Spatiotemporal distributions and relationships of phosphorus content, phosphomonoesterase activity, and bacterial phosphomonoesterase genes in sediments from a eutrophic brackish water lake in Chile.

Phosphorus (P) cycling by microbial activity is highly relevant in the eutrophication of lakes. In this context, the contents of organic (Po) and inorganic (Pi) phosphorus, the activity of acid (ACP) and alkaline (ALP) phosphomonoesterase (Pase), and the abundances of bacterial Pase genes (phoD, phoC, and phoX) were studied in sediments from Budi Lake, a eutrophic coastal brackish water lake in Chile. Our results showed spatiotemporal variations in P fractions, Pase activities, and Pase gene abundances. In general, our results showed higher contents of Pi (110-144 mg kg-1), Po (512-576 mg kg-1), and total P (647-721 mg kg-1) in sediments from the more anthropogenized sampling sites in summer compared with those values of Pi (86-127 mg kg-1), Po (363-491 mg kg-1) and total P (449-618 mg kg-1) in less anthropogenized sampling sites in winter. In concordance, sediments showed higher Pase activities (µg nitrophenyl phosphate g-1 h-1) in sediments from the more anthropogenized sampling sites (9.7-22.7 for ACP and 5.9 to 9.6 for ALP) compared with those observed in less anthropogenized sampling sites in winter (4.2-12.9 for ACP and 0.3 to 6.7 for ALP). Higher abundances (gene copy g-1 sediment) of phoC (8.5-19 × 108), phoD (9.2-47 × 106), and phoX (8.5-26 × 106) genes were also found in sediments from the more anthropogenized sampling sites in summer compared with those values of phoC (0.1-1.1 × 108), phoD (1.4-2.4 × 106) and phoX (0.7-1.2 × 106) genes in the less anthropogenized sites in winter. Our results also showed a positive correlation between P contents, Pase activities, and abundances of bacterial Pase genes, independent of seasonality. The present study provided information on the microbial activity involved in P cycling in sediments of Budi Lake, which may be used in further research as indicators for the monitoring of eutrophication of lakes.

Uso de la prospectiva estratégica, ordenación territorial y evaluación de impacto como base para la sostenibilidad de los sistemas agrícolas / Use of strategic foresight, spatial planning and impact assessment for the sustainability of agricultural systems

RESUMEN La complejidad e incertidumbre de transformar los sistemas de producción agrícola futuros en sistemas sostenibles requiere de evaluaciones holísticas y prospectivas, que involucren las interacciones dinámicas, entre agricultura, economía, sociedad y medio ambiente. En este sentido, se requieren modelos holísticos, que incluyan la prospectiva estratégica y el desarrollo territorial en la evaluación de la sostenibilidad de estos sistemas, a escala regional. Este documento, a través de análisis bibliográfico 1) identifica los avances en prospectiva estratégica, ordenación territorial y evaluaciones de impacto territorial en el contexto agrícola y los enfoques integrales de evaluación de la sostenibilidad agrícola a escala regional y 2) genera las bases para una nueva aproximación de la evaluación de la sostenibilidad del sistema agrícola a escala regional y del desarrollo territorial, con base en los avances identificados. Los resultados muestran que la prospectiva estratégica, la ordenación del territorio y las evaluaciones de impacto territorial han avanzado en un enfoque integral proporcionando, además, una visión y evaluación estratégica de los sistemas. Así, también, se mencionan como factores de éxito, el establecimiento de una buena gobernanza, la co-creación de los escenarios estratégicos, el uso de unidades homogéneas en la planificación, una amplia disponibilidad de datos ambientales y sociales con resolución espacial y temporal y la inclusión de nuevas herramientas analíticas y computacionales. La proyección del trabajo vincula los objetivos de la evaluación de los sistemas agrícolas para el desarrollo territorial sostenible, en un marco de acción integral.

ABSTRACT The complexity and uncertainty of transforming future agricultural production systems into sustainable systems require holistic and prospective evaluations that understand the dynamic interactions between agriculture, the economy, society, and the environment. In this sense, holistic models need that include strategic foresight and territorial development in evaluating the sustainability of these systems on a regional scale. This document, through bibliographic analysis: 1) identifies the advances in strategic foresight, land use planning, and land impact assessments in the agricultural context and comprehensive approaches to assessing agricultural sustainability at a regional scale; and, 2) it generates the bases for a new approach to the evaluation of the sustainability of the agricultural system on a regional scale and territorial development based on the advances identified. The results show that strategic foresight, spatial planning, and territorial impact evaluations have advanced in a comprehensive approach, providing a vision and strategic evaluation of the systems. The establishment of good governance, the co-creation of strategic scenarios, homogeneous units in planning, the wide availability of environmental and social data with a spatial and temporal resolution, and the inclusion of new ones are considered success factors-analytical and computational tools. The projection of the work links the objectives of the evaluation of agricultural systems for sustainable territorial development in a comprehensive action framework.

