Socioecology Research Today

Random and subtle deviations from bilateral symmetry (fluctuating asymmetry) have long been of interest to biologists who wish to study the susceptibility of organisms to changes in environmental quality. However, the reliability of FA as a biomarker has come under question due to inconsistent results in the literature. We conducted a meta-analysis of published literature [...]

In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting the atrazine catabolism gene, atzA, was used to detect the presence of atrazine degrading bacteria as an indicator of atrazine contamination in 11 sites in Georgia, nine coastal sites in Puerto Rico and 11 coastal sites in Trinidad. The atzA gene was detected in five stations in [...]

To develop a long-term volunteer-based system for monitoring the impacts of climate change on plant distributions, potential indicator plants and monitoring sites were assessed considering habitat prediction uncertainty. We used species distribution models (SDMs) to project potential habitats for 19 popular edible wild plants in Japan. Prediction uncertainties of SDMs were assessed using three high-performance [...]

► Organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) were studied in European starling eggs from 3 continents. ► Concentrations and profiles differed significantly among the sampling locations. ► The geographical distribution of OHCs reflected the expected emission patterns. ► OHC worldwide trends were in accordance with data from human and environmental samples. ► Starling eggs have potential as a [...]

Thanks to this Metalsoft analytical software, Lumisens IV was a reliable online biosensor for the multidetection of Cd, As, Hg, and Cu. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es3024918

In the current study, American kestrels (Falco sparverius) (AMKE) and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) (EUST) that are terrestrial ecosystem consumers, and from the southern Lake Ontario regions, were investigated as potential terrestrial bio-monitoring species. Egg homogenates were screened for sixteen PBDE congeners and nineteen non-PBDE FRs of established or emerging environmental importance. PBDE congeners dominated [...]

Concentrations of elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) were determined in ten species of macroalgae collected from six sites in the Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, between May and July of 2010. An optimized microwave-assisted digestion procedure was used to digest the samples. The elements were determined [...]

Metallic tungsten has civil and military applications and was considered a green alternative to lead. Recent reports of contamination in drinking water and soil have raised scrutiny and suspended some applications. This investigation employed the cabbage Brassica oleracae and snail Otala lactea as models to determine the toxicological implications of sodium tungstate and an aged [...]

Despite restrictions in emissions, heavy metals may remain a major environmental issue due to their numerous sources and their persistence. Here, we assessed current levels of 4 metals (Copper, Cadmium, Lead, Zinc) in the feathers of 91 feral pigeons (Columba livia) from 7 sites in the urbanized region of Paris. Elements were detected in all [...]

► A suite of biomarkers was standardized in the earthworm L. terrestris for detecting the pollutant induced stress syndrome. ► Exposure to either copper sulphate or methiocarb induced dramatic granulocyte enlargement. ► Pollutant induced granulocyte enlargement showed high sensitivity to pollutant exposure compared to other biomarkers. ► Granulocyte enlargement showed to be a potential general [...]