Search

The formation of specific features of forest habitats is determined by the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. The aim of the study was to determine the structural and functional biodiversity of soil microorganisms inhabiting the bulk soil from the peri-root zone of three tree species

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two grass species, i.e. red fescue (Festuca rubra) and tall fescue (F. arundinacea), on the functional and genetic diversity of soil-dwelling microorganisms and on the enzymatic activity of soil not polluted and polluted with diesel oil. Grasses were examined for their effectiveness in accelerating degradation of PAHs introduced into soil with diesel oil. A growing experiment was conducted in Kick-Brauckman pots. The soil not polluted and polluted with diesel oil (7 cm3 kg-1 d.m.) was determined for the count of bacteria, colony development index, ecophysiological diversity index, functional diversity (using Biolog system), genetic diversity of bacteria (using NGS), enzymatic activity, and content of hydrocarbons. Study results demonstrated disturbed homeostasis of soil. The toxic effect of diesel oil on grasses alleviate with time since soil pollution. The yield of the first swath of red fescue decreased by 98% and that of tall fescue by 92%, whereas the yields of the second swath decreased by 82% and 89%, and these of the third swath by 50% and 47%, respectively. Diesel oil diminished also the functional and genetic diversity of bacteria. The use of grasses significantly decreased contents of C6-C12 (gasoline total), C12-C35 mineral oils, BTEX (volatile aromatic hydrocarbons), and PAHs in the soil, as well as enabled restoring the microbiological equilibrium in the soil, and increased functional and genetic diversity of bacteria. For this reason, both analyzed grass species, i.e. Festuca rubra and F. arundinacea, may be recommended for the remediation of soil polluted with diesel oil.

Biochar improves soil physical, chemical and biological properties. However, there is a very limited number of studies comparing the effect of various doses of biochar and wheat straw with nutrients on microbiocenotic composition of soil and their connection with selected biochemical and chemical parameters of soil. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition to the soil of wheat straw (WS) and wheat straw biochar (WSB) (300 °C) at 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% doses and the addition of nutrients (MF) on microbial community composition (bacteria, fungi, actinobacteria, Azotobacter spp., ammonifiers, nitrifiers, denitrifiers, C. pasteurianum), dehydrogenase activity index, carbon and nitrogen fractions contents and the content of water soluble Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb. It was demonstrated that coapplication of WS and WSB with MF at 1% and 2% doses increased carbon and nitrogen contents in soil and, in particular, their water soluble fractions (DOC and DON). The synergistic effect of biochar and MF contributed to the increase in the population of soil microorganisms. Dehydrogenase activity index in treatments with the addition of WS, WSB and MF was 1.6–4 times higher compared to the control. The content of heavy metals significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected dehydrogenase activity and the number of nitrifiers and ammonifiers. It was demonstrated that the content of C and N measured for soil microbial biomass in treatments amended with biochar and MF was much greater than in control treatment and MF. However, our studies suggest that the microorganisms’ response to the addition of biochar with nutrients increased the number and intensified the activity of soil microorganisms.

Plantacje lasów o krótkiej rotacji są obiecującym narzędziem zmniejszenia stężenia dwutlenku węgla w atmosferze. Natomiast biomasa jest surowcem wykorzystywanym na cele energetyczne. Paulownia to jedne z najbardziej rozpowszechnionych rodzajów drzew występujących na plantacjach lasów o krótkiej rotacji. Jest to szybko rosnące drzewo liściaste rodzime dla Chin i Azji Wschodniej. Gatunki drzew z rodzaju Paulownia są dobrze przystosowane do szerokich zmian czynników glebowych i klimatycznych, rosną nawet na glebach uznanych za marginalne. Wszystkie gatunki wykorzystywane są do produkcji drewna przemysłowego, papieru, etanolu i biopaliw. Są szeroko stosowane jako drzewa parkowe i uprawy rolno-leśne. Liście paulowni charakteryzujące się wysoką zawartością białek, tłuszczów i cukrów, często wykorzystywane są jako pasza dla zwierząt i zielony nawóz. Dużym zainteresowaniem cieszy się krzyżówka Paulownia Clon In Vitro 112, którego nazwa handlowa to „Oxytree”, „BIO TREE”, „DRZEWO TLENOWE”. Powyższe informacje świadczą o tym, iż paulownia jest niezwykle interesującym obiektem badań uwzgledniających interdyscyplinarne podejście, obejmujące dziedziny nauki tj. rolnictwo, biologia, biochemia, fizyka i chemia. Niniejsza publikacja zawiera przegląd najważniejszych zagadnień dotyczących drzew z rodzaju Paulownia: występowanie, opis botaniczny, wymagania uprawowe i ich ogólne zastosowanie.

