Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) ECOPERSIA 2322-2700 14 3 2026 07 01 Enhancing Drought Resistance in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) using Growth-Promoting Bacteria 217 235 29028 10.48311/ecopersia.2026.119757.82884 EN Mahdieh Ebrahimi Associate Professor, Department of Range and Watershed Management, Faculty of Water and Soil, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Malihe Erfani Department of Environment, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Journal Article 2026 04 16 Aims: Arid environments present significant constraints on plant development, with water scarcity being a primary impediment. In this study, we investigated whether plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPRs) are effective in reducing the negative effects of water deficit on red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Materials & Methods: A factorial test, using a completely randomized design, investigated the effect of PGPRs on seed germination, growth, and plant nutrient uptake under water deficit conditions. Three soil moisture regimes were established: field capacity 100% (FC100), 70% (FC70), and 40% (FC40). Experimental treatments comprised inoculation with Azotobacter vinelandii (AV), a consortium of Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida (PA+PP), and AV+PA+PP. Findings: Germination rate varied considerably, with AV×FC70 exhibiting the highest percentage (93%) and control+FC70 the lowest (60%). Synergistic applications of AV, PA, and PP were less effective at mitigating drought stress than single treatments. Root length (10.79cm), shoot length (18.89cm), and dry biomass (aboveground: 0.98g.plant-1; belowground: 1.88g.plant-1) reached their maxima under AV×FC40, whereas (PA+PP)×FC40 yielded the minimal measurements. PA+PP demonstrated no statistically significant impact on water deficit reduction (p<0.01). AV×FC40 maximized potassium uptake. Iron and manganese were highest in (PA+PP)×FC70, while zinc was maximum in (AV+PA+PP)×FC100. Minimum uptake of iron, zinc, and manganese occurred with (AV+PA+PP)×FC70, (AV+PA+PP)×FC40, and AV×FC100, respectively. Conclusion: Typically, inoculation of red clover with A. vinelandii has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing drought tolerance, offering a biotechnological strategy for forage production in water-limited environments. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which rhizobacteria confer drought resilience to host plants necessitates further investigation.

https://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article_29028_bb9bc609d75ca1c73b0ab3da8d89d3fe.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) ECOPERSIA 2322-2700 14 3 2026 07 01 Interactive Effects of Microplastics and Nickel on Subcellular Metal Partitioning and Biomarker Responses in Juvenile Cyprinus carpio L 237 253 29044 10.48311/ecopersia.2026.119366.82878 EN Masoomeh Seifi Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran Maryam Akhoundian Marine Biology, Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran. 0000-0002-9109-1141 Mohsen Ahmadpour Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran. Mohammad Hosein SinkaKarimi Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran. Journal Article 2026 05 05 Aims: Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as persistent pollutants in aquatic environments, yet their interactions with dissolved metals and the resulting biological risks for fish remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of MPs and Nickel (Ni) on subcellular metal partitioning and biomarker responses in juvenile common carp (C. carpio). Materials & Methods: Juvenile carp (n=390) were exposed for 21 days to graded concentrations of Ni (0.05, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 mg.L-1), MPs(0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mg.L-1), and their mixtures. Subcellular fractionation was performed to quantify Ni distribution among cytosol, debris, and granules. Biochemical indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), weight change, and the Biomarker Response Index (BRI), were assessed to determine physiological stress and mixture effects. Findings: Ni predominantly accumulated in the cytosolic fraction, but co-exposure with MPs significantly increased its retention in cellular debris (p<0.05). Debris Ni levels are strongly correlated with whole-body burden (r>0.8), MDA, and TAC. While MDA and TAC indicated moderate oxidative stress, WL revealed severe physiological impairment, with alteration levels (AL%) exceeding 100% in most treatments. The results of the Effect Addition Index (EAI) were consistent with synergistic interactions across most Ni+ MPs combinations, except at the highest concentrations, where antagonism occurred. Conclusion: Microplastics altered Ni subcellular partitioning and intensified physiological stress in juvenile common carp, with debris-associated Ni showing the strongest relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers. Overall, the results indicate that combined exposure effects are concentration-dependent and should be considered in ecological risk assessment.

