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Net ecosystem production (NEP) is an important indicator of lake ecosystem function and integrity. An earlier study, restricted to one geographical region, indicated that oxygen saturation levels (DO%) might be used to predict daily NEP in shallow lakes. To test the generality of the method, we used DO% data collected in a standardised pan-European mesocosm experiment with contrasting trophic states and water levels covering a large climate gradient (from Sweden to Turkey). We corroborated these data with process-based DO simulations. The NEP ~ DO% relation depended on factors influencing gas transfer: water depth and wind. The NEP ~ DO% relation per volume became weaker with increasing depth (1–2 m) but was independent of depth when area based. Simulations indicated that the marginalisation of the depth was sensitive to wind conditions. Trophic status, temperature and light showed no or only marginal (climate zone) effects (experimental data), while the simulations indicated influence of those factors under particular wind–depth conditions. We confirmed that when considering also wind and depth effects, midday DO% potentially provides reliable estimates of daily NEP. Therefore, historical monitoring data of DO% might be used to estimate NEP, and process-based oxygen models may be valuable tool therein. We encourage further tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iyyappan, T.; Santhakumar, R.; Arul Oli, G.; Padmavathy, P.; Athithan, S., and Arisekar, U., 2025. Enterprise attributes and hazard risks in the ornamental fish trade: Implications for ecosystem integrity and stakeholder engagement in southeast India. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(1), 131–145. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. The release of freshwater and marine ornamental pets serves as a significant vector for introducing invasive species and hazards into ecosystems. Preventive measures are essential to reduce the risk of hazards in the ornamental fish trade, but little is known about biosecurity practices after the fish have crossed borders. Hence, the perception of enterprise attributes and the potential biosecurity gaps, and their effects on aquatic ecosystems and stakeholder involvement were evaluated using the survey. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by incorporating questionnaires to collect information on the actual biosecurity activities and hazard responses practiced by ornamental fish retailers and farmers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The study's key findings on the most dominant non-native species in the market and farming reveal that postborder preventive practices within the ornamental fish supply chain may not effectively minimize the risk of introducing hazards. Also, alarming statistics indicate that 44.17% of unwanted, dead, and sick fishes are disposed of in drainage, ponds, and rivers, further exacerbating environmental concerns. Most frequently, fish diseases are treated with drugs and antibiotics such as malachite green oxalate, trichlorfon, and formalin, as well as oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline, without proper guidelines and consultation with fishery experts. Therefore, it is imperative to allocate resources to enhance pre-and at-border control measures, including risk-based surveillance of ornamental fish imports. Additionally, these findings should inform targeted awareness campaigns and provide directed training on biosecurity practices and environmental education for individuals involved in the postborder stages of the ornamental supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and fostering complex relationships among plant and animal species. The global decline in wetlands due to human activities significantly impacts biodiversity and ecosystem stability, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation. This study utilizes satellite remote sensing to monitor land use changes in the Jarmet wetlands over 29 years, analyzing their effects on ecosystem dynamics. It examines the relationship between biodiversity and the ecological stability of wetland ecosystems, aiming to identify key factors behind land use and cover changes (LULCC) and their impact on biodiversity. To investigate the impact of LULC dynamics on wetlands, this study employed Landsat imagery with a spatial resolution of 30 m. The dataset included Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery from 1986, Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images from 2000 and 2005, and Operational Land Imager (OLI) data from 2015. Using multi-source satellite imagery, maximum likelihood algorithms, and advanced spatial tools within a Geographic Information System (GIS), LULCC was mapped. The analysis indicates a substantial 45.9% increase in agricultural areas and a 4.1% rise in built-up and plantation areas, signifying habitat degradation and altered hydrological patterns resulting from drainage and land use changes. Conversely, grasslands, forested areas, wetlands, and shrublands experienced reductions of 21.3%, 14.7%, 7.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. These LULCCs, driven primarily by human activities, threaten the ecological integrity of the Jarmet wetland. The study offers recommendations for sustainable conservation and management, emphasizing the need for comprehensive environmental policies to prevent further ecological degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to increasing calls for better consideration of social dimensions in Forest (and) Landscape Restoration (FLR), this systematic literature review identifies and synthesises relevant themes associated with critical social perspectives in FLR. Critical perspectives are methodologically diverse but generally share an intention to interrogate power and knowledge, challenge the ' status quo ' and 'taken-for-granted' assumptions, alongside promoting social justice. Critical perspectives therefore play a key role in illuminating complex social dimensions in global environmental governance. This review asks: What is the role of critical social perspectives within the academic discourse on FLR, and what key insights about FLR have these perspectives provided over the period 2000–2023? A total of 449 relevant academic papers were published during this period. An initial assessment of the