud cover. Given the complexity and uncertainty of future environmental conditions, this currently precludes reliable quantitative predictions of plastic persistence on a global scale.
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    Ozone depletion, ultraviolet radiation, climate change and prospects for a sustainable future
    (Springer Nature Ltd., 2019-06-24) Barnes, Paul W.; Williamson, Craig E.; Lucas, Robyn M.; Robinson, Sharon A.; Madronich, Sasha; Paul, Nigel D.; Bornman, Janet F.; Bais, Alkiviadis F.; Sulzberger, Barbara; Wilson, Stephen R.; Andrady, Anthony L.; McKenzie, Richard L.; Neale, Patrick J.; Austin, Amy T.; Bernhard, Germar H.; Solomon, Keith R.; Neale, Rachel E.; Young, Paul J.; Norval, Mary; Rhodes, Lesley E.; Hylander, Samuel; Rose, Kevin C.; Longstreth, Janice; Aucamp, Pieter J.; Ballaré, Carlos L.; Cory, Rose M.; Flint, Stephan D.; de Gruijl, Frank R.; Häder, Donat-P.; Heikkilä, Anu M.; Jansen, Marcel A. K.; Pandey, Krishna K.; Robson, T. Matthew; Sinclair, Craig A.; Wängberg, Sten-Åke; Worrest, Robert C.; Yazar, Seyhan; Young, Antony R.; Zepp, Richard G.; University of Wollongong; United States Global Change Research Program; Loyola University New Orleans; Australian Research Council; National Science Foundation
    Changes in stratospheric ozone and climate over the past 40-plus years have altered the solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation conditions at the Earth’s surface. Ozone depletion has also contributed to climate change across the Southern Hemisphere. These changes are interacting in complex ways to affect human health, food and water security, and ecosystem services. Many adverse effects of high UV exposure have been avoided thanks to the Montreal Protocol with its Amendments and Adjustments, which have effectively controlled the production and use of ozone-depleting substances. This international treaty has also played an important role in mitigating climate change. Climate change is modifying UV exposure and affecting how people and ecosystems respond to UV; these effects will become more pronounced in the future. The interactions between stratospheric ozone, climate and UV radiation will therefore shift over time; however, the Montreal Protocol will continue to have far-reaching benefits for human well-being and environmental sustainability.
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    Microplastics in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) intestines: Are they associated with parasite aggregations?
    (Elsevier Ltd., 2019-06-28) Hernandez-Milian, G.; Lusher, A.; MacGabban, S.; Rogan, Emer; Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Ireland; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Ireland; Higher Education Authority
    Between 2012 and 2015, 13 grey seals were recovered from trammel nets targeting monkfish and rays off the south coast of Ireland. Incidence and distribution of microplastics were investigated along the intestines of bycaught seals. No macrodebris items were found, whereas microplastics were detected in all seals. A total of 363 microplastics items were identified (85% fibers, 14% fragments, 1% films). Estimation of microplastic ingestion based on prey ingestion (245 particles) was lower than the observed data. Acantocephala parasites (n = 1543) were found in 12 seals, with an average of 74.5 ± 67.7 parasites per seal. Distribution of microplastics varied between seals, although microplastics tended to accumulate in areas where more parasites were aggregated; however, there was no significant relationship between the number of parasites and microplastics was found. Seals recovered from nets appear to be a good source to monitor the incidence of microplastic pollution within the coastal food webs.
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    Home range of a long-distance migrant, the Greenland Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, throughout the annual cycle
    (Taylor & Francis Group, 45019) Doyle, Susan; Cabot, David; Griffin, Larry; Kane, Adam; Colhoun, Kendrew; Redmond, Courtney; Walsh, Alyn; McMahon, Barry J.; Irish Research Council; National Parks and Wildlife Service; Bryan Guinness Charitable Trust
    Capsule: Home range area and foraging distance of the Greenland Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, a long-distance migrant were calculated and activity patterns were described. Aims: To understand the use of space by Barnacle Geese throughout the annual cycle, and to inform effective wildlife management and conservation planning. Methods: Tracking data from 29 annual cycles from 18 individual Barnacle Geese were analysed to estimate overall (80–99% utilization distribution; UD) and core (50% UD) home ranges using a Brownian bridge kernel method. Maximum and core foraging distance were then estimated from 80–99% UD and 50% UD, respectively. Finally, daily activity patterns, including the location of roosts and foraging sites, were described, along with variability in home range among seasons and between males and females, and spatial and temporal repeatability. Results: Overall home range area was approximately 14 km2 in winter, 9.5 km2 in spring, 7 km2 in the nesting period, 43 km2 in the post-nesting period, and 48 km2 in autumn. However, the core area used by the birds was substantially smaller: mean core home range area was approximately 1.5 km2 in winter, 1 km2 in spring, 2 km2 in the nesting period, 7 km2 in the post-nesting period, and 12 km2 in autumn. Maximum foraging distances were approximately 7 km in winter, 5 km in spring, 3.5 km in the nesting period, 15.5 km in the post-nesting period, and 32.5 km in autumn. Core foraging distances were approximately 5.5 km in winter, 3 km in spring, 1 km in the nesting period, 8.5 km in the post-nesting period, and 19.5 km in autumn. Conclusion: Although our study focuses on the movements of Barnacle Geese, such data can be used to inform a range of pure and applied ornithological issues, including resource partitioning, human-wildlife conflicts, and the spread of zoonotic disease.