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The forest ecosystems are essential for human well-being development and reduction of the risk of natural disasters. Maintaining forest growth and ecosystem services is dependent on soil sustainability. The content of heavy metals is the main parameter determining the degree of soil contamination and degradation. The objective of the study was to assess the extent of soil contamination and identify the sources of potential anomalies. The content of the cadmium, lead, manganese and chromium (using atomic emission spectroscopy with induction-coupled plasma), as well as granulometric composition, pH value and nitrogen and total carbon content, were conducted on soil samples taken from the surface layer (0–10 cm) in the protected area of the Kampinos National Park in Poland. The soil quality assessment was conducted by calculating indicators of contamination including the geo-accumulation index, contamination factor, degree of contamination, ecological risk of individual heavy metals and potential ecological risk index. The results exhibited that the tested soils were very acidic or acidic sands. The content of the determined elements did not exceed the permissible limits as outlined in Polish standards, which are 2 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg for cadmium, lead and chromium, respectively. The indicators show differences in the degree of contamination of the surface soil layer in the studied area, which is predominantly uncontaminated by heavy metals. However, the geochemical index values equal 0.42, 0.71 and 0.98 for certain samples suggesting the anthropogenic impact on the soils of the Kampinos National Park. The pollution appears to have been generated by the metallurgical industry, heating and power plants in the Warsaw agglomeration and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holocene climate change's impact on ecosystems has attracted considerable interest. Although human activities increasingly influenced ecosystems during the Holocene, many paleo-records primarily reconstruct natural environmental changes, often neglecting the pre-instrumental human influenceon ecological responses. To understand ecosystem responses comprehensively, it is essential to consider anthropogenic impacts alongside natural factors. Here, we present a Holocene chironomid record from Qinghai Crater Lake in Tengchong, southwestern China, examining the timing and magnitude of natural and anthropogenic impacts on the lake ecosystem throughout the Holocene. Our results reveal that early to mid-Holocene chironomid communities, especially in terms of species richness, were mainly driven by rising summer temperatures associated with increased solar radiation. By the late-Holocene, the weakening Indian Summer Monsoon led to fluctuating lake levels and intensified human impacts, impacting both chironomid species richness and community stability. Around 0.8 ka BP, enhanced human disturbances shifted the chironomid community composition from mesotrophic taxa dominance (e.g., Cladotanytasus, Macropelopia) to eutrophic taxa dominance (e.g., Chironomus, Polypedilum). Over the past few centuries, human influence has further increased chironomid species richness but has led to declining community stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headwater streams are vital to the health and resiliency of entire watersheds; thus, understanding how human activities impair the structure and function of these vulnerable ecosystems is essential. We combined structural and functional measures of stream periphyton in 46 headwater streams throughout the upper Delaware River Basin, USA, to determine which measures were most helpful in detecting subtle anthropogenic impacts. Stepwise Redundancy analyses run independently with structural and functional variables identified local photosynthetically active radiation and total phosphorus as the most influential environmental variables. Algal biomass and productivity under different light and nutrient concentrations likely drove many subsequent patterns in periphyton structure and function. Generalized additive models indicated possible thresholds with increasing light for algal biomass, bacterial biomass, gross primary productivity, and patterns in carbon-acquiring enzymes. These thresholds were likely driven by algae shifting from light to phosphorus limitation and bacteria shifting from terrestrially derived recalcitrant dissolved organic substrates to more labile algal-derived substrates. Overall, structural and functional measures of stream periphyton were complementary for understanding the mechanisms underlying the impacts of specific stressors and together gave a more complete picture of ecological conditions within each stream and how human activities have influenced the health of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to quantify the relationship between hydrological richness in river and riparian wetland habitats and fragmentation analysis. Eight relevant parameters, such as the frequency of water presence, hydro-period, and proximity to the river, have been incorporated into four models—two statistical models (Shannon entropy and Logistic Regression) and two machine learning models (artificial neural network and random forest)—in order to investigate wetland hydrological richness. The models are evaluated using statistical techniques such as ROC curves, and field-based validation is also performed. The information about the best-performing models (random forest for machine learning and logistic regression for statistical models) is valuable for understanding the predictive capabilities of the models applied. RF model identified 168.43 km2, 110.91 km2, 70.13 km2, and 39.15 km2 areas as having very rich and rich water richness zones in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. The percentage of poor and very poor areas has rapidly increased from 29.7% in 1990 to 55.35% in 2020. Additionally, the relationship between wetland fragmentation and hydrological richness is assessed. Wetland fragmentation and shrinking core areas due to anthropogenic intrusion significantly impact the hydrological richness of wetlands. This study will provide important insights into the changing state of wetlands over time, especially concerning the impact of anthropogenic activities on hydrological richness. The findings of this study would have significant implications for wetland management and precautions on manmade hydrological modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) represent a relatively cost-effective tool for comparing diversity between contemporary and historical populations to assess impacts of past population processes, or the outcomes of conservation management. The Aotearoa New Zealand endemic kakī| black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) is a critically endangered wading bird. Anthropogenic impacts contributed to kakī declining to ~ 23 individuals in 1981 and promoted interspecific hybridisation with their more common congener, the poaka| pied stilt (H. leucocephalus). Conservation management of kakī has resulted in the population increasing to 169 wild adults at the end of the 2023–2024 breeding season. Here we use mitogenomes to enable comparisons of diversity between contemporary and historical (pre-1960s) stilts, and to understand the impacts of past interspecific hybridisation. We assemble a mitogenome for kakī and use this as a reference to facilitate downstream comparisons of mitochondrial diversity among kakī and poaka across a period of population decline and subsequent conservation management for kakī. Mitogenome haplotype data provides no evidence of introgression from poaka into kakī despite past hybridisation. This contributes to the behavioural, ecological, morphological and genetic evidence that conservation action has maintained the species integrity of this Critically Endangered bird. Furthermore, these results indicate that mitochondrial diversity has been maintained in kakī across a period of species decline and subsequent conservation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine foundation species are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic stressors, driving a loss of diversity within these critical habitats. Prior studies suggest that species diversity within mussel beds has declined precipitously in southern California, USA, but it is unclear whether a similar loss has occurred farther north. Here, we resurvey a mussel bed community in northern California first sampled in 1941 to evaluate changes in diversity after 78 years. More broadly, we explore the value and potential challenges of using imperfect historical data to assess community changes. Our 2019 survey documented 90 species/taxa across 10 phyla. The majority of species (~ 72%) were common to all replicate plots, suggesting that variation in species diversity over small spatial scales was unlikely to mask temporal changes. In contrast to results from southern California, we observed no decline in species diversity between timepoints. However, there were shifts in species composition, with an increase in the abundance of southern species and a decrease in northern species, consistent with warming observed at a nearby shoreline site. Overall, our findings are an encouraging sign for the health of this mussel bed community in northern California and illustrate how non-traditional data can contribute to assessments of long-term ecological change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated and sustainable river basin management requires accurate assessment and optimized allocation of available water resources, considering the impacts of climate and anthropogenic changes. It can benefit from coupled modeling frameworks combining simulation models and optimization algorithms (OAs). This article reviews simulation-based optimization (SbO) techniques developed for integrated water resources management (IWRM) classified into four distinct categories: i) coupled Simulation-only Models (SM-o) and Simulation Models with water