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No 6 (2025)
Articles
Long-term dynamics of epiphytic lichen communities in the vicinity of Karabash copper smelter
Abstract
The long-term (2001, 2010 and 2023) dynamics of the structure of epiphytic lichen communities on birch trunks were analyzed following the reduction of emissions from the Karabash Copper Smelter (Chelyabinsk Region, Russia). A survey conducted in 2023, seven years after emissions nearly ceased, revealed an increase in lichen species diversity in the background and buffer zones, partly due to the emergence of highly pollution-sensitive species. At the same time, the communities of the impact area are in a depressed state, dominated by toxic-tolerant species, whose abundance remained unchanged throughout the study period. The consistent increase in similarity between the buffer and background zones suggests that recovery has begun, though by the time of the study, it was confined to theless polluted areas.
Ecology. 2025;(6):417-428
417-428
Assessment of copper toxicity to sunflower under monometallic soil contamination conditions
Abstract
Ecotoxicological studies on metal toxicity are commonly conducted using artificially contaminated soils, whereas investigations of naturally or industrially contaminated soils remain limited. Industrially contaminated soils often contain elevated concentrations of multiple elements, complicating the interpretation of toxic effects. This underscores the exceptional value of sites with monometallic pollution. One such site is the Kargaly copper mining district in the Orenburg Region of the Russian Federation. This study assessed copper phytotoxicity to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown under field conditions in soils historically contaminated by copper mining during the 18th–19th centuries. Total copper content in the studied soils reached upto 10,000 mg/kg, while the content of other elements remained close to the background levels, confirming the monometallic nature of the pollution. The effective concentrations of copper causing 25% and 50% reductions (EC 25 and EC 50 ) in sunflower shoot growth were 9.8 and 12 mg/kg, respectively. Corresponding EC 25 and EC 50 values for total soil copper were 706 and 929 mg/kg, respectively.
Ecology. 2025;(6):429-436
429-436
Ecological characteristics of dwarf birches wetland and tundra populations in the Urals
Abstract
The most characteristic plant communities of the dwarf birches Betula nana and B. humilis were identified and described. The current range of B. nana and B. humilis in the Urals, Cis-Urals, and Trans-Urals was modeled using МахEnt software, taking into account climatic and edaphic factors. Limiting factors ecological optima are shown for B. nana and B. humilis in the Urals. The wider ecological range of B. nana compared to B. humilis allows this species successful adaption to a wide range of altitudinal and latitudinal conditions, including mires of different trophic status. The dependence of B. humilis on the warm and cold quarters temperatures and the availability of groundwater determines its limited occurrence in the Ural Mountains.
Ecology. 2025;(6):437-445
437-445
Species richness of plant communities in continental Asia along the aridity gradient
Abstract
The relationship between the species richness of plant communities and the aridity was analyzed using a formalized analysis of 12 300 georeferenced geobotanical descriptions. A correlation was identified between these indicators. At Thornthwaite index values of 45–50, the highest species richness of phytocenoses is observed, which manifests in the southern part of the forest zone and the lower part of the mountain forest belt, where rich communities with complex vertical structures form.
Ecology. 2025;(6):446-454
446-454
On the accumulation of heavy metals and arsenic in the feathers of the rock pigeon (Columba livia var. urbana) in different districts of Moscow
Abstract
We analyzed the concentrations of 9 ions related to heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb and metalloid As) (HM) in the feathers of pigeons captured in four districts of Moscow (VDNKh, Vykhino, Izmailovo, Orekhovo). In addition, the features of HM accumulation in the black and gray parts of the feather in a particular bird were evaluated. Significant differences in the concentration of HM were found between locations in Moscow, which indicates a spatial heterogeneity of pollution. The analysis showed that the concentrations of all HM were significantly higher in the black parts of the feathers than in the gray ones. This confirms the chelating role of melanin, which accumulates in melanosomes. It has been shown that the shape and number of melanosomes also differ in the black and gray parts of the feather (in gray, the ratio of rod-shaped and rounded melanosomes is 1 : 3, and in black – 5 : 1). The results confirm the possibility of using pigeon feathers for biomonitoring of HM and emphasize the critical importance of taking into account the type of pigmentation of the feather when interpreting pollution data.
Ecology. 2025;(6):455-464
455-464
Comparative mesocosm study on the impact of invasive Aporrectodea caliginosa and native Eisenia nordenskioldi pallida on water-soluble cation (NH4+, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+) content in Calcic Chernozems of Western Siberia: a field experiment in mesocosms
Abstract
Earthworm invasion alters soil nutrient cycles. This study investigated the effects of the native earthworm Eisenia nordenskioldi pallida, the invasive Aporrectodea caliginosa, and their co-occurrence on the availability of water-soluble cations NH 4 +, K+, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. To achieve this, a simulated field experiment was conducted in soil mesocosms, and the cation content was measured by capillary electrophoresis. The experiment revealed that the invasive species only relatively weak altered cation availability within a single growing season. The impact of A. caliginosa invasion depended on whether the soil was already inhabited by the native species or not. The effect of E. n. pallida on cation availability was studied for the first time.
Ecology. 2025;(6):465-475
465-475
The influence of endogeic earthworms on soil organic matter in a short-term field experiment
Abstract
We conducted a field experiment using mesocosms during the growing season to evaluate the effects of endogeic earthworms – the invasive Eisenia tracta and Aporrectodea caliginosa, and the native E. nordenskioldi pallida – on soil organic matter content in Calcic Chernozem. We established that the vertical distribution of soil organic matter within the humus horizon depends on the earthworm species and their interactions. The highest content was observed in the variants containing the native species.
Ecology. 2025;(6):476-484
476-484