abstracts, title and keywords found social dimensions were addressed in some way, even if only negligibly, in 211 of the 449 papers, and themes associated with critical social perspectives were evident in only 40 papers. These 40 papers were then read in full, and six key topic areas emerged: 1) Assumptions underpinning the links between FLR and human-wellbeing, particularly the tendency to measure human-wellbeing using simple economic indicators, were challenged as naïve and potentially misleading; 2) Tenure issues appear to be frequently under-appreciated, with serious consequences such as displacement of communities; 3) Top-down, technocratic models of governance are problematised for neglecting the socio-political contexts of FLR, which are laden with value and power asymmetries, as well as the implications of historical legacies (e.g., colonialism); 4) While there has been a proliferation of discursive intent to better 'engage local stakeholders', doing so remains opaque in principle and practice; 5) The heterogeneity of 'local stakeholders' emphasises the need to consider multiple intersections of social identities and diversity, and attend to gendered dimensions of FLR; 6) Accepting epistemological pluralism is considered fundamental to incorporating local and Indigenous Peoples' knowledges into more people-centred, locally-relevant FLR governance and practice. The review concludes that, if FLR is to genuinely pursue the imperative to enhance human-wellbeing alongside the goal of regaining ecological integrity, a recalibration of research priorities toward interdisciplinary social sciences, and better representation of locally-situated stakeholders, are required. This will involve deliberation between researchers, from both social and natural sciences, as well as practitioners; and making concerted efforts to steer away from simplistic framings of the issues, toward more nuanced understandings of and responses to the systemic complexities embedded in FLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-fertilizer coupling technology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in modern agriculture, recognized for its potential to enhance soil environmental quality, promote crop growth, and ensure sustainable resource utilization. With increasing global food demands and environmental concerns, optimizing agricultural practices is essential for achieving food security and ecological balance. This review aims to systematically review the direct impacts of water-fertilizer coupling on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms that drive crop responses. Additionally, it evaluates the optimization of water-fertilizer coupling technology and its associated environmental benefits. The findings indicate that water-fertilizer coupling significantly improves soil structural stability, enhances microbial diversity, and increases soil enzyme activities. An appropriate water-fertilizer ratio markedly boosts soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content, facilitating nutrient mineralization and accelerating the decomposition of organic matter. The implementation of intelligent water-fertilizer management systems has shown to enhance water use efficiency and reduce fertilizer loss rates, thereby minimizing the environmental footprint of agricultural production. The optimization of water-fertilizer coupling is crucial for improving soil health, crop yields, and resource efficiency. This technology not only supports sustainable agricultural practices but also contributes to national food security and rural revitalization efforts. Future research should focus on the interaction mechanisms among crops, soil, water, and fertilizer. It is essential to strengthen the development of water-fertilizer coupling regulation models and decision support systems to guide agricultural production practices effectively. Policymakers are encouraged to promote the adoption of integrated water-fertilizer management strategies to foster sustainable agricultural development and enhance environmental resilience. This review underscores the importance of advancing water-fertilizer coupling technology as a means to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity while safeguarding ecological integrity, aligning with the principles of socialism with Chinese characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean is increasingly affected by the rise in maritime activities. Increased anthropogenic pressures have led to environmental impacts and also intensified competition for space and resources among various socioeconomic sectors. To mitigate these impacts on marine ecosystems and reduce conflicts, management tools and processes such as marine protected areas (MPAs) and maritime spatial planning (MSP) have become more prevalent. Trade-offs are inherent to these, and necessary to meet specific conservation and socioeconomic goals. In response, understanding and managing these trade-offs has become crucial to achieving ocean sustainability. This study performs a bibliometric review to identify the types of trade-offs discussed in the marine literature and examines their operationalization for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The analysis reveals that trade-offs, particularly those between conservation and development, and the interests of specific stakeholders, are most frequently addressed in the trade-off literature and are typically approached through integrative methods. This comprehensive examination highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing trade-offs to achieve effective marine management and conservation, aligning ecological integrity with socioeconomic interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field monitoring plays a crucial role in understanding insect dynamics within ecosystems. It facilitates pest distribution assessment, control measure evaluation, and prediction of pest outbreaks. Additionally, it provides important information on bioindicators with which the state of biodiversity and ecological integrity in specific habitats and ecosystems can be accurately assessed. However, traditional monitoring systems face various difficulties, leading to a limited temporal and spatial resolution of the obtained information. Despite recent advancements in automatic insect monitoring traps, also called e‐traps, most of these systems focus exclusively on studying agricultural