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Macrophytes are considered key components of aquatic ecosystems and they also provide multiple benefits for humans. In this review, I identified and exemplified 26 types of ecosystem services provided by macrophytes. The most important supporting services provided by these plants are related to nutrient cycling and provisioning of habitat, but macrophytes also participate in water cycling and gases production. The presence of macrophytes and their activity enhance water purification and disease control which are important regulating services. Provisioning services are provided in the form of food at the local and global scale (e.g., rice), fiber, biochemicals, natural medicine and ornamental resources. Cultural services are provided in the form of spiritual and religious artifacts and local knowledge systems of communities which depend on macrophytes for surviving. Other cultural services are associated with educational activities, art inspiration, esthetic values in aquatic gardens and ponds, uses for leisure, recreation and ecotourism. There is evidence that the efficiency of ecosystem functioning, the provision of ecosystem services and ecosystem stability is enhanced by macrophyte diversity. Because macrophyte communities provide important benefits for humans, their conservation and restoration, where necessary, are important for human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aims to isolate and define the microbial infection of a wooden coffin covered with a layer of mud and colored materials and to identify the methods of treating these issues. The polychrome wooden coffin was covered with a ground mud layer, a gesso layer, and a painted layer. Cellulose agar was utilized for the cultivation of fungi, and nutrient agar was utilized for the cultivation of bacteria. The fungi were Fusarium avenaceum, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium poae, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium herbarum, and Penicillium Citrinum, while the bacteria were Bacillus jeotgali and G+ve Bacillus Sp. Mixtures of Nano-chitosan with Ag NP, ZnO NP, p-chloro-m-cresol (PCMC), A plant extract of Ceratophyllum Demersum (CD) with 1, 2, and 3% were selected for the treatment of the microbial infection and the evaluation of the best materials for inhibit-ing microbial growths. Nano-chitosan + ZnO NP, Ag Np (1%) showed the highest fungal inhibition (30mm) against Aspergillus niger. It was observed that Nano-chitosan+PCMC 1% gave the best inhibition for Aspergillus flavus (25mm), Penicillium Citrinum (30mm), and Cladosporium herbarum (43mm). Nano-chitosan+Ag Np (1%) showed the highest fungal inhibition (30mm) against Fusarium avenaceum. The effect equaled 1% for Nano-chitosan+(CD), Ag Np, Nano-chitosan (40mm) against Fusarium poae, while Nano-chitosan+PCMC (1%) showed the highest fungal inhibition (40mm) against Bacillus jeotgali and G+ve Bacillus sp, and Nano-chitosan gave the same effect for G+ve Bacillus sp (40mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, experiments were performed using an ad hoc laboratory setup to study the mechanisms of the effects of low-intensity ultrasound on toxigenic cyanobacteria Synechocysctis sp. that prevail in the northwestern part of Russia. It is found that ultrasound triggers two stress-protective metabolic mechanisms of toxigenic cyanobacteria: (1) synthesis of polysaccharides and proteins to increase the thickness of cell walls and mucous membranes; (2) synthesis of toxins to suppress the external influence. Both mechanisms are extremely energy-consuming, depleting the vital resources of cyanobacteria and accelerating the process of cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regularities that shape the composition of low molecular weight organic compounds (LMWOCs) in aquatic macrophytes in response to aquatic environment alterations remain poorly characterized. The aim of the present study consists of a comparative interannual investigation into LMWOC composition in rigid hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum L.) from a Volga-Akhtuba floodplain lake with a variable trophic state. A high variability of LMWOC composition and individual compound levels in hornwort is detected as different trophic states of the water body are analyzed. Active allelochemicals are the predominant LMWOCs in the case of a “macrophytic” mesotrophic state of the lake, with fatty acids (the free fatty acid fraction) apparently being the most important in this group. Hornwort LMWOC composition in the case of a “cyanobacterial” eutrophic type of lake development is characterized by the predomination of compounds that enhance the protective reactions (manool being the most important) under the conditions of suppression by cyanobacteria, which is also manifested as an almost twofold decrease in the overall intensity of organiccompound biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the issues of studying low-molecular-weight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of aquatic macrophytes growing in Russia under different environmental conditions and geographic regions. It is shown that the composition of VOCs and their content depend on the abiotic (geographical location of habitats, hydrological regime, and light conditions) and biotic factors (season and vegetation phase, distribution in different vegetative organs). Special attention has been paid to the functions performed by VOCs in aquatic ecosystems and their possible use for controlling phytoplankton development and algal 'blooms' in inland water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]