The microbial structure and metabolic function of plant-associated endophytes play a key role in the ecology of various environments, including trees. Here, the structure and functional profiles of the endophytic bacterial community, associated with Paulownia elongata × fortunei, in correlation with seasonality, were evaluated using Biolog EcoPlates. Biolog EcoPlates was used to analyse the functional diversity of the microbiome. The total communities of leaf endophyte communities were investigated using 16S rRNA V5–V7 region amplicon deep sequencing via Illumina MiSeq. Community level physiological profiling (CLPP) analysis by the Biolog EcoPlate™ assay revealed that the carboxylic acids (19.67–36.18%) and amino acids (23.95–35.66%) were preferred by all by all communities, whereas amines and amides (0.38–9.46%) were least used. Seasonal differences in substrate use were also found. Based on the sequencing data, mainly phyla Proteobacteria (18.4–97.1%) and Actinobacteria (2.29–78.7%) were identified. A core microbiome could be found in leaf-associated endophytic communities in trees growing in different locations. This work demonstrates the application of Biolog EcoPlates in studies of the functional diversity of microbial communities in a niche other than soil and shows how it can be applied to the functional analyses of endomicrobiomes. This research can contribute to the popularisation of Biolog EcoPlates for the functional analysis of the endomicrobiome. This study confirms that the analysis of the structure and function of the plant endophytic microbiome plays a key role in the health control and the development of management strategies on bioenergy tree plantations.

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), colorimetry, and bioassays were employed for the evaluation of the ability of endophytic bacterial strains to synthesize indole-related compounds (IRCs) and in particular indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). A total of 54 endophytic strains belonging to seven bacterial genera isolated from tissues of common and spelt wheat cultivars were studied. The endophytic bacteria isolated from different tissues of the tested wheat types were capable of IRCs production, including IAA, which constituted from 1.75% to 52.68% of all IRCs, in in vitro conditions via the tryptophan dependent pathway. The selected post-culture medium was also examined using a plant bioassay. Substantial growth of wheat coleoptile segments treated with the bacterial post-culture medium was observed in several cases. Our data suggest that the studied endophytic bacteria produce auxin-type compounds to support plant development. Summarizing, our approach to use three complementary methods for estimation of IRCs in different endophytic strains provides a comprehensive picture of their effect on wheat growth.

Bacteria of the Rhizobium genus form a group of microorganisms existing in the environment in two forms: symbiotic, in the root nodules of Fabaceae sp. plants and free-living, and saprophytic in the soil environment. The subject of this study was genetic identification and characterization of metabolic activity of different strains from Rhizobium genus bacteria. The study was conducted on the 16 bacteria strains from the collection of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Pulawy, Poland. Based on the sequencing of PCR products, we found that all strains belong to one species—Rhizobium leguminosarum. The study of metabolic activity was performed using the GEN III BIOLOG system method (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA, USA). Metabolism analysis of all R. leguminosarum strains with the use of GEN III™ plates showed that carbohydrates (CH) were the most intensively utilised group of substrates. Between the Rhizobium leguminosarum strains, there are metabolic differences in terms of the studied features.

The aim was to assess plant driven changes in the activity and diversity of microorganisms in the top layer of the zinc and lead smelter waste piles. The study sites comprised two types (flotation waste&mdash, FW and slag waste&mdash, SW) of smelter waste deposits in Piekary Slaskie, Poland. Cadmium, zinc, lead, and arsenic contents in these technosols were extremely high. The root zone of 8 spontaneous plant species (FW&mdash, Thymus serpyllum, Silene vulgaris, Solidago virgaurea, Echium vulgare, and Rumex acetosa, and SW&mdash, Verbascum thapsus, Solidago gigantea, Eupatorium cannabinum) and barren areas of each waste deposit were sampled. We observed a significant difference in microbial characteristics attributed to different plant species. The enzymatic activity was mostly driven by plant-microbial interactions and it was significantly greater in soil affected by plants than in bulk soil. Furthermore, as it was revealed by BIOLOG Ecoplate analysis, microorganisms inhabiting barren areas of the waste piles rely on significantly different sources of carbon than those found in the zone affected by spontaneous plants. Among phyla, Actinobacteriota were the most abundant, contributing to at least 25% of the total abundance. Bacteria belonging to Blastococcus genera were the most abundant with the substantial contribution of Nocardioides and Pseudonocardia, especially in the root zone. The contribution of unclassified bacteria was high&mdash, up to 38% of the total abundance. This demonstrates the unique character of bacterial communities in the smelter waste.