pests, rendering them unsuitable for monitoring diverse insect populations. To address this issue, we introduce the Field Automatic Insect Recognition (FAIR)‐Device, a novel nonlethal field tool that relies on semi‐automatic image capture and species identification using artificial intelligence via the iNaturalist platform. Our objective was to develop an automatic, cost‐effective, and nonspecific monitoring solution capable of providing high‐resolution data for assessing insect diversity. During a 26‐day proof‐of‐concept evaluation, the FAIR‐Device recorded 24.8 GB of video, identifying 431 individuals from 9 orders, 50 families, and 69 genera. While improvements are possible, our device demonstrated its potential as a cost‐effective, nonlethal tool for monitoring insect biodiversity. Looking ahead, we envision new monitoring systems such as e‐traps as valuable tools for real‐time insect monitoring, offering unprecedented insights for ecological research and agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the growing interest in sustainable tourism and the need to preserve ecological integrity, understanding how tourism resource development can coexist with biodiversity conservation is crucial, especially in ecologically sensitive regions. The Dabie Mountain region, with its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, is a prime area for exploring the balance between tourism and environmental protection. Our study examined the spatial configuration of ecotourism resources in the Dabie Mountains, focusing on the role of ecosystem services, biodiversity hotspots, and traditional villages. Using the InVEST model, kernel density analysis, and a geographic detector, we found that the study area primarily consisted of lower-habitat-quality regions. Approximately 48,914.05 km2 (96.82% of the total area) was classified as low-quality habitat, presenting potential risks to biodiversity and ecosystem services in these regions. Higher habitat quality was observed in the eastern and southern regions, particularly in Yue Xi County, which exhibited superior biodiversity and habitat conditions compared to other administrative areas. Class V habitats, covering 39.89 km2 (31.69% of Class V area), were located in areas with greater terrain relief and proximity to water bodies, which contribute to higher biodiversity. This study identified a potential ecotourism development space of 649.79 km2, with a spatial distribution aligned with natural landscape features that support biodiversity conservation. Yue Xi and Jinzhai together accounted for 49.84% of the total ecotourism development space. Our study emphasizes the need to balance biodiversity conservation with tourism development, ensuring that ecotourism goals are met while preserving ecological integrity and cultural heritage. These findings provide a strong foundation for future research on biodiversity conservation in tourism development and offer insights for achieving sustainable ecological management in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species pose severe threats to global biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and socio-economic values, particularly in coastal and marine ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the trophic interactions between alien species and native fauna in a Mediterranean coastal ecosystem. Notably, our research focused on the presence and ecological roles of the invasive Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and the brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) within the Vendicari Nature Reserve (VNR), a protected area on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Italy. Field observations, specimen collection, and interviews with local fishermen were conducted to assess the presence, distribution, and feeding habits of these species. The results revealed significant temporal shifts in the diet of C. sapidus, with a clear decrease in predation on the alien Penaeus aztecus (first observed in the VNR) over the study months. The presence of C. sapidus in the fishing area around the reserve has been detected for many years, while P. aztecus appears to have recently colonized the area. Additionally, photographic evidence documented the predation of C. sapidus by Octopus vulgaris, highlighting a potential adaptive feeding behavior by the common octopus in response to the abundance of this invasive crab. The integration of scientific research, local ecological knowledge, and community participation is essential for mitigating the impacts of biological invasions and preserving the biodiversity and ecological integrity of natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh underpins local livelihoods in multiple ways, but its ecological integrity is under threat. In this paper, we seek to explore how local people value the Sundarbans landscapes spatially and how the Sundarbans contributes to their sense of place. To elicit spatially distributed landscape values, we applied a Public Participation GIS (PPGIS) method with 344 local people of the Sundarbans in the Bagerhat district, Bangladesh, and we collected 2007 geo-locations. Our study reveals that the Sundarbans mangrove forest is most frequently valued for enabling social activities (37.3% of all identified points). Other important landscape values were fishing, aesthetics, recreation, and honey collection, which were relatively widely distributed throughout the Sundarbans protected area. The local people also identified dependency on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods and for protection against biophysical threats such as cyclones and storms. The Sundarbans forest shapes people's sense of place in the form of place identity, place attachment, and place dependence. This study demonstrates the value of spatial data and investigating sense of place in policy and planning for mangrove biodiversity hotspots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use affect the ecosystems integrity by modifying a wide variety of physical-chemical and biological aspects. The objective of this study was to compare physicochemical parameters and taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities between sites located in the plains of Tucuman province, in territories with agricultural use and reference sites with a greater forested area. Four sampling sites were selected: Río Chico and Río Marapa (forest