{"id":9322,"date":"2025-05-15T12:31:38","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:31:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/?p=9322"},"modified":"2025-05-15T12:55:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:55:01","slug":"medium-grants-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/medium-grants-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Intermediate grants (2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Monitoring <\/span>and <\/span>Molecular <\/span>Characterization <\/span>of <\/span>Heavy <\/span>Metal-<\/span>Tolerant <\/span>Bacteria <\/span>Isolated <\/span>from “<\/span>Hotspots” <\/span>in <\/span>the <\/span>Republic <\/span>of <\/span>North <\/span>Macedonia<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Project <\/span>Lead: <\/span>Sofija <\/span>Kostandinovska<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Human activities significantly impact the biosphere, causing irreversible changes that disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, with urban pollution by heavy metals becoming an increasing focus of research. \u00a0 <\/sup>Changes in soil pH can disrupt microbial metabolism by inhibiting pH-dependent enzymes and altering nutrient availability, which may be toxic to bacteria. \u00a0 Alterations in the physico-chemical properties of the soil further affect microbial communities, potentially reducing ecosystem functions such as organic matter decomposition.\u00a0<\/sup> Microorganisms are ideal for bioremediation due to their widespread presence, rapid reproduction, and adaptability. They can degrade and metabolize contaminants as an energy source, making them an economical and environmentally friendly alternative. Understanding the physico-chemical properties of soil and the microorganisms present in so-called \u201chot spots\u201d can aid in developing remediation techniques aimed at reducing the concentration or bioavailability of heavy metals.<\/p>\n

Research <\/span>Objectives<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

\u2022 What is the difference between the physico-chemical and molecular characterization of bacteria isolated from “hot spots”? (Q1);
\n\u2022 The abundance and diversity of heavy metal-tolerant bacteria vary across different “hot spots” due to variations in metal concentrations and soil physico-chemical properties. (H1);
\n\u2022 The bacterial abundance in different “hot spots” decreases as heavy metal concentrations increase, due to selective pressure limiting bacterial diversity. (H2);
\n\u2022 Bacterial isolates from heavy metal-contaminated soils exhibit varying degrees of metal tolerance depending on the type and concentration of metals. (H3);
\n\u2022 The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of isolated bacteria will be highest for the metals present in the highest concentrations in the soil. (H4);
\n\u2022 Some bacterial isolates can tolerate multiple heavy metals, suggesting the presence of a cross-resistance mechanism. (H5)<\/p>\n

Methodology<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

The methodology includes the isolation of bacteria from different “hot spots” in North Macedonia, the determination of the physico-chemical properties of the soil, molecular characterization, and the assessment of bacterial viability percentages at various heavy metal concentrations.<\/p>\n

Scientific <\/span>Contribution (<\/span>Ecology)<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

By isolating heavy metal-tolerant bacteria and investigating their bioremediation potential, insights into microbial resistance will be gained, offering strategies for restoring ecosystem functions, improving soil quality, and preserving biodiversity in contaminated environments.<\/p>\n

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Detection <\/span>of <\/span>Microplastic <\/span>Presence <\/span>in <\/span>the <\/span>Living <\/span>Organisms <\/span>of <\/span>Lake <\/span>Ohrid<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Project <\/span>Lead: <\/span>Ivo <\/span>Ilinchev<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The project aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in the living organisms of Lake Ohrid through the analysis of samples from various biological groups (fish, invertebrates, aquatic plants) and their contamination with synthetic particles. Advanced analytical methods such as FTIR, Raman and microscopic analysis will be applied for the detection and characterization of microplastics. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of microplastics on the lake ecosystem and propose measures to minimize pollution.<\/p>\n

Research <\/span>Objectives<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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    Detection <\/span>and <\/span>analysis <\/span>of <\/span>microplastics <\/span>in <\/span>benthos <\/span>and <\/span>various <\/span>organisms <\/span>in <\/span>Lake <\/span>Ohrid (<\/span>P1)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Raising <\/span>public <\/span>awareness <\/span>of <\/span>this <\/span>issue (<\/span>P2)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Methodology<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Samples <\/span>are <\/span>collected <\/span>from <\/span>selected <\/span>locations <\/span>in <\/span>Lake <\/span>Ohrid. <\/span>Organic <\/span>matter <\/span>is <\/span>removed <\/span>through <\/span>digestion, <\/span>followed <\/span>by <\/span>microplastic <\/span>extraction <\/span>and <\/span>filtration. <\/span>Detection <\/span>and <\/span>identification <\/span>are <\/span>conducted <\/span>through <\/span>optical <\/span>microscopy, <\/span>and <\/span>qualitative <\/span>analysis <\/span>is <\/span>performed <\/span>using <\/span>vibrational <\/span>spectroscopy <\/span>techniques (<\/span>FTIR <\/span>and <\/span>Raman).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Scientific <\/span>Contribution (<\/span>Ecology)<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