allocation skill (SM-wa); ii) coupled Simulation Models with water allocation skill (SM-wa) and OAs; iii) coupled SM-o and OAs, and iv) simultaneous coupling of SM-o, SM-wa, and OAs. These simulation-based optimization frameworks are constructed using various coupling strategies—isolated, loose, tight, and integrated—based on the required level of data exchange and interactions between model components. The first category (SM-o—SM-wa) is predominantly based on applying offline/isolated coupling methods, whereas subsequent categories witness the adoption of loose and tight coupling approaches. The findings of this review underscore the value of SbO frameworks in promoting comprehensive and sustainable management of water resources capable of addressing single-period and multi-period allocations, as well as optimizing reservoir operation policies within a single framework. Additionally, this review can be a valuable resource for researchers, modelers, and policymakers in selecting suitable simulation models, OAs, and coupling methods for effective decision-making in IWRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Change in the subtidal reef fish assemblage at Kuchierabu-jima Island, southern Japan, since the 1970s was investigated using an underwater visual census in October 2005. A comparison of this survey with data from 1972 revealed that the frequencies of species that had either increased, remained stable, or declined in abundance were dependent on the geographic range category and the major feeding guild. Temperate herbivorous fishes had noticeably declined in abundance, while subtropical carnivorous species had increased. We discuss causes of the change in the reef fish assemblage from the aspect of water temperature, loss of macroalgal beds, and anthropogenic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian Cerrado has been experiencing intense land use changes for decades, with large-scale conversion of its natural vegetation to agriculture and livestock grazing. These agents of landscape change also affect the aquatic ecosystems embedded in the biome. Here, we investigated the effects of land use at different scales (catchment, riparian network, and local riparian) on fish assemblages in streams of the Brazilian Cerrado. We hypothesized that increasing agricultural land use (ALU%) reduces fish diversity and the compositional uniqueness of the fish assemblage. We used GLM to evaluate the impact of low-intensity ALU% on fish richness and abundance. Additionally, we employed beta regression to analyze the effect on local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) and redundancy analysis to assess the impact on species composition. Our results showed that the effects of low-intensity ALU% depend on the spatial scale. While increasing ALU% in the riparian network negatively affected LCBD and altered species composition, ALU% in the catchment had negligible to slightly positive effects on LCDB, within the range of ALU% considered. Our findings reinforce the need to preserve riparian forests to maintain beta diversity in the streams of the Brazilian Cerrado. Also, no evidence was found that low-intense catchment use, without degrading the riparian forest, affects fish assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotope analysis of museum specimens presents an opportunity to evaluate trophic relationships from historical surveys. After testing the effects of preservation methods on archived specimens, we analyzed beak tissue from 69 Northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) collected between 1873 and 1987 from the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotopes were used to infer ecological changes in I. illecebrosus across historical periods spanning the pre-industrial era (late 1800s), subsequent periods of industrial fishing (1930–1960; 1960–1976), and widespread industry regulation (1985–1995). δ15N values for samples collected in the 1900s were significantly depleted compared to values in the 1800s, with the highest δ15N values occurring between 1985 and 1995. There was also a significant shift over time to more depleted δ13C values. Illex illecebrosus occupied completely distinct isotopic spaces during the pre-industrial (1800s) and industrial (1930–1995) periods, suggesting a change in food-web linkages and habitat use over the last century. Changes in δ15N indicated a shift to lower trophic-level foraging habits in the 1900's, while shifts in δ13C may be associated with mechanisms such as the Suess effect and increased reliance on more pelagic resources. Isotopic niche breadth and diversity increased in I. illecebrosus over time, potentially indicating expanded resource use associated with anthropogenic impacts on regional trophic guild structure. Our results are the first to examine isotopic changes of I. illecebrosus over multi-decadal periods using museum collections, and among the first to track long-term changes in the trophic role of cephalopods in marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic changes in natural habitats are one of the main causes of disruptions in plant-pollinator interaction due to plant community alterations, which can affect pollinator persistence. However, pollinators can expand their interactions by exploring alternative resources to compensate for already-established partners' loss. Ecological networks have been used to investigate interactions between species and the effects of environmental impacts on them. However, although tropical forests are threatened by anthropogenic activities worldwide, there is a limited representation of tropical pollination networks in existing evidence. We surveyed literature data for plant-pollinator networks from different tropical regions to assess the impacts of land-use changes on pollinator interaction patterns and their resistance to coextinctions. We hypothesized that pollinators in anthropized tropical forests establish interactions with more partner plants than pollinators in old-growth forests; pollinator networks in anthropized tropical forests are more nested than networks in old-growth forests; pollinators in anthropized tropical forests are more resistant to the extinction of their partners than pollinators in old-growth forests. Contrary to our expectations, we did not observe an effect of anthropization on the structural organization of networks. Furthermore, pollinators in disturbed forests established interactions with fewer partners and were less robust to coextinctions than in old-growth forests. However, there was no difference in the establishment of interactions or the resistance to coextinctions between pollinators in converted forests and pollinators in old-growth or disturbed forests. These results indicate the negative effects of anthropization on establishing interactions and pollinator resistance to coextinctions despite no impact on network assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of the global food crisis, scientists are increasingly concerned about the management of natural resources. Currently, the study of socio-ecological systems represents a novel and holistic approach to sustainability science, and hence, native flora (NF) has been little studied as a food resource within traditional agricultural knowledge. In this article, through a multidisciplinary case study, we have determined the implications for the NF management within traditional agriculture. The traditional agricultural knowledge system is complex and fragile in the face of the acceleration of anthropogenic impacts on traditional food production systems. In this context, we included a novel transdisciplinary case study within the traditional agricultural system in two southeastern Mexican cities. Our research objective was to determine the implications of NF as a sustainable food resource by characterizing traditional knowledge. Consequently, we proposed to demonstrate that there is a regional-scale socio-ecological management system for NF into traditional agriculture. Our findings showed that there is a complex socio-demographic relation between management actors. In relation to NF food use, 41 traditional foods were documented based on consumption patterns and then classified into 12 food groups. Furthermore, farmers perceive the effects of climate change as the main threat to their management of NF through their traditional knowledge. Therefore, there is a narrow system of ethnobiological knowledge at a regional scale which has allowed the existence of biological resources such as traditional foods. As an epistemological contribution, we included a multidisciplinary scheme for the management of traditional food knowledge. Our findings may provide the foundational evidence for future research on NF as a sustainable food resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One group of elements attracting more and more attention are so-called technology-critical elements (TCEs). In comparison with legacy pollutants, the anthropogenic impact of TCEs on the environment might still be minor, but various applications introduce them to the most remote places in the world including the marine environment. One area prone to pollution is the Baltic Sea, partly due to the lack of water exchange with the North Sea. In this study, a sediment core from the German Baltic Sea was used to analyze a total of 42 elemental mass fractions. Based on radiometric dating of 210Pb and 137Cs, results were classified in a recent (2020–2000) and a past period (< 1920), calculating background concentrations based on the Median + 2 Median Absolute Deviation (M2MAD) and the Tukey Inner Fence (TIF). Six legacy pollutants (Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb) and six TCEs (Ga, Ge, Nb, La, Gd, Ta) are discussed in detail. Anthropogenic impacts of both groups were assessed, and local enrichment factors were calculated showing an increase for the legacy pollutants (past period (≤ 0.8); recent period (≥ 1.2)), but also a minor increase for Ga, Ge and Nb (past period (0.9); recent period (1.1)). Values ≥ 1.5, indicating anthropogenic impact, were