use), and Río Balderrama and Río Seco (agricultural use). Between October and November 2017, physical and chemical variables of the water were measured with a multiparametric probe in the field, and the concentration of nutrients and ions was determined at the laboratory. Quantitative samples of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected with a D-net. For the functionality analysis, a table of four biological traits with their respective modalities, information that was coded using fuzzy methodology. The structure and composition of the assemblages were evaluated according to range-abundance curves. Environmental and biological data between sites were compared using multivariate analysis techniques. The sites subjected to agricultural use were characterized by higher nutrient values (phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate), lower dissolved oxygen values, less uniformity, Oligochaeta dominance and uniformity of biological traits. The reference sites reflected higher levels of dissolved oxygen and conductivity, greater evenness and greater variety of functional traits. The species richness was similar between the two types of cover. Replacement of forest cover by agriculture could affect the ecological diversity of rivers, even from a relatively low difference in coverage percentages. Due to the evidenced relationship between the types of cover, physical-chemical parameters of the water and the taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, these organisms stand out as bioindicators of environmental quality of rivers in Tucumán plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural resource managers need innovative and cost-effective methodologies that enable the targeted removal of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Removing AIS before they establish and spread into critical habitat for native species can mitigate invasions in freshwater systems and preserve ecosystem integrity. To address this need, we established protocols using the detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) to guide deployment of traditional fisheries trapping methods for invasive fish species removal. In a pilot study during spring 2022, we set minnow traps (one per site) in a spatially stratified random design. We also developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect eDNA from multiple closely related invasive loach species (family Cobitidae) and compared detections of eDNA with detections of fish using minnow traps. At sites where both eDNA and minnow traps were deployed, the two methods agreed on the presence of loaches approximately 79% of the time (95% CI: 60%-90%). Based on the rate at which minnow traps failed to detect loaches when eDNA samples were positive (22%; 95% CI: 11%-40%), we estimated that setting three or more replicate traps per site would improve detections with gear. This information was used to inform a more comprehensive study in spring 2023. This main study consisted of two phases: (1) a fixed-point DNA study to calibrate a model of dispersal and attenuation rate, and (2) a loach removal phase. In the removal phase, we randomly selected sites to sample for loach eDNA, plotted eDNA concentration as a GIS layer to develop heatmaps, and then placed 10 replicate traps at sites with the highest concentrations. A total of 658 loaches were removed from 68 of 77 eDNA-positive trapped sites. Our results indicate that aquatic invasive species removal is more efficient when eDNA detection techniques are combined with traditional trapping methods. KEY POLICY HIGHLIGHTS: When planning a targeted removal strategy for aquatic invasive species (AIS), a pilot study with a simple sampling design can provide the necessary information to develop a species- and site-specific eradication plan. Developing species-specific assays and calibrating environmental DNA (eDNA) detection probabilities for specific conditions provides a means of accurately describing species distributions initially without labor and time intensive trapping. Guiding trapping with eDNA improves detection and increases capture success. Setting multiple traps at each eDNA-selected site maximizes removal results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Seasonality governs species composition at a given place and time. However, the effects of climate and land‐use change can vary by season, altering species composition. These changes can lead to a loss of distinct seasonal community composition, representing a novel form of biotic homogenisation. We ask if breeding and winter bird communities are becoming more similar over time. If so, is homogenisation occurring more rapidly in winter than in the breeding season, and has the presence of individual species changed between seasons? Location: Northeastern United States. Time Period: 1989–2019. Major Taxa Studied: Two hundred thirty‐eight bird species. Methods: We use data from The National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count and the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test if winter and breeding bird communities have become more similar (homogenised). We evaluate this change using the Sørensen dissimilarity index, and its components of turnover (species replacement) and nestedness (a subset of a more species rich community) and describe the mechanism in which the seasonal winter and breeding bird communities are changing. Results: We found that winter and breeding bird communities are homogenising, driven by significant decrease in turnover and a marginal decrease nestedness. When viewing breeding and wintering communities separately, we observe different trends. Breeding communities are becoming more unique with decreasing turnover and nestedness. Winter communities are becoming more similar to each other, with decreasing turnover and nestedness. More breeding species are declining and species that are typically found in the winter and year‐round residents are the main contributors to the homogenisation between seasons. Main Conclusions: We show for the first time homogenisation between winter and breeding bird communities over time across the northeastern United States. This insight into how individual species are faring between seasons, and how they impact community structure, can be used when implementing conservation measures for maintaining ecological functioning and integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal