Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Weifang Hu, Mianrun Chen, Xue Lan, Guoliang Li, Bin Wang, Dong Yao Sun, Xianbiao Lin
Summary: This study found significant shifts in potential ammonia oxidation rates (PARs) and gene abundances of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) along different salinity gradients. The PARs were higher under high salinity conditions, and the AOB gene abundance was greater than AOA under moderate and high salinity. This has important implications for nitrogen cycling in estuarine sediments.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shishi He, Zhirong Zhao, Zhichao Tian, Chi Xu, Yuan Liu, Da He, Yinghui Zhang, Maosheng Zheng
Summary: This study analyzed activated sludge samples from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants and found that comammox bacteria were more abundant than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and ammonia-oxidizing archaea in municipal plants, while this trend did not hold true for industrial plants. Furthermore, a higher diversity of comammox bacteria was found in municipal samples. This study provides important insights into the abundance and diversity of comammox bacteria in municipal and refinery wastewater treatment systems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Helin Wang, Ping Li, Xiaohan Liu, Jing Zhang, Lisa Y. Stein, Ji-Dong Gu
Summary: This study investigated the influence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) in redox-fluctuating aquifers through field investigation and in-lab verification. The results showed that ROS played an important role in regulating AOMs, with ammonia-oxidizing archaea dominating in aquifers with lower ROS levels, and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and heterotrophic nitrifying aerobic bacteria predominating in areas with higher ROS levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xia Jia, Yunfeng Gao, Xiaodi Li, Yonghua Zhao, Lu Wang, Chunyan Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of elevated CO2 and cadmium levels on soil nitrification in the rhizosphere of Robinia pseudoacacia L. seedlings. The results showed that elevated CO2 combined with Cd pollution generally stimulated nitrification enzyme activities and influenced bacterial community structures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
K. Scarlett, S. Denman, D. R. Clark, J. Forster, E. Vanguelova, N. Brown, C. Whitby
Summary: The health of oak trees is influenced by the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the soil, with a positive correlation between AOB abundance and soil pH. In contrast, there is no clear relationship between the abundance of archaea (AOA) and tree health. The ratio of soil carbon to nitrogen (C:N) is a key factor influencing denitrifier abundance, with correlations with AOB regardless of tree health.
Article
Agronomy
Xingjia He, Sen Li, Fengzhi Wu
Summary: Intercropping has a significant impact on soil properties and microbial communities, with different intercropping systems affecting ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms differently in different seasons. Soil physicochemical state, PNR, AOA and AOB communities were significantly altered by intercropping, with seasonal variation playing a greater role in shaping the community structures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Preeyaporn Pornkulwat, Eakalak Khan, Sorawit Powtongsook, Wuttichai Mhuantong, Chamorn Chawengkijwanich, Tawan Limpiyakorn
Summary: This study comprehensively investigated the impacts of ammonia and salinity on culturing nitrifying microorganisms and successfully formulated nitrifying cultures for different recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) types. The findings suggest that cultures prepared at low ammonia loading rates are most suitable for various RAS types, while cultures prepared at high ammonia loading rates are dominated by nitrifying microorganisms with low substrate affinity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Haiyang Liu, Hangwei Hu, Xing Huang, Tida Ge, Yongfu Li, Zhenke Zhu, Xingmei Liu, Wenfeng Tan, Zhongjun Jia, Hongjie Di, Jianming Xu, Yong Li
Summary: Chemoautotrophic canonical ammonia-oxidizers play a significant role in autotrophic nitrification during the mineralization of organic substances with low C/N ratios in paddy soils, as shown by N-15 tracing and DNA-SIP techniques.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jonathan Rodriguez, Seemanti Chakrabarti, Eunkyung Choi, Nisreen Shehadeh, Samantha Sierra-Martinez, Jun Zhao, Willm Martens-Habbena
Summary: The discovery of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and complete ammonia-oxidizing (comammox) bacteria in terrestrial ecosystems highlights their important role in nitrification. A nutrient-limited enrichment strategy was found to favor the growth of comammox bacteria with high affinity and yield. Direct enrichment from soil and nutrient-limited sub-cultivation consistently yielded high enrichments of Nitrosocosmicus-affiliated AOA associated with multiple canonical nitrite-oxidizing Nitrospira strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Shishi He, Yuanwei Li, Hongbin Mu, Zhirong Zhao, Jiawen Wang, Shufeng Liu, Zhenli Sun, Maosheng Zheng
Summary: This study highlights the important role of local ammonium concentration in affecting the ecological niche differentiation of comammox and canonical ammonia-oxidizing prokaryotes. The results show growth differences between CAOB and AOA, with CAOB favoring oligotrophic environments and being more tolerant to a broader range of ammonium concentrations.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Yongxin Lin, Hang-Wei Hu, Guiping Ye, Jianbo Fan, Weixin Ding, Zi-Yang He, Yong Zheng, Ji-Zheng He
Summary: The meta-analysis of laboratory incubation studies with 1-octyne as the nitrification inhibitor shows that AOB play a more dominant role in soil nitrification in cropland than in wetland soils, indicating a major role of AOB in acidic soil nitrification. Moreover, the reduction of nitrification rate by 1-octyne is greater in soils incubated in slurry and with nitrogen additions, suggesting AOB's importance in nitrification in global acidic soils.
