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Porphyrins are acknowledged for their efficacy as photosensitizers and show potential for the treatment of water contaminated with diverse dyes. This research emphasizes the use of meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) as a photosensitizer for purifying water contaminated with rhodamine B. Investigations were conducted under homogeneous conditions using visible light irradiation, revealing the efficacy of the porphyrin in the decolorization of rhodamine B strongly depends on pH of the solution. This study demonstrated that within 120 min, the decolorization process rapidly removed about 95% of RhB at an initial pH of 3.0, while at pH 6.0, the removal rate was significantly lower, at only 12%. An extensive photophysical study of the TPPS was carried out at pH 6.0 and pH 3.0 including absorption and fluorescence spectra, fluorescence quantum yields, triplet absorption spectra, triplet lifetimes, triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields in order to explain difference in the efficiency of RhB discoloration. A thorough investigation into mechanism revealed that neither reactive oxygen species nor singlet oxygen played a role in RhB decolorization within this system. Instead, the predominant route was found to be the electron transfer from photoexcited TPPS to RhB, followed by proton transfer at pH 3.0, leading to the generation of a colorless leuco form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vultures play a crucial role in scavenging communities as apex scavengers. Scavenging communities in turn are a key component of terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring that dead biomass is removed quickly and efficiently. Anthropogenic disturbances, particularly mass poisonings, have caused crashes in vulture populations in Africa and Asia. We ask if vultures can re‐establish themselves in a scavenging community from a point of near extirpation. To allow for maximum knowledge transfer across ecosystems, we focus on an ecosystem that is otherwise considered pristine. We chose Kruger National Park (KNP), a well‐documented African scavenging community, as our focal ecosystem and parameterised a mathematical model of scavenging‐community dynamics using field data from the park. We predicted the upper limit of vulture population size in an ecosystem like KNP. We then analysed vultures' path to recovery, using this empirically parameterised scavenging‐community model. We used perturbation methods to determine how parameter values that may be specific to KNP influence our predictions. Comparisons of predicted vulture carrying capacity with recent population estimates suggest that the cumulative effect of human activities on vulture abundance is larger than previously believed. Our analysis shows that vulture populations can reach their carrying capacity approximately five decades after a poisoning event that would almost extirpate the population. Over shorter time scales, we predict a decade of enhanced mammal abundance (i.e. mesoscavenger release) before the mammals are excluded from the scavenging community. In our study system, jackals and hyenas are the mammalian groups predicted to benefit from the absence of vultures. However, neither group removes biomass as efficiently as vultures and animal carcasses are predicted to accumulate in the ecosystem while the vulture population recovers. In our framework, the carrying capacity for vulture populations is determined by carcass availability. As evidence for an alternative regulating factor is lacking, we conclude that present‐day vulture population densities are orders of magnitude below their upper limits. Our results therefore suggest that with a recovery plan in place, the long‐term prospects for vulture species and the associated ecosystems are positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global requirement for clean and safe drinking water has necessitated the development of efficient methods for the elimination of organic contaminants, especially dyes, from wastewater. This study reports the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles via a simple precipitation approach and their thorough characterization using various techniques, including XRD, FT-IR, XPS, TGA, DLS, and FESEM. Synthesized MgO nanoparticles' photocatalytic effectiveness was evaluated towards rhodamine B and rhodamine 6G degradation under both UV and visible light irradiation. The results indicated that the MgO nanoparticles possess a face-centered cubic structure with enhanced crystallinity and purity, as well as an average crystallite size of approximately 3.20 nm. The nanoparticles demonstrated a significant BET surface area (52 m2/g) and a bandgap value equal to 5.27 eV. Photocatalytic experiments indicated complete degradation of rhodamine B dye under UV light within 180 min and 83.23% degradation under visible light. For rhodamine 6G, the degradation efficiency was 92.62% under UV light and 38.71% under visible light, thus verifying the MgO catalyst's selectivity towards degradation of rhodamine B dye. Also, reusability of MgO was investigated for five experimental photocatalytic trials with very promising results, mainly against rhodamine B. Scavenging experiments confirmed that •OH radicals were the major reactive oxygen species involved in the photodegradation procedure, unraveling the molecular mechanism of the photocatalytic efficiency of MgO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization is a major cause of habitat and biodiversity loss and human–animal conflict. While urbanization is inevitable, we need to develop a good understanding of the urban ecosystem and the urban-adapted species, in order to ensure sustainable cities for our future. Scavengers play a major role in urban ecosystems, and often, urban adaptation involves a shift towards scavenging behaviour in wild animals. We experimented at different sites in the state of West Bengal, India, to identify the scavenging guild within urban habitats, in response to human-provided food. Our study found a total of 17 different vertebrate species across 15 sites, over 498 sessions of observations. We carried out network analysis to understand the dynamics of the system and found that the free-ranging dog and common myna were key species within the scavenging networks. This study revealed the complexity of scavenging networks within human-dominated habitats. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to extract chitin and chitosan from crab shell waste and investigate the chemical structure and antioxidant abilities by in vitro assays. Chitin was extracted, chitosan conversion was performed by chemical methods, and the yield was found to be 21%. Several active functional groups, NH primary and secondary amines, amides, and acetyl groups with different bond stretching were conformed in FT-IR spectral analysis. In the proton NMR, N-acetyl glucosamine and H-2 proton of glucosamine (GlcN) residues were identified in chitosan. The antioxidant activities were realized by dose dependent and the maximum activity was found 62, 71, and 58% in higher concentrations of DPPH, hydroxyl, and ferrous ion chelating effects. The derived chitosan is a nontoxic polymer with high chelating capability a good source for functional foods from sustainable source of marine waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Porphyrins are acknowledged for their efficacy as photosensitizers and show potential for the treatment of water contaminated with diverse dyes. This research emphasizes the use of meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) as a photosensitizer for purifying water contaminated with rhodamine B. Investigations were conducted under homogeneous conditions using visible light irradiation, revealing the efficacy of the porphyrin in the decolorization of rhodamine B strongly depends on pH of the solution. This study demonstrated that within 120 min, the decolorization process rapidly removed about 95% of RhB at an initial pH of 3.0, while at pH 6.0, the removal rate was significantly lower, at only 12%. An extensive photophysical study of the TPPS was carried out at pH 6.0 and pH 3.0 including absorption and fluorescence spectra, fluorescence quantum yields, triplet absorption spectra, triplet lifetimes, triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields in order to explain difference in the efficiency of RhB discoloration. A thorough investigation into mechanism revealed that neither reactive oxygen species nor singlet oxygen played a role in RhB decolorization within this system. Instead, the predominant route was found to be the electron transfer from photoexcited TPPS to RhB, followed by proton transfer at pH 3.0, leading to the generation of a colorless leuco form.