mining is known to have negative impacts on the environment, necessitating land rehabilitation after mining activities. Amongst the problems associated with coal mining is the accumulation of acid mine drainage characterized by large amounts of heavy metals and high acidity. The impact of these environmental problems on the ecosystem around mining areas underscores a need to devise strategies that will ensure sustainable restoration of the ecosystem integrity to ensure environmental protection. Of these, treatment of acid mine drainage using calcium sulfate dihydrate, which is subsequently used for irrigation during phytoremediation, holds great promise for restoration of open-cast mines. However, although grasses are used for rehabilitation of coal mined areas, the impacts of treated mine water on the germination, seedling emergence, and plant growth of grasses are not well known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the germination and early seedling growth responses of different forage grasses to treated mine water. Seven forage grass species were selected, with four species represented by two varieties while others were represented by one variety, totaling 11 forage grasses. For each plant entry, 100 seeds were placed in J.R. Petri's dishes lined with Whatman No. 2 filter paper and watered with distilled and mine water to assess germination. For the seedling establishment experiment, only five species were studied, in which twenty seeds per species were sown in pots containing mine soil and irrigated using distilled and treated mine water. The final germination percentage (FGP), germination rate index (GRI), corrected germination rate index (CGRI), and T50 were determined for the germination trail and total biomass was assessed for the seedling growth trail. The highest FGP for all grasses was attained under controlled conditions, using distilled water, ranging from 38–94%. All grasses germinated when watered using treated mine water and had a FGP ranging from 20–91%. Relative to distilled water, GRI and CGRI were highest only for L. multiflorum cv AgriBoost when seeds were watered using the treated mine water. All grasses watered with treated mine water produced high biomass for the first two weeks, after which biomass production started to decline. Two grasses, Eragrostis curvula cv Ermelo and Lolium multiflorum cv Archie, showed tolerance to treated mine water irrespective of its high electrical conductivity (557 mS∙m−1). Therefore, these grasses could be used in the rehabilitation of coal-mined areas irrigated with treated mine water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-eyed seeing approach considered Indigenous knowledge and Western science towards eco–health, reconciliation and land back with Fort William First Nation (FWFN) in Ontario, Canada. To map traditional land use, occupancy, and ecological knowledge, we interviewed 49 FWFN members about their hunting, fishing, trapping, plant harvesting, cultural sites, and sacred gatherings on their ancestral land. Their traditional land use and occupancy includes more than 7.5 million ha of their ancestral land. The FWFN members reported many industrial impacts on their reserve and ancestral land. We analyzed the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) change over time on FWFN's ancestral land and the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill (TBPP)'s National Pollutant Release Inventory data to investigate the FWFN members' ecohealth concerns. The NDVI analysis revealed large tracts of degraded FWFN's ancestral land due to logging areas, mining claims, settlements, and paper mills. Mining claims and greenstone belts occupy a quarter of the FWFN members' ancestral land. The TBPP mill dumped pollution into the Kaministiquia River upstream and upwind of the FWFN community, exposing FWFN members to kilotons of cancerous and other toxic chemicals each year for over a century. Resource extraction and pollution in Northwestern Ontario negatively impacted the human health and ecosystem integrity of FWFN, requiring reconciliation by restoring damaged land and preventing pollution as the starting point for land back. The first step to land back is ending the environmental racism of the TBPP's pollution directed downstream and downwind of FWFN and protecting ancestral land against logging, mining, and other extractive industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing (RS) has been widely used to assess the forest health status. Forest fragmentation has been recognized as a threat to the forest as it causes loss of biodiversity. The study of forest fragmentation is important for the conservative approach to forest area. In recent years, the urban forest has witnessed forest fragmentation. The present study focused on the assessment of vegetation cover and forest fragmentation using multi-temporal satellite data (1991, 2001, 2011, and 2021). Landscape Fragmentation Tool v2.0 (LFT v2.0) was used to analyze forest fragmentation in the urban forest of Delhi: Sanjay Van and Southern Ridge by assigning an edge width of 100 m. LFT v2.0 categorizes forest fragmentation into four class categories: patch, perforated, edge, and core classes. It was found that vegetation cover in Sanjay Van has decreased by 1.96%, whereas the area under vegetation covered in the Southern Ridge increased by 4.62% in the last decade. The assessment of forest fragmentation found that patch forests have increased and declined in core forest areas. These changes suggested a high disturbance due to anthropogenic activities leading to the degradation of the forest's health. The finding of the study helps in the identification of sensitive areas which require immediate conservation measures for the reclamation and restoration of degraded forest areas. With proper management, plans, and policies, continuous, intact, and healthy forests can be restored to maintain ecosystem integrity and thereby regulate all ecosystem services efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerning ecological integrity, public health, and climate change, air quality is a crucial environmental concern. In emerging nations like India, in particular, rapid industrialization and urbanization have had a major negative impact on the quality of the air. Not an exception to this tendency is Meerut, a well-known city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This