found for Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, but also for Ge. Proposed background values may be considered as baseline for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prolonged armed conflict in Colombia, spanning over the last five decades, has significantly impacted its agricultural areas and led to the widespread displacement and disruption of farming activities. The agricultural sector is crucial for Colombia as it contributes to food security, the economy, and the Nation's employment rate. However, the agricultural sector is challenged by the environment and its natural resources, especially water in water abstraction and soil in terms of degradation and land cover change. Additionally, climate change exacerbates these challenges by altering precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and further stressing water and soil resources, making sustainable management even more critical. The Resource Nexus approach comes into play to cope with and mitigate such challenges. Combined with social equity to advance the sustainability of agriculture, the Nexus approach demonstrates pathways towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger)in synergies with other SDGs, like SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). This paper addresses the dual challenge of improving natural resources management and population vulnerability reduction in the frame of environmental conflicts and population inequalities that severely affect the resilience of food systems. In line with principles of inclusion and gender equity, the methodology developed here aims to identify Colombia's productive regions that would benefit from enhanced management at the landscape level, the Resource Nexus approach. With the use of geographic information systems (GIS), this research spatially evaluates the (i) impact of land-use changes and the land-use fragmentation due to resource overuse, (ii) the provision of ecosystem services under different uses of natural resources and suggests ecosystem services planning as a methodology for municipal ecosystem-based management, (iii) climate change and the anthropogenic impacts on agricultural productivity in Colombia at the municipality scale. The results indicate significant environmental changes over the past few decades, including reduced natural forests and increased agricultural land. This shift has coincided with a decrease in freshwater availability. Additionally, there is a concerning trend of agricultural expansion into protected areas, highlighting the ongoing pressures on natural resources and the need for sustainable management practices. This study underscores the value of the science-policy interface to ensure increased social equity, economic growth, and resource conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to human-induced impacts, land use and land cover (LULC) in the Earth undergo a constant transformation, presenting a major concern in recent years. The goal of this study is to clarify the impact of anthropogenic LULC changes on hydrology and sediment load in the Alibeyköy Basin located in Istanbul, Türkiye. This basin is vulnerable to population growth and urbanization, necessitating attention and precaution, particularly due to the presence of a large airport which connects roads and expands residential areas with open-pit mining activities. That basin is expected to be an excellent example to demonstrate the impact of rapid anthropogenic activity on a drinking basin. We identified LULC classes both before the 2010 event and after the 2020 airport construction within the basin. We used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for simulating daily streamflows and sediment loads. These results indicated a 30% rise in surface runoff associated with the expansion of artificial surfaces. Changes in LULC from 2010 to 2020 significantly affected total sediment loading (+18%). According to the spatial examination, relatively high sediment loads in some subbasins were related to the open-pit mining activities. These findings emphasize the importance of sediment control in the Alibeyköy Basin for preserving water quality and ensuring the longevity of the dam in the future. Without precautions, increased runoff and sediment load would cause issues like biodiversity loss, health problems, or floods. Implementing effective policies for erosion control, supported by community participation, can help reduce these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the significant environmental and health risks associated with near-surface nitrogen dioxide (NO2), machine learning is frequently employed to estimate near-surface NO2 concentrations (SNO2) from satellite-derived tropospheric NO2 column densities (CNO2). However, data-driven methods often face challenges in explaining the complex relationships between these variables. In this study, the correlation between CNO2 and SNO2 is examined using vertical profile observations from China's MAX-DOAS network. Cloud cover and air convection substantially weaken (R = −0.68) and strengthen (R = 0.71) the CNO2-SNO2 correlation, respectively. Meteorological factors dominate the correlation (R2 = 0.58), which is 31% stronger in northern regions than in the southwest. Additionally, anthropogenic emissions impact SNO2, while topographical features shape regional climate patterns. At the Chongqing site, the negative impacts of unfavorable meteorological conditions, high emissions, and basin topography lead to significant contrasts and delays in daily CNO2 and SNO2 variations. This study enhances understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics and influencing mechanisms of CNO2 and SNO2, supporting improved air quality assessments and pollution exposure evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southeastern coast of Bangladesh is forming the backbone of Bangladesh's Blue Economic Zone, where the shoreline types are constantly changing. This research examines the classification of Bangladesh's southeast coast, changes in shoreline types, and shoreline dynamics from 1990 to 2020. Field investigations, data from Google Earth, satellite images, and statistical analysis have all been carried out, where the transition matrix, sedimentation-erosion, LRR, EPR, and NSM are all used to examine the shifting of coastlines. According to the findings, the overall length of the investigated coastline in 1990 was 295.64 km, with only 11.12 km of human-induced coastline, but the total length of the coastline in 2020 was 281.38 km, with 67.39 km of human-induced coastline. Natural coasts include bedrock, beach, estuary, mangrove, and muddy coastlines; human-induced coastlines include salt fields, constructions, revetment and seawall, ship breaking, and manmade forest coastline. Approximately 60% of the sandy, muddy, and bedrock coastline has been transformed into seawalls, salt fields, and construction shorelines between 1990 and 2020. The changing intensity of coastal length in the study area is highest during 2010–2020, with a value of 0.28%. The analysis shows that over the last 30 years, the study area has lost around 1.06 km2 per year and gained 2.35 km2 per year, for a total net increase of 38.74 km2. Human activities are hastening the process of coastline change, making it critical to protect healthy coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the chemical composition of snow as an indicator of atmospheric pollution at high latitudes is crucial for understanding the transport processes of pollutants in the atmosphere and assessing the anthropogenic impact on Arctic ecosystems. This study proposes a method for detecting and quantifying semi-volatile micropollutants in snow by combining stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) with thermal desorption (TD) gas chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (Orbitrap). Optimizing of SBSE conditions using 76 test priority atmospheric pollutants allowed detection limits to be achieved for most non-polar and weakly polar semi-volatile compounds at the levels ranging from 0.01 to 1 ng L–1. The method demonstrated the ability of detecting 62 analytes and achieving the highly sensitive determination of 32 analytes, with low labor costs using a minimum amount of sample (100 g). The SBSE-TD-GC–HRMS method for snow analysis was developed and validated. Tests on real samples from the Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos detected 29 pollutants from various classes, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, phthalates, nitro- and chloro-organic compounds, and their derivatives, with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50 ng kg–1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a detailed description of the coastline of the Ushkan'i Islands, Lake Baikal, is given in order to assess the use of the shore by the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica Gm.) as haulouts and the role these haulouts play in the annual cycle of seals. To do this, video recordings obtained using the DJI UAV Mavic 2 Zoom (take-off weight 905 g) and Air 2 S (take-off weight 595 g), as well as long-term field observations, were used. A complete survey of the coastline of all four islands was carried out on May 29th and 30th, 2022 (at a water level of 456.40 m a.s.l.), and on August 12th and 24th (water level 456.79 and 456.83 m, respectively). Based on the lithological characteristics, about 30% of the coastline on Bolshoi Ushkanii Island, the largest one, is shown to be suitable for use by seals, but currently this is not the case. Among the three smaller islands, the favorite place for the formation of seal haulouts is Kruglyi Island, based on the total number of animals recorded on the island and in coastal waters, followed by the Tonkii Island and then Dolgii Island, the latter supporting a stationary video system transmitting information online. On all islands, the coordinates of specific haulout/rookery locations have been determined. Currently, about 35% of the length of the coastline of the three smaller Ushkan'i Islands