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Iranian Journal Of Science (27318095) 49(2)pp. 297-306
The genus Potamogeton L. is an aquatic plant belonging to the Potamogetonaceae. Eleven species have been reported for this genus in Iran. This genus is located in the most of the water habitats of the country and has importance in various fields such as the purification of polluted water, absorption of heavy metals, and medicinal uses. One of the important species of this genus is Potamogeton nodosus Poir. which shows great morphological diversity in different aquatic habitats. In this study, we first studied the quantitative and qualitative morphological characters among different populations of this species. Since the morphological marker may be affected by the environment, we also used molecular markers. For molecular study, six pairs of SRAP primers and four ISSR primers were used. The results of the combination of two markers showed the intraspecific relationships of different populations of P. nodosus better than each of the two markers alone. According to the results, the populations were divided into four geographical groups: north, center, southwest, and southeast. The populations of the southeast region showed more genetic differentiation than other regions. Molecular variance analysis showed intra-population variations slightly higher than inter-population variations. Regarding to relatively high genetic diversity of populations of this species, conservational strategies for aquatic ecosystems of Iran is needed. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Shiraz University 2024.
Phytotaxa (11793163) 700(1)pp. 1-17
Rubus L. is a taxonomically intricate genus of flowering plants characterized by extensive hybridization, polyploidy, and facultative apomixis. This study aims to revise and update the taxonomy and nomenclature of Rubus in Iran, a region recognized for its rich but underexplored diversity. Utilizing recent biosystematic data from ploidy level estimation and DNA analyses, combined with extensive fieldwork across various ecological regions and herbarium studies, we identify four sexual species—R. dolichocarpus, R. ulmifolius (both diploids) and R. caesius, R. glandulosus (both tetraploids), and one frequent group of polyploid apomicts (R. ser. Discolores). Among these taxa, R. ulmifolius and R. caesius are widely distributed, while the others are found in northern Iran, mostly in the Hyrcanian forest ecoregion. Additionally, we document three rare taxa—R. ser. Hystrix, R. ser. Sylvatici, R. sect. Corylifolii, and two primary hybrids—R. dolichocarpus × R. glandulosus and R. caesius × R. ulmifolius. This contribution provides a comprehensive field guide with morphological descriptions, diagnostic characters, notes on nomenclature, distribution, and ecology, a determination key, and photographic documentation. Copyright © 2025 Magnolia Press.
Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics (16180437) 63
West Asia, with its high mountain ranges and glacial refugia, stands out as a biodiversity hotspot for various plant taxa, including the taxonomically complex Rubus subgen. Rubus. Despite this significance, our understanding of the evolutionary processes shaping this group in the region has been limited. We employed an integrative approach combining flow cytometry, Sanger sequencing of two plastid regions, microsatellite genotyping, and double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing to characterize evolutionary and diversity patterns in West Asian brambles. We identified four diploid and two sexual tetraploid species, with the remaining diversity comprising apomictic tetra- and triploids, mostly belonging to R. ser. Discolores, and sexual pentaploid hybrids/hybridogens derived from R. caesius. Rubus dolichocarpus, newly reported here as diploid, emerged as a significant ancestor for many polyploids. Most apomictic genotypes are locally distributed and only three genotypes exhibit extremely large ranges from Armenia to Kyrgyzstan and from Georgia to Iran. These genotypes are probably of an ancient (Pleistocene) European origin and likely laid the foundations for the evolution of apomicts in West Asia, whose diversification was subsequently boosted by the genetic contribution of sexual taxa. DNA markers confirmed the West Asian origin of Rubus armeniacus, a globally significant invasive species, yet rare in its native range. We report on the first indigenous occurrence of this species based on microsatellite genotyping. Our findings contribute to filling existing gaps in understanding the evolution and diversity of Rubus subgen. Rubus in West Asia. © 2024 Elsevier GmbH
Rostaniha (16084306) 25(1)pp. 31-48
The genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) is considered as one of the largest plant genera due to its global distribution and extensive morphological diversity. This research aimed to examine the micromorphological characteristics of the epidermis and stomata in 20 selected species of this genus. Plant samples examined using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative characteristics, including stomatal count and dimension measurements, and qualitative features, such as the arrangement of epidermal cells and the positioning of guard cells, were analyzed. The results showed that, S. virgata and S. syriaca had the highest and lowest stomatal index, and S. viridis and S. officinalis had the longest and shortest stomata, respectively. Significant differences in the appearance of stomata and epidermal cells among the species were noted with stomata in some species being square-shaped. Epidermal cells in some species were ridged while in others were smooth; and all species exhibited diacytic stomatal types. This study demonstrated that, micromorphological characteristics of the epidermis and stomata are useful diagnostic tools for identifying and classifying Salvia species. The use of LM and SEM provided precise information for this purpose, contributing to the improvement of taxonimc methods and plant identification. The observed differences and similarities are likely due to ecological conditions and genetic variations, and understanding these relationships can aid in the development of more exact methods for classifying and identifying species in botanical studies. © 2024 Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection. All rights reserved.