    A <\/span>qualitative <\/span>assessment <\/span>of <\/span>microplastic <\/span>pollution <\/span>in <\/span>Lake <\/span>Ohrid <\/span>across <\/span>different <\/span>taxonomic <\/span>groups <\/span>will <\/span>enable <\/span>better <\/span>understanding <\/span>of <\/span>its <\/span>biodistribution, <\/span>transmission <\/span>pathways, <\/span>and <\/span>ecological <\/span>risks. <\/span>This <\/span>will <\/span>provide <\/span>scientifically <\/span>grounded <\/span>measures <\/span>for <\/span>protecting <\/span>the <\/span>lake\u2019s <\/span>ecosystem, <\/span>its <\/span>endemic <\/span>species, <\/span>and <\/span>for <\/span>developing <\/span>protection <\/span>and <\/span>sustainable <\/span>management <\/span>strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Assessment <\/span>of <\/span>the <\/span>Effectiveness <\/span>i.e. <\/span>Permeability <\/span>of <\/span>Viaducts <\/span>as <\/span>Corridors <\/span>for <\/span>Mammals <\/span>with <\/span>Emphasis <\/span>on <\/span>Large <\/span>Carnivores <\/span>in <\/span>the <\/span>Directions <\/span>Gostivar \u2013 <\/span>Straza <\/span>and <\/span>Kamen <\/span>Dol \u2013 <\/span>Pletvar \u2013 <\/span>Prilep<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Project <\/span>Lead: <\/span>Slobodan <\/span>Kutanovski<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    This project aims to systematically assess the permeability of viaducts as potential corridors for wildlife movement of the class mammals, particularly carnivores which are most affected in the aspect of conservation efforts, because of their ecology: the large spans of their territories, preference for specific forest habitats and long distance movements. The methodological approach includes automated camera traps to monitor wildlife movement through viaducts over 12 month period. The significance of these viaducts will be calculated in relation to their length and traffic frequency throughout the year. The data obtained will provide a basis for improving the road permeability measures in Macedonia to improve the ecological connectivity of the transport infrastructure. The work will be published in a scientific paper with significant implications for spatial and infrastructure planning, which will be based on scientifically based opinions.<\/p>\n

    Research <\/span>Objectives<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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      Do <\/span>large <\/span>mammals <\/span>use <\/span>viaducts <\/span>to <\/span>cross <\/span>under <\/span>main <\/span>roads, <\/span>and <\/span>which <\/span>species <\/span>do <\/span>so? (<\/span>P1)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Does <\/span>traffic <\/span>frequency <\/span>affect <\/span>the <\/span>willingness <\/span>of <\/span>animals <\/span>to <\/span>use <\/span>viaducts? (<\/span>P2)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Is <\/span>there <\/span>a <\/span>seasonal <\/span>pattern <\/span>of <\/span>wildlife <\/span>crossings? (<\/span>P3)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Is <\/span>there <\/span>a <\/span>correlation <\/span>between <\/span>species <\/span>composition <\/span>and <\/span>structural <\/span>characteristics <\/span>of <\/span>viaducts? (<\/span>P4)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Viaduct <\/span>permeability <\/span>is <\/span>directly <\/span>proportional <\/span>to <\/span>their <\/span>length. (<\/span>H1)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Longer <\/span>viaducts, <\/span>especially <\/span>those <\/span>without <\/span>pipes, <\/span>are <\/span>more <\/span>effective <\/span>for <\/span>wildlife <\/span>crossings. (<\/span>H2)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Methodology<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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      • \n

        Mapping, <\/span>defining, <\/span>categorizing, <\/span>and <\/span>analyzing <\/span>viaducts<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Selecting <\/span>and <\/span>placing <\/span>camera <\/span>traps <\/span>on <\/span>all <\/span>mapped <\/span>viaducts <\/span>on <\/span>the <\/span>Gostivar-<\/span>Straza <\/span>and <\/span>Pletvar <\/span>routes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Monthly <\/span>traffic <\/span>observations <\/span>and <\/span>monitoring <\/span>of <\/span>camera <\/span>traps<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Data <\/span>entry, <\/span>database <\/span>creation, <\/span>and <\/span>desktop <\/span>statistical <\/span>analysis<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Writing <\/span>and <\/span>submitting <\/span>the <\/span>scientific <\/span>paper (<\/span>this <\/span>should <\/span>be <\/span>added <\/span>to <\/span>the <\/span>Excel <\/span>and <\/span>time <\/span>planned <\/span>accordingly: <\/span>it <\/span>is <\/span>recommended <\/span>to <\/span>use <\/span>the <\/span>entire <\/span>project <\/span>timeframe <\/span>and <\/span>reserve <\/span>the <\/span>final <\/span>6 <\/span>months <\/span>for <\/span>the <\/span>paper)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Scientific <\/span>Contribution (<\/span>Ecology)<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

        The <\/span>paper <\/span>will <\/span>provide <\/span>data <\/span>on <\/span>the <\/span>effectiveness <\/span>of <\/span>viaducts <\/span>as <\/span>corridors, <\/span>as <\/span>well <\/span>as <\/span>the <\/span>impact <\/span>of <\/span>traffic <\/span>frequency <\/span>on <\/span>wildlife <\/span>movement. <\/span>These <\/span>findings <\/span>will <\/span>serve <\/span>as <\/span>a <\/span>potential <\/span>foundation <\/span>for <\/span>strategies <\/span>to <\/span>minimize <\/span>ecosystem <\/span>fragmentation <\/span>effects <\/span>and <\/span>improve <\/span>conservation <\/span>measures <\/span>at <\/span>the <\/span>national <\/span>level.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Monitoring and Molecular Characterization of Heavy Metal-Tolerant Bacteria Isolated from “Hotspots” in the Republic of North Macedonia Project Lead: Sofija Kostandinovska Human activities significantly impact the biosphere, causing irreversible changes that disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, with urban pollution by heavy metals becoming an increasing focus of research. \u00a0 Changes in soil pH can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nekategorizirano-mk"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9322","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9322"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9332,"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9322\/revisions\/9332"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mes.org.mk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}