https://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article_29044_d6cb41a908909feead800375f0e96b04.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) ECOPERSIA 2322-2700 14 3 2026 07 01 Sustainable Closed-Loop Reuse of High-Load Ablution Greywater via Optimized Multi-Stage Filtration in Ramadi, Iraq 255 276 29073 10.48311/ecopersia.2026.120335.82897 EN Hala Arshad Ali University of Anbar \ Upper Euphrates center for sustainable Development Research1 FARHAN MOHAMMAD JASIM University of Anbar, College of Agriculture, Iraq. Dina T. Hammody University of Anbar \ Upper Euphrates center for sustainable Development Research Haneen Shartoh Sharqi University of Anbar \ Upper Euphrates center for sustainable Development Research 0000-0002-1005-8674 Muthana Badeea Farhan University of Anbar Journal Article 2026 05 18 Aims: To design and test a sustainable system that supplies water to the mosque area through the use of low-cost multi-stage filtration of mosque ablution greywater, which would alleviate water scarcity problems and minimize environmental impacts on municipal wastewater systems in the Ramadi City arid ecosystem. Materials & Methods: A treatment system consisting of four cylindrical filters has been designed and installed for the ablution water at Al-Adel Omar bin Abdul Aziz Mosque with a capacity of 2000 L.d-1. The system consists of a single sequential four-stage filtration train: F1→F2→F3→F4, with a sand-gravel filter (F1) followed by an activated Carbon-gravel filter (F3), then a sand-gravel filter (F2) followed by an activated Carbon-gravel filter (F4). Three treatment stages were analyzed for water quality factors such as turbidity, electrical conductivity EC, total dissolved solids TDS, pH, biological oxygen demand BOD₅, chemical oxygen demand COD, major ions, and total bacterial count TBC using standard water quality testing methods. Findings: All critical factors were significantly reduced (p<0.01) such as the reduction of turbidity from 152 to 1.60 NTU (98.95% removal), BOD5 from 42.50 to 11.35 mg.L⁻¹ (73.3% removal), COD from 68.00 mg.L⁻¹to below the analytical detection limit (Conclusion: The multi-stage filtration system, which treats the water of the mosque to the standards set for restricted irrigation and non-potable reuse, is a low-cost method that proved to be effective and that can be replicated in water-stressed Islamic regions to manage water resources.

https://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article_29073_c8443b6213aa517f2d701ebf845fdae4.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) ECOPERSIA 2322-2700 14 3 2026 07 01 Fish Assemblage Structure and Waterbird Occurrence in Keddara Reservoir (Northern Algeria): Baseline Information for Biodiversity Monitoring 277 288 29076 10.48311/ecopersia.2026.121384.82917 EN Kaouther MEDJAHED Water, Rock, and Plant Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, Djilali Bounaama University, Khemis- Miliana, Ain Defla, Algeria, 44225 0009-0003-1807-2432 Zakia KACI Water, Rock, and Plant Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, Djilali Bounaama University, Khemis- Miliana, Ain Defla, Algeria, 44225 0009-0002-7679-7629 Miliani DJEZZAR Water, Rock, and Plant Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, Djilali Bounaama University, Khemis- Miliana, Ain Defla, Algeria, 44225 Mohammed BICHE Plant Protection Laboratory for Agricultural and Natural Environments against Crop Pests, Department of Agricultural and Forestry Zoology, National Higher School of Agronomy, El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria, 16200 Journal Article 2026 06 17 Aims: This study provides the first checklist of waterbird species recorded in Keddara Reservoir (KR), updates the inventory of its fish fauna, and characterizes the structure of the fish assemblage. Materials & Methods: Fish and waterbird surveys were conducted between January and December 2025. Fish were sampled using gill nets, traps, and fishing rods, while waterbirds were recorded through direct field observations. Fish community structure was assessed using relative abundance, diversity indices, and rank-abundance analysis, whereas waterbird assemblage patterns were evaluated using frequency of occurrence (FO). Findings: Seven fish species and seven waterbird species were recorded during the study period. All fish species were non-native taxa. The fish assemblage showed moderate diversity (H′ = 1.574; 1−D = 0.767) and was dominated by three introduced species (Alburnus alburnus, Carassius gibelio, and Micropterus salmoides). Comparison with historical records indicated changes in fish community composition, including the absence of previously reported native barbels and the detection of Abramis brama, not previously recorded in the reservoir. The waterbird community comprised seven species, with marked differences in their occurrence frequencies. Larus michahellis showed the highest FO, followed by Anas platyrhynchos, whereas the remaining species exhibited lower values. Conclusion: This study provides baseline information for monitoring fish community changes, the status of historically reported native species, and waterbird occurrence patterns in KR. The results highlight the dominance of introduced fishes and the need for long-term surveys better to understand temporal changes in this artificial freshwater ecosystem.

