Browsing by Author "Khaled Bouchama"

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    Cadmium Phytotoxicity on Seed Germination, Early Growth and the Differential Antioxidant 1 Response of Guaiacol Peroxidase in Phragmites australis Seedling Organs
    (Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2023-02-09) Khaled Bouchama
    The Cd-inhibition effects on Phragmites australis germination characteristics, early seedling growth, and the antioxidant activity response of Guaiacol peroxidase enzyme (GpOx) in seedling organs were investigated under various cadmium (Cd) levels. The final ger mination percentage (GP%), ger mination index (GI), mean ger mination time (MGT), and time to 50% of ger mination (T50%) indices indicated that Cd inhibited the germination percentage and delayed the start of germination in a dose-dependent manner. A slight increase in the order of parts per billion of Cd negatively affected the rate and speed of germination. This high susceptibility partly explains why the common reed depends mainly on vegetative propagation. The root and shoot length indices (RLI and SLI) measured at 10-day inter vals for 30 days showed that shoot growth was susceptible during the first ten days of germination, whereas root growth was more affected after 30 days. It is most likely related to the damaging effects of Cd sequestered in roots, as P. australis is an excluder species. The GpOx antioxidant response was found to be dose and organ-dependent. The leaf/root GpOx ratio was >1 in control, and seedlings grew under 10, 30, and 100 ppb. In contrast, the leaf/root GpOx ratio was <1 in seedlings grown under 100, 500, and 1000 ppm, where some phytotoxicity symptoms such as necrotic roots, yellowing, and abnormal leaves were observed. The pattern of changes in GpOx activity observed in the current study indicates that P. australis may have a mechanism to regulate its GpOx activity response, not only according to the intensity of the Cd dose and plant organ sensitivity but also according to the stage of seedling development, probably for optimal nutrient uptake and growth.
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    Structure and diversity of earthworm communities in long-term irrigated soils with raw effluent and treated wastewater
    (Water Science & Technology, 2023) Nawal Ababsa; Khaled Bouchama
    ABSTRACT This study was conducted in two natural meadows: first, soils were irrigated with raw wastewater (SIRWW) and in the second, soils were irrigated with treated wastewater (SITWW). Earthworms were sampled in eight soil blocks spaced 10 m apart at each site. Earthworm community was characterized and compared using density, biomass, composition, structure, species richness, and diversity parameters. At both meadows, 459 earthworm individuals from two families and seven species were collected. The highest earthworm density and species richness were recorded at SIRWW. Nicodrilus caligenus was the most abundant species. Most of earthworm community parameters decreased significantly at SITWW. Only two species (N. caligenus and Octodrilus complanatus) were common between the two grasslands. Among the seven species identified at both meadows, four (Allolobophora longa, Eisenia foetida, Allolobophora rosea, Allolobophora chlorotica) were exclusively present in SIRWW, whereas a single species (Amynthas sp.) was characterized in SITWW. Three ecological earthworm groups (epigeic, endogeic, and anectic) were represented in SIRWW, with the dominance of endogeics. Further studies are needed to quantify pollution in this soils and the accumulation of pollutant load in earthworms. It is also important to highlight the relationship between the abundance and diversity of earthworms in these two ecosystems with soil biological activity.
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    Treatment Ability and Community Responses of Candung as an Appropriate Technology to Maintain Irrigation Water Quality
    (Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2023-05-01) Khaled Bouchama
    With the burgeoning population, the community activities, such as laundering, washing, or even bathing, have expanded along the irrigation canal. Consequently, some chemicals from those activities are released and pollute the water body. Besides, the discharge of wastewater into the irrigation system is also an issue of public health concern, because it creates an environment conducive to the reproduction of any pathogenic agent. Using candung as constructed wetlands (CW)-like to treat the irrigation water in rice paddies would be an interesting tool for removing pollutants from the irrigation water. Candung,as a locally used CW in Bali Island, has been applied in the riceeldlongtimeagoriceeldlongtimeago.ThepresentstudyaimedtoexaminecandungasalocalattachedCWortreatingirrigation water and analyse the community awareness regarding the candung application. The result showed a positive effect of candung in maintaining the water quality parameters,suchasTSS,BOD,COD, and nutrients with certain aquatic plants (Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea tetragona, and Pistia stratiotes). The knowledge, behaviour, and action of the local subak community were still limited, whereas they had positive perceptions and responses about candungthe potential of candung as an agrotourism attraction in the village as well.