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X) 29(2)pp. 106-121
Potamogeton and Stuckenia comprise 90 and 7 respectively accepted species worldwide. Because of a wide range of intraspecific morphological variability including extensive phenotypic plasticity and ecological diversity, Potamogeton and Stuckenia are considered notoriously difficult taxa. A total of 100 accessions representing 11 taxa of Potamogeton and three of Stuckenia were collected across Iran. An initial screening based on allele lengths of highly variable cpDNA sequences allowed considering 59 different accessions of one to eight individuals of each species for further morphological, anatomical, and molecular analyses. NrDNA ITS and three plastid regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA) were employed to reconstruct molecular phylogenies using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. Analyses of nrDNA ITS sequences generated well-resolved tree topology than plastid data. There was some incongruence between nuclear data and concatenated chloroplast marker data (P=0.001). Additional testing of ISSR and SRAP markers for 48 specimens showed higher resolution in species delimitation among linear leaved taxa, though inconclusive. Anatomical features could not separate Iranian species alone and should be used in combination with morphological characters that were highly informative. The results showed that Iranian Potamogeton species contain a rich gene pool due to the specific and diverse geographical conditions of Iran. © 2023, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Saberamoli, S. ,
Asri, Y. ,
Mozaffarian, V. ,
Balali, G. ,
Afsharzadeh, S. ,
Esmaili, R. Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190) 13(46)pp. 27-56
The study of flora characteristics and their relationship with ecological factors in habitats has a particular importance in protected areas. This study aimed to examine the chorological and endemism of the Central Alborz protected area flora. The study area included the slopes of Welwesht, Dahla, and Azadkouh heights in the protected area of Central Alborz, Mazandaran province, Iran. The total number of collected and identified taxa was 331, which belonged to 197 genera and 46 families. During the floristic studies of the region, Nepeta azadkouhensis Saberamoli from Lamiaceae family was identified and introduced as a new species. About 49.25% of taxa were hemicryptophytes, 57.40% of all species belonged to Irano-Turanian chorotype. Forty-six taxa, equal to 13.9% of all taxa, were endemic to Iran. Moreover, 37 species, equal to 82.22% of endemic species, belonged to the vegetation zone of Irano-Turanian. The habitat of mountain steppes, which included mainly grasses and cushion-shaped plants with 24.47% of the total taxa, had the highest species richness. The results of the species richness study in the altitude classes of the endemic taxa showed that more than 70% of the taxa were located in medium to semi-high habitats. The study of the presence of endemic species in vegetation elements confirms the dominance of the Irano-Turanian vegetation zone in the region, reflecting the significant presence and influence of European-Siberian elements. © 2021, University of Isfahan.