This service activity seeks to improve garbage scavengers' knowledge and skills in preventing nail disease caused by fungi in the Sumompo Final Disposal Site (TPA) environment in Manado City. The method of implementing this service is through training and discussion, with leaflets serving as the learning medium. Meanwhile, fungal examinations use the direct procedure involving KOH. Training activities are evaluated using pre-test and post-test techniques, which are then analyzed descriptively. The evaluation results show that the average pre-test score is 44.89, and the average post-test score is 78.89, showing a 34.00 gain in knowledge following training. The findings of the practical exercises revealed that numerous individuals displayed clinical characteristics/symptoms of fungal nail disease, such as dull, thickened, uneven, cracked nails, and color changes from white to caustic, brown to black. Examination of nail scraping samples from 14 individuals with atypical nails revealed that all samples tested positive for hyphae and/or spores.

A promising, but not yet practiced, approach to the treatment of neurotoxic organophosphate poisoning is the administration of a scavenger that rapidly deactivates the nerve agent before it can exert its toxic effects. The detoxification rates required for successful use of this therapy can currently only be achieved with enzymes, but synthetic scavengers, whose mode of action is based on key concepts of supramolecular chemistry, are an attractive alternative. Considerable progress has recently been made in the development of such scavengers, and compounds from several receptor classes are now available that not only bind nerve agents but also degrade them at promising rates. This review provides an overview of the field and highlights recent developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung function abnormalities can be caused by smoking habits or air pollution. Sanitary landfills can produce ammonia, which can cause lung function abnormalities. This study aimed to determine a relationship between ammonia exposure based on the length of work and lung function abnormalities among traditional scavengers at the Sumur Batu Landfill, Bekasi City, West Java Province, Indonesia. This analytical observational study applied quantitative methods and cross-sectional design. A total of 85 scavengers were selected using purposive sampling from March to May 2023. Data was obtained using a respondent characteristics questionnaire, spirometry, and spectrophotometer and analyzed using the Cox Regression Model. Most respondents (54.12%) had lung function abnormalities, and 79.17% had worked =8.5 years. The adjPR of ammonia exposure based on the length of work to lung function abnormalities was 3.413 (95% CI 1.51--7.71). There were confounding variables between ammonia exposure based on the length of work and lung function abnormalities: smoking status and lung disease record. In conclusion, ammonia exposure based on the length of work strongly correlates with lung function abnormalities in scavengers after adjusting for the lung disease record and smoking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the influence of public information sharing on foraging strategies is of growing interest, empirical studies exploring intraguild social information use and facilitation roles between individuals with different trophic specializations remain scarce. Heterospecific facilitation should be more common in specialist foragers, for example, the bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus, a solitary bone‐eating scavenger. We monitored 133 carcasses of different types/sizes in open and shrubland landscapes in the Spanish Pyrenees to explore bearded vulture foraging in relation to social information transfer and adaptive trophic behavior. We hypothesized that they might (1) feed on carcasses after initial heterospecific exploitation; (2) use heterospecifics to locate and/or exploit carcasses; and (3) prefer old carcasses over fresh ones. We recorded bearded vultures scavenging at 44 carcasses; 95.5% had been previously exploited by heterospecifics (93.2% by griffon vultures Gyps fulvus and 2.3% by golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos) while only two small‐sized carcasses were scavenged without previous heterospecific exploitation. Bearded vultures were not observed scavenging at carcasses used only by mammals. Both griffon and bearded vultures took longer to find carcasses in shrublands than in open landscapes. However, bearded vulture arrival times between landscapes after carcass discovery by griffon vultures were similar. Bearded vultures were more likely to discover a carcass the greater the number of griffon vultures exploiting it. Only 10.4% bearded vulture scavenging events occurred after the third week following heterospecific exploitation, suggesting that recently opened carcasses were preferred. Clearly, heterospecifics play an essential role in bearded vultures foraging success, and griffon vultures are fundamental facilitators for specialist foragers, both in providing visual cues to food location and in opening up carcasses to enable access to food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extremely effective photocatalytic complex, PtLCl2 (1), was synthesized with (4-([2,2':6',2''-terpyridin]-4'-yl)phenyl)boronic acid as ligand and further characterized through single crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis spectrum. Multipoint hydrogen bonds and three kinds of π-π stacking interactions are observed in the supramolecular structure of 1. More significantly, the Pt(II) complex exhibits outstanding photocatalytic degradation efficiency (94.76%) for methyl orange within 120 min under visible light irradiation. The kinetic rate constant (k) for 1 (10 mg) is 0.02505 min−1, which is approximately 70 times higher than that of the ligand (0.00036 min−1). Moreover, its photocatalysis mechanism proposed that ·O2− and h+ were the main active species for MO degradation, providing a great prospect for development of a new efficient photocatalytic complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a Bi2S3/Cu2S was successfully synthesized via a simple one-step wet impregnation process. The compositional behavior and electrical and optical properties of photocatalysts were investigated in detail. Photocatalytic technology has shown great promise in wastewater treatment, splitting water to hydrogen, and converting CO2 to fuel. Researchers or scientist are attempting to design sulfate-based heterojunction photocatalytic systems in order to develop novel photocatalysts with excellent performance. Photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye and tetracycline (TC) drug under visible light irradiation was used to assess the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared samples. As a result, 2:1% wt of Bi2S3/Cu2S heterostructure composite revealed superior visible light degradation performing of MB dye, and TC drug efficiency as 90.2% and 87.5%, respectively. The prepared hybrid photocatalyst has demonstated a potential for use in the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic durgs and dyes, indicating a promissing future for its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because information availability and management are essential components of wildlife conservation, we sought to compile literature published since 1900 on the caracaras, a group of nine extant species, eight of which occur only in Central America and South America. Our findings revealed that the number of sources and therefore, the amount and types of information available varied considerably among the caracara species and among countries where these raptors occur. Most sources represented studies conducted in Argentina, the United States, Brazil, and Chile, and many focused on the more common species, for example, the Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) and the Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango). Most sources published in the early 20th century focused on breeding and feeding ecology and natural history. Since the 1960s, the number of studies published per decade has increased, and since the 1990s, more studies have addressed a broader range of topics including behavioral ecology, demography, infectious agents, parasites, contaminants, biomedicine, and taxonomic relatedness among the caracara species and other falcons. Aside from the Striated Caracara (Phalcoboenus australis), which recently has been the subject of intensive research, other species in the genus