Article
Soil Science
Konrad Egenolf, Philipp Schad, Ashly Arevalo, Daniel Villegas, Jacobo Arango, Hannes Karwat, Georg Cadisch, Frank Rasche
Summary: Brachiaria humidicola (syn. Urochloa humidicola) has been recognized for controlling soil nitrification through releasing nitrification inhibitors (NI), termed as biological nitrification inhibition (BNI), which can reduce net nitrification rates by 50 to 85%. Adjustment of soil pH and microbial background has little influence on BNI performance, while the decrease in net nitrification rates mainly depends on microbial N immobilization and efficient plant N uptake.
BIOLOGY AND FERTILITY OF SOILS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elizabeth French, Jessica A. Kozlowski, Annette Bollmann
Summary: The study found that ammonia-oxidizing archaea are more abundant in systems with low ammonium availabilities, while ammonia-oxidizing bacteria are more abundant when ammonium availability increases. Population dynamics of ammonia oxidizers may shift in response to changes in ammonium concentrations.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Shaoyi Xu, Xiaolong Wu, Huijie Lu
Summary: This review discusses the roles of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms in wastewater treatment, focusing on often overlooked microbes that are functionally important. Advancements in molecular technologies have enabled comprehensive studies on the application and potential of these microbes in nitrogen removal processes in wastewater treatment plants.
FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Zhen Zhen, Gaoyang Li, Yijie Chen, Ting Wei, Huijun Li, Fengcheng Huang, Yongxiang Huang, Lei Ren, Yanqiu Liang, Dayi Zhang, Zhong Lin, Zhe Li
Summary: Plantations of saline-alkali tolerant rice in coastal areas are proposed to improve rice yield and ensure food security. This study investigated the effects of saline-alkali tolerant rice cultivation on the nitrification process in coastal solonchaks. The results showed that the abundance and nitrification rates of AOA and AOB decreased with increasing salinity, but increased significantly in the rice rhizosphere. Saline-alkali tolerant rice cultivation enhanced the nitrification process of the soil by increasing the nitrification contribution of AOB.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Roy Vera-Velez, Eric G. Lamb
Summary: This study assessed the seasonal variation in protein and fiber content of six common native forb and sub-shrub species in Western Canada. The results showed that some forb species have a promising nutritional profile and should be considered in pasture mixtures.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Emily N. Barteaux, Eric G. Lamb
Summary: This study found that winter elk grazing can significantly reduce the density of volunteer soybeans, making it an effective management technique.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Zelalem M. Taye, Kalli Noble, Steven D. Siciliano, Bobbi L. Helgason, Eric G. Lamb
Summary: This study examines the dynamics of root growth and dominant rhizosphere bacterial taxa in Brassica napus, and their association under field conditions. The findings show significant positive correlations between bacterial genera and root traits, as well as between root length and seed yield. These results highlight the potential for developing canola breeding and management strategies based on root development and beneficial microbial interactions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chao Wang, Roy Vera-Velez, Eric G. Lamb, Juying Wu, Fei Ren
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis to examine the impacts of precipitation addition and reduction treatment intensity and duration on grassland above- and belowground net primary productivity. The results show that above-and belowground net primary productivity have asymmetric responses to precipitation change, with sensitivity of productivity being influenced by treatment intensity and duration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Amanda Muller, Eric G. Lamb, Steven D. Siciliano
Summary: This study investigates how subsurface SOC-rich patches in frost boils resulting from diapirism contribute to overall SOC storage in High Arctic polar semi-deserts. The presence of subsurface SOC patches nearly doubles the SOC content in frost boils. Although diapirism occurs in only 35% of all frost boils, these patches represent an important, yet heterogeneous, pool of SOC. The estimated SOC stored in the active layer of High Arctic polar semi-deserts is 8.14 +/- 0.45 Pg SOC.
Article
Ecology
Ian G. Hnatowich, Eric G. Lamb, Katherine J. Stewart
Summary: This study investigated the impact of adjacent nutrient-enrichment on plant community composition, biomass, and expansion of transplanted turfs in disturbed arctic environments. The results showed that fertilization did not change the community composition but increased biomass, expansion, and biological soil crust cover. Belowground roots and rhizomes dominated the vegetative biomass, highlighting the importance of evaluating belowground development in restoration success assessment.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Sarah L. Berry, Anna-Leila Williams, Erin Gentry Lamb, Craig M. Klugman
Summary: The growth of Health and Medical Humanities degrees in recent decades provides an ideal opportunity for defining the boundaries of this field. The study suggests that the Programme of Merit (POM) model is the most suitable for a young, transdisciplinary field like health humanities, as it allows for creativity and diversity without restricting the programs.