Caryologia (00087114) 74(1)pp. 53-61
In this survey, the chromosome counts of eight Nepeta L. species were investigated and the karyotypic diversity among these species was studied. The examined species belong to N. cephalotes Boiss. species group, namely N. eremokosmos Rech.f., N. gloeocephala Rech. f., cephalotes Boiss., N. pungens (Bunge) Benth., N. ispahanica Boiss., N. mahanensis Jamzad & Simonds, N. hormozganica Jamzad and N. denudata Benth. collected from different habitats in Iran. The ploidy levels, karyotype formula, chromosome length range, total karyotype length, several karyotype asymmetries values and Stebbins classification were determined in this study. Results showed the same chromosome number, 2n = 2x= 18 for all studied species. The basic chromosome number for the above mentioned species are x = 9. Also, the smallest chromosome length is 1.02 μm in N. mahanensis. The largest chromosome length is 2.3 μm in N. ispahanica. The chromosomes of species were metacentric or submetacentric. According to the Stebbins classification, these species were located into three classes 1A, 2A and 3A. The chromosome numbers for six of studied species are reported here for the first time. © 2021 M. Hasaninejad, Z. Jamzad, S. Afsharzadeh, H. Saeidi.
Process Safety and Environmental Protection (17443598) 148pp. 237-248
The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of direct use of Chlorella vulgaris for brackish water desalination as a new conceptual technique. First, the adaptation of Chlorella vulgaris in saline water was performed, and then the living microalgae cells were utilized for the desalination process using a bubble column photobioreactor. The effect of culture medium, time, salinity and initial inoculum on the microalgae growth and salinity removal was investigated and the optimum conditions were obtained by RSM−CCD method. To assure the consumption of sodium chloride (NaCl) content of water by microalgae, the BG11 culture medium was modified by substituting its chloride and sodium containing salts by nitrate, calcium and potassium containing minerals. The results indicated that the enhancement of microalgae growth and salt removal efficiency were more pronounced in the modified-BG11 (MBG11) culture medium. Using Chlorella vulgaris microalgae in the MBG11 culture medium, the decrease in brackish water electrical conductivity for different NaCl concentrations between 1000 and 5000 ppm, was between 80 % and 40 %, respectively. Atomic absorption and flame photometry analyses confirm the hypothesis of adsorption of Na+ ions on the Chlorella vulgaris cell surface. © 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers
Turkish Journal Of Botany (1300008X) 45(4)pp. 328-339
Zannichellia L. (Potamogetonaceae) is a widespread aquatic genus that is distributed in temperate and subtropical aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Because the biogeographical location of Iran includes mountain ranges and deserts that may cause different habitat types, it was assumed that these Zannichellia populations would be stronger differentiated than observed in Zannichellia from temperate regions. The present study aimed to test whether Z. palustris would demonstrate high levels of genetic differentiation over long distances and across mountain ranges. The genetic structure of the populations of Zannichellia was investigated using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) as molecular markers. The results demonstrated overall high levels of genetic differentiation among populations (GST = 0.53) and isolation by distance. Bayesian assignment analysis at the population level grouped individuals into eight genetic clusters (K = 8) that largely correspond to the topographic barriers. Alongside the same mountain ridge, the freshwater and saltwater habitat differences corresponded to Z. palustris var. palustris and Z. palustris var. pedicellata, respectively. Our results support the hypothesis of isolation by distance. This high level of genetic differentiation argues for a conservation strategy to maintain a diversity of populations of Zannichellia in mountainous regions. © TÜBİTAK.
