Eutrophication and bacterial pathogens as risk factors for avian botulism outbreaks in wetlands receiving effluents from urban wastewater treatment plants.

Due to the scarcity of water resources in the "Mancha Húmeda" Biosphere Reserve, the use of treated wastewater has been proposed as a solution for the conservation of natural threatened floodplain wetlands. In addition, wastewater treatment plants of many villages pour their effluent into nearby natural lakes. We hypothesized that certain avian pathogens present in wastewater may cause avian mortalities which would trigger avian botulism outbreaks. With the aim of testing our hypothesis, 24 locations distributed in three wetlands, two that receive wastewater effluents and one serving as a control, were monitored during a year. Sediment, water, water bird feces, and invertebrates were collected for the detection of putative avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens type A, and Clostridium botulinum type C/D. Also, water and sediment physicochemical properties were determined. Overall, APEC, C. perfringens, and C. botulinum were significantly more prevalent in samples belonging to the wetlands which receive wastewater. The occurrence of a botulism outbreak in one of the studied wetlands coincided with high water temperatures and sediment 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), a decrease in water redox potential, chlorophyll a, and sulfate levels, and an increase in water inorganic carbon levels. The presence of C. botulinum in bird feces before the onset of the outbreak indicates that carrier birds exist and highlights the risk of botulinum toxin production in their carcasses if they die by other causes such as bacterial diseases, which are more probable in wastewater wetlands.

Nutrient enrichment and trace element accumulation in sediments caused by waterbird colonies at a Mediterranean semiarid floodplain.

Waterfowl are vectors of nutrients, metals, and other pollutants (i.e. PCBs and microorganisms) on wetlands and other water bodies, especially when bird population density is high, e.g., in nesting, roosting or breeding periods. This work reports the effects caused by the increase in breeding pairs of herons and cormorants between 2010 and 2014 on sediments in an eutrophic Mediterranean wetland belonging to La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve. Nutrients, metals, metalloids, and isotopic composition (δ15N and δ13C) were analysed in sediments and faeces at several points in the Tablas de Daimiel National Park (TDNP), as well as in the nearby Navaseca wetland, which receives inputs from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Sediments from Navaseca and from one site that is affected by heron colonies (Garcera) in the TDNP showed higher concentrations of organic matter, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, Al, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni and Zn than the rest of the sampling sites. Significant correlations between these variables were found, probably suggesting that they have a common organic source. The highest δ15N values in sediments of the TDNP were registered in Guadiana, a site where there is no impact from colonies; these values might therefore be due to anthropogenic activities. Metal and metalloid content in sediments was lower than the regional reference values in soils, except for Se in the TDNP, and Zn and Cu in Navaseca. High Se level in TDNP sediment may be caused by seleniferous soils located upstream. Results showed a low impact of bird droppings compared to other sources of nutrients in the annual input in the TDNP.

Metals and metalloids in blood and feathers of common moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) from wetlands that receive treated wastewater.

We addressed the hypothesis that birds in eutrophic wetlands receiving wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents are exposed to high levels of metals and metalloids and this may drive an ecological trap in some species attracted to these highly productive ecosystems. Levels of metals and metalloids were determined in sediment and in blood and feathers of common moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) from two wetlands in Central Spain: Navaseca Pond, which receives directly the effluent of a WWTP; and Tablas de Daimiel National Park, which is a floodplain less affected by urban discharges. Sediment concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were higher in Navaseca Pond than in Tablas de Daimiel; only Se was higher in Tablas de Daimiel than in Navaseca. Blood levels of Hg and Se were higher in moorhens from Tablas de Daimiel than those from Navaseca. In the case of Hg these levels were below the threshold of adverse effect, but Se levels in 24% of moorhens from Tablas de Daimiel were above the threshold value associated with Se toxicity in birds (1000 ng/mL). In feathers, Hg, Se, Mn, Cu and As levels were higher in Tablas de Daimiel than in Navaseca. Body condition of moorhens was negatively associated with blood Se levels in the moorhens from Tablas de Daimiel. We can reject the hypothesis of a higher accumulation of metals and metalloids in birds associated with the WWTP effluent, but Se levels may need further research considering the nature of the floodplain of Tablas de Daimiel National Park.