study compares data from various locations, including industrial areas, commercial areas, residential areas, and roadside, to identify trends and potential sources of air pollution. It then evaluates the air quality at a few selected areas in Meerut City. The sampling of the air was performed monthly starting from January 2024 to June 2024 using the high-volume respirable dust sampler (Envirotech-ETC APM 415 BL) with a gaseous attachment. The study focuses on major air pollutants that are known to have negative impacts on both human health and the ecosystem, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). The data was processed to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI) to rank the studied sites based on pollution and to make the data understandable to the common people. The obtained results revealed that at all the studied sites, values of PM10 (107.0-116.6 µg/m³) were found beyond the standard values of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQ) values of 100 µg/m³, and the values of the rest of the analyzed parameters {PM2.5 (50.6-59.4 µg/m³), NO2 (29.7-33.1 µg/m³), SO2 (9.1-10.3 µg/m³), and CO (0.9 µg/m³)} were found within the NAAQ standard. Among all the parameters, PM10 was considered as the criteria pollutant because the subindex (Si) of PM10 (1.07-1.17) was found highest at all the sites. The subindex (Si) of CO (0.22-0.95) was found to be the lowest among all the studied parameters. Based on the AQI, we found the overall quality of air in the study area to be moderately polluted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic fungi, especially aquatic hyphomycetes, are promising bioindicators for assessing the health and integrity of freshwater ecosystems. Their sensitivity to a wide range of environmental stressors, coupled with their essential roles in ecological processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, establish them as important tools for monitoring ecological disturbances. By examining aquatic fungal responses at various biological levels—from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem dynamics—ecologists are able to uncover valuable information about the functioning of freshwater habitats. Despite challenges such as the complexity of fungal communities and knowledge gaps, the prospects for using aquatic fungi as bioindicators are encouraging. Advancing research and technological innovations are expected to refine our understanding of the ecological roles of aquatic fungi and enhance their use in detecting impacts on freshwater ecosystems. The inclusion of these organisms in environmental monitoring programmes alongside other bioindicators could significantly improve our ability to detect and mitigate the effects of both natural and anthropogenic environmental changes, leading to more effective conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a critical environmental and health issue, particularly in urban areas where the use of plastic packaging for preserved foods, personal care products, and other consumables is prevalent. The rapid pace of urbanization amplifies the challenges associated with managing MP pollution, making it imperative to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. MPs are ubiquitous in urban environments, originating from various sources and pathways, including improper waste disposal, stormwater runoff, and atmospheric deposition. These tiny particles not only threaten ecological integrity but also pose significant risks to human health. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental management, public health considerations, and socio-economic factors within urban planning. The presence of MPs adversely affects ecosystems and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective MP management within sustainable urbanization strategies. This paper presents a novel perspective on managing MP pollution in urban environments, focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities. Unlike existing reviews that provide broad overviews of MP pollution, our study proposes management strategies designed to address the distinct issues faced in urban settings. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge regarding MPs in urban areas, encompassing environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts. These strategies include promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastics, enhancing waste collection and disposal systems, and implementing policy interventions aimed at reducing plastic consumption. By addressing urban-specific challenges and proposing comprehensive solutions, our study aims to significantly contribute to the field of MP pollution management in sustainable urbanization, ultimately safeguarding human health and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) stands out as a crucial sentinel species for assessing environmental contamination, owing to its widespread distribution, high position in the food chain, and susceptibility to pollutants. As apex predators, these remarkable birds accumulate various contaminants found in their prey, thus serving as valuable indicators of ecological health. The historical application of organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT, resulted in alarming population declines, highlighting the significant vulnerability of peregrines to environmental hazards. Recent research has shed light on the detrimental effects of heavy metal exposure, revealing critical health risks including compromised immune function and reduced reproductive success, which further highlight the ecological consequences of pollution for top predators. Moreover, the complex nature of brominated flame retardants poses challenges in balancing fire safety with environmental health, as these chemicals persist in the ecosystem and threaten peregrine falcon populations. In the future, the use of possible new bioindicators of environmental pollution opens up interesting prospects. This innovative approach may enhance our understanding of how contaminants affect reproductive health and contribute to a broader One Health perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of wildlife, human health, and ecosystem integrity. This comprehensive overview underscores the urgency of ongoing monitoring and regulatory efforts to protect peregrine falcons and, by extension, our shared environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demarcation