The aims of the study were (1) to recognize the structure of bacteria diversity in Technosols developed from mine spoils containing iron (Fe) sulphides with the use of culture-independent technique, and (2) to determine microbial metabolic activities, in the context of their potential to be an adequate indicators of soil properties being the consequence of land reclamation. The study site was located in the vicinity of the abandoned Fe sulphide and uranium mine in Rudki village (Holy Cross Mts., Poland). Three soil profiles with different chemical properties (pH, content of carbonates, soil salinity, content of total organic carbon and total nitrogen) were studied. Biodiversity was determined with the use of meta-barcoding of 16S rRNA community profiling analysis based on the hypervariable V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene (MiSeq, Illumina). The catabolic fingerprinting of soil microbial communities was evaluated with the use of Biolog&reg, EcoPlates&trade, System. It was evidenced that changes in microbial structure and their metabolic activity were the consequence of a combined effect of both the soil depth and soil chemical properties being the final result of reclamation process. Consequently, microbial indicators (from phyla to genera level) indirectly testifying about success or ineffectiveness of reclamation in technogenic soils were recommended. To our best knowledge, the present study is the first insight into Polish Technosols biodiversity and catabolic activity.

Background: The Vistula River is Poland's longest river, and its section called the Lesser Poland Gorge of the Vistula (Polish: Malopolski Przelom Wisly) belongs to two Natura 2000 Areas. The waters of the Vistula River periodically flood neighbouring areas during winter or summer floods. Among studies on the microbiome of river waters, sanitary analyses to control drinking water dominate. The most frequently determined bacteria are Escherichia coli and Enterobacter, Citrobacter and Klebsiella. In this study we decided to determine the composition of the bacterial community and its metabolic potential in Vistula River water. Methods: The water was taken from the Vistula River in Janowiec in the Lublin Province. The water was taken from the river flow at a distance of about 27 m from the shore into a 50 L sterile container. In order to analyse the structure of bacterial communities, the next generation V3/V4 16S rDNA region sequencing (NGS) using Miseq (Ilumina) and the community-level physiological profiles (CLPP) method using the Biolog® EcoPlate™ system were applied. Results: A total of 413 operational taxonomic units (OTU) were obtained, of which 377 could not be classified to type. Among those identified, Arenimonas (2.13%), Brevundimonas (1.44%) and Flavobacterium (1.05%) predominated. Of the OTUs present above 1% in the water, 23 were unclassified, including the dominant Unclassified_CL0182 (5.05%). The analysis of the metabolic potential of river water community microorganisms showed that they were most active after 120 h incubation of EcoPlate™ plates. The most intensively degraded group of substrates were carbohydrates (30.93%) and the least amines and amides (6.44%). While searching for bacteria pathogenic to humans, there were a few representatives of Legionella sp. (0.03%) and Rickettsia sp. (0.03 %). Additionally, the presence of bacteria from the genus Brevundimonas (1.44%) and from the family Oxalobacteraceae (0.09%) were detected, which may cause opportunistic infections. The results obtained are surprising, as it is commonly believed that river waters are contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Conclusion: The NGS analysis did not indicate a sanitary risk to humans. A large number of unclassified bacteria indicate a still low level of knowledge and limitations concerning the world of bacteria.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of mycorrhizal fungi (MF) and irrigation on biological properties of sweet pepper rhizosphere in organic field cultivation. For this purpose, MF were applied to plants in the form of commercial mycorrhizal inoculum (Rhizophagus aggregatus, R. intraradices, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Endogone mosseae, Funneliformis caledonium, and Gigaspora margarita) and irrigation according to the combinations: mycorrhized plants (PM), mycorrhized and irrigated plants (PMI), and irrigated plants (PI). Plants without MF and irrigation served as the absolute control (P). The study used classic and molecular techniques, assessing catalase activity, biodiversity of soil microorganisms (soil DNA analysis), and the Community-Level Physiological Profiles (CLPP) analysis using Biolog EcoPlates. The highest catalase activity was recorded in the control and mycorrhized soil sample. The highest total number of bacteria was noted in the rhizosphere of control plants (P) and irrigated plants, while the lowest number in the rhizosphere of mycorrhized and irrigated plants. Plant irrigation contributed to the increase in the total number of fungi in the rhizosphere. The rhizospheric soil of PM and PMI were characterized by the highest utilization of amines, amides, and amino acids, whereas the lowest level of utilization was detected in the P and PI rhizospheres. The highest biodiversity and metabolic activity were observed in the rhizospheres from the PMI and PM samples, whereas lower catabolic activity were recorded in the P and PI rhizospheres. The mycorrhization of crops improved the biological properties of the rhizosphere, especially under conditions of drought stress.