are being used by seals for haulouts to one degree or another. Under current climatic conditions, the haulouts on the smaller Ushkan'i Islands seem to play extremely important roles for a significant part of the population (several thousand individuals visit them every season), since most other rookeries and locations that seals could use as such are highly susceptible to anthropogenic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying the space use and seasonal movements of the Topozero territorial group of wild forest reindeer females in the Republic of Karelia are presented. Telemetry (GPS-collars) was used to assess the movements of the wild forest reindeer. Individual variations were noted in seasonal movements: two individuals were relatively sedentary, whereas the third moved over long distances during the year, with the distance between the extreme locations amounting to more than 70 km. The timing of the start of seasonal migrations varied between years. The use of the same summer habitats in different years was revealed, but the territories of the rut and winter pastures were different for the same animals. Movements of animals over fairly long distances have been noted, which is probably associated with the disturbance factor on the part of predators and/or humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) compounds in bottom sediments and surface waters of the Chernaya River in St. Petersburg in the spring-summer and autumn periods were determined. Analysis of water quality at the river source (sampling point S1) revealed a persistent anthropogenic impact on the water system associated with heavy metal pollution throughout the entire observation period. The ecological situation in bottom sediments was assessed. The most polluted areas were found near the source of the river, at point S1. According to the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination with cadmium and copper is assessed as moderate, while for mercury (Hg) this indicator ranges from moderate (spring) to severe (summer). In areas with high anthropogenic impact, the proportion of mobile forms of metals in bottom sediments increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures based on functional traits are often capable of indicating local environmental conditions and are thus considered promising tools for environmental monitoring and assessment programs. Benthic macroinvertebrates exhibit a diverse array of functional traits that can be used for assessing ecological quality of freshwater ecosystems. However, the associations between functional structure of macroinvertebrates and anthropogenic disturbances remain inadequately understood, especially for floodplain lakes. In our study, we compared the response of taxonomic and functional trait composition of macroinvertebrates to anthropogenic eutrophication in lake ecosystems of the Yangtze River floodplain. We found that the relative abundance of Mollusca, Gastropods, Bithyniidae, Bivalvia and Ephemeroptera showed significant differences among four lake groups (river-connected, macrophyte-dominated, macrophyte-algal transitional and algal-dominated lakes) subjected to different disturbance levels from mesotrophic to highly eutrophic. Using a trait-based approach, we found 13 categories, belonging to seven traits, showed significant differences observed among lake groups. Regarding influence of environmental factors on macroinvertebrate assemblages, both taxonomic measures and functional traits were mainly affected by water quality factors associated with eutrophication. However, the number and specific key environmental factors varied between measures of functional traits and taxonomic composition. The taxonomic composition responded to more environmental factors (seven factors: Chl a, CODmn, TN, area, water depth, NH4+-N and conductivity), but showed lower explained variation (24.4%) compared with functional structure (three factors: aquatic vegetation coverage, conductivity and Chl a, 36.4% explained variation). Furthermore, spatial factors only affected taxonomic composition, but they were not correlated with functional composition. In general, our study showed that functional trait structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages responded more sensitively and reliably to eutrophication than measures based on taxonomic composition in floodplain lakes. Thus, we recommend the incorporation of macroinvertebrate functional trait information into biomonitoring programs for floodplain lakes and other aquatic ecosystems, as it can be considered as a more promising approach than taxonomy-based approaches in biomonitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their diversity and importance as ecological indicators and ecosystem service providers, the macroecology of bats in South Asia is poorly understood, and until recently studies on the ecological niches of these species have been rare. This study analyses the ecogeographic predictors of habitat suitability in South Asian bats by conducting ensemble ecological niche modelling using four algorithms (random forests, artificial neural networks, multivariate adaptive regression splines, and maximum entropy) to define suitability envelopes for 48 selected bat species, based on topographic, hydrographic, land-use, land-cover, and other anthropogenic impact factors. Anthropogenic impact variables showed high importance with Median Night-time Light being the biggest driver of habitat suitability for most of the study species with generally lower suitability of brighter areas. Projected suitable areas for individual species covered between 6.28% and 22.98% of the study area. Regions such as the Thar desert of northwestern India were consistently identified to have low suitability. The Western Ghats in India, the Himalayas in Bhutan, northern India, and Nepal, and Sri Lanka were identified as suitability hotspots for more than half the studied species overlapping with human-impacted habitats. This study offers insight into the impacts of anthropogenic pressure on the macroecology of bats in a megadiverse region and stresses the importance of analysing ecogeographic effects on ecological niches and habitat suitability, which can be vital to inform conservation planning and policymaking in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of ecosystem health is an urgent problem of environmental safety. S.E. Jørgensen and Yu.M. Svirezhev [15] have worked out the basics of the thermodynamic theory of ecosystems. It is shown that the exergy of solar radiation absorbed by an ecosystem is spent on carbon deposition and the removal of entropy from the ecosystem, generated by anthropogenic and natural impact. The criterion for the health of the ecosystem is the exergy contained in it. In this paper, the rate of ecosystem evapotranspiration is used for satellite mapping of ecosystem health. For this purpose, a thermodynamic impact index was introduced equal to the ratio of evapotranspiration of an impacted ecosystem to evapotranspiration of a healthy ecosystem. The ecosystem of specially protected areas or the ecosystem of a given species with the highest evapotranspiration value can be used as a healthy standard of ecosystem. A feature of this study is the introduction of technology for thermodynamic satellite mapping of ecosystem health in the "IKI-Monitoring" Center for Collective Use, including in the Vega-Science system, where, since 2001, a database of 8-day satellite composites of evapotranspiration (spatial resolution 500 × 500 m) for the entire territory of Russia has been collected in the automatic mode. The ecosystem of the Karelian Isthmus, as a representative territory of the catchment area of the Gulf of Finland, was chosen as the research object. Three examples of natural and anthropogenic effects on ecosystem demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed ecosystem health measure. It is shown that the sensitivity of the technology to ecosystem health disorders is so high that it allows mapping local ecosystem health disorders, the spatial dimensions of which are an order of magnitude smaller than the resolution of the used evapotranspiration satellite maps. It is concluded that the developed technology can be quickly applied by regional environmental authorities throughout Russia for operational synoptic analysis of the health of the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesophotic zone represents one of our planet's largest and least explored biomes. An increasing number of studies evidence the importance of macrofouling species in marine ecosystems, but information on these communities and the factors influencing their structures at mesophotic depths remain poor. This lack of understanding limits our ability to predict anthropogenic impacts or conduct restoration operations in the mesophotic and the lower boundary of the euphotic zones. In this study, we performed a 24-month experiment in a natural environment to investigate three factors influencing the macrobenthic community structure of the mesophotic and the euphotic lower boundary: depth, substrate orientation and substrate material. Using a manned submersible, several recruitment panels of two different materials were deployed at 100, 200 and 400 meters in vertical and horizontal positions. All three factors contributed to structuring the macrofouling communities, but depth and substrate orientation displayed the strongest effects. This study not only advances our understanding of lower boundary euphotic and mesophotic macrofouling communities but also establishes a foundation for future research and restoration efforts of mesophotic environments in the Madeira archipelago, where mesophotic habitats are amongst the least studied marine habitats in the Northeast Atlantic. To inform deeper water conservation, restoration and ecology, a study explores factors affecting benthic community colonization. In two years, depth impacted species richness and coverage the most, followed by substrate orientation and material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the test