Phalcoboenus (the Mountain Caracara [P. megalopterus]; the White-throated Caracara [P. albogularis]; and the Carunculated Caracara, [P. carunculatus]) remain little known, as do the two forest-dwelling caracaras, the Black Caracara (Daptrius ater) and the Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus). Knowledge gaps exist for all the caracaras; research is especially needed on subjects outside typically studied topics such as breeding and feeding ecology. Also important to expanding knowledge of this group will be collaboration with researchers studying other avian scavengers such as condors and vultures, focusing on common threats, and coordination among researchers in countries inhabited by multiple caracara species. Contar con información y poder implementar medidas de gestión es esencial para la conservación de la fauna silvestre. Consecuentemente, realizamos una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura existente para las nueve especies reconocidas de caracaras, sobre las que existe información limitada cuando se compara con rapaces de Norte América, Europa y otras regiones fuera de la región Neotropical. Nuestro análisis identificó, en base al número y tipos de fuente, que la cantidad de información existente sobre este grupo varió en función de la especie y del país donde habitan. La mayoría de las publicaciones se originaron en estudios realizados en Argentina, Estados Unidos, Brasil y Chile y sobre las especies más comunes, por ejemplo, Caracara plancus y Milvago chimango. A partir de la década de 1960 se observó un aumento en el número de publicaciones; previamente éstas estaban focalizadas en la historia natural y la ecología reproductiva y trófica de estas especies. A partir de la década de 1990, los trabajos publicados sobre este grupo ampliaron el rango de temas estudiados, incluyendo ecología comportamental, demografía, agentes infecciosos y parasitarios, contaminantes, biomedicina, e incluso estudios taxonómicos dedicados a entender mejor tanto las relaciones entre las distintas especies de caracaras entre sí como su relación con los halcones. Excepto para Phalcoboenus australis, quien recientemente ha sido objeto de investigación intensiva, otras especies en el género Phalcoboenus (P. megalopteris, P. albogularis y P. carunculatus) siguen siendo prácticamente desconocidas, al igual que las dos especies de caracaras selváticos, Daptrius ater e Ibycter americanus. Se necesita un mayor número de estudios sobre todas las especies de caracaras que incluyan otros temas más allá de la ecología reproductiva y trófica. La colaboración con investigadores que trabajan con otras especies de rapaces carroñeras, como cóndores y gallinazos, es esencial. Una mayor integración y coordinación de los esfuerzos permitirá identificar y reducir las amenazas comunes para estos grupos, sobre todo en aquellos países que cuentan con varias especies de caracaras. [Traducción de los autores editada] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water from the industries contains various organic effluents which are needed to be removed. Photocatalysis is an efficient method to degrade organic effluents that contaminate water and harmfully affect the environment. This study presents the structural, optical characteristics, and photocatalytic activity of the CuO/MoS2 and their composite with gCN. The hydrothermal approach was employed to fabricate MoS2 nanoflowers, and the co-precipitation method to fabricate CuO. The composite with gCN was prepared successfully using an ultrasonication approach. The physio-chemical properties of fabricated photocatalysts were investigated by various characterization techniques. SEM analysis revealed the nanoflower morphology of the prepared MoS2 sample. The photocatalytic activity was examined by the photodegradation of methyl orange dye and phenol. CuO/MoS2@gCN photocatalyst showed 85.14 % degradation of methyl orange and 63.50 % degradation of phenol. Also, the rate constant of CuO/MoS2@gCN was found to be 0.051 min−1 for MO dye and 0.02 min−1 for phenol, which is higher than other synthesized samples. The scavenging experiment was carried out to identify the most photoactive species involved in the organic pollutants photocatalytic degradation. Electrons served as the primary photoactive species in photocatalysis. Consequently, it is concluded from the results that CuO/MoS2@gCN could be employed as an efficient photocatalyst for wastewater treatment.

The current research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic activity, and the reusability of Fe-doped- TiO2 photocatalyst. The photocatalyst were successfully synthesized using sol-gel method with different Fe-doping concentrations (0.3, 0.5, 1.0 mol%). The lattice strain induced from XRD data reveals that the more iron content, the more distortions, and imperfections presented in samples. BET results affirmed that doping with iron, the specific surface area were 10% better than that of pristine TiO2. Fe-doping was able to narrow the band gap to 2.69eV, mainly due to the creation of the localized levels of Fe-3d states. Indeed, the photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity of Fe-doped- TiO2 samples decreases with an increase in Fe-dopingconcentration. Under the optimum condition of 1 g.L −1 0.5 mol%Fe-doped-TiO2 catalyst, non-pH-adjusted and 180 min irradiated under simulated natural light, the removal efficiency of BPA 10 mg.L−1 reached 92%. Superoxide radical was found to be the dominant species in the photodegradation of BPA by Fe-doped-TiO2. The 0.5 mol%Fe-doped- TiO2 remained stable in the photocatalytic process after repeated use for five consecutive runs, demonstrating the promise potential in the practical environmental remediation applications. This study opens up an alternatives in enhancement of the TiO2 catalytic properties

In the Arctic tundra, predators face recurrent periods of food scarcity and often turn to ungulate carcasses as an alternative food source. As important and localized resource patches, carrion promotes co‐occurrence of different individuals, and its use by predators is likely to be affected by interspecific competition. We studied how interspecific competition and resource availability impact winter use of carrion by Arctic and red foxes in low Arctic Fennoscandia. We predicted that the presence of red foxes limits Arctic foxes' use of carrion, and that competition depends on the availability of other resources. We monitored Arctic and red fox presence at supp lied carrion using camera traps. From 2006 to 2021, between 16 and 20 cameras were active for 2 months in late winter (288 camera‐winters). Using a multi‐species dynamic occupancy model at a week‐to‐week scale, we evaluated the use of carrion by foxes while accounting for the presence of competitors, rodent availability, and supplemental feeding provided to Arctic foxes. Competition affected carrion use by increasing both species' probability to leave occupied carcasses between consecutive weeks. This increase was similar for the two species, suggesting symmetrical avoidance. Increased rodent abundance was associated with a higher probability of colonizing carrion sites for both species. For Arctic foxes, however, this increase was only observed at carcasses unoccupied by red foxes, showing greater avoidance when alternative preys are available. Supplementary feeding increased Arctic foxes' carrion use, regardless of red fox presence. Contrary to expectations, we did not find strong signs of asymmetric competition for carrion in winter, which suggests that interactions for resources at a short time scale are not necessarily aligned with interactions at the scale of the population. In addition, we found that competition for carcasses depends on the availability of other resources, suggesting that interactions between predators depend on the ecological context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban waste management, including that of sanitary landfills, is an urgent matter worldwide. Scavengers at sanitary landfill sites face safety and health issues. Their human rights are often violated through social oppression, dehumanization, and exploitation. Numerous landfills have been closed by governments to address these issues. Although these closures may have brought safer, cleaner, and more equitable living environments, in some cases, the low incomes and living standards of former scavengers who continue to reside at these sites have been exacerbated. That is, there may exist different perspectives of justices for respective stakeholders (e.g., government officials and