MEDICAL HUMANITIES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olukayode O. Jegede, Katherine M. Standen, Steven Siciliano, Eric G. Lamb, Katherine J. Stewart
Summary: Soil invertebrates play important roles in Arctic ecosystems, but studies on them are limited and our understanding of their drivers and communities is lacking. We examined soil invertebrates in Nunavut Canada and found that vegetation and substrate cover, soil nutrients and pH were the drivers of the community. Rocks, woody litter, and lichen cover had significant positive influences on the density of all studied invertebrates. Mites and collembolans were associated with lichen cover, while enchytraeids were associated with woody litter and rocks. Anthropogenic and/or natural disturbances may impact soil invertebrates and the ecosystem services they provide.
Article
Ecology
Roy Vera-Velez, Sera A. Grover, Brendan K. Bischoff, Cameron N. Carlyle, Eric G. Lamb
Summary: Fire and grazing play important roles in shaping plant community structure, influencing the quantity and quality of forage in the Great Plains ecoregion. This study examined the effects of fire on forage quality in the northern mixed-grass prairie over a 4-year period, considering the impact of grazing as well. The results show annual variations in crude protein and fiber content after wildfires, with no significant influence of grazing on forage quality. The study also suggests that fire may enhance forb digestibility and impact the grazing behavior of large ungulate grazers.
RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ian G. Hnatowich, Eric G. Lamb, Katherine J. Stewart
Summary: Disturbed low-Arctic environments pose challenges for ecological restoration, but transplantation of whole-turfs and shredded turfs from undisturbed tundra can effectively promote plant establishment and development. After two years, the transplanted turfs maintained a high percentage of vegetative cover and species richness, expanding into the surrounding substrate. While shredded turfs had difficulty establishing vascular species, they may be more successful in establishing non-vascular plant cover with better environmental protection. These results highlight the potential of turfs in providing native species for disturbed areas and promoting sustainable development of vegetation.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Sarah L. Berry, Craig M. Klugman, Charise Alexander Adams, Anna-leila Williams, Gina M. Camodeca, Tracy N. Leavelle, Erin G. Lamb
Summary: The authors conducted a baseline survey to assess the current status of baccalaureate and graduate degree health humanities programs in the United States and Canada. The survey aimed to determine the resources and self-identified needs of individual programs for sustainability, including their views on program accreditation. The majority of respondents agreed that accreditation or consultation services could address resource and sustainability issues, highlighting the importance of developing a sustainable infrastructure for health humanities.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Edward W. Bork, Daniel B. Hewins, Eric G. Lamb, Cameron N. Carlyle, Mark P. Lyseng, Scott X. Chang, Michael J. Alexander, Walter D. Willms, Majid Iravani
Summary: Grasslands globally store significant amounts of carbon, providing valuable ecosystem services. However, the impact of livestock grazing on grassland carbon storage remains uncertain. A study in Alberta, Canada found that while grazing reduced litter mass, total ecosystem carbon was 8.5% higher in grazed grasslands compared to non-grazed grasslands, primarily due to increases in soil organic carbon (SOC) and roots. SOC increased consistently in the 0-15 cm soil layer across all climate conditions, with changes in the 15-30 cm layer related to aridity. The increase in SOC under grazing was indirectly attributed to elevated eudicot biomass and improved graminoid quality, leading to enhanced litter and mulch carbon and ultimately higher SOC densities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Jennifer K. Bell, Steven D. Siciliano, Eric G. Lamb
Summary: Invasive plants affect soil microbial communities and ecosystem services, reducing the Earth's carrying capacity for humans. Changes in microbial community assembly processes caused by invasion contribute to the effects on grassland ecosystem services. In this study on a native Rough Fescue prairie, invasion by nine invasive species, with smooth brome as a dominant member, disrupted ecosystem service provision through interactions with seasonal effects and altered fungal community assembly.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew Bissett, Steven D. Mamet, Eric G. Lamb, Steven D. Siciliano
Summary: Using bacterial genetic data from Australian soil samples, we were able to predict the relative abundance of soil bacteria and their response to environmental changes, thus predicting potential changes in ecosystem services. These capabilities will be enhanced in the future with more genetic data.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Samaneh Mohammadi Moghaddam, Eric Gordon Lamb, Ardavan Ghorbani, Hossein Arzani, Javanshir Azizi Mobaser, Raoof Mostafazadeh
Summary: This study examines the combined effects of precipitation, elevation, and soil conditions on aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in rangeland ecosystems. The results show that soil variables are the best predictors of ANPP, but precipitation is the most important direct driver. The study suggests that incorporating climate forecasts into ANPP estimation can lead to more accurate future grazing capacity estimates.