monitoring site on the territory of the Oroshaemaya Experimental Station in the south of the Volga Upland (Volgograd oblast, Russia), the estimates of the baseline contents and stocks of soil organic carbon (Corg) and soil bulk density and characteristics of their spatial variability and vertical distribution patterns within the upper 40 cm encompassing the entire humus layer are presented. The specified indicators characterize arable land in crop rotation under dry and irrigated farming practices and a 50-year-old fallow at seven dynamic monitoring plots with light chestnut soils. The studied soils have two types of profile horizonation: P–BMK–BCAnc (agrochestnut soils) and Pca–BCAnc (carbonate-accumulative agrozems); they are silty loamy and develop from yellowish brown sandy silt loams. In the WRB system, they are classified as Haplic Kastanozems (Loamic, Aric). The map of the coefficients of multitemporal soil line, retrospective analysis of remote sensing data for 40 years, and the results of field soil survey have been used to select the monitoring plots. Each plot 30 × 30 m includes nine individual sampling points, at which soil sampling from thin (5 or 10 cm) layers has been performed to a depth of 40 cm. The coefficient of spatial variation in the Corg content increases from 5–10 to 30–40% with increasing depth of the layer. On the arable field, a uniform vertical distribution of Corg within the plow layer is substantiated. On the fallow land, an accumulative type of the vertical distribution of Corg with a maximum in the surface light-humus horizon with the formed sod layer is observed. The obtained estimates of the contents and stocks of Corg are comparable with the available materials on light chestnut soils of the Volga–Don interfluve. The chosen plots are representative for monitoring. For the layer of 0–30 cm, the minimum significant difference in Corg stocks is, on average, 3.4 t/ha with a variation from 2.7 to 4.6 t/ha. The Corg stocks at different dynamic monitoring plots are significantly affected by the vertical distribution of soil bulk density values, which depends on the character of anthropogenic impact on soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigating Urban Heat Island (UHI) intensity in cities through adaptative strategies has become an urgent need, as UHI are also exacerbated by climate change impacts imputable to anthropogenic actions. This study addresses the need for reliable simulation models to analyze outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) in future or alternative scenarios. The aim of the present study is to contribute to the validation of CFD urban microclimate simulations by employing intra-urban canyon transects as an alternative or a complementary approach to fixed stations. To accomplish this, we developed a cost-effective monitoring unit to carry out transects on a pre-defined route (1), devised the area of interest (2), elaborated a simulation model in ENVI-met (3), and proposed different validation methods for comparative analyses (4). Results indicate that temporal validated simulation tended to underestimate thermal indices in the morning and night and overestimate them in the afternoon, while spatio-temporal validation under a human-centric comfort approach via wearable sensing notably improved accuracy. Moderate to very strong agreement between simulation and measurement data in summer (Willmot's d ~ 0.70, d ~ 0.81) and very strong agreement in winter (d ~ 0.79, d ~ 0.96), with low error magnitudes in summer (RMSE ~ 0.91℃ and 9.59%, MBE ~ 0.23℃ and 9.10%) have been found. In winter, such figures were RMSE ~ 0.71℃ and 3.51%, MBE ~ 0.00℃ and 0.98%, for the spatio-temporal validated model. This research contributes to enhancing the reliability of relatively affordable CFD urban microclimate simulations, supporting its scale up for policymakers in implementing effective strategies for OTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater eels (Anguillidae) are facing numerous anthropogenic impacts that have led to declines in abundance for nearly all species. They have a complex life history that includes obligate migration and flexible habitat use, characteristics which have generated much research interest in the family. Eels also have high cultural and economic value, further incentivizing the study of key species. We reviewed the scientific literature on anguillids from the last four decades, analyzing research trends among and within species of the genus Anguilla. We identified a shift in research focus from largely biological towards more applied management and conservation topics, an increased emphasis on migration and fish passage considerations, and a tendency towards research on glass eels and silver eels over other life stages. We also identified a significant disparity in research effort between temperate species and tropical species, with a scarcity of knowledge on the latter. Finally, we described several key knowledge gaps about community-based interactions of eels, notably their roles as predator, prey, and ecosystem connector, and highlight opportunities for early career researchers to establish research programs within the field of anguillid research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of Perm city is imprinted in surface and buried soils, especially in their organic horizons, as these surface horizons are most strongly affected by the anthropogenic impact. Similarities and differences in morphology and properties of surface and buried organic horizons have been revealed for the soils of Perm residential areas. They depend on the functional role of soil cover in residential areas, the type of urban buildings, and the use of particular construction materials. The differences are manifested in the presence and composition of artifacts; the contents of organic carbon, carbonates, and available phosphates; and soil pH. In the buried organic horizons, the intensity of soil respiration and the urease activity decrease and are lower than in the surface organic horizons, whereas the urease activity is relatively high. Additional input of organic matter to urban soils increases the content of humic acids in organic horizons and the degree of organic matter humification to a high level. The soils without additional input of organic matter display the features of zonal humification processes of low and medium intensity. The anthropogenic contribution to the carbon cycle has increased with the widespread use of peat for reclamation, as well as carbonate building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the common destructive effects of urbanisation on biodiversity assemblages, certain species thrive in urban environments. One mammalian species that has persisted in the urban-forest mosaic landscape is the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus). It is a common resident primate in Durban, eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, with frequent contact with humans and domestic wildlife. Due to their adaptability in using human-altered landscapes, the interactions between humans and vervet monkeys have increased and are often negative. Our study determined trends in the admission cases of vervet monkeys to a Durban wildlife rehabilitation centre and assessed the main factors contributing to these admissions to mitigate human-vervet monkey conflict. Our analyses were conducted on recorded admission data for vervet monkeys at a wildlife rehabilitation centre from 2011 to 2018. Members of the public (90.0%) mostly reported vervet cases, with admissions mostly recorded from the central district (46.8%) of the municipality. The number of admitted vervet monkeys increased significantly over the years and months, with a mean (± SE) of 127.3 ± 21.34 and 84.8 ± 5.37, respectively. Only 34.3% of vervet monkeys were alive at the end of the admission process from the 83.7% that were admitted alive at the rehabilitation centre. The high number of deaths resulted from anthropogenic activities, primarily motor vehicle strikes (30.8%) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) attacks (13.9%). We modelled survivability for vervet monkeys, and our results showed that season, age category, and the cause of admission were all significant factors influencing survival after admission. The sex of vervet monkeys had no significant effects on survivability after admission to the rehabilitation centre. We suggest that wildlife rehabilitation centres in priority areas use these findings in education to improve human coexistence with vervet monkeys. The trends also serve as a foundation for human-vervet conflict resolution programmes. The advantages of publishing records from rehabilitation centres are that they will raise awareness of the challenges posed by vervet monkeys in urban environments, where they are sometimes perceived as a nuisance because of anthropogenic influences in the urban mosaic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth's energy imbalance (EEI) is a fundamental metric of global Earth system change, quantifying the cumulative impact of natural and anthropogenic radiative forcings and feedback. To date, the most precise measurements of EEI change are obtained through radiometric observations at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), while the quantification of EEI absolute magnitude is facilitated through heat inventory analysis, where ~ 90% of heat uptake manifests as an increase in ocean heat content (OHC). Various international groups provide OHC datasets derived from in situ and satellite observations, as well as from reanalyses ingesting many available observations. The WCRP formed the GEWEX-EEI Assessment Working Group to better understand discrepancies, uncertainties and reconcile current knowledge of EEI magnitude, variability and trends. Here, 21 OHC datasets and ocean heat uptake (OHU) rates are intercompared, providing OHU estimates ranging between 0.40 ± 0.12 and 0.96 ± 0.08 W m−2 (2005–2019), a spread that is slightly reduced when unequal ocean sampling is accounted for, and that is largely attributable