scavengers). Based on the foundation of urban social justice and the capabilities approach as a theoretical framework, and using observations and interviews, this case study examines and addresses the socioeconomic complications faced by the local residents in the post-landfill situation of Payatas in the Philippines in an attempt to work toward establishing a just city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The push to find new catalytic materials has intensified due to environmental concerns and the pressing issue of dye breakdown. In our research, we delve into the properties of ZrO2-doped LiTa0.5Nb0.5O3, a material made using a solid-state method. We extensively studied its structure, appearance, optical properties, dielectric areas, and surface conditions. Notably, Zr 5% composition exhibited an efficiently breaking down Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated UV sunlight. In just an hour, it achieved a remarkable 98.2% degradation rate. This superior performance stems from active complexes forming on its surface and its impressive light absorption. Moreover, the degradation of RhB by this catalyst is boosted by the presence of reactive •O2¯ species generated during the process. Even after five rounds of testing, the catalyst retained an 81% efficiency rate. These results indicate the potential for creating efficient catalysts that can swiftly neutralize harmful dyes from water. Highlights: ZrO2-doped LiTa0.5Nb0.5O3, was successfully synthesized using a solid-state route. Zr 5% composition, exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated solar ultraviolet (UV) light. The degradation efficiency reached 98.2% after 60 min of time. It was discovered that the degradation of RhB over the ZrO2-doped LiTa0.5Nb0.5O3 photocatalyst was significantly enhanced by the presence of reactive species such as •O2¯. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that plays important roles in redox signaling. H2S overproduction has been linked to a variety of disease states and therefore, H2S‐depleting agents, such as scavengers, are needed to understand the significance of H2S‐based therapy. It is known that elevated H2S can induce oxidative stress with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, such as in H2S acute intoxication. We explored the possibility of developing catalytic scavengers to simultaneously remove H2S and ROS. Herein, we studied a series of selenium‐based molecules as catalytic H2S/H2O2 scavengers. Inspired by the high reactivity of selenoxide compounds towards H2S, 14 diselenide/monoselenide compounds were tested. Several promising candidates such as S6 were identified. Their activities in buffers, as well as in plasma‐ and cell lysate‐containing solutions were evaluated. We also studied the reaction mechanism of this scavenging process. Finally, the combination of the diselenide catalyst and photosensitizers was used to achieve light‐induced H2S removal. These Se‐based scavengers can be useful tools for understanding H2S/ROS regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bush encroachment is increasingly becoming a problem for biodiversity conservation in African savannas. While this invasion by woody vegetation may hamper avian scavengers such as vultures, which primarily search by sight, it may benefit mammalian scavengers that search by smell. This study aimed to examine the ability of nocturnal mammalian and diurnal avian scavengers to locate carcasses at increasing vegetation densities. We successively placed 27 impala (Aepyceros melampus) carcasses five days apart in a 2000 ha fenced game camp that offered an extensive range of woody plant densities. Scavenger arrivals and first feedings were recorded with camera traps. The avian scavengers, mainly white‐backed Vultures (Gyps africanus), fed exclusively on carcasses during the day, and mammalian scavengers, predominantly brown hyenas (Parahyena brunnea), fed solely at night. The two guilds thus competed exploitatively without direct interaction between them. For vultures, the time taken to locate a carcass increased with woody plant density. The mean density of woody plants that avian scavengers located carcasses at was 2188 plants/ha, whereas mammalian scavengers located carcasses at appreciably higher densities of 5156 plants/ha. Resource managers need to understand the synergy between maintaining woody vegetation to benefit nocturnal mammalian scavengers and maintaining open savannas to benefit diurnal avian scavengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many vulture species worldwide are declining at alarming rates due to a variety of anthropogenic causes, including exposure to pollutants and pharmaceuticals through consumption of contaminated carrion. However, little is known about the extent to which vultures are exposed to various contaminants as well as toxicity thresholds for trace elements and heavy metals. Our objective was to quantify levels of trace elements and heavy metals within black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) tissues to determine the extent to which populations in the Southeastern United States are exposed to carrion that contains high levels of contaminants. We collected 34 black vulture liver samples and examined differences in trace element and heavy metal concentrations between sexes and age classes (adult and juvenile). Further, we collected 81 blood and 42 feather samples from additional black and turkey vultures and compared differences between species and age classes. We found similar element concentrations between juvenile and adult black vultures with the exception of Cu, where levels were higher in juveniles compared to adults. However, we did observe substantial differences in element concentrations between species for both blood and feather samples, with black vultures generally having higher concentrations of most elements. Our data revealed higher element levels in both species compared to toxicity thresholds found in other bird of prey species, such as blood and liver toxicity threshold suggestions for Pb poisoning in Falconiformes. Further, while average contaminant levels were generally low, extreme outliers were observed for some elements, including Pb, suggesting some individuals were exposed to high levels of potentially toxic elements. More research is needed to better understand contaminant exposure in black and turkey vultures across a broader geographic region, as well as elucidate toxicity thresholds and non-lethal impacts of contaminant exposure in these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While the influence of public information sharing on foraging strategies is of growing interest, empirical studies exploring intraguild social information use and facilitation roles between individuals with different trophic specializations remain scarce. Heterospecific facilitation should be more common in specialist foragers, for example, the bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus, a solitary bone‐eating scavenger. We monitored 133 carcasses of different types/sizes in open and shrubland landscapes in the Spanish Pyrenees to explore bearded vulture foraging in relation to social information transfer and adaptive trophic behavior. We hypothesized that they might (1) feed on carcasses after initial heterospecific exploitation; (2) use heterospecifics to locate and/or exploit carcasses; and (3) prefer old carcasses over fresh ones. We recorded bearded vultures scavenging at 44 carcasses; 95.5% had been previously exploited by heterospecifics (93.2% by griffon vultures Gyps fulvus and 2.3% by golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos) while only two small‐sized carcasses were scavenged without previous heterospecific exploitation. Bearded vultures were not observed scavenging at carcasses used only by mammals. Both griffon and bearded vultures took longer to find carcasses in shrublands than in open landscapes. However, bearded vulture arrival times between landscapes after carcass discovery by griffon vultures were similar. Bearded vultures were more likely to discover a carcass the greater the number of griffon vultures exploiting it. Only 10.4% bearded vulture scavenging events occurred after the third week following heterospecific exploitation, suggesting that recently opened carcasses were preferred. Clearly, heterospecifics play an essential role in bearded vultures foraging success, and griffon vultures are fundamental facilitators for specialist foragers, both in providing visual cues to food location and in opening up carcasses to enable access to food.