A 30-year update of the climbers and vascular epiphytes inventory of the Cerro Ñielol Natural Monument (La Araucanía, Chile): a database.

BACKGROUND: Plant species diversity may be seriously threatened in ecotone zones under global climate change. Therefore, keeping updated inventories of indicator species seems to be a good strategy for monitoring wild areas located in these strips. The database comes from an inventory of climbers and vascular epiphytes conducted in the Cerro Ñielol Natural Monument, a small protected area (89 hectares) located in Chile's Mediterranean-temperate phytogeographic region, within the boundaries of the city of Temuco, La Araucaína Region.The data represent the update of the first inventory carried out between 1980 and 1984. In this current contribution, data collection was carried out in 27 quadrats using the trails as transects. The data provide the record of 45 species (16 climbers, 15 epiphytes and 10 trees), including two accidental epiphytes (Acerpsudoplatanus L. and Gavileaodoratissima (L.) Endl. ex Griseb.), two species that can be found as epiphytes or terricolous (Hymenophyllumtunbrigense (L.) Sm. and Nerteragranadensis (Mutis ex L.f.) Druce) and one species (Chusqueaquila Kunth) that can be found as terricolous and climber. Species of interest were recorded on live trees (n = 51), snags (n = 9), stumps (n = 4), fallen log (n = 5) and on the forest soil (n = 17).The most abundant climbers were Hydrangeaserratifolia (Hook. & Arn.) F. Phil. (n = 77 stems), Lapageria rosea Ruiz & Pav. (n = 70 stems), Raukauavaldiviensis (Gay) Frodin (n = 48 stems) and Cissusstriata Ruiz & Pav. (n = 33 stems). In contrast, the most abundant epiphytes were Hymenophyllumplicatum Kaulf. (n = 1728 fronds) and Hymenophyllumtunbrigense (L.) Sm. (n = 2375 fronds). These latter two species represent the highest frequency and abundance in the whole inventory, respectively. Several ecosystem traits are, in fact, new reports since the first inventory was conducted in 1980-1984; for example, the presence of the filmy fern Hymenophyllumtunbrigense, the record of the climber Elytropuschilensis , fallen logs or the species-host relationship. Accordingly, the database is made available in this manuscript. NEW INFORMATION: This study updates the climbers and vascular epiphyte species list in the Cerro Ñielol Natural Monument, a small patch of forest under severe anthropogenic pressure. This protected area is characterised by floristic elements of the Mediterranean and temperate phytogeographic region of Chile, in a zone where forests have been severely deforested. The database includes the record of 45 species - including six species that were not recorded in the first inventory - in 211 records.The main novelty of this contribution is the systematic classification of species, on ten traits rarely reported in a floristic inventory: (i) species taxonomic identity (as usual), (ii) species abundance (number of stems and fronds), (iii) habit (herb, shrub, subshrub, tree), (iv) growth form (accidental epiphyte, epiphyte, vine, liana, terricolous), (v) climbing mechanism (tendrils, adhesive roots, twining, scrambling), (vi) microhabitat (fallen log, footpath slope, soil, stump, trunk), (vii) host species (where appropriate), (viii) host condition (live, woody debris, snag), (ix) host diameter at breast height (DBH) and (x) target species found over 2.3 m on trees.Thirty years after the first inventory conducted between 1980 and 1984, the climber assemblage has remained relatively stable over time, although there are some differences in species composition. Specifically, the climber Elytropuschilensis are recorded in the current inventory, but the Mitrariacoccinea (recorded in the first inventory) is not present. On the other hand, the epiphyte assemblage showed an increase in the species richness of filmy ferns, with five previously unrecorded species: Hymenophyllumcuneatum, H.dicranotrichum, H.pectinatum, H.peltatum and H.tunbrigense. One of the novel features was the presence of Sarmientascandens and Synammiafeuillei on a Pinusradiata D. Don tree. Additionally, the introduced species Acerpseudoplatanus is included, which is new to the Chilean vascular plant catalogue. All these data are available in the present manuscript.

Trees, shrubs and herbs of the coastal Myrtaceae swamp forest (Región de La Araucanía, Chile): a dataset.