The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic and phenotypic differentiation of bacteria isolated from root nodules of Trifolium rubens, a rare clover species. The symbiotic compatibility of selected isolates was investigated using two agronomically important plants, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). A high genetic diversity of analysed strains was shown using the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) method. Most of the strains showed a high similarity to R. leguminosarum in the 16S rRNA sequence. Two strains were identified as Agrobacterium spp. There was a strong positive correlation between fresh clover weight and the number of root nodules and a statistically significant increase in the number of the root nodules in selected strains compared to the negative control. Phenotypic tests and BIOLOG analysis showed the ability of the analysed strains to grow in different experimental conditions (pH = 6&ndash, 10, 0.5&ndash, 3% NaCl, different carbon and nitrogen sources), which makes them suitable for application as an agronomically important factor.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP) content, microbial diversity and soil physical quality depending on the type of soil measures of soil improvement and changes in soil health. The study was based on a 100-year stationary field microplot experiment where the soil profiles were collected with preserving the natural soil horizons. The microplot experiment was carried out on eight different soil types: Brunic Arenosol (Dystric I), Rendzic Leptosol, Fluvic Cambisol, Haplic Cambisol (Eutric), Gleyic Phaeozem, Brunic Arenosol (Dystric II), Haplic Cambisol (Eutric II) and Haplic Cambisol (Dystric). These soils are the most common types of agricultural soils in Poland. Relatively significant correlations with the soil quality, physical parameters and the glomalin-related soil proteins have been found. The study determined the total GRSP (T-GRSP) and easily extractable GRSP (EE-GRSP) levels in soils as well as the soil physical quality index and soil&rsquo, s microbial biodiversity. The GRSP depended on the type of soil and correlated with S-Index and also was responsible for the unique chemical and physical properties of soils. Soils characterized by the highest T-GRSP content belonged to the group of very good and good soil physical quality characterized also by high biological activity, for which there were strong correlations with such parameters as dehydrogenase activity (DHA), microbial biomass content (MBC), microbial nitrogen content (MBN) and total bacteria number (B). The highest T-GRSP content and higher microbial diversity were found in Gleyic Phaeozem, Rendzic Leptosol and Fluvic Cambisol. The T-GRSP and EE-GRSP content were additionally correlated with the number of AMF spores. Very poor and poor soil physical quality according to S-Index characterized Brunic Arenosol (Dystric I) and Haplic Cambisol (Dystric). This research indicates that a specific edaphone of soil microorganisms and GRSP content may be of great importance when assessing a soil&rsquo, s quality and improvements in soil health. The abundance of glomalin-producing fungi significantly affects the quality of the soil. This effect is particularly important for agricultural soils are threatened by ongoing land degradation.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of co-inoculation Rhizobium sp. and Azospirillum sp. on plant (Trifolium pratense L.) growth in the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination (anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene). Eight strains from the genus Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii were selected for biotest analysis. Two methods of inoculation were used in the chamber experiment: (1) R. leguminosarum alone and (2) a combined inoculant (R. leguminosarum and Azospirillum brasilense). For comparison, non-contaminated controls were also used. The results demonstrated that co-inoculation of plants with Rhizobium and Azospirillum resulted in more root and shoot biomass than in plants inoculated with R. leguminosarum alone. The results indicated that application of a co-inoculation of bacteria from Rhizobium and Azospirillum species had a positive effect on clover nodulation and growth under the condition of PAH contamination.

Endophytes are associated with host plants throughout their life history from seed germination to fruit development. One of the most important plant organs colonized by endophytic microbiota is the seed. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of the seed core microbiome inhabiting the endosperms and embryos of eight wheat cultivars with the use of a culture-independent technique. The seeds of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Hondia, Wilejka, STH, Opcja, Tybalt, Euforia and Triticum spelta L. cv. Rokosz and Schwabencorn (producer: Plant Breeding Strzelce Sp. z o.o. Group IHAR) were studied. Rokosz and Hondia were cultured in vitro and in vivo to identify obligatory bacterial endophytes. A restrictive analysis of reads originating from the in vitro plants has demonstrated that the bacterial genera Paenibacillus and Propionibacterium inhabiting Rokosz and Hondia plants have a status of obligatory microorganisms. Greater biodiversity of seed-borne endophytes was found in the seed endosperms than in the embryos. The multiple comparison analysis of the OTU abundance indicated that the seed part significantly influenced the relative abundance. The seed-born microbiome is not statistically significantly dependent on the wheat cultivars, however, it cannot be claimed that every wheat seed is the same.