to differing source data, mapping methods and quality control procedures. The rate of increase in OHU varies substantially between − 0.03 ± 0.13 (reanalysis product) and 1.1 ± 0.6 W m−2 dec−1 (satellite product). Products that either more regularly observe (satellites) or fill in situ data-sparse regions based on additional physical knowledge (some reanalysis and hybrid products) tend to track radiometric EEI variability better than purely in situ-based OHC products. This paper also examines zonal trends in TOA radiative fluxes and the impact of data gaps on trend estimates. The GEWEX-EEI community aims to refine their assessment studies, to forge a path toward best practices, e.g., in uncertainty quantification, and to formulate recommendations for future activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studies of the effectiveness of various methods of protecting mammoth tusks from microbiological contamination under long-term storage conditions are presented. When analyzing swabs taken from the surfaces of mammoth tusk samples before exposure, the landscape of isolated microorganisms was dominated by bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Chryseobacterium, and Enterobacter with biocontamination of bone tissue caused mainly by microorganisms from the external environment (air, anthropogenic impact, etc.). Of the proposed options for protection against biocontamination, the method that showed the greatest effectiveness was the treatment of mammoth tusks with a hydrophobic-biocide composition, followed by mechanical isolation in plastic film. When using this method of protection, the total contamination of mammoth tusk samples after six months of exposure in various conditions decreased by 4–5 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main factors governing the formation of river water chemistry on the northwestern slope of the Crimean Mountains were studied, and the ecological conditions of river water are estimated. The data used in the study have been collected during summer field studies in 2003–2022. River water chemistry is not stable and varies depending on weather conditions in individual years and anthropogenic impact. The effect of geological–hydrogeological conditions on the macro- and microcomponent composition in the natural water of the region is demonstrated. The concentrations of chemical elements in the surface waters in the Bodrak River basin are proposed to be used as natural (background) concentrations of chemical elements in river waters not experiencing anthropogenic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment holds both valuable resources and potential dangers, with natural disasters, particularly floods, standing out prominently as a major threat to the society. Floods are a recurring natural phenomenon that has caused widespread destruction and human and economic loss. The U.S. has witnessed significant damages caused by flooding, contributing approximately 7.4% of the total economic losses attributed to natural disasters. This literature review investigates several aspects of floods in the U.S.: (1) The exploration of flood history unfolds a narrative of recurrent floods, highlighting significant events, their societal impacts, and the evolution of flood management strategies over time. (2) Causes triggering floods in the U.S. are scrutinized, emphasizing the influence of weather events such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and storms, which are connected with climate change, alongside the impact of anthropogenic factors like urbanization, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructures. (3) Previous studies discussed the future of flooding and agreed that climate change is increasing the risk of flooding in the U.S. (4) This review also synthesizes current trends, acknowledging the efforts in the ongoing research on flooding as well as suggesting the research and knowledge gaps that need in-depth investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure of fish to heavy metals is a significant concern for human health and natural ecosystems. Despite being a critical issue, the extent of contamination in tropical fish from developing countries like Bangladesh remains somewhat unexplored. In this study, ten economically vital fish species (Osteogeneiosus militaris, Arius gagora, Harpadon nehereus, Mugil ephalus, Pseudapocryptes elongates, Apocryptes bato, Labeo bata, Tenualosa toil, Notopterus notopterus, and Pampus chinensis) from the Pasur River, Bangladesh, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer for the concentrations of four concerned heavy metals, viz., As, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and the associated human health risks. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) followed the order of As (3.30 ± 1.43) > Pb (2.32 ± 0.73) > Cr (0.63 ± 0.29) > Cd (0.37 ± 0.24). Additionally, the bioaccumulation factor of the metals in the investigated fish species followed a decreasing trend of As (824.75) > Cr (781.25) > Cd (744) > Pb (385.83). While most species fell below the minimum bioaccumulation line, a few exceptions were noted for some species specific to metals. Health risk assessments indicated no significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for both children and adults, although children exhibited greater vulnerability to both types of health effects. Multivariate analysis and local perceptions supported the conclusion that heavy metals primarily originated from anthropogenic sources related to development activities adjacent to the riverine areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization profoundly alters natural landscapes, leading to changes in species assemblages and ecological interactions. Despite increasing interest in understanding the effects of urbanization on species interactions, there is still a gap in knowledge regarding the structure of plant-herbivore networks in urban environments. Previous studies have indicated that anthropogenic impacts can alter the topology of plant-herbivore networks, making them more generalized in disturbed environments. Here, we investigate the topology of a plant-herbivore network in urban fragments of neotropical savanna in Brazil. As specialist species (i.e., those with few interactions) tend to be more sensitive to urbanization than generalist species (i.e., those with many interactions), we hypothesized that the urban savanna network would exhibit low specialization and modularity but high nestedness. We also tested if different attributes of insects (abundance, feeding guild, developmental stage, and taxon) and plants (abundance, height, and coverage) affect the diversity of their interactions at the species level. Contrary to our expectations, the network exhibited higher specialization and modularity than expected by null models, indicating urban environments may foster levels of specialization comparable to observed in previous studies for wild savannas. Regarding the species-level descriptors, we found that different characteristics of insect and plant species affect the diversity and specialization of their interactions. Our results showed that adult insects have higher degree and centrality in shaping the network, possibly attributed to their increased mobility and capacity to link various segments of the network. Similarly, chewing insects and thrips (Thysanoptera), known for their generalist interactions with plants, had higher number of interactions and were central within the network. Furthermore, larger plant species had a higher degree and greater betweenness centrality, while plant species with greater cover had lower specialization compared to herbs. This indicates that plant species with greater structural complexity accumulate more generalized interactions. Our results also show that more abundant species, both insects and plants, had a higher number of interactions and greater centrality in the network. Our study provides insights into the structure of plant-herbivore networks in urban savanna fragments, contributing to our understanding of species interactions in urban environments and their response to anthropogenic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the globe, ecological restoration projects are being undertaken to mitigate anthropogenic impacts and recover lost biodiversity; however, evaluations of efficacy can lack robustness or, more often, are not completed at all. In this perspective piece, to demonstrate the utility of acoustic telemetry to assess ecological restoration in aquatic systems, we synthesize two case studies in coastal freshwater and marine urban ecosystems: Toronto, Canada, and Bergen, Norway. In Toronto Harbour, a Before-After-Control-Impact experimental design was instrumental in detecting differences attributed to ecological restoration across multiple species of fish. Additionally, acoustic telemetry data were paired with catch and community traits derived from electrofishing, which provided a more complete understanding of fish responses to restoration. In Bergen Harbour, the acoustic telemetry array was deployed before restoration, providing a Before-After comparison of habitat use by several fish species and European lobster (Homarus gammarus). In addition to acoustic telemetry, blood samples were taken from multiple fishes, to examine the levels of contaminants before and after restoration, adding an ecotoxicological dimension to the assessment. Incorporating these complementary methods contributed to a more holistic understanding of animal response to ecological restoration. Finally, we also identified indicators that could be calculated using acoustic telemetry data, including those derived from addition sensors (e.g., pressure). As we look to the future within the Anthropocene, it will be imperative that ecological restoration achieves intended goals and we contend that acoustic telemetry has a bigger role to play in the evaluation of efficacy as it provides continuous monitoring compared to more traditional, discrete sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the relationship between modern pollen and vegetation is crucial for interpreting fossil pollen records and assessing human impact on the environment, both of which are essential for effective environmental management strategies. Despite numerous studies on fossil pollen records in the Rif landscape, research specifically focusing on modern pollen and its implications for understanding human impact on the natural landscape is notably lacking. This paper presents novel anthropogenic pollen indicators for the Rif Mountains and seeks to evaluate the gradients of human impact on the southern Mediterranean landscape. We employed a combination of modern pollen analysis, vegetation survey, and ordination techniques, incorporating various environmental and land-use variables. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) allowed us to evaluate the relationships between pollen types and environmental variables, helping us identify key anthropogenic pollen indicators associated with land use and human activities: Poaceae, Cannabis-t, Olea-t, and Asteraceae for cultivation; Brassicaceae, Genista-t, Poaceae, Asteraceae and Plantago-t, for grazing; Apiaceae, Urtica-t and Genista-t for slashing and burning. Additionally, an anthropogenic index score (AIS) was calculated for each sampled location. Correspondence analysis (CA) was then used to correlate each specific pollen type with levels of human impact as follows (a) low (e.g., Cedrus atlantica-t, Quercus canariensis-t), (b) moderate (e.g., Erica-t, Arbutus unedo-t, Eucalyptus-t), and (c) high (e.g., Cannabis-t, Brassicaceae, Olea-t, Nicotiana-t). This paper enhances our comprehension of land-use dynamics and impact levels, providing essential insights for evaluating anthropogenic impact trends and human-induced changes in the Rif Mountains landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change is among the major anthropogenic factors impacting species distribution, with significant conservation implications. Yet, little is known about the effects of climate warming on the distributional shifts of East Asian species. In the current study, we used the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to determine present and possible future habitats for five Meehania species occurring in the East Asian region. Our objectives were to assess how climate change would influence the species' habitat under current and future climate scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5). The mean area under the curve ranged between 0.896 and 0.973, while the TSS values for all species varied between 0.811 and 0.891. The modelled current habitat of the species corresponded with the recorded distribution localities, confirming the model's robustness. Analysis of variable contribution demonstrated that the distribution of the species had differential environmental requirements; however, isothermality, precipitation of driest month, and elevation variables were among the main influential variables. Based on present climatic conditions, the projected habitat suitability maps showed a total of 662,846.0 to 2,039,180.1 km2 as suitable regions for the distribution of Meehania species. In addition, there was a substantial loss in habitat range under future climatic scenarios for all the species. While the East Asian region is rich in biodiversity, more attention should be given to its management conservation. The current findings provide a scientific foundation for the conservation of Meehania and other species' habitats in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sheds new insight on how historically oppressed and marginalized actors are able to pursue environmental sustainability based on alternative worldviews (e.g., Indigenous worldviews) rather than succumbing to those dominant in the Western society, based on a study of the Syilx ("Okanagan") people in British Columbia, Canada. We found that the Syilx people enacted the ethical practice of nʕawqnwixʷ ("the reciprocal gentle dropping of thoughts, like water, into everyone's minds to address the issue at the centre of discussion and to reach collective consensus for action"), anchored in the Syilx worldview, to reconstruct the relationships between humans and nature. Two overlapping processes are involved: developing foundational principles for human–nature relations and carrying out reconstruction work. Ongoing enactment of nʕawqnwixʷ practice provided community-based agency, enabling the Syilx people to shift the conversation around environmental sustainability. From this, we discuss the theoretical potential of community-based agency for the study of environmental sustainability, and the role of Indigenous worldviews for (re)imagining human-nature ethics (and reorienting the theoretical lens of human-animal or human-plant ethics form a firm-centric focus to a community-oriented lens), and important implications for practitioners and policymakers in the field of environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term datasets provide context and understanding of complex ecological processes, including temporal variations in species diversity and ecosystem dynamics. This dataset is comprised of body length measurements (mm) of more than 380,000 larval or juvenile fish of 30 species from five English river catchments collected almost monthly over two decades. Such information can be used to determine growth rates, future recruitment success, population structure and compliance with monitoring protocols and conservation objectives. The dataset provides a baseline for analysing the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances such as climate change, pollution and habitat degradation, and, given that many fish populations are size structured with a positive relationship between fish body length and various biological attributes such as swimming ability, survival and fecundity, it will be invaluable for investigating natural and human- induced disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst represents approximately 15% of the planet's surface, hundreds of millions of people live on and rely on these aquifers for water supply and agricultural irrigation. In karstic landscapes, groundwater is exposed in sinkholes, inundated caves, and artesian wells, which are two-way communication spots. When the phreatic level is exposed, the groundwater can change substantially as a result of anthropogenic impacts, modifying the water quality and the environmental integrity by incoming excess nutrients, contaminants, pathogens, and other hazardous substances such as metals and microplastics. In this paper, we develop and test a multimetric index to evaluate the condition status of dolines located within urban areas, including seven indicators: trophic index, fecal bacteria, fecal viruses, microplastics, heavy metals, zooplankton biodiversity, and fish biodiversity. Lastly, we made a proof of concept for the index in the dolines on the island of Cozumel (Mexico), resulting in evaluations from fair to good. The index is powerful due to its sensitivity to pathogens and exotic invasive species. This additive weighted index allows to assess the condition status of dolines in urban areas anywhere in the world; if required, modifications are possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the building of the Yangtze River Water Conservancy Project, the study of the changing characteristics of intertidal sediments and their interaction with benthic species along the north shore of Hangzhou Bay is vital. In this study, Macrophthalmus abbreviatus and Macrophthalmus banzai were selected to compare the significance of differences in the nature of their substrates and to analyse their preferences for different substrate conditions through indoor experiments. This reveals the effect of sediment grain size on the feeding and burrowing behaviour of both. PCA and test for significance of differences in morphological parameters between the two species showed that the morphological differences between the two species were focused on the cephalothorax width-to-length and height-to-width ratios as well as the height-to-width and height-to-length ratios of the ambulatory legs, which were significant (P < 0.05), specifically, the Macrophthalmus abbreviatus had a flatter and narrower cephalothorax and sharper ambulatory legs, which were optimised for burrowing in a high- compaction substrate. Macrophthalmus banzai, on the other hand, with its broader cephalothorax and stouter ambulatory legs, was better adapted to burrowing behaviour in a low-compaction substrate. Their tilting burrowing habits and variances in burrow angle and fit to the body also reflect adaptations to the nature of the substrate in their distinct habitats. The effects of sediment particle size changes on the two species were deduced. The changes of the two species populations caused by the change of sediment particle size in the north shore of Hangzhou Bay in recent years were analyzed. This paper emphasises that substrate tightness is an important factor driving habitat selection for both crab species, and therefore long-term monitoring of estuarine sediment grain size and benthic fauna is important for assessing anthropogenic impacts on intertidal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the sources of heavy metals in local soils and their risks to human health. This study quantified the concentrations of eight heavy metals in 504 soil samples collected in Tengzhou, China. The ecological risks of a single heavy metal (EI), a comprehensive ecological risk index (RI), and a health risk assessment model were used to evaluate the level of contamination in the city. The results of the research study indicate that there are different levels of heavy metal pollution in rural and urban agricultural areas in Tengzhou. Moreover, the spatial variability of mercury (Hg) is considerable, reaching 0.96, indicating a significant impact of anthropogenic activities. For the ecological risk, the heavy metal element with the highest EI value was mercury with a mean value of 67.22 and a peak value of 776.00. The heavy metal with