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X) 27(2)pp. 191-197
A population of Hydrocharis dubia of Hydrocharitaceae was discovered as a new record from the Caspian Sea coast in Mazandaran province. Phylogenetic analyses of both maximum parsimony and the maximum likelihood of DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer region evidently confirmed the occurrence of H. dubia in Iran. We speculate that the verification of H. dubia in Iran out of its up to now reported range represents a non-indigenous introduction presumably caused by migratory waterfowl visiting the province while facilitating long seed dispersal. Regular monitoring is recommended to be applied in order to follow up its establishment and adaptation in the area, to control it as a potential noxious weed. © 2021, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Science of the Total Environment (00489697) 779
In this study, a chemical photosynthesis desalination cell (CPDC) was investigated for saltwater desalination. The cell consisted of three main parts: (1) an anodic compartment where the oxidation reaction occurs, releasing electrons, (2) a cathode compartment where the required soluble oxygen is provided by microalgae photosynthesis, and (3) an electrodialysis desalination cell installed between the cathode and anode. In the anode, a novel idea was adopted to shorten the desalination duration and increase the salinity rate using a chemical oxidation reaction in combination with the biocathode. The CPDC contributed to the carbon dioxide biological sequestration (reducing air pollution), produced microalgae biomass as a source of renewable energy and generated electricity. In the investigated CPDC, microalgae were used to supply the required oxygen solution as an electron acceptor. The metal anode-microalgae biocathode battery could provide the required energy for electrodialysis. In addition, some extra electricity was generated with a maximum excess power density of 32.4 W/m3 per volume of the net anodic compartment, 16.2 W/m3 per volume of the net cathodic compartment, and 3.07 W/m2 of membrane surface area. This study confirms the benefits of microalgae as a sustainable biocathode in microbial desalination cells (MDCs) to supply electron acceptors in an environmental-friendly manner. Compared to photosynthetic microbial desalination cells (PMDCs), the CPDC decreased the desalination time by a factor of about 4. Besides, the NaCl removal was about 69% for 12 g/L NaCl concentration in the CPDC, higher than other MDCs. In addition, as a new operational factor, the internal resistance variations were determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in different case studies. The results demonstrated for the first time the possibility of applying a new desalination cell (i.e. CPDC) for water desalination and power generation which only uses a source of chemical reaction and microalgae photosynthesis without the need for an external power source. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190) 12(44)pp. 23-32
Two specimens of Vallisneria denseserrulata from the southeastern part of the Seimareh River in the Iranian province of Ilam were documented as new records for the flora of Iran. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of the specimens using DNA Sequence data from nuclear internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and the plastid matK and trnK 5' intron gene regions revealed that the specimens are not conspecific with V. spiralis that has long been regarded to be the sole representative of the genus in Iran. Although their quite similar appearances do not preclude the possibility of the two siblings as being misidentified with each other, the fact that Vallisneria species are highly cultivated and traded commercially around the world, as well as its resolution within the clade containing the cultivated material of unknown provenance, left open the possibility of it being an escapee from cultivation which has established and naturalized in the region. © 2020, University of Isfahan.
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190) 12(42)pp. 51-68
The Afus region with 1146 hectares area is located at 10 Km to Buin Miandasht region (Isfahan province) between the northern latitudes of 33° 05΄ and 33° 58΄ and the eastern longitudes 50° 02΄ and 50° 09΄. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the flora of the region. So, the plant species were collected from different places using the survey sampling method during spring, summer, and autumn 2017-2018 and were identified using valid resources. In this study, a complete list of the flora, life forms, chorotypes of plant elements, and endemic plants was prepared. The identified vascular plants in the region were mostly flowering with 184 species belonging to 37 families and 132 genera. Asteraceae (24 genera, 32 species), Apiaceae (12 genera, 12 species), Poaceae (11 genera, 13 species), and lamiaceae (9 genera, 13 species) were the most important families in this region, respectively. The largest genera were Astragalus (12 species), Euphorbia (5 species), Silene and Stachys (4 species), Cousinia, Fritillaria and Scorzonera (3 species) and Centaurea (2 species), respectively. The largest geographic floral element of the region was related to Irano-Turanian region with 136 species (73/9%). Hemicryptophytes (107 species, 58/15%), geophytes (25 species, 13/59 %), theophytes (24 species, 13/04%), chamaephytes (17 species, 9/24%), phanerophytes (7 species, 3/80%), and cryptophytes (4 species, 2/17%) made up the most important life forms, respectively. © 2020, University of Isfahan.