BACKGROUND: Species lists are fundamental for knowledge of species diversity in regions subject to intense anthropogenic pressure, especially in poorly-studied ecosystems. The dataset comes from an inventory conducted in 30 fragments of Myrtaceae swamp forest, located in an agroforestry matrix landscape of the coastal La Araucanía Region in Chile. The data collection was carried out using line transect sampling, which was traced through the core of each fragment orientated towards its longest axis. The dataset provides a record of 55 species (24 trees, 1 vine [as a host], 16 herbs and 15 shrubs) including accidental epiphytes (n = 7), hemiparasites (n = 4), host (n = 10) and additionally woody debris (n = 36). The most frequent trees in the landscape were Myrceugenia exsucca (n = 36 records) and Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii (n = 33 records), species that were also the most common hosts. Drimys winteri was a companion species, other trees and shrubs generally being rarely observed, as was the case of the introduced species (Prunus avium, Rubus constrictus and Ulex europaeus). Branches were the most common microhabitat for hemiparasites. Within this group, Lepidoceras chilense was the most frequent species. For accidental epiphytes, Drimys winteri, which commonly grows on the ground (soil), were the most common species found in the main trunk crotch. Some unusual observations were the climber Cissus striata as host of Tristerix corymbosus (hemiparasite) and Tristerix corymbosus as host of Lepidoceras chilense (hemiparasite). NEW INFORMATION: This study represents a landscape-scale sample of the swamp forest, which is distributed in a dispersed pattern over a large stretch of Chile. The data were collected from 30 forest patches (from 0.05 to 936 ha), located on the coast of the Araucanía. The database includes the presence of 55 species of vascular plants in 356 records. The main novelty of this contribution is the systematic classification of species under six traits, never before reported in the same database: (i) condition (coarse woody debris, fallen log, live, snag), (ii) habit (herb, shrub, tree), (iii) growth microhabitat (e.g. tree trunk, branch, main trunk crotch), (iv) growth form (accidental epiphyte, hemiparasite, terricolous, vegetative), (v) host species (as appropriate) and (vi) relative location of the species in the sampled patch and surrounding areas (core, border, matrix). Species not previously observed in these forests were: Gavilea spp., Hieracium spp., Lophosoria quadripinnata, Berberis actinacantha, Gaultheria phillyreifolia, Ovidia pillo-pillo, Amomyrtus meli and Caldcluvia paniculata. In addition, two introduced species are novelties for the catalogue of vascular plants of Chile (Cupressus macrocarpa and Prunus avium). Several of these ecosystem traits are indeed new reports for these types of forests (e.g. accidental epiphytes, fallen logs, species-host relationship); at the same time, more frequent data (i.e. species composition, habit) are found in different contributions, making the comprehensive process of analysis difficult. Accordingly, the database is made available in this manuscript.

Dataset: Ecosystem services and uses of dune systems of the coast of the Araucanía Region, Chile: A perception study.

The dataset shows the relationship and valuation of the coastal dunes of the Araucanía region in Chile. The valuation of the local population was surveyed using a questionnaire applied to 49 subjects belonging to Mapuche communities and local government. The data consists of eight tables that show a list of questions, the number of times per year that visit the dunes, cultural practices carried out in the dunes, valuation of ecosystem services provided by the coastal dunes, and knowledge about flora and fauna. Lastly, the original questionnaire and its responses in Spanish and English are included in supplemantary material. This dataset was generated within the framework of the manuscript "Ecosystem services and uses of dune systems of the coast of the Araucanía Region, Chile: a perception study" where 23 leaders of Mapuche communities and 26 representatives of the local government were interviewed. The dataset can be used to compare the valuation of ecosystems by local communities, especially when quantitative data are scarce or do not exist.

Effects of local land-use on riparian vegetation, water quality, and the functional organization of macroinvertebrate assemblages.