Biogas production and microbial community structure were analyzed as an effect of biochar addition to a fermentation sludge containing sugar beet pulp. Positive effects of the treatment including an increase in process efficiency and better biogas quality were noted. The effect of biochar on AD (anaerobic digestion process) microbial communities was investigated after total DNA extraction from biochar-amended fermentation mixtures by PCR amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments and Illumina amplicon sequencing. A combination of microbiological and physico-chemical analyses was used to study the mechanism by which biochar influences the process of anaerobic digestion of sugar beep pulp. It was found that the main reason of the changes in biogas production was the reshaping of the microbial communities, in particular enrichment of Bacteroidales and Clostridiales. It was proposed that biochar, in addition to being a conductor for mediating interspecies electron transfer, serves also as a habitat for hydrolytic bacteria. It was elucidated that the main driving force for the preferential colonization of biochar surfaces is its hydrophobicity. The presented research indicates the high potential of biochar to stimulate the methane fermentation process.

Biochar promotes C sequestration and improvement of soil properties. Nevertheless, the effects of biochar addition on soil condition are poorly understood, especially with respect to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A large proportion of GHG emissions derive from agriculture and, thus, recognition of the effect of biochar addition to soil on GHG emissions from terrestrial ecosystems is an important issue. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of biochar application on soil in aspects of: GHG exchange (CH4 and CO2), basic physicochemical soil properties and structure of microbial communities in Haplic Luvisol. Soil was collected from fallow fields enriched with three doses of wood offcuts biochar (10, 20 and 30 Mg ha−1) and incubated at two moisture levels (60 and 100% WHC) with the addition of 1% CH4. To evaluate the influence of biochar aging in soil, the samples were analysed directly (short-term response) and five years (long-term response) after amendment. Generally, biochar addition increased soil pH, redox potential (Eh), organic carbon (SOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents. Under 60% WHC, direct biochar application to the soil resulted in a clear improvement in the CH4 uptake rate. In contrast to that (at 100% WHC) methane uptake rates were twofold decreased. The positive effect was reduced due to biochar aging in the soil, but five years after application, at 60% WHC and the highest biochar dose (30 Mg ha−1) still significantly enhanced CH4 oxidation. From a short-term perspective, biochar application increased CO2 emissions, but after five years this effect was not observed. Microbial tests confirmed that the improvement in CH4 oxidation was correlated with methanotroph abundance in the soil. Moreover, an increase of Methylocystis abundance in the soil enriched with biochar along with enhanced CH4 uptake rates confirm the positive biochar influence on methanotrophic communities.

A collection of 45 isolates was created based on bacteria isolated from maize, broad bean, wheat, rye and wild plants such as horsetail and burdock. The aim of the current study was to isolate the bacteria, and then identify and assess the degree of genomic diversity. The molecular identification of microsymbionts isolated from the endosphere (root and stem) of plants grown in agricultural soils was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To evaluate the genomic diversity between strains that occurred in multiple host plants, 18 bacterial isolates representing four species were subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The 16S rDNA analysis assigned all bacterial isolates to ten genera, from whichRhizobiumwas represented by 19 isolates,Delftiaby 11,Agrobacteriumby five,Stenotrophomonasby three,Brevundimonasby two andNovosphingobium,Variovorax, Collimonas, AchromobacterandComamonasby only one isolate. Furthermore, the genomic diversity of the 11 isolates ofDelftiasp. was assessed using the BOX – polymerase chain reaction (BOX-PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus – PCR (ERIC-PCR) methods. Typing patterns and analysis using BOX-PCR and ERIC-PCR data demonstrated similarities among the tested isolates. In general, the results obtained with BOX-PCR and ERIC-PCR were in good agreement. However, a greater degree of differentiation patterns of the genomic DNA was obtained in the ERIC-PCR method.

Microbial taxonomic and functional diversity in eight different types of soils were determined by two independent techniques in the micro-plot experiment, where the collected soils were under the same agricultural management for over 100 years. This research aimed to discover the differences in bacteria composition affected directly by the soil type. The utilization level of 31 substrates measured by Biolog EcoPlate approach resulted in significant functional differences related to soil types and their physiochemical properties. Next Generation Sequencing method enabled to classify and correlate bacteria abundance to the soil functional properties, giving an opportunity to select genera characteristic to specific types of soil. By statistical methods, the soil core microbiomes were calculated, for five soils considered as good quality and three considered as acidic, poor quality. The research provided the basis for the search of soil marker bacteria and a better understanding of the relationships between soil physiochemical properties and the microorganisms inhabiting them. Moreover Shannon’s diversity and evenness indexes calculated for both methods showed the same pattern and classified soils consistently. It proved that biochemical processes in the soil ecosystems are directly and undeniably related to microorganisms abundance and diversity.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inhabiting soil play an important role for vascular plants. Interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, plants and soil microorganisms leads to many mutual advantages. However, the effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi depends not only on biotic, but also abiotic factors such as physico-chemical properties of the soil, availability of water and biogenic elements, agricultural practices, and climatic conditions. First of all, it is important to adapt the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species to changing environmental conditions. The compactness of the soil and its structure have a huge impact on its biological activity. Soil pH reaction has a substantial impact on the mobility of ions in soil dilutions and their uptake by plants and soil microflora. Water excess can be a factor negatively affecting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi because these microorganisms are sensitive to a lower availability of oxygen. Mechanical cultivation of the soil has a marginal impact on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores. However, soil translocation can cause changes to the population of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi abundance in the soil profile. The geographical location and topographic differentiation of cultivated soils, as well as the variability of climatic factors affect the population of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the soils and their symbiotic activity.