Taxonomy and Biosystematics (23222190) 12(43)pp. 1-16
Rivers are a part of the national and natural treasures of the country with a variety of living organisms have high importance. In the present study, in order to investigate the flora of Zayandeh-Rood River, a list of aquatic macrophytes (submerged and emergent) and coastal plants along with geographical distribution (chorotype) and their life forms were compiled. A total of 92 species and 79 genera belonging to 36 families were identified. Poaceae (15 genera and 16 species), Amaranthaceae (8 genera and 10 species), Asteraceae (7 genera and 7 species), Brassicaceae (5 genera and 5 species), Fabaceae (4 genera and 4 species), and Potamogetonaceae (3 genera and 6 species) were the most important plant families. The highest number of identified species had the life forms of hemicryptophytes and throphytes (31.52%), helophytes and hydrophytes (13.04%), geophytes and phanerophytes (4.35), and chamaephytes (2.18%), respectively. Investigating the geographical distribution showed that the largest portion of the geographical distribution of plants in the region belonged to plural elements (25%), cosmopolitan elements (14.13%), Irano–Turanian elements (13.04%), and Irano-Turan-Euro-Sieberian elements (7.61%). The study indicated the diversity of aquatic and coastal vegetation of Zayandeh-Rood River that should be considered for conservation. © 2020, University of Isfahan.
Iranian Journal Of Fisheries Sciences (15622916) 19(4)pp. 1994-2009
Capability of cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, in the removal of cadmium and lead ions was investigated which was obtained after isolation from wastewater stabilization pond effluents. Influence of operational parameters including metal concentrations, pH, temperature and biomass dosage on removal efficiency was investigated. Also, applicability of closed reflux techniques for the digestion of cyanobacterial pellet was studied. A multi-phase washing method was developed in order to attain more elevated desorption efficiency. 1-5 washing cycles were repeated consecutively by the addition of new EDTA solution (4mM), stirring on mixer and centrifugation for each cycle. Maximum removal efficiency occurred at pH 7, temperature 28℃ and biomass dosage of 0.2g for Cd2+ and corresponding values of 6, 25℃ and 0.1g for Pb2+. In all tested concentrations of Cd2+ and Pb2+, extracellular absorption overweighed intracellular uptake with highest ratio of the former to the latter of 172 for Cd2+and 143 for Pb2+. EC50 values attained for Cd2+and Pb2+were 20 mg L-1 and 15 mg L-1, respectively. The closed-reflux digestion method was found as a suitable choice for cyanobacterial pellet digestion. Three-stage consecutive washing procedure devised in our study gave desorption efficiencies of 92 and 86 percent for Cd2+ and Pb2+ respectively as compared with values of 52 and 44 percent for Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively obtained by the conventional washing procedure. This investigation verifies the possibility of employing M. aeruginosa for removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous and wastewater solutions. © 2020 Iranian Fisheries Research Organization. All rights reserved.
