The effect of salinity gradient and heavy metal pollution on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community structure in some Algerian wetlands

Algerian natural wetlands suffer from anthropogenic disturbances due to industrial development and urbanization. This study was designed to draw attention to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) distribution and community assemblages following heavy metal and salinity concentrations in two wetlands subjected to domestic and industrial effluents. Rhizospheric soil and roots of 18 plant species were collected in two wetlands along a decreasing salinity gradient. The results showed that 72.72% of plant species exhibit an association within arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM), and 36.36% a dual association between AM and dark septate endophytes (DSE). A total of 33 AMF morphospecies were distinguished on the basis of morphological criteria dominated by taxa belonging to Glomeraceae and Acaulosporaceae. Soil contamination was investigated by determining metallic trace elements (MTE) (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr and Zn) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Values of the pollution index revealed wetlands that were particularly polluted by lead. Two˗way ANOVA showed significant variations in metal content among sampling locations and transects. Principal component analysis showed that species richness, and mycorrhizal frequency were slightly affected by MTE. This opens possibilities for their utilization in polluted soil remediation

Note on the Flora of Plane Island (Oran)

The Oran coastline is a remarkable region cited as a hotspot of plant biodiversity (Véla & Benhouhou 2007). Plane island is the third largest island after Habibas and Rachgoun islands in the Oran region but is less studied. A botanical assessment of Plane island was undertaken in spring 2016. We carried out several phytoecological surveys. We collected and identified ten species in eight families : Chenopodiastrum murale (L.) Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch, Crithmum maritimum L., Cynomorium coccineum L., Frankenia cf laevis L., Limonium pescadense Greuter & Burdet, Malva arborea (L.) Webb & Berthel, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., Senecio leucanthemifolius Poiret subsp. crassifolius, Suaeda vera Forssk. Ex J. F. Gmel. The identified species list will allow us to follow vegetation dynamics on the island.Bahi Kheira, Hadjadj Aoul Seghir, Belguermi Ahmed. Note on the Flora of Plane Island (Oran). In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 45 n°1, 2019. pp. 61-66