Integrated environmental risk assessment of chemical pollution in a Mediterranean floodplain by combining chemical and biological methods.

The Tablas de Daimiel National Park (TDNP) is a unique floodplain ecosystem in central Spain, serving as permanent resting and breeding areas for many waterbird species. In the last decades, this biodiversity hotspot has been severely endangered by poorly treated wastewater discharges from upstream urban communities arriving through its two major contributors, the Cigüela and Guadiana rivers. In this work, we analysed the potential risk of this constant input of micropollutants (estrogens, dioxin-like compounds and other endocrine disruptors) for the resident wildlife. We sampled 12 locations in TDNP and in the nearby Navaseca Pond during 2013, and performed a series of in-vivo and in-vitro bioassays, including Daphnia magna post-exposure feeding inhibition and recombinant yeast-based assays for dioxin-like and estrogenic activities. These results were then compared with the chemical composition of the samples, analysed by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, and evaluated according to their toxic potential as toxic equivalents or TEQ. The Navaseca Pond, heavily impacted by wastewater from the town of Daimiel, showed the highest levels of toxic compounds, estrogenic activity, and Daphnia toxicity. Conversely, the less impacted TDNP sites showed low residue levels of contaminants, low estrogenicity and dioxin-like activity and negligible toxicity. The results indicates that the current good chemical status of TDNP is menaced by both the inflow of wastewater treatment plants effluents from Guadiana and Cigüela rivers into TDNP tributaries and, as it occurs in the Navaseca Pond, by direct sewage discharges.

Effects of invasive fish and quality of water and sediment on macrophytes biomass, and their consequences for the waterbird community of a Mediterranean floodplain.

Floodplains are among the most threatened ecosystems world-wide because of multiple stressors, i.e., invasive species, pollution and aquifer overexploitation; the Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Spain) is a clear example of these kinds of impact. This work aims to test whether invasive fish and/or the water and sediment quality are significant drivers of the decline of stonewort (Chara spp.) meadows in the Tablas de Daimiel, investigating how this could explain changes observed in the waterbird community. Bird surveys performed monthly between June 2010 and April 2014 have shown that herbivorous species like the red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) reached historical records between September 2010 and June 2011, but have decreased since then. Piscivorous waterbirds like the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and herons increased in population after 2011, however. These changes may be due to the decline of Chara spp. meadows, connected to overexploitation by herbivores, or to changes in water and sediment quality. To test this hypothesis, we studied the growth of Chara spp. biomass in ten sites of the Tablas de Daimiel, where experimental exclosures were set up to exclude herbivory by birds, and bioturbation and herbivory by fish. Our results have shown that the absence of Chara spp. in the Tablas de Daimiel is mostly explained by presence of invasive fish (i.e. common carp). Moreover, the physicochemical characteristics of the water (lower values of conductivity and higher values of inorganic carbon and organic nitrogen), as well as of the sediment (lower values of inorganic and organic phosphorus), favour the increase of Chara spp., in the absence of the fish effect. These results led the National Park managers to begin the control of invasive fish as an urgent measure to assure the ecological conservation of this Mediterranean wetland.

Sistematización de experiencias como método para la retroalimentación de la práctica educativa / Systematization of experiences as a method for feedback on educational practice