Journal of CO2 Utilization (22129820) 37pp. 9-19
In this study, a modified gas feeding bubble column photo-bioreactor was utilized for microalgae cultivation and CO2 capturing. By applying response surface methodology, the optimum values of temperature, pH, light intensity, aeration rate, light-dark cycle and time were determined as 25 ° C, 8, 2700 lx, 0.5 LPM and 16-8 h, respectively. Two air spargers (with different aperture size) were used to study the effect of the bubble size on the CO2 removal and microalgae growth rate. Besides, the inlet air was humidified to avoid the evaporation from the photo-bioreactor. For the smaller bubbles and 7% CO2 concentration, the maximum values for the CO2 fixation rate, productivity and concentration of microalgae were determined to be 633.73 mg L-1d-1, 337 mg L-1d-1 and 4244 mg L-1, respectively. CO2 utilization efficiency was 35% for the smaller bubbles, showing a 15% increase over that for the larger bubbles. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X) 26(1)pp. 62-66
In the present study we report somatic chromosome numbers of four Nepeta species including: N. laxiflora (2n=18), N. depauperata (2n=34), N. archibaldii (2n=16) and N. dschuparensis (2n=18). These species are endemics of Iran and the chromosome number for these species are reported here for the first time. © 2020, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Journal of Forestry Research (1007662X) 31(5)pp. 1589-1598
In this floristic study from sea level to timberline in the westernmost Hyrcanian forests, 1302 plant specimens within 166 relevés were identified. There were 649 taxa of vascular plants belonging to 349 genera and 95 families. Poaceae had the most taxa (61), followed by Asteraceae (59), and Rosaceae (53). Genera with the greatest species richness included Alchemilla and Carex, each with 16, Veronica with 15, and Poa, Geranium and Rumex each with 9. Hemicryptophytes (43.3%) were the dominant life form. Chorological analysis showed 31.2% Euro-Siberian elements. Of the total number of species, 10.9% (70) were endemic or subendemic to Iran. Species diversity indices at different altitudes were also compared. © 2019, Northeast Forestry University.
Iranian Journal Of Botany (1029788X) 25(2)pp. 103-114
Zannichellia L. (Potamogetonaceae) is a cosmopolitan genus widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems of Iran. The last taxonomic treatment of this genus dates back to 1971 in Flora Iranica, with some recent modifications in Flora of Iran. This research aimed to provide a new taxonomic treatment of Zannichellia in Iran based on distributional, morphological, and molecular studies (using ITS, PHYB, trnH-psbA and rpl32-trnL molecular markers). In this research, one species (Zannichellia palustris) with two varieties is distinguished. An identification key to varieties is presented and descriptions of them are provided. A distribution map of the genus in Iran is compiled. The distribution is concentrated in northern, central and southwestern parts of Iran. © 2019, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran. All rights reserved.
Phytotaxa (11793163) 395(2)pp. 129-133
Nepeta azadkouhensis (Lamiaceae), a new species from Mazandaran province in northern Iran is described and illustrated. This taxon is similar to N. natanzensis and N. monocephala with terminal capitate inflorescences, tubular and curved corolla tubes as well as tubular calyces glabrous inside. It differs from N. natanzensis in corollas pink-purple, bracts and bracteoles smaller, as well as calyx with shorter teeth and a regular throat. It differs from N. monocephala in tall stems, procumbent to ascending and leaves arranged all along the stem. The new species is found in the alpine-subnival zone on scree at an elevation of 3700 to 3800 m. © 2019 Magnolia Press.
Rostaniha (24236608) 20(1)pp. 62-69
The genus Laurencia (Rhodomelaceae), a complex group, has 285 species and infraspecific names. Identification and taxonomy of these taxa, mainly has been based on flexible morphological characters which have led to a complicated taxonomy in this group. Nowadays, taxonomical study of this group has changed a lot by using reproductive characters, anatomical differences and modern molecular studies. In this study, the samples have been collected from some areas of the Persian Gulf coasts and islands of Hormozgan province (southern Iran). Afterward, their anatomical, reproductive and chemical properties have been examined. The outcomes revealed that, the Folin-Ciocalteau method can be utilized as a taxonomical character in ultimate identification and the confirmation among species and varieties of this genus. It became clear that, there is a meaningful difference between two samples which were under study due to measuring the amount of polyphenols and finally, L. obtusa var. mollissima was separated from type variety of L. obtusa. © 2019 Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection. All rights reserved.
