Mirzaei, M., Bonyad, A.E., Moradi Emamgheysi, I., Hassanzad Navroodi, I., 2019. Effects of inventory grids on estimation of tree species diversity in semi-arid forests of Iran. Folia Oecologica, 46: 24-29.Species diversity is one of the most important indices used to evaluate the sustainability of forest communities. The sampling method and the number of plots are factors affecting the estimation of plant biodiversity. In the present study, effects of different inventory grids on estimation of tree species diversity were compared in semi-arid forests of Iran. There were selected 50 hectares of these forests representing the regional forests. Sampling procedures were carried out on circular plots (1,000m 2 ) within inventory grids, with dimensions of 50 × 50 m (200 plots), 100 × 50 m (100 plots), 100 × 100 m (50 plots), 200 × 50 m (50 plots), 200 × 100 m (25 plots), and 250 × 200 m (10 plots). For each plot, the type of the species and the number of trees were recorded. Simpson (1-D), Hill (N 2 ), Shannon-Wiener (H ' ), Mc Arthur (N 1 ), Smith-Wilson (E var ) and Margalef (R 1 ) indices were used to estimate the tree species diversity. The inventory grid was evaluated based on the precision and cost criteria (E% 2 × T). The obtained sampling error values showed that the inventory grid consisting of 200 plots exhibited more accuracy for estimating the biodiversity indices. But based on the results of E% 2 × T, the inventory grid with 25 plots was selected as the most appropriate one for estimating the tree species diversity in semi-arid forests. The results of this study can also serve to estimate the tree species diversity in other semi-arid forests of Iran.
The main aim of this study was to evaluate methods for fixed area and distance sampling in the Zagros open forest area in western Iran. Basic forest management and planning required appropriate quantitative and qualitative information. Two sampling methods were compared on the basis of the actual means of characteristics derived from the 100 % survey. In total, 37 sampling plots were systematically installed with a grid of 100 m 9 100 m in the study area. Density, crown canopy, and basal area of the stands were measured. The 100 % survey showed that tree density above 12.5 cm diameter at breast height was 68.04 stem ha -1 , basal area was 15.16 m 2 ha -1 and crown canopy percentage was 35.71 % ha -1 . The values for the traits determined by the two sampling methods differed significantly (P = 0.05). When the time required for the methods was compared, transect sampling required less than systematic-random sampling. Therefore, the transect sampling method was the more economical method for the Zagros open forests. The transect sampling method was statistically defensible and practical for quantitating characteristics of the Zagros open forests.
In recent years, g-C3N4@MXene photocatalysts have received much attention due to their special composition and excellent properties. MXenes consisting of transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides derived from the MAX phase are used as cocatalysts or g-C3N4 (GCN) supporting composites in a variety of photocatalytic processes that accelerate the separation of charge carriers with their heterojunction structure. In addition to the high ability of g-C3N4@MXene nanocomposite to absorb light, it has high photocorrosion resistance in the processes of hydrogen evolution, wastewater treatment, nitrogen fixation, NO treatment, and oxidation and reduction photoreactions. In this review, the latest developments and new technologies for the manufacture and application of noble metal-free g-C3N4@MXene nanocomposite have been discussed and the future perspective has been drawn to deal with challenges related to energy and the environment.
Acquiring accurate quantitative and qualitative information is necessary for the technical and scientific management of forest stands. In this study, stratification and systematic random sampling methods were used to estimation of quantitative characteristics in study area. The estimator (((E%) 2 xT)) was used to compare the systematic random and stratified sampling methods. 100 percent inventory was carried out in an area of 400 hectares; characteristics as: tree density, crown cover (canopy), and basal area were measured. Tree density of stands was compared through systemic random and stratified sampling methods. Findings of the study reveal that stratified sampling method gives a better representation of estimates than systematic random sampling.
Photocatalysis is known as a new and cost-effective method to solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution. Although the application of this method seems practical, finding an efficient and stable photocatalyst with a suitable bandgap and visible-light sensitivity remains challenging. In this context, vanadate compounds photocatalysts have been synthesized and used as emerging composites, and their efficiency has been improved through elemental doping and morphology modifications. In this review, the major synthesis methods, and the design of the latest photocatalytic compounds based on vanadate are presented. In addition, the effect of vanadate microstructures on various photocatalytic applications such as hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals are discussed. For instance, the application of a 2D-1D BiVO4/CdS heterostructure photocatalyst enhances 40 times the hydrogen production from benzyl alcohol than pure BiVO4. Similarly, the InVO4/Bi2WO6 composite has a superior photocatalytic capability for the reduction of CO2 into CO compared to pure InVO4. A CO production rate of 18 μmol.g−1.h−1 can be achieved by using this heterostructure. Regarding the organic pollutants’ removal, the use of Montmorillonite/BiVO4 structure allows a complete removal of Brilliant Red 80 dye after only 2 hours of irradiation. Finally, copper heavy metal is reduced to 90 % in water, by using BiVO4/rGO/g-C3N4 optimized photocatalyst structure. Other examples on decorated vanadate compounds for enhancing photocatalytic activities are also treated.
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