of national park boundaries is crucial for comprehensive planning, effective management, and maintaining the integrity of ecosystems and biodiversity. This research uses the proposed 'Ailaoshan–Wuliangshan' National Park (AWNP) in Yunnan Province, China, as the study area and adheres to the principles of systematic conservation planning (SCP). It employs the Marxan 2.43, MaxEnt 3.4.4, and InVEST 3.14.2 models to predict suitable distribution areas for key endangered species within the AWNP, identifies core ecological source areas, priority conservation areas, and conservation gaps, and constructs a double boundary protection framework. The study's findings indicate that the potentially suitable habitats for the major rare and endangered species, as predicted by the MaxEnt model, are predominantly located in the Ailaoshan and Wuliangshan areas, with a smaller portion distributed in the Konglonghe area. The InVEST model assessment of habitat quality revealed that the total area of the core ecological source areas is 4775.26 km2, accounting for 35.34% of the total study area. The Marxan model identified a total area of 1064.22 km2 as priority conservation areas, constituting 7.90% of the total study area. Additionally, it revealed conservation gaps of 302.1 km2, which represent 2.20% of the total area. Ultimately, by integrating biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, the boundaries of the AWNP were optimized into a double boundary delineation model: the inner boundary, characterized by rigid control, spans an area of 1076.20 km2, while the outer boundary, characterized by elastic management, covers an area of 3056.92 km2. Corresponding management recommendations are proposed for the different areas. The double boundary delineation method proposed in this study can, to a certain extent, reconcile the conflict between biodiversity conservation and resource utilization, providing an appropriate reference for the demarcation and dynamic management of national park boundaries in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to assess the health status of the Zouagha forest in Algeria, which is composed of oak trees (Quercus suber, Q. canariensis, and Q. afares), and to estimate its biodiversity potential through field observations using the ARCHI, DEPEFEU, and IBP methods on individuals of each species. The adopted methodology relies on a visual evaluation of the tree crowns of the main species in this forest. The results indicate that the health of tree crowns is moderate, as is the biodiversity carrying capacity according to the IBP rating scale. Within the ARCHI protocol, two distinct types can be observed: ARCHI type R (Resilient), characterized by proportions of 42.72% for Q. suber, 40.7% for Q. canariensis, and 45% for Q. afares, and the ARCHI type S (Healthy), with slightly different proportions, namely 38.18% for Q. suber, 38.05% for Q. canariensis,and36%forQ. afares. Regarding the DEPEFEU protocol, it is important to note that the average health condition class has percentages of 37.27% for Q. suber, 32.74% for Q. canariensis, and 39% for Q. afares. Therefore, it is imperative to implement appropriate forest management strategies to ensure the sustainability of forest ecosystems. These strategies should aim to preserve the ecological integrity of the Zouagha forest in Algeria, with a focus on the regeneration of oak species (Q. suber, Q. canariensis, and Q. afares) and the restoration of their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing a collaborative governance framework across administrative boundaries is crucial for preserving the Basin's ecological integrity and mitigating institutional fragmentation. Based on 19 cases of inter-provincial collaborative governance of ecological environment in the Yangtze River Basin of China, this study uses the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method to explore the influencing factors and complex causal mechanism of the effect of inter-provincial collaborative governance. The results show that technology empowers relationship driving, institutions reinforce interactive driving, and internal and external interaction driving modes promote collaborative governance. Perceived factors are essential in motivating provinces to participate in collaborative governance. External factors play a hygienic role in collaborative governance, and internal factors play a motivated role. The roles of the two types of factors are separate but complementary. In view of this, government should attention to regional environmental concerns, ensuring consistent alignment of internal and external factors and fostering synergies to improve governance effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse anthropogenic activities have threatened the valuable tropical biodiversity and freshwater reserves. Despite that, there is little concern in the Brazilian legislation about the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems. We proposed a framework based on two joint indices, allowing the creation of a management tool. The first is the Tropical Water Healthy Index (TWHI), a river index that integrates pressures on aquatic ecosystems, their conditions, and societal/governmental response. The second is the Suitability of the Class of Use (SCU), which measures whether rivers' conditions are in accordance with their classes of use proposed for the legal Brazilian water framework. Our results showed that most sites had good river health conditions, with the worst conditions occurring in areas with high urban occupations followed by agricultural areas. The second index indicated that few streams were poorly or incompatible with their classes of use, suggesting their classifications were based on current conditions but not future intentions. The force of these joint analyses was shown in the Melchior River stretch, which was classified as compatible with SCU, but the TWHI was critical. This is good to show that we simultaneously have a problem with the legislation and to indicate something that needs to be done quickly for managers. Therefore, we built a management model that can assess the real situation of aquatic ecosystems and define efficient management strategies, producing alerts for the decision-maker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs), although essential for managing domestic sewage in areas without centralized