Simple Summary Azolla filiculoides L. is an aquatic fern with the potential for degradation and accumulation of pollutants. It is accompanied by microorganisms (a microbiome) that may participate in these processes. Microorganisms showing specific phenotypes may promote plant growth in the presence of pollutants. We intended to identify such beneficial strains by studying their potential for the degradation of given organic compounds and the production of hydrolytic enzymes and phytohormones under heavy metal stress (Pb, Cd, Cr (VI), Ni, Ag, and Au). We found 10 isolates displaying varying phenotypes depending on the stress factor. The most efficient was Delftia sp., which showed potential for both degradation of organics and plant growth promotion. Other strains were more efficient at metabolizing organics or exhibited enzymatic responses in the presence of the studied metals. These identified phenotypes made all strains beneficial in both supporting plants in unfavorable conditions and degradation of organic compounds. A biopreparation containing these strains may be valuable as both a biofertilizer and a bioremediation agent. Abstract As an adaptation to unfavorable conditions, microorganisms may represent different phenotypes. Azolla filiculoides L. is a hyperaccumulator of pollutants, but the functions of its microbiome have not been well recognized to date. We aimed to reveal the potential of the microbiome for degradation of organic compounds, as well as its potential to promote plant growth in the presence of heavy metals. We applied the BiologTM Phenotypic Microarrays platform to study the potential of the microbiome for the degradation of 96 carbon compounds and stress factors and assayed the hydrolytic potential and auxin production by the microorganisms in the presence of Pb, Cd, Cr (VI), Ni, Ag, and Au. We found various phenotype changes depending on the stress factor, suggesting a possible dual function of the studied microorganisms, i.e., in bioremediation and as a biofertilizer for plant growth promotion. Delftia sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Microbacterium sp. exhibited high efficacy in metabolizing organic compounds. Delftia sp., Achromobacter sp. and Agrobacterium sp. were efficient in enzymatic responses and were characterized by metal tolerant. Since each strain exhibited individual phenotype changes due to the studied stresses, they may all be beneficial as both biofertilizers and bioremediation agents, especially when combined in one biopreparation.

Upper respiratory tract diseases in athletes are a very common medical problem. Training conditions in different sports disciplines increase the risk of upper respiratory disease. Epidemiological evidence suggests that heavy acute or chronic exercise is related to an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Regular physical exercise at high intensity may lead to transient immunosuppression due to high prevalence of allergic diseases in athletes. Regardless of the cause they can exclude athletes from the training program and significantly impair their performance. In the present work, the most common upper respiratory tract diseases in athletes taking into account the disciplines in which they most often occur were presented. The focus was laid on symptoms, diagnostic methods and pharmacotherapy. Moreover, preventive procedures which can help reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract disease in athletes were presented. Management according to anti-doping rules, criteria for return to training and competition as an important issues of athlete’s health were discussed.

The authors would like to make the following correction about the published paper [...]

The quality of a soil environment affects the microbial community that inhabits it. We decided to examine whether soils formed from river sediments, located in an area of high biodiversity of organisms, are fertile and microbiologically diverse. Fluvisols are considered to be one of the most fertile soils. In this research, bacterial and metabolic diversity, as well as physico&ndash, chemical parameters, in three Fluvisols from the Vistula River Gorge of Lesser Poland was investigated. The analysis of physico&ndash, chemical and biological parameters demonstrated statistically significant differences between the three Fluvisols examined. While determining the metabolic potential of soil microbiomes with the use of the EcoPlate&trade, Biolog&reg, technique, we also noted variation between the Fluvisols, however, they were arranged in a significantly different manner from other properties. The next generation sequencing method enabled us to determine the microorganisms common to three Fluvisols, and we identified bacteria specific to individual soils. These results corresponded with the data obtained through EcoPlate&trade, indicating that the structural diversity and metabolic potential of the microbiome does not always depend on soil quality parameters. Meanwhile, the increased structural diversity of the microbiome was found to improve the metabolic potential of soil microorganisms.