International Journal of Environment and Waste Management (14789876) 20(2)pp. 119-133
Focusing on microalgae for nutrients removal from wastewater is interesting because of being in expensive and less sludge production. Two filamentous algae, Oscillatoria lutea and Chaetophora elegans were sampled at domestic wastewater treatment, purified and identified. After proliferation, wastewater samples were inoculated using each alga and some of parameters were measured at defined intervals. The BOD5, COD, nitrate and phosphate were affected significantly by treatment with algae. Oscillatoria lutea was more effective on reducing BOD5, COD, nitrate and phosphate. The highest percentage of pollutants removal was related to raw wastewaters and the lowest one was obtained from growth of Chaetophora elegans on effluent. This study revealed that treatment of both raw wastewater and effluent can provide alternative media for growth of microalgae and the native strains could be used efficiently. Long term experiments in combination of different cultures in all seasons could be examined to enhance the removal of contaminants. Copyright © 2017 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Phytotaxa (11793163) 311(1)pp. 1-21
Potamogetonaceae comprises three closely related genera: Potamogeton, Stuckenia and Groenlandia. The last comprehensive research on this species group in Iran dates back to 1971 (Flora Iranica). In this research we present an identification key to the Potamogetonaceae species in Iran with descriptions of all taxa based on morphological and anatomical studies. 11 species of Potamogeton, three species of Stuckenia and one of Groenlandia are described from Iran. Moreover, a new hybrid (P. pusillus × P. crispus) is described as a new to science. Distribution is outlined for all taxa. The genus Potamogeton and related genera have a wide distribution in different aquatic ecosystems in particular of northern, central and southwestern Iran. The species formerly recorded as P. alpinus was identified as P. schweinfurthii. It is recorded for the flora of Iran for the first time. © 2017 Magnolia Press.
Botanical Sciences (20074298) 94(3)pp. 499-511
This study provides an analysis of vegetation and environmental relationships as well as diversity patterns in sand dunes and gravel desert plains of northern Badrud, Iran. A total of 63 species representing 49 genera and 15 families were recorded. The largest families were Asteraceae (22.2 %) and Chenopodiaceae (19.0 %). Therophytes (66.67 %) were the dominant life form. Chronological analysis showed 57.14 % Irano-Turani elements. Data from 60 1.5 × 2 m2 quadrats, selected systematically randomized along three transects, were collected. Both two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and cluster analysis using Ward's method resulted in the recognition of three communities: an Artemisia sieberi community in the center plain with a Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 0.3, a Stipagrostis plumosa - Schismus arabicus community on the lower sand dunes with a Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 0.7, and a Haloxylon ammodendron community on the higher sand dunes with a Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 0.2. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), and multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP), confirmed the separation of TWINSPAN groups as well as the heterogeneity of the Artemisia sieberi - Schismus arabicus community, suggesting a distinct group with Artemisia sieberi and Schismus arabicus as the dominant species. Vegetation environmental analysis by means of multivariate techniques of principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that very coarse gravel has a strong negative effect on diversity and a negative effect on species cover percentage. Bare ground showed a highly positive effect on diversity variables. Soil analysis suggests final seral stages of succession towards severe desertification.
Journal Of Sciences Islamic Republic Of Iran (10161104) 26(1)pp. 7-16
Six species of Sargassum C. Agardh (Sargassaceae) with compressed primary branches, including: S. binderi Sonder, S. aquifolium (Turner) C. Agardh, S. oligocystum Montagne, S. swartzii (Turner) C. Agardh, S. crassifolium J. Agardh and S. cristaefolium C. A. Agardh, were identified in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea coasts, among which S. binderi is reported as newly recorded species in Iran for the first time. The specimens were collected from 15 stations along the Iranian southern shores in the autumn, winter and spring from 2010 to 2012. Anatomical and morphological studies were performed according to the valid identification keys. In taxonomy studies, 47 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were selected. In order to analyze of data, clustering analysis was performed by UPGMA and PCA analyses. The results revealed that there were more qualitative than quantitative traits in species identification. The shape of receptacles, leaves, vesicles and stems were the most diagnostic characteristics in the species identification. The species including: S. binderi, S. crassifolium and S. cristaefolium have flattened triangular receptacles; while S. crassifolium and S. cristaefolium have duplicated leaves with fine teeth; S. swartzii has linear lanceolate leaves, pointed or crowned vesicles and S. oligocystum has broader lanceolate leaves with an acute to rounded apex, and often entire and spherical vesicles. S. oligocystum and S. crassifolium belong to the section Acanthocarpicae. Also, S. cristaefolium belongs to section Sargassum and S. binderi, S. aquifolium and S. swartzii belong to section Binderianeae.