Abstract Background Rosa damascena is extensively cultivated in various regions of Iran due to its aesthetic attributes, medicinal qualities, and essential oil production. This study investigated the efficacy of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (AnE) at concentrations of 0, 2, and 3 g L− 1 and Nano-silicon (nSiO2) at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg L− 1 in ameliorating the impact of salinity on two genotypes of Damask rose (‘Chaharfasl’ and ‘Kashan’) under in vitro culture conditions. Additionally, various physio-chemical characteristics of R. damascena explants were assessed. Results The findings revealed that exposure to 100 mM NaCl resulted in a substantial reduction in the Relative Water Content (RWC), Membrane Stability Index (MSI), leaf pigments (Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll a, total Chlorophyll, and carotenoids), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and protein content in both genotypes when compared to control conditions. Salinity induced a significant increase in the parameter F0 and a decrease in the parameter Fv/Fm compared to the control conditions in both genotypes. Nonetheless, the genotype Kashan treated with 3 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2 exhibited the maximum Fm value under control conditions, with a significant difference compared to other treatments. Furthermore, salinity caused a considerable reduction in Fm in both ‘Kashan’ and ‘Chaharfasl’ by 22% and 17%, respectively, when compared to the control condition. ‘Kashan’ displayed the maximum Fv/Fm compared to the other genotype. The maximum levels of Malondialdehyde (MAD) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were also observed in explants affected by salinity. The combination of 3 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2, followed by 2 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2, exhibited substantial positive effects. Salinity also led to an increase in proline content and the activity of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) in both genotypes. The activity of these enzymes was further enhanced when AnE was applied at concentrations of 2 and 3 g L− 1 in combination with 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2. Conclusions The ‘Kashan’ genotype displayed greater tolerance to salinity by enhancing water balance, maintaining membrane integrity, and augmenting the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to ‘Chaharfasl’. The utilization of nSiO2 and AnE biostimulants demonstrated potential benefits for R. damascena, both under salinity and control conditions. These findings hold substantial importance for researchers, policymakers, and farmers, offering valuable insights into the development of salinity-tolerant crop varieties.

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We here describe Andean Condors' (Vultur gryphus) use of the biggest landfill in Chile as a food source. We monitored the landfill between 2005 and 2022. Until 2013, there was an increase in the number of condors present in the landfill. Then the number decreased until 2016, coincident with an abundant food supply on a large spatial scale, due to high mortality of cattle that were affected by extreme drought and plentiful rabbit carcasses due to outbreaks of myxomatosis. The same temporal and numerical trends were observed in both sexes and all ages. Compared to published population parameters, in the landfill the proportion of immatures was higher and that of adult males was lower; therefore, the landfill could function as a subsidy mainly for the lower strata of the dominance hierarchy of this species. There was a strong seasonality, with a low presence of condors in the warm season and maximum numbers in the cold season, likely coinciding with seasonal movements of livestock between summer and winter range lands in the high mountains, resulting in lower food abundance for condors during the cold season. This is the first characterization of the use of a landfill by a high number of Andean Condors, use that could have implications for the species' population in central Chile. Despite the apparent positive effect as a subsidy, waste disposals can have detrimental effects due to condors' consumption of potentially dangerous compounds. This study underscores the opportunistic nature of the Andean Condor, a species that can take advantage of rubbish dumps. Long-term Andean Condor monitoring at landfills may serve as an indicator food supply over a large spatial scale, which should be considered in conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vultures are vital scavengers that maintain ecological balance by feeding on carcasses. Among the nine vulture species in India, four are categorised as 'Critically Endangered', one as 'Endangered', three as 'Near Threatened', and one as 'Least Concern' as per the IUCN Red List. The vultures have experienced a global decline, while in India, majorly due to the use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). A review of all available literature on vultures from 1838 to December 2022 and extracting of all sight records from eBird to understand their status, occurrence, and distribution for the Indian state of Karnataka. The study reveals a total of seven vulture species recorded from the state, of them, one was misidentified, two are vagrants, and the other four species, namely Egyptian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture, are residents. The resident vulture population in the state is experiencing a consistent decrease and has been confined in recent years to in and around Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves, while Egyptian Vulture is mostly observed in human-inhabited areas. In contrast to the gradual recovery of the Gyps vulture population across the country, the population in the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary remains relatively low or decreasing. Periodic systematic population assessments and monitoring of nest sites, evaluating breeding patterns, and ensuring the availability of undisturbed carcasses for vultures to feed on are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosa damascena is extensively cultivated in various regions of Iran due to its aesthetic attributes, medicinal qualities, and essential oil production. This study investigated the efficacy of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (AnE) at concentrations of 0, 2, and 3 g L− 1 and Nano-silicon (nSiO2) at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg L− 1 in ameliorating the impact of salinity on two genotypes of Damask rose ('Chaharfasl' and 'Kashan') under in vitro culture conditions. Additionally, various physio-chemical characteristics of R. damascena explants were assessed. Results: The findings revealed that exposure to 100 mM NaCl resulted in a substantial reduction in the Relative Water Content (RWC), Membrane Stability Index (MSI), leaf pigments (Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll a, total Chlorophyll, and carotenoids), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and protein content in both genotypes when compared to control conditions. Salinity induced a significant increase in the parameter F0 and a decrease in the parameter Fv/Fm compared to the control conditions in both genotypes. Nonetheless, the genotype Kashan treated with 3 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2 exhibited the maximum Fm value under control conditions, with a significant difference compared to other treatments. Furthermore, salinity caused a considerable reduction in Fm in both 'Kashan' and 'Chaharfasl' by 22% and 17%, respectively, when compared to the control condition. 