Anila Paparisto

Bio: Anila Paparisto is an academic researcher from University of Tirana. The author has contributed to research in topics: Water quality & Biotic index. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 12 publications receiving 34 citations.

Identification of non-native freshwater fishes in Albania and assessment of their potential threats to the national biological freshawater diversity

Abstract: In Albania, alien freshwater fish are continuing to steadily increase in number of species (reported in this paper to be more than 17), abundance, and distribution. In general however, their impacts are not well quantified in either environmental or economic terms and current management to reduce their impacts is limited and lacking direction. From around the middle of the 19th century, international transfers of fish species, especially for sporting purposes and the provision of an additional food supply increased apace. After the end of the Second World War the number of introductions of alien fish species increased still further, helped by the development of advanced artificial spawning techniques (Elvira 2001). The fact that European countries are important recipients of alien fish is ascribed by Welcomme (1992) to the fact that they have generally impoverished fish faunas and that introductions have been made, with a variety of motives, to increase their ichthyological biodiversity. The naturalization of some of the alien fish species that are able to reproduce successfully in the wild has had catastrophic consequences. There is the case of well established Lepomis gibbosa in Macro Prespa Lake. Species associated with high impact tend to have a broad diet and abundant populations in native and disturbed habitats. Likewise, host aquatic environments resistant to impact tend to be heavily managed or disturbed, productive, and inhabited by complex communities. In Albania, it was central government until 1990, owner of the all fish farming centers, with a total surface of 215 ha, to occupy on the restocking of the reservoirs, natural and artificial lakes. In this paper we describe the presence and riks of the following species: Ameiurus melas, Carassius auratus, Megalobrama amblycephala, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Gambusia affinis, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Parabramis pekinensis, Poecilia reticulate, Peudorasbora parva, Silurus glanis, Lepomis gibbosus, Stizostedion lucioperca, Perca fluviatilis, Tinca tinca, etc. Looking towards the concerns for the environmental flow–sustainable action at the protected area, biodiversity conservation, preserving the internationally important species of flora and fauna and recreation– those can be reflected into a regulatory and policy measures, local actions that strives to preserve the biotope conditions.

Biomonitoring of water quality of the Osumi, Devolli, and Shkumbini rivers through benthic macroinvertebrates and chemical parameters

Abstract: Environmental monitoring of river water quality in Albania, using biological and chemical parameters, is a fast and effective way to assess the quality of water bodies.The aim of this study was to investigate Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT), Biotic index-Richness using macroinvertebrates to assess the water quality, with special reference to nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) levels in the Devolli, Shkumbini and Osumi rivers. Our objective was to investigate the relationships between the measures of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and nutrient concentrations to assess water quality. The rivers' benthic macroinvertebrates were collected during different seasons in 2012. The biological and chemical parameters used in the current study identified them as quick indicators of water quality assessment. The total number of macroinvertebrate individuals (n = 15,006) (Osumi river: n = 5,546 organisms; Devolli river: n = 3,469 organisms; and Shkumbini river: n = 5,991 organisms), together with the EPT group (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera), showed that the water quality at the river stations during the above-mentioned period belonged to Classes II and III (fair water quality and good water quality, respectively). The classification of the water quality was also based on the nitrogen and total phosphorus contents. The pollution tolerance levels of macroinvertebrate taxa varied from the non-tolerating forms encountered in environments with low pollution levels to the tolerating forms that are typical of environments with considerable pollution levels.

Using insects as bio-indicators to assess water quality of Albanian rivers.

Abstract: The communities of aquatic insects are affected by several factors related to water quality, stream morphology, food availability and quality. Among aquatic insects, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) are very important in assessing water quality. As well as chemical indicators, bio-indicators are used in to define the water quality. EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) richness biotic index and TV are used to classify the water quality level of three Albanian rivers (Vjosa, Shkumbini and Buna-north center and south Albania). Our data prove that SEPT is 15 and Biotic Index 2.55 for Vjosa River; SEPT 13 Biotic Index 1.98 for Shkumbini River; SEPT 19 and Biotic Index 2.67 for Buna River. Related to these results we can conclude that the water quality of those rivers is still very good.

Biological assessment of water quality inErzeni and Ishmi Rivers in Albania, using asbiological indicators, different groups ofmacro invertebrates, during 2011 - 2012

Abstract: Erzeni and Ishmi Rivers flow in central Albania. The geographical position and geologic composition of Rivers basin have a specific study importance. The areas where the Rivers flows have been areas of many changes and developments lately, influencing the aquatic ecosystem in general and mainly impacting the water quality. For the biological assessment of Rivers water quality different groups of macro invertebrates are used. They are good indicators of biodiversity and habitat quality and their presence is closely connected with the general ecological status of the river ecosystem. (Lee N. 2003). Benthic macro invertebrates are determined as crucial elements and have a great importance in the biological assessment of water quality (Water Framework Directive - WFD). In this study the water quality results are given for two years of monitoring (2011 – 2012) in three sampling stations for each River in Albania. The paper presents the aquatic ecosystem situation based on data gathered on insect and invertebrate fauna. From the analyses of data is important to mention the presence of benthic sensitive organisms (Environmental Protection Agency- USA) in the sampling stations in Erzeni River, while this group of invertebrates is missing in monitoring stations in Ishmi River. Two other groups, benthic invertebrates with a medium tolerance toward pollution and tolerant taxons were present in both Rivers. Beside the classification of species according their tolerance, Biotic Index is calculated based on all the macro invertebrate groups found in each River.