The root system of a plant works like a factory that produces a huge amount of chemicals to communicate effectively with the microorganisms around it. At the same time, micro-organisms can use these compounds as an energy source. The variety of microorganisms associated with plant roots is enormous, amounting to tens of thousands of species. This complex microbial community, also called the second plant genome, is essential for plant health and productivity. Over the last few years, there has been significant progress in research into the structure and dynamics of the microbial sphere of the rhizosphere. It has been proven that plants shape the composition of microorganisms by synthesizing root secretions. On the other hand, microorganisms play a key role in the functioning of plants through their positive impact on their growth and development. In general, rhizosphere microorganisms promote plant growth directly by providing plants with minerals such as nitrogen and phosphorus and by synthesizing growth regulators, as well as indirectly, by inhibiting the development of various plant pathogens. 1. Introduction. 2. Functions of rhizosphere microorganisms. 3. Microorganisms increasing the availability of minerals. 4. Microorganisms synthesizing plant growth regulators. 5. Biological plant protection. 6. Summary

The aim of the study was to investigate fungal genetic diversity in eight different types of soil in a long-term microplot experiment founded in 1881 in Puławy, Poland. The experiment consists of eight plots (14 m2), each 1 m deep with concrete walls, filled with profiles of different soils. The soils represent the most common Polish soil types (Cambic Leptosol, Fluvic Cambisol, Gleyic Chernozem, Cambisol and Haplic Cambisol, two Brunic Arenosols and Haplic Luvisol). Each soil was characterized by different pH (from 4.0 to 7.5) and organic carbon content (4.5–21.3 g kg-1). The soil structure was not destroyed by compaction because the soils had always been cultivated by hand. The same plant species were always grown in all plots at the same time and the soils received the same fertilization. Moreover, the soils were always under the same weather conditions. Ascomycota was the most abundant phylum in all samples, ranging from 70 to 90% of total fungi. Some genera (Mortierella, Solicoccozyma, and Mycosphaerella) were found to be adapted to a wide range of pH. Acidic soils were dominated by Talaromyces, Cladophialophora, Devriesia, and Saitozyma, while good quality soils primarily consisted of Plectosphaerella, Tetracladium, and Mortierella. The study confirmed previous reports that pH has a decisive influence on soil fungal diversity, but also indicated the strong impact of soil type itself. These studies have launched a new cycle of research in these historical soil profiles.

The quality of the soil environment and thus its productivity depends to a large extent on the microorganisms present in soil. Their activity, quantity, structural, and functional diversity influence many biochemical processes occurring in the soil. And in recent years, more attention has been focused on the functions of microorganisms and their role in environment. One of the methods used to analysis functional diversity of soil microorganisms is the CLPP (Community Level Physiological Profiling) technique and Biolog EcoPlate method based on it. Numerous references and our results indicate that the EcoPlate is a sensitive method that detects the sensitivity of microorganisms to environmental changes. It provides a wealth of information about the microbial community and can be used for analysis of metabolic diversity in soil microbiome.

Analyses of the soil mycobiome, though limited, are needed to understand interactions in the ecosystem. We have attempted to assess structural and functional differentiation of fluvisol mycobiomes located in the Natura 2000 area in Vistula River valet in Lubelskie, Poland. The metabolic potential of mycobiomes was analysed using Biolog® FF Plates™, structural differentiation was determined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the glomalin content in selected soils was determined. The obtained results showed differences between mycobiomes of the examined fluvisols. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified as the dominant phyla. In addition, 51 genera common to the examined fluvisols were identified. The highest content of glomalins and nutrients (organic and total carbon, organic matter) was recorded in sample F1 – medium fluvisols, while metabolic activity and structural differentiation were highest in sample F3 – very light fluvisols. The very light fluvisols (F3), with the smallest nutrient reserves, are characterised by the greatest fungal biodiversity. These results suggest that a greater variety of fungi and their synergistic effects can ensure the survival of the entire mycobiome in a less fertile soil environment.

It is known that organic nitrogen may modify uptake and toxicity of metals but direct metabolic and microbial comparison of various organic N sources is not available. We therefore studied comparative impact of additional N sources (nitrate, urea or allantoin as 1 mM of N for each compound in addition to 15 mM of inorganic N in the Hoagland solution) on Cd toxicity and microbial activity in common crop cucumber. Organic N significantly elevated the growth, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity under Cd excess in comparison with inorganic N though the impact on Cd uptake was negligible. Both organic N compounds also affected accumulation of mineral nutrients, total N, amino acids, and protein content in Cd-stressed plants. Among organic acids, mainly allantoin and partially urea affected accumulation of citrate and tartrate. The most notably, we detected that allantoin was decomposed even within 24 h by microbes into the urea, but it significantly elevated rhizosphere microbial activity. All these data indicate that allantoin is metabolized by plants/microbes into the urea and that it affects microbes mainly in the rhizosphere, which could contribute to amelioration of Cd toxicity.