the lowest mean EI value was Zn with only 1.03. Meanwhile, the average RI is only 128.59, but some areas have an RI as high as 842.2. The sources of heavy metals were identified using principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and an absolute principal component score multiple linear regression model (APCS-MLR). The non-carcinogenic risk for children, the carcinogenic risk for children, and the carcinogenic risk for adults were 1.23, 2.42×10–4 and 1.00×10–4, respectively, and these values exceeded their respective recommended values, and As and Cr had some carcinogenic hazards. Heavy metals in the soil come from natural, industrial, traffic and agricultural sources and represent 39.59%, 29.48%, 25.17% and 5.77%, respectively. The main source of heavy metals in local agricultural soils is the geological background, and the government needs to strengthen the monitoring of As and Cr in drinking water resources, as well as reduce traffic pollution and factory waste emissions to reduce Hg in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Some marine organisms can be used as Biological Quality Elements to estimate the degree of environmental impact and to monitor the health of benthic habitats. Organisms with mineralized protections, such as benthic foraminifera, can provide helpful information on the evolution of the coastal system over a long period and determine the Paleo-Ecological Quality Status (Paleo-EcoQS). This work aims at reconstructing the Paleo-EcoQS in the heavily anthropized Sepetiba Bay (SB; Rio de Janeiro State, SE Brazil). Materials and methods: This work is based on a multiproxy approach, including textural, geochemical, and foraminiferal data along the core SP11 retrieved near the Pico da Marambaia (a mountain on the tip of the Marambaia Barrier Island). Geochemical analyses encompassing total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (S), total nitrogen (N), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), stable isotopes in organic matter (OMδ13C, and OMδ15N) and elemental concentrations as well as 201Pb, 137Cs, and radiocarbon dating were performed to characterize the Paleo-EcoQS in the bay. Results: The values of the Paleo-EcoQS.st (standardized Paleo-EcoQS) index in core SP11 indicate that the paleoenvironmental quality varied from moderate to good between ≈50 AD and ≈1500 AD and from good to high between the ~ 1920s and ~ 1990s. Since the 1990s, the Paleo-EcoQS.st has deteriorated considerably, probably due to the deposition of contaminated dredging material in nearby areas. Ballast water discharge may have introduced alien species, such as Ammonia buzasi, into the SB. Conclusions: The results obtained in core SP11, compared to those of another core (i.e., SP8) from a nearby area, suggest that the reference level of maximum environmental quality is not always reached in a period before industrialization in coastal ecosystems with significant interaction with the ocean; natural factors, related, for example, to sedimentary dynamic processes or geomorphological changes, can lead to unexpected results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on 120 specimens of the shrimp Palaemon elegans collected in intertidal zones in eight selected areas. This study aimed to assess the suitability of P. elegans as a bioindicator of natural and anthropogenic marine pollution. Metal concentrations of aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were measured in shrimp collected from various sites in the Canary Islands, including areas affected by volcanic activity, industrial activity, and control zones. The determination of metal concentrations was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). The results showed significant differences in metal concentrations across the studied sites, with the highest levels of Al, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn observed in areas impacted by the Tajogaite volcanic eruption and harbor activity. Sites near old landfills and sewage pipes also exhibited elevated levels of Cd, Cu, and Pb, indicating strong anthropogenic influence. Al was found in the highest concentration in Harbour, reaching 25.7 ± 6.2 mg/kg, while the lowest concentration was observed in Control Lp at 11.5 ± 0.69 mg/kg. Conversely, lower metal concentrations were detected in control zones and areas with high dinoflagellate presence, suggesting a potential role of bioremediation by marine phytoplankton. The ability of P. elegans to accumulate metals in its tissues, particularly in areas of high pollution, highlights its potential as a bioindicator species. This study underscores the importance of P. elegans in monitoring marine pollution and provides insights into the environmental impact of both natural and human-induced contamination on coastal ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals envision a sustainable future that includes a shift in food consumption, aiming to reduce anthropogenic environmental impacts. Protein sources are crucial in sustainable diets because of their high environmental influence. Although consumers play a pivotal role in driving the shift towards more sustainable food consumption patterns, research on the perceptions of specific dietary groups regarding protein sources is limited. In this study, the perceived sustainability attributes of eight common protein sources between reduced animal-based dieters (RABs) and nondieters (NDs) were evaluated. Using a cross-sectional survey, we measured demographic data, food consumption frequency, perceived healthiness, and environmental friendliness. We performed conjoint analysis on the importance of the protein sources' sustainability attributes (nutritional score, ecological score, price, product category). In total, 294 RABs and 247 NDs participated. The majority of the sample consisted of highly educated, childless women aged 18–39 years with high incomes, residing in cities, and responsible for food in their households. The presence of a nutritional score had a positive effect on both consumer groups' perceptions of product sustainability, whereas the presence of an ecological score negatively affected consumer preferences for more sustainable products. The perceptions of the sustainability of protein sources varied significantly between RABs and NDs. Overall, RABs underestimated the healthiness of animal-based products, whereas NDs underestimated the environmental impact of protein sources. Among the animal-based protein sources, eggs and fish were seen as the most sustainable, with significantly higher means for NDs (p < 0.001). Among the sustainability attributes, plant-based foods and nutritional scores had a significant positive effect on both groups' choices. For RABs, all animal-based protein sources had a significant negative effect on food choice. These results support the assumption that nutritional scores can improve the nutritional quality of food choices, whereas ecological scores can reduce the environmental impact of food choices. These findings underscore the need for tailored communication strategies and interventions to promote sustainable food choices among diverse dietary groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Host-Habitat Continuum Concept (HHCC) predicts changes in the proportions of freshwater mussels with different life-history strategies (i.e., equilibrium, periodic, opportunistic) along stream gradients and between habitat types. We analyzed mussel assemblages from a large, diverse geographic area to test predictions of the HHCC and to assess if species richness, abundance, and host strategy patterns change predictably among different habitats (lakes, reservoirs, and streams) and stream sizes. Species richness and abundance were low in lakes, reservoirs, and small streams and increased with stream size. Mussels use various strategies to attract fish hosts and the proportion of mussels that release conglutinates (i.e., packets of glochida) increased with stream size and the proportion that use lures decreased. Our results supported predictions of the HHCC: greater proportions of opportunistic or periodic strategists in lakes, reservoirs, and small streams and a shift to equilibrium strategists in larger streams. Patterns differed slightly in lakes and reservoirs with a higher proportion of periodic strategists than expected. Not all watersheds followed predictions of the HHCC likely due to the effects of biogeography and anthropogenic impacts. These life history strategy patterns can be used to test the expected composition of mussel communities and to detect possible anthropogenic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sorbent with magnetic properties, functionalized with humates, in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is proposed for the determination of phenolic xenoestrogens (ED) in bottom sediments. The octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) ED are chosen as test samples. Along with ED, the distribution of the naturally occurring estrogen, 17β-estradiol (ES), is studied. Sorption preconcentration is carried out under dynamic conditions: a sorbent weighing 0.5 g is placed in a borosilicate glass column, on both sides of which magnets are placed to immobilize the sorbent. The analytical characteristics of the determination method are established using model samples of bottom sediments selected in a background area with a minimal anthropogenic impact. The limit of quantification for ED is 30–60 ng/kg (dry weight). In analyzing real samples, the sensitivity of the method is reduced by 3–4 times due to matrix effects of the presence of petroleum products in waters. The ED content of bottom sediments at the site of wastewater discharge into the river Don near the city of Voronezh, as well as on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus (area of the city of Tuapse and the village of Olginka) was monitored. The maximum concentrations of OP, NP, BPA, and ES in bottom sediments were found in the area of the port of Tuapse, where they were 5.7, 8.1, 6.2 and 0.9 µg/kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]