Land-use change is a principal factor affecting riparian vegetation and river biodiversity. In Chile, land-use change has drastically intensified over the last decade, with native forests converted to exotic forest plantations and agricultural land. However, the effects thereof on aquatic ecosystems are not well understood. Closing this knowledge gap first requires understanding how human perturbations affect riparian and stream biota. Identified biological indicators could then be applied to determine the health of fluvial ecosystems. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of land-use change on the health of riparian and aquatic ecosystems by assessing riparian vegetation, water quality, benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, and functional feeding groups. Twenty-one sites in catchment areas with different land-uses (i.e. pristine forests, native forests, exotic forest plantations, and agricultural land) were selected and sampled during the 2010 to 2012 dry seasons. Riparian vegetation quality was highest in pristine forests. Per the modified Macroinvertebrate Family Biotic Index for Chilean species, the best conditions existed in native forests and the worst in agricultural catchments. Water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblages significantly varied across land-use areas, with forest plantations and agricultural land having high nutrient concentrations, conductivity, suspended solids, and apparent color. Macroinvertebrate assemblage diversity was lowest for agricultural and exotic forest plantation catchments, with notable non-insect representation. Collector-gatherers were the most abundant functional feeding group, suggesting importance independent of land-use. Land-use areas showed no significant differences in functional feeding groups. In conclusion, anthropogenic land-use changes were detectable through riparian quality, water quality, and macroinvertebrate assemblages, but not through functional feeding groups. These data, particularly the riparian vegetation and macroinvertebrate assemblage parameters, could be applied towards the conservation and management of riparian ecosystems through land-use change studies.

Saberes ambientales lafkenche en escuelas de la costa de La Araucanía (Chile) / Lafkenche environmental knowledge in schools along the coast of Araucanía (Chile)

Este estudio es un acercamiento a la realidad de la transmisión oral de saberes y prácticas acerca del territorio, en familias lafkenche que viven asociadas a espacios de humedales en el borde costero de La Araucanía (Chile). Para la recolección de datos aplicamos encuestas a niños y niñas, padres y madres, docentes, y asesores y asesoras culturales en cinco escuelas. Visualizamos que existen saberes territoriales que, sin embargo, no encuentran un espacio dónde manifestarse fuera del hogar. Concluimos que la sistematicidad en el acercamiento de los alumnos y alumnas a su cultura originaria, la permanencia en el tiempo de los asesores y asesoras culturales, el compromiso real de los profesores y profesoras no mapuches, y el respeto de estos hacia la cultura, puede eventualmente lograr resultados satisfactorios en la preservación de la lengua y de las prácticas culturales en el territorio lafkenche...

Heavy metals in the liver and muscle of Micropogonias manni fish from Budi Lake, Araucania Region, Chile: potential risk for humans.

The concentrations of cadmium, lead, manganese and zinc were determined in the fish species Micropogonias manni captured in Budi Lake, Araucanía Region (Chile). The measurements were made by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the analysis considered the sex, weight and size of the species; the representative samples were taken from the liver and muscle tissue. The method was validated using certified reference material (DOLT-1). The ranges of concentrations found in the muscle tissue were: Cd, not determinate (n.d.)-0.26; Pb, n.d.-1.88; Mn, 0.02-12.17 and Zn, 0.48-39.04 mg kg(-1) (dry weight). The concentrations in muscle tissue were generally lower than those found in the liver. With respect to the average concentrations recorded for each metal in the edible part of the fish (muscle tissue), it was found that the levels of Cd, Pb, Mn and Zn are within the ranges published by other authors in similar works and below the maximum concentration limits permitted by current legislation (FAO/WHO 2004; EU 2001) and do not constitute a health hazard for consumers of this species. The results were subjected to statistical analysis to evaluate the correlations between the content of the various metals and the sex, weight and size of each sample.

Efectos de la contaminación atmosférica por material particulado en la enfermedades resporatórias agudas en menores de 5 años / Effect for particles material atmospheric pollution on acute respiratory diseases in under 5 years of age

La contaminación atmosférica constituye uno de los principales problemas ambientales de Chile centro sur y sus efectos en la salud se reconocen parcialmente. Esta investigación identifica el perfil de consulta por enfermedades respiratorias en los niños menores de 5 años y correlaciona los fenómenos críticos de contaminación atmosférica con las consultas por Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas (IRA) en dos centros de salud de la ciudad de Temuco. Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional en base a menores de 5 años que acuden por IRA a los Centros de Atención Primaria Santa Rosa y Amanecer de la ciudad de Temuco (6.285 menores) entre los años 2000 y 2002. Se analizaron los datos con Stata 7.0 y con un nivel de significación del 5 por ciento. En los resultados se observan diferencias significativas que permiten afirmar que en los períodos de contaminación atmosférica, se genera un aumento en las consultas por IRA, en ambos consultorios. Además, la investigación mostró que existe relación entre eventos de contaminación atmosférica e IRA, haciéndose necesario conformar un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica, capaz de generar información para definir la relación entre concentración de contaminantes y daños a la salud y establecer niveles de alerta, siendo la enfermera uno de los profesionales que debiese participar en los grupos multidisciplinarios.