RESUMEN. El proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje hace prioritario valorar las experiencias y perspectivas de los actores involucrados, para ello, es necesario promover la dialogicidad entre estudiantes y docentes, como una actividad de retroalimentación que oriente a la reflexión y análisis en busca de la adaptación y mejora del mismo. El objetivo del estudio fue valorar la práctica educativa sustentada en el enfoque de pensamiento complejo, a partir de la perspectiva estudiantil. El presente trabajo muestra los datos obtenidos a partir de sistematización de experiencias académicas desarrollada con 23 estudiantes del segundo semestre de Licenciatura en Educación Física, con respecto, al primer objeto de estudio del proyecto formativo implementado que atiende la asignatura Bases Psicopedagógicas en el semestre enero-junio 2018, para lo cual se atendieron tres fases procedimentales: reconstrucción, interpretación y potenciación de la experiencia. Haciendo uso de la videograbación y observación participante, se analizó como unidad de observación al pensamiento complejo y como unidades de análisis 1. La planeación analítica de clase compuesta por 2. Estrategias docentes innovadoras y 3. La metodología de evaluación. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes manifiestan interés y motivación por las unidades de análisis 2 y 3, expresando que les favorecen las clases dinámicas y la valoración de su trabajo con un carácter formativo y no memorístico. En cuanto a la unidad de observación 1, manifestaron un dominio limitado acerca de la propuesta presentada por la docente. Se rescata su interés y satisfacción porque las asignaturas teóricas los sitúen en su realidad laboral.

ABSTRACT. In the teaching-learning process it becomes a priority to assess the experiences and perspectives of the actors involved, for this it is necessary to promote dialogue between students and teachers, as a feedback activity that guides reflection and analysis in search of adaptation and of the improvement of it. The objective was to assess the educational practice based on the complex thinking approach from the student perspective. The present work shows the data obtained from Systematization of Academic Experiences developed with 23 students of the second semester of the Degree in Physical Education, with respect to the first object of study of the formative project implemented that attends the subject Psychopedagogical Bases in the semester January -June 2018, for which three procedural phases were attended: reconstruction, interpretation and enhancement of the experience. Using video recording and participant observation, it was analyzed as a unit of observation to complex thinking and as units of analysis 1.The analytical class planning, 2. The teaching strategies implemented and 3. The evaluation methodology. The results show that the students express interest and motivation for the analysis units 2 and 3, expressing that they favor dynamic classes and the valuation of their work with a formative and non-memorial character. Regarding the observation unit 1, they expressed limited mastery of the proposal presented by the teacher. Their interest and satisfaction are rescued because the theoretical subjects place them in their work reality.

Habilidades motrices y su relación con las actividades y creencias parentales en preescolares; comparaciones por nivel socio-económico / Preschoolers' motor skills and their relation to parental activities and beliefs: comparisons by socio-economic status

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar cómo se relacionan las habilidades motrices gruesas y finas en preescolares, la frecuencia de actividades motrices reportadas por los padres y las creencias sobre el desarrollo motor en diferente Nivel SocioEconómico (NSE). Participaron 75 padres de familia y sus respectivos hijos de NSE bajo y alto. La frecuencia con que realizan actividades motrices con sus hijos y sus creencias sobre el desarrollo motor se registraron por medio de un cuestionario; las habilidades motrices se evaluaron con las sub-escales de motricidad fina y gruesa del Inventario de Desarrollo Battelle (BDI-2). En los resultados los padres afirmaron otorgar mayor importancia al desarrollo de la motricidad fina que al desarrollo de la motricidad gruesa. Los niños de NSE bajo obtuvieron una puntuación más alta en motricidad gruesa que sus pares de NSE alto, sin embargo no se encontraron diferencias entre las puntuaciones de motricidad fina entre ambos grupos. Concluimos que el desarrollo de las habilidades motrices en preescolar no parece estar asociado a las creencias de los padres ni a la frecuencia con que suelen realizar actividades motrices con sus hijos; sin embargo existen diferencias por NSE en el desempeño de los menores

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the relationship between preschoolers' gross and fine motor skills, parent reported frequency of motor activities, and parental beliefs about motor development in different socio-economic contexts. Seventy-five parents and their children from low and high socio-economic status participated in the study. The frequency with which parents engaged in motor activities with their children and their beliefs about motor development were assessed using a questionnaire; children's motor skills were assessed using the fine and gross motor skill subscales from the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI-2). Results show that parents report that they consider the development of fine- as more important than gross motor skills. Children from Low SES performed better on the gross motor skill assessment than their higher SES counterparts, however, performance did not differ by SES on the fine motor skill assessment. We conclude that the development of motor skills in preschool does not appear to be associated to parental beliefs or to parent reported frequency of motor activities; however, we did find differences by SES on children's performance