Authors present a case report of a 9-year-old boy with left lung contusion due to two incidents of blunt chest trauma. The patient successfully underwent conservative treatment. Rational management of lung contusion, and clinical and radiological investigations are discussed.

Biological methane production from coal seams through their biological conversion is one of the methods that have been postulated to utilize unmineable resources. Furthermore, energy production from methane is considered less environmentally-harmful than the combustion of coal. In the current study, meta-bituminous coal extracted from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) was investigated in terms of its potential for biological methane formation. Both natural and stimulated (by bioaugmentation) methanogenic activity was assayed. Consortia of microorganisms selected from highly methanogenic peat (Moszne peat bog) and sediments (Szczecin subsidence reservoir) were enriched on various media and used for coal bioaugmentation. It was found that both peat- and sediment-derived microbiota are capable of coal degradation, with the latter being more effective. FT-IR revealed changes in the utilization patterns of organic matter by each community that were linked to differences in the stable carbon isotope indices of the gases produced. The ability to cleave aromatic rings was recognized as the most important feature of the microbial community used in the production of methane from the tested coal.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of co-inoculation Rhizobium sp. and Azospirillum sp. on plant (Trifolium pratense L.) growth in the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination (anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene). Eight strains from the genus Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii were selected for biotest analysis. Two methods of inoculation were used in the chamber experiment: (1) R. leguminosarum alone and (2) a combined inoculant (R. leguminosarum and Azospirillum brasilense). For comparison, non-contaminated controls were also used. The results demonstrated that co-inoculation of plants with Rhizobium and Azospirillum resulted in more root and shoot biomass than in plants inoculated with R. leguminosarum alone. The results indicated that application of a co-inoculation of bacteria from Rhizobium and Azospirillum species had a positive effect on clover nodulation and growth under the condition of PAH contamination.

Evolution of terrestrial plants, the first vascular plants, the first trees, and then whole forest ecosystems had far reaching consequences for Earth system dynamics. These innovations are considered important moments in the evolution of the atmosphere, biosphere, and oceans, even if the effects might have lagged by hundreds of thousands or millions of years. These fundamental changes in the Earth's history happened in the Paleozoic: from the Ordovician, the time of the first land plants, to the Carboniferous, dominated by forest ecosystems. The Devonian Plant Hypothesis (DPH) was the first concept to offer a full and logical explanation of the many environmental changes associated with the evolution of trees/forests that took place during this time period. The DPH highlighted the impact of deep-rooted vascular plants, particularly trees on weathering processes, pedogenesis, nutrient transport, CO2 cycling, organic and inorganic carbon deposition, and suggests further possible consequences on the marine realm (oceanic anoxia and extinction during the Late Devonian). Here we attempt to combine the DPH and the related expansion in biodiversity, the Devonian Plant Explosion (DePE), with the Biogeomorphic Ecosystem Engineering (BEE) concept. This idea connects tree growth and activity with initiation and/or alteration of geomorphic processes, and therefore the creation or deterioration of geomorphic landforms. We focus on trees and forest ecosystems, as the assumed dominant driver of plant-initiated change. We find that whereas there is a broad evidence of trees as important biogeomorphic ecosystem engineers, addressing the DPH is difficult due to limited, difficult to interpret, or controversial data. However, we argue the concept of BEE does shed new light on DPH and suggest new data sources that should be able to answer our main question: were Devonian trees Biogeomorphic Ecosystem engineers?

Coal deposits comprise a huge proportion of carbon sequestered within the Earths crust. Many deposits are anthropogenically altered by mining operations. The changes in local hydrogeology include, first - water removal from the seam to enable excavations, second – restoration of natural water condition by cessation of water pumping. In each of these cases, there is a substantial change in the living conditions of microorganisms and coal sorption capacity towards gases. In the presented study, an attempt was made to connect results depicting structural changes (FT-IR), microbial community composition (NGS) and activity (GC) of four materials representing various stages of coalification upon hydratation. The issue is important as coal transformation often leads to generation of gases with high global warming potentials (CO2 and CH4). In all samples, hydratation led to coal dearomatization, decarboxylation and decompaction. The main gaseous product upon hydratation was carbon dioxide which was linked with both changes in coal sorption capacity upon hydratation and activity of the autochthonic microbiota. CO2 release was higher in lignites than in the hard coals. Within the experimental timeframes of 450 days, methane production was rather marginal. Furthermore, microbial communities composition suggests intrinsic turnover of that gas by the methanotrophic bacteria.