International Journal of Biological Chemistry (discontinued) (21522561) 6(4)pp. 113-121
Cyanide and its derivates contamination of waste waters is one of the problems in steel manufacturing industries. Increasing usage of this toxic element is leading to its accumulation and contamination of the environment. In the present study, cyanide resistant cyanobacterium has been isolated from the waste water of steel manufacturing industrial area in Iran and identified based on the morphological characteristics. For this purpose, contaminated samples achieved from different parts of waste water containing lagoons and inoculated to BG11 culture medium. The antibiotics cycloheximide and imipenem used for removing the fungi and other bacteria. The isolated cyanobacterium has been identified based on the microscopic morphological characteristics and amplification of 16S rDNA sequence. For in vitro analysis of cyanide resistance, different concentration of potassium cyanide (5-15 mg L-1) prepared in BG11 media and the microorganism inoculated to the media. The bacterial growth assessment was done based on the cell counting, culture turbidity, dry weight and the amount of chlorophyll a. The cyanide removal was estimated after 16 h incubation in 25°C and shaking at 140 rpm and the presence of light (16 h lightening in 3 Klux and 8 h darkness continuously), using cyanide ion characterization electrode. Also the purified cyanobacterium inoculated to the samples obtained from the lagoons and the cyanide removal has been analyzed in waste water samples. The isolated cyanobacterium identified as a species of Chroococcus in the family Chroococcaceae. The bacterium was able to grow in the presence of 5-30 mg L-1 KCN. The results of direct studies showed that the isolated Chroococcus sp. removed a mean of 14.06% of free cyanide from the steel manufacturing waste water samples. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.
Turkish Journal Of Botany (1300008X) 36(6)pp. 715-726
Variations in the phytoplankton of Zayandeh-Rood Dam Lake were studied seasonally from September 2005 to August 2006 at 4 different stations. A total of 112 species and 53 genera belonging to 6 divisions were identified. The species belonging to Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, Euglenophyta, and Dinophyta were found frequently. Chrysophyta species were found in low numbers. Cyclotella meneghinina Kütz., a centric diatom, was the dominant species at all stations. The density of the phytoplankton was between 470 and 150,470 cells/cm3. According to the Shannon-Weaver Index, the highest and the lowest diversities were determined in November and May, respectively. Regarding physico-chemical analysis and phytoplankton composition, it seems that Zayandeh-Rood Dam Lake is oligo-mesotrophic, and some species of phytoplankton can be used as indicators for evaluating water quality. © TÜBİTAK.
Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering (12268372) 13(5)pp. 540-544
In this study, carotenoid and glycerol production in two unicellular green algae (Dunaliella salina and D. viridis) isolated from the Gave-Khooni salt marsh grown in media containing five different salt concentrations (0.17, 1, 2, 3, and 4 M NaCl) were evaluated under sterile conditions. Algae growth decreased as the medium salinity increased. Optimum growth of D. salina and D. viridis were obtained at 2 and 1 M NaCl, respectively. As salinity increased, glycerol and carotenoid production were increased in D. salina, whereas lower values for these products were produced in D. viridis under the same conditions. Furthermore, the cell color of D. salina changed from green to orange-red following accumulation of carotenoid, but the color of D. viridis was not changed. Thereby, it seems that the Iranian D. salina may be suitable for carotenoid production (betacarotene) on a large scale. In addition, since carotenoid compounds enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis and glycerol synthesis, it appears that the pathway for glycerol production and mechanisms of salt tolerance in D. viridis are unique from those of D. salina. © The Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg GmbH 2008.