'Kashan' displayed the maximum Fv/Fm compared to the other genotype. The maximum levels of Malondialdehyde (MAD) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were also observed in explants affected by salinity. The combination of 3 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2, followed by 2 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2, exhibited substantial positive effects. Salinity also led to an increase in proline content and the activity of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) in both genotypes. The activity of these enzymes was further enhanced when AnE was applied at concentrations of 2 and 3 g L− 1 in combination with 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2. Conclusions: The 'Kashan' genotype displayed greater tolerance to salinity by enhancing water balance, maintaining membrane integrity, and augmenting the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to 'Chaharfasl'. The utilization of nSiO2 and AnE biostimulants demonstrated potential benefits for R. damascena, both under salinity and control conditions. These findings hold substantial importance for researchers, policymakers, and farmers, offering valuable insights into the development of salinity-tolerant crop varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demography of, and factors that influence these metrics, are largely unknown for most vultures in the Americas. Survivorship of Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) may be influenced by landscape heterogeneity and human disturbance. We quantified the effects of landscape composition (Shannon's diversity index) and configuration (contagion, edge density, and largest patch index), and human disturbance (road density) on the annual and seasonal survival probabilities of the three North American breeding populations (western, central, and eastern) of Turkey Vultures that spend the nonbreeding season in the southeastern portion of the Nearctic and the northern Neotropics during a 17-year period. We used Cox's proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates to estimate spatial and temporal changes in survival rates of adult Turkey Vultures. Road density, but not landscape composition or configuration, influenced survival rates in space and time. Overall annual survival averaged 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.98). Mortality risk was low in western and central populations (hazard ratio < 1) but was 3.7 times greater for vultures in the eastern population. Survival during the breeding (0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98) and outbound migration (1.0, 95% CI: 1-1) seasons was significantly higher than the other seasons. Average survival tended to be higher for nonbreeding (0.81, 95% CI: 0.71-0.88) compared to return migration (0.69, 95% CI: 0.56-0.81) seasons. The risk of mortality for all vulture populations increased with road density, and this was greater during the nonbreeding and return migration seasons. The spatial variation in road density across the Americas may generate a network of ecological traps for Turkey Vultures induced to stop in areas of greater road-kill abundance. Road-killed animals acting as an attractant for vultures can increase the occurrence of vulture-vehicle collisions and potentially aggravate human-wildlife conflicts. Further analyses are needed to address survivorship and mortality factors for young birds. Our results may help the implementation of specific mitigation efforts to reduce human-vulture conflicts and vulture mortality. For instance, concentrating efforts to remove road-killed animals in areas where road density is highest can likely reduce vulture-vehicle collisions and associated mortalities of these birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the Arctic tundra, predators face recurrent periods of food scarcity and often turn to ungulate carcasses as an alternative food source. As important and localized resource patches, carrion promotes co‐occurrence of different individuals, and its use by predators is likely to be affected by interspecific competition. We studied how interspecific competition and resource availability impact winter use of carrion by Arctic and red foxes in low Arctic Fennoscandia. We predicted that the presence of red foxes limits Arctic foxes' use of carrion, and that competition depends on the availability of other resources. We monitored Arctic and red fox presence at supp lied carrion using camera traps. From 2006 to 2021, between 16 and 20 cameras were active for 2 months in late winter (288 camera‐winters). Using a multi‐species dynamic occupancy model at a week‐to‐week scale, we evaluated the use of carrion by foxes while accounting for the presence of competitors, rodent availability, and supplemental feeding provided to Arctic foxes. Competition affected carrion use by increasing both species' probability to leave occupied carcasses between consecutive weeks. This increase was similar for the two species, suggesting symmetrical avoidance. Increased rodent abundance was associated with a higher probability of colonizing carrion sites for both species. For Arctic foxes, however, this increase was only observed at carcasses unoccupied by red foxes, showing greater avoidance when alternative preys are available. Supplementary feeding increased Arctic foxes' carrion use, regardless of red fox presence. Contrary to expectations, we did not find strong signs of asymmetric competition for carrion in winter, which suggests that interactions for resources at a short time scale are not necessarily aligned with interactions at the scale of the population. In addition, we found that competition for carcasses depends on the availability of other resources, suggesting that interactions between predators depend on the ecological context.

Recycling is an important part of the solid waste management system. However, community engagement in this activity remains relatively low. The presence of a group of individuals engaged in collecting recyclable materials at landfill sites has contributed to improving solid waste management performance. This paper aims to identify the background and activities of scavengers in collecting recyclable items at landfills, as well as the environmental impact of the scavenging activity. This study was based on questionnaires distributed to 46 scavengers in the study area. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to assess the environmental impact of using recyclable materials in manufacturing products. The LCA analysis could identify the contribution of recycled materials to the total savings of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen dioxide (N20) by using recycled materials in the production of a new product. According to the study, the majority of those involved in the scavenging activity are immigrants from Indonesia and the Philippines. Despite safety and health concerns, their efforts to earn a living through waste scavenging are extremely valuable. Furthermore, the findings show that their contribution to the collection of recyclable materials cannot be denied. It is because the presence of this group is essential in a country where recycling awareness is low. Furthermore, the indirect contribution to the environment is important, particularly in reducing the use of natural materials in producing new materials. As a result, the government must devise a more effective strategy for recycling programs by involving all stakeholders.

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) populations occur on Mediterranean islands, where wind energy is developing fast. As griffons are subjected to collisions with wind turbines while foraging, it is necessary to understand which factors affect their movements to minimize the potential impact of wind farms. We assessed habitat use of 37 griffons (n. GPS locations = 130,218) and their overlap with wind farms in Sardinia (Italy), an island where both Griffon Vulture population and wind energy are significantly expanding. Griffons in Sardinia cover smaller areas (95% isopleth = 956.3 ± 677.7 km2, 50% isopleth = 73.8 ± 48.2 km2) than in mainland Europe, restricting most of their movements within 5–10 km from colonies and roosts. Supplementary feeding stations throughout these areas (n = 37) provide approximately 20 tons of carrion each year, suggesting that griffon movements are strongly determined by food availability. Overall, 6 wind farms (101 turbines) out of the 29 present in Sardinia were built in areas used by foraging griffons. Two of them were positioned near roosts and supplementary feeding stations. As griffon movements concentrate around nesting/roosting sites and feeding stations, wind farms should be excluded around these highly utilized areas, and mitigation measures, including the removal of livestock carrion, should be adopted for those that are built at greater distances. There is also an urgent need for updated data about wind energy location. The creation of supplementary feeding stations could be used to shape the enlargement of the foraging grounds of an increasing Griffon Vulture population on Mediterranean islands and to exclude wind farm areas to mitigate their impacts.