https://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article_29076_744c7571cf7ab98667accb835b549b85.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) ECOPERSIA 2322-2700 14 3 2026 07 01 Contribution of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) to Rural Household Income in the Forests of Sardasht County, Iran 289 302 29078 10.48311/ecopersia.2026.119767.82885 EN Ayshe Esmaili Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Seyed Rostam Mousavi Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University Ahmad Alijanpour Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia Marzieh Hajjarian Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University Sajad Ghanbari Department of Forestry, Ahar Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tabriz, Ahar, Iran Research Center of Biosciences and Biotechnology (RCBB), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2026 04 19 Aims: The main objective of this study was to quantitatively estimate the amount of harvest, consumption, and share of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) in total household income in the forests of Sardasht County. The secondary objective was to examine the effect of altitude above sea level on household reliance on forest resources. Materials & Methods: Morgan’s table was used to determine the sample size. The data collected through the questionnaire include estimates of harvest amounts, consumption patterns, income from NWFPs, income from other sources, and the share of NWFPs in total household income. The study used structured interviews and questionnaires to gather socioeconomic data and determine the share of income derived from NWFPs across different altitude classes. The Spearman-Brown formula was used to calculate the overall reliability coefficient of the test. The amount of income from the NWFP harvesting area was calculated from the total income from each harvested species. It was then added to other sources of household income. Findings: NWFPs are crucial for livelihoods in these regions, with the highest dependency found in certain villages. The socioeconomic characteristics of the community reveal significant variations in household resources, with the mean age of the head of household being 52 years, household size averaging 4.5 people, and annual income ranging from 21.31 to 649 dollars (Each dollar is equivalent to 1,700,000 rials in 2026). Agricultural and animal husbandry are the most common occupations, with the prominence of each varying by altitude. The study also highlights the economic value of different NWFPs, such as turpentine, Gala, and White Mazoj, providing the highest mean economic value at 892.47 Dollars per household per year. The share of NWFPs in household income in the study area was 24.93%. The results also showed that the share of NWFPs in household income in the second altitude class was higher than in the first and third altitude classes. Conclusion: NWFP income made a measurable contribution to total household income, with greater dependence observed among households in the lower altitudinal class. The significant difference between household income with and without NWFP revenues highlights the economic importance of forest products for rural livelihoods. Developing local processing facilities, strengthening rural cooperatives, improving market access, and establishing online marketing channels could increase the economic benefits derived from NWFPs.

https://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article_29078_3d07ea96868c61f951e614e15fd5994b.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) ECOPERSIA 2322-2700 14 3 2026 07 01 The Use of Geostatistical Techniques to Predict the Distributional Areas of the Common Kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) in the Southern Caspian Sea 303 318 29080 10.48311/ecopersia.2026.104019.0 EN Gozal Kokabee Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University Mohammad Farhangi Gonbad Kavous University Hadi Raeisi Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University Hojatollah Jafariyan Associate Professor, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University Journal Article 2025 12 10 Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution of common Kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) in the southern Caspian Sea using geostatistical interpolation, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and machine-learning approaches. The study addresses the limited use of integrated spatial and predictive modeling techniques to understand Kilka distribution patterns across varying environmental conditions. Material & Methods: Daily catch and fishing-effort data were collected from commercial fishing grounds in Mazandaran Province between 1996 and 2021 during the active fishing season (April–October). Monthly CPUE values were calculated for six fishing stations. Environmental variables included fishing depth, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature, and wind speed. Spatial interpolation methods (IDW, Kriging, and Natural Neighbor), ANFIS models with different membership functions, and a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) model with a five-month lag structure were evaluated using prediction error metrics and correlation coefficients. Findings: Among the evaluated interpolation methods, IDW with power 3 provided the most reliable representation of CPUE-based relative abundance patterns. Common Kilka abundance increased with fishing depth up to approximately 80 m and declined beyond this range. Among the ANFIS configurations, the Gaussian membership function yielded the highest predictive performance (r = 0.86). The MLP model with a five-month lag structure achieved the highest predictive performance within the evaluated dataset (R = 0.98). Fishing depth, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature, and wind speed were identified as important predictors of Kilka distribution patterns. Conclusion: The integration of geostatistical interpolation, ANFIS, and machine-learning approaches provided an effective framework for predicting the spatial distribution of common Kilka in the southern Caspian Sea. IDW produced the most reliable spatial interpolation results, whereas the MLP model demonstrated the highest predictive performance. The findings indicate that environmental variability plays an important role in shaping Kilka distribution patterns, and nonlinear predictive models may provide useful tools for fisheries management and ecological monitoring. Nevertheless, further validation with independent temporal datasets is recommended to assess the model’s generalizability and reduce potential temporal validation bias.

https://ecopersia.modares.ac.ir/article_29080_1721f00a322cee1c00c5703f21b6cf18.pdf