Water Quality from Microbiological Point of View of Vjosa River, Albania

Abstract: An increasing impact of human activities in environment is noticed during the last decades. The socialeconomic development has been accompanied by considerable changes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. One of our duties is to monitor continuously human impact in environment and for this reason we decided to monitor water quality of Vjosa River, as one of most important rivers in south of Albania, based on microbiological indicators during 2011. Vjosa is a transboundary river, shared between Greece and Albania, whose spring is in Pindi Mountains. Its total length is about 272 kilometres, of which the first 80 kilometres are in Greece, and the remaining 192 kilometres are in Albania, where it passes through many urban areas and a relatively high human impact is expected. Samples are collected almost every month from March 2011 in six stations along the river. MPN index is used for evaluation of total coliform bacteria in water, while the number of heterotrophic bacteria is determined by counting colonies on plates with PCA, cultivated with 0.1 ml sample after a serries dilutions. Environmental parameters like pH, temperature, turbidity, ammonia, phosphate, nitrite and dissolved oxygen are estimated using standard methods. According to preliminary results, as it was expected, there is a high load of feacal coliform bacteria and heterotrophs in sample stations near urban areas. A seasonal change is observed in bacterial parameters. The human impact in the quality of water of Vjosa river is more than evident.

The common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in the Mediterranean region : origin, distribution, economic benefits, impacts and management.

Abstract: Literature data are reviewed on the origin, distribution, economic benefits and impacts of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. in the Mediterranean region. Despite the ubiquity of domesticated and feral forms, wild populations of the genetically pure ancestor are still found in confined areas of Thrace and Northern Anatolia, and possibly in eastern parts of Greece. Introductions and translocations throughout the region from at least Roman times have been driven by a combination of historical, economic and cultural motives, which have contributed to the spread of the species into many freshwater systems. Although impacts have been either documented or suspected in most areas of distribution, and intervention by biomanipulation successfully implemented in some water bodies, there is a compelling need for more focused research in more vulnerable areas characterised by drier/warmer and overall more unpredictable climate conditions, which appear to favour successful common carp population dynamics. In contrast to large-scale (i.e. country-wide) control measures, likely to prove unfeasible because of the intrinsically high costs associated and/or loss of revenue from sport fishing and fisheries activities, localised (integrated) management actions, followed by post-intervention monitoring, are likely to benefit targeted water bodies for increased amenity and restoration value.

Alien freshwater fish species in the Balkans—Vectors and pathways of introduction

Abstract: Fish introductions, particularly in areas of high biological diversity and endemism, represent a major threat for biodiversity. In the Balkan Peninsula, 60 fish species have been introduced to date, of which 36 have become naturalized in inland waters. Since the Balkans are one of the world's 35 biodiversity hot spots, this large presence of alien fish species poses a serious threat for the stability of freshwater ecosystems and the survival of the native ichthyofauna and of aquatic biodiversity in general. The motivation for the introductions, and the historical timeline, varies among the Balkan states. Despite recent attempts to implement and align legislation aimed at preventing the introduction of potentially invasive species, and the implementation of rigorous controls of introductions and increased protection of open waters, the majority of current introductions remain intentional, primarily via aquaculture. This review article provides a historical overview of freshwater fish introductions, the motivation behind them and the current distribution of alien freshwater fishes in the Balkans. The ecological implications and future perspectives concerning alien fish species in the region are also discussed.

Milk A1 β-casein and health-related outcomes in humans: a systematic review.

Abstract: Context Various epidemiological studies suggest a positive association between exposure to cow's milk A1 β-casein protein and risk for noncommunicable chronic diseases. The consumption of A2 cow's milk is increasing, likely because A2 milk is postulated to have positive effects on digestive health. Objective A systematic review was conducted to investigate associations between A1 β-casein and health-related outcomes in humans. Data sources Five electronic databases, 3 clinical trial registries, and the internet were searched systematically. Study selection Using predefined inclusion criteria, 2 authors independently selected studies investigating the effect of A1 β-casein or β-casomorphin-7 intake/exposure on any health-related outcome in humans. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Data extraction Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. The certainty of evidence per outcome was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trials, 2 case-control studies, and 8 ecological studies were included. Most randomized controlled studies and case-control studies investigating a potential effect on various outcomes were based on intermediate markers and found no significant difference between the 2 milk types. In contrast, most ecological studies reported that population-level A1 β-casein exposure is associated with adverse health outcomes. The certainty of the evidence for the included outcomes, as assessed by the GRADE approach, was rated as moderate for digestive symptoms and as low to very low for all other outcomes. Conclusions Human-based evidence from clinical trials and epidemiological studies published prior to October 2017 provides moderate certainty for adverse digestive health effects of A1 β-casein compared with A2 β-casein but low or very low certainty for other health effects. These conclusions may change in the future, given the emergent nature of this topic and the ongoing research in this area. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42016043795.

BOOK REVIEW: Bauernfeind E. & Soldán T. 2012: The Mayflies of Europe (Ephemeroptera).

Abstract: Bauernfeind E. & Soldan T. 2012: The Mayflies of Europe (Ephemeroptera). Apollo Books, Ollerup, Denmark, 781 pp. ISBN 978-87-88757-45-3. Price EUR 138.00.