A study on comparison of two different light traps in an organic farming system was conducted in J-block of GKVK campus maintained by Research Institute on Organic Farming (RIOF), University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka for understanding the proportion of pest and non-pest species of insects caught in a Solar light trap and an electric White LED light trap, by evaluating the various ecological functional groups of trapped insects. The experiment was conducted in the organic farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, India. The study was conducted over a period of 7 months from February 2022 to August 2022 in 14 days interval. The two traps were placed at a distance of 700 meters and run simultaneously for 12 hours from 6:45 PM to 6:45 AM. The trapped insects were categorized based on their feeding habits and taxonomic affiliations viz., herbivores, predators, parasitoids, scavengers, mycophages, pollinators and medically and veterinary important insects. A total of 4713 insects were trapped in Solar light trap among which, predators recorded 64 per cent, scavengers 27 per cent and herbivores 8 per cent. The White LED light trap caught 2795 insects in total, which included, predators 42 per cent, herbivores 28 per cent, scavengers 28 per cent and pollinators 1.14 per cent. In Solar light trap as well as White LED trap, greater proportion of non-herbivores (92% and 72% respectively) were trapped compared to herbivores (8% and 28% respectively). These results thus suggest potential harm to the local beneficial fauna and a consequent damage to the balanced agro-ecology. In this context, deployment of any type of light trap for the sole purpose of pest management is not a tenable option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrion is a valuable resource in forests, providing sustenance for vertebrate and invertebrate scavenger communities and contributing to ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling. Intensive ungulate hunting, and thereby extraction of carcasses, removes large quantities of potential carrion from the system, denying a valuable resource from scavenger fauna. It may be possible to reduce the loss and negative consequences to forest biodiversity by retaining evisceration residues from hunted deer, where full carcasses cannot be retained. However, what roll evisceration residues play as a resource for scavengers in temperate forests is not well understood. In this study, we exposed 47 carrion samples from hunted roe deer, in front of triple sets of camera traps, to examine how hunting remains are removed and fed upon by vertebrate scavengers. Overall, 70% of the samples were completely removed from experimental sites by vertebrates. We detected twelve vertebrate taxa feeding on evisceration residues, including martens (Martes spp.), red kites Milvus milvus and garden dormice Eliomys quercinus. Common buzzards Buteo buteo and Eurasian jays Garrulus glandarius were the most frequent feeders on carrion samples, while red foxes Vulpes vulpes displaced the largest proportion of samples. Finally, we found a range of insectivorous bird and mammal species using hunting remains as a source for invertebrate prey, while not scavenging on the remains directly. We demonstrate that evisceration residues can be a valuable resource for a wide range of taxa and suggest that viscera retention from hunted game may contribute to resource provisioning for scavengers in forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are constantly amazed by various aesthetic and utilitarian services rendered by the members of class Insecta. Not just services, but they also enlighten us with fundamental philosophies of life. As an illustration, the metamorphosis of caterpillars to stunning butterflies whispers into our ears the significance of transformation and hope, ants moving in rows underpins the relevance of teamwork. They also form an integral component of the food web and act as scavengers. An attempt has been made to showcase the grandeurs of insects. Above all, the greatest challenge to us is conserving them as the very existence of insects is obligatory, for humankind will disappear without them!. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic pollutants found in industrial effluents contribute to significant environmental risks. Degradation of these pollutants, particularly through photocatalysis, is a promising strategy ensuring water purification and supporting wastewater treatment. Thus, photodegradation of rhodamine B and phenol under visible-light irradiation using TiO2/SiO2 composite nanoparticles was within the main scopes of this study. The nanocomposite was synthesized through a wet impregnation method using TiO2 and SiO2 nanopowders previously prepared via a facile sol–gel approach and was fully characterized. The obtained results indicated a pure anatase phase, coupled with increased crystallinity (85.22%) and a relative smaller crystallite size (1.82 nm) in relation to pure TiO2 and SiO2 and an enhanced specific surface area (50 m2/g) and a reduced energy band gap (3.18 eV). Photodegradation of rhodamine B upon visible-light irradiation was studied, showing that the TiO2/SiO2 composite reached total (100%) degradation within 210 min compared to pure TiO2 and SiO2 analogues, which achieved a ≈45% and ≈43% degradation rate, respectively. Similarly, the composite catalyst presented enhanced photocatalytic performance under the same irradiation conditions towards the degradation of phenol, leading to 43.19% degradation within 210 min and verifying the composite catalyst's selectivity towards degradation of rhodamine B dye as well as its enhanced photocatalytic efficiency towards both organic compounds compared to pure TiO2 and SiO2. Additionally, based on the acquired experimental results, ●O2−, h+ and e− were found to be the major reactive oxygen species involved in rhodamine B's photocatalytic degradation, while ●OH radicals were pivotal in the photodegradation of phenol under visible irradiation. Finally, after the TiO2/SiO2 composite catalyst was reused five times, it indicated negligible photodegradation efficiency decrease towards both organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, novel Mn2+Mn3+6[SiO4]O8 (braunite, MSO) nanostructures were fabricated by a simple and affordable sonochemical method. The uniformity, structure, shape, and size of the product are affected by sonication time and power. Mn2+Mn3+6[SiO4]O8 were used as a photocatalyst in the visible region due to their suitable bandgap (2.52 eV). The photocatalytic tests indicate that Mn2+Mn3+6[SiO4]O8 nanostructures can degrade organic dyes, such as Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and Erythrosine (ER) in high values. Therefore, the degradation rate is 94.8% under ideal circumstances, which include 70 mg of catalyst and 10 ppm EBT. According to the kinetics study, the superior rate constant (k = 0.0217 min−1) results in the maximum photocatalytic efficiency (94.8%). The recycle test unveils that Mn2+Mn3+6[SiO4]O8 is so stable and after five cycles, the photocatalyst efficiency decreased by 14.9 and 14.2% for EBT and erythrosine, respectively. Superoxide radicals were found to be the most active radicals implicated in the degradation of EBT and erythrosine by the scavenger's test.

Nickel vanadium oxide (NiV2O6) nanoparticles were effectively synthesized using hydrothermal technique by changing the surfactants. The variation in the properties of the NiV2O6 based on the surfactants like cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Thio-glycolic acid (T-GA) was studied and reported. Methylene blue (MB) dye was utilized to investigate the photocatalytic activity of nickel vanadium oxide nanoparticles generated under the presence of CTAB as surfactant. The materials showed more than 80% degradation of methylene blue dye in 150 min. A putative photocatalytic process has been postulated in this paper. Nanoparticles were shown to have high photocatalytic activity and stability, according to the findings. Based on radical trapping experimental observations conducted with different scavengers such as 2-propanol, benzoquinone and EDTA, the major role played by OH− in the degradation process were reported in detail.

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the major health issues in the world, especially in developing countries. During adolescence, iron deficiency can be caused by a growth spurt, inadequate nutritional intake, parasite infection, and heavy blood loss during menstruation. Regarding the importance of this issue, we aimed to assess the iron profile in adolescent scavengers living in slum areas. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in October 2016 at an alternative school for adolescents working as scavengers in Bekasi, Indonesia. Data on menstrual status, weight and height measurements, and blood samples were collected to define iron status (iron depletion, iron deficiency, and IDA). Results: In this study, 96 adolescents aged 10-18 years were recruited. The prevalence of anemia was 13.6%, and half was caused by iron deficiency. The iron profiles of subjects were iron depletion (2.1%), iron deficiency (18.8%), and IDA (7.3%). Hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were significantly lower in females (P<0.01, P=0.01, P<0.01 respectively). Conclusion: Anemia, iron depletion, iron deficiency, and IDA are more prevalent among adolescent girls. Special attention is needed to improve the iron status of girls, especially by giving iron supplementation for IDA prevention. Moreover, achieving the optimal iron reserve is imperative to enter a safe and healthy pregnancy by reducing delivery complications due to inadequate iron storage of both mother and fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since first being introduced for public use in the 1960s, plastic has become one of the most pervasive and ubiquitous forms of pollution globally. The potential fate and effects of plastic pollution on birds is a rapidly growing area of research, but knowledge of terrestrial and freshwater species is limited. Birds of prey have been particularly understudied, with no published data on plastic ingestion in raptors in Canada to date, and very few studies globally. To assess the ingestion of plastic in raptors, we analysed the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tracts from a total of 234 individuals across 15 raptor species, collected between 2013 and 2021. Upper gastrointestinal tracts were assessed for plastics and anthropogenic particles > 2 mm in size. Of the 234 specimens examined, only five individuals across two species had evidence of retained anthropogenic particles in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Two of 33 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 6.1%) had retained plastics in the gizzard, while three of 108 barred owls (Strix varia, 2.8%) had retained plastic and non-plastic anthropogenic litter. The remaining 13 species were negative for particles > 2 mm in size (N = 1–25). These results suggest that most hunting raptor species do not appear to ingest and retain larger anthropogenic particles, though foraging guild and habitat may influence risk. We recommend that future research investigate microplastic accumulation in raptors, in order to gain a more holistic understanding of plastic ingestion in these species. Future work should also focus on increasing sample sizes across all species to improve the ability to assess landscape- and species-level factors that influence vulnerability and susceptibility of plastic pollution ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of industrial dyes into the environment has recently increased, resulting in harmful effects on people and ecosystems. In recent years, the use of adsorbents in photocatalytic nanocomposites has attracted significant interest due to their low cost, efficiency, and eco-friendly physical and chemical characteristics. Herein, Acid Orange 7 (AO7) removal was investigated by photocatalytic degradation using Rice Rusk Biochar (RHB), Tin (IV) Oxide (SnO2), and Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) as heterogeneous nanocomposite. After the preparation of RHB, the nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). To optimize the elimination of AO7 by the One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) method, effective parameters including mixing ratio (RHB:SnO2:Fe3O4), dye concentration, solution pH, and nanocomposite dose were studied. The results showed that the removal efficiency of AO7 after 120 min under the optimal mixing ratio of 1:1.5:0.6, dye concentration of 75 mg/l, solution pH of 4, and nanocomposite dose of 0.7 g/l was 92.37%. Moreover, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal rates were obtained at 82.22 and 72.22%, respectively. The Average Oxidation State (AOS) and Carbon Oxidation State (COS) of the AO7 solution were increased after the process, indicating biodegradability improvement. Various scavenger effects were studied under optimal conditions, and the results revealed that O2− and H+ reactive species play a crucial role in the photocatalytic degradation of AO7. The reusability and stability of nanocomposite were tested in several consecutive experiments, and the degradation efficiency was reduced from 92 to 79% after five consecutive cycles. It is expected that this research contributes significantly to the utilization of agricultural waste in photocatalytic nanocomposites for the degradation of environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Lead‐based bullets used to shoot deer typically fragment. These toxic fragments are a threat to wildlife scavengers and human consumers of venison. Awareness of this issue is widespread internationally but limited in Australia. The aim of this research was to characterise deer carcass contamination via bullet fragmentation associated with lead‐based and lead‐free ammunition in a deer culling program conducted in Australia. We used radiography (X‐rays) to study Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) shot in a professional ground‐based shooting program in Victoria, south‐eastern Australia. Our data captured 33 deer shot with frangible lead‐based bullets in 2021, and 21 deer shot with monolithic lead‐free (copper‐based) bullets from the same rifles in 2021–2022. For lead‐based bullets, the mean number of lead fragments per carcass ranged from seven to 629 (mean ± SD = 256 ± 169), mean fragment size was 1.2 mm2 (74% of fragments were <1.0 mm2) and the mean fragment coverage area (the smallest ellipse covering all fragments) was 325 cm2. Of these deer, 36% had metallic fragments in the 'back strap' (loin) muscles and 42% had metallic fragments in the shoulder muscles: meat cuts typically removed for human consumption. In contrast, for lead‐free bullets, the mean number of metallic fragments per carcass ranged from zero to four (0.5 ± 1.0), with only 29% of carcasses having any fragments, and no deer had metallic fragments in the loin or shoulder muscles. On the basis of these results, it is clear that lead‐based bullets used for shooting deer in Australia pose risks to wildlife scavengers, and to human consumers when used in hunting. Australian wildlife managers involved in mitigating deer impacts should strongly consider a timely transition to lead‐free bullets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]