sewerage treatment plants, often release phosphorus (P) into the environment due to inadequate treatment. This unregulated P discharge exacerbates water quality degradation and jeopardizes aquatic habitats and human health. Among different treatment technologies, electrocoagulation (EC) demonstrates considerable potential for addressing this challenge by efficiently removing P from OWTSs and thus protecting water resources and ecological integrity. Through electrochemical reactions, EC destabilizes and aggregates P-bearing particles, facilitating their removal through precipitation. Compared to conventional treatment approaches, i.e., chemical and biological methods, EC offers several advantages, including high efficiency, minimal chemical usage, and adaptability to varying wastewater compositions. This review underscores the urgent need for mitigating P discharge from OWTSs and the efficacy of EC as a sustainable solution for P removal, offering insights into its mechanisms, reactor design considerations, important operational factors, performance, and potential applications in OWTSs as well as providing future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid pace of urbanization, the integrity and connectivity of ecosystems are under serious threat, making biodiversity conservation a top priority. We use the Xiongan New Area in China as a case study to explore the significance and application of constructing urban ecological networks in the development of new cities. This study systematically applied the categorization of green space systems using remote sensing technology; MSPA was used to identify key landscape patches; InVEST was employed to assess habitat quality; and potential ecological corridors were established using the minimum cumulative resistance model (MCR). Moreover, targeted recommendations for optimizing ecological green spaces were put forward. The findings demonstrate that the Xiongan New Area has significant potential and needs for ecological network construction, and it faces the issue of ecological network fragmentation. This research highlights the significance of developing ecological networks within urban planning and proposes optimization strategies tailored to these networks. The objective is to offer scientific guidance for the design and development of emerging cities, such as the Xiongan New Area, to facilitate the alignment and integration of ecological preservation efforts with urban expansion, ultimately achieving the sustainable development goal of harmonious coexistence between the environment and urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing Territorial Ecological Restoration is a crucial approach to achieving ecological stability and regional sustainable development, and it also serves as an important measure for promoting the coordinated development of socioeconomic and ecological environments in the Yellow River Basin. However, effective identification of key areas for Territorial Ecological Restoration remains challenging in planning ecological restoration projects. This study focuses on ecological security and restoration potential, taking Linxia Prefecture in the ecologically fragile area of the upper Yellow River as an example. By evaluating six types of ecosystem services in this area, utilizing morphological spatial pattern analysis models and circuit theory, we identified the structural elements of ecological security patterns and assessed the potential for ecological restoration, identifying key areas for regional ecological restoration.The findings indicated that (1) 13 ecological patches were identified in total, predominantly distributed in the southwest and central regions of Linxia Prefecture. 25 ecological corridors were identified, demonstrating a high level of spatial coherence in terms of significance and connectivity, establishing a closely integrated ecological security network primarily in the southwest of Linxia Prefecture. (2) Thirteen ecological pinch points and seventeen ecological barrier points have been identified, concentrated in the central and southwestern regions of Linxia Prefecture. (3) Based on the characteristics and urgency of key areas for Territorial Ecological Restoration, they are classified and graded as "point-line-surface" and "primary-very important-important." The primary restoration areas of the point type are mainly located in the central part of Linxia Prefecture, while the primary restoration areas of the line and plane types are mainly in the southwestern part of Linxia Prefecture. This paper emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes ecosystem integrity and social support to guide targeted restoration strategies across various ecological features, ultimately aiming for sustainable regional development and maximizing restoration benefits in ecologically fragile areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal pollution is a worldwide problem and one of the greatest threats to ecosystem integrity due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation in biological systems. Anthropogenic pollution impacts marine organisms and host-parasite dynamics, with the northern Chilean coast experiencing elevated copper levels in marine waters and sediments due to mining activities. In this study, we assessed the effects of exposure to copper concentrations at low and high-water temperatures on the survival and longevity of the marine parasite Himasthla sp. cercariae (Trematoda: Digenea) using the snail Echinolittorina peruviana as its first intermediate host. Snails were collected from intertidal rocky pools in northern Chile (23°S). To assess parasite survival and longevity, cercariae were collected from a pool of infected snails, and their mortality was recorded every 6 hours until all cercariae were dead. In a preliminary experiment conducted at 19°C, cercariae were exposed to different copper concentrations (0.2, 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 mg/L) for 78 hours. Cercariae showed tolerance to copper. However, at the higher copper concentration (6 mg/L), survival was negatively impacted (50%) at 54 hours. In contrast, at the lower concentration (0.2 mg/L) and in the control group, cercariae sustained a 73–90% survival rate even after 54 hours. Based on these findings, we conducted subsequent experiments involving two copper treatments (0.2 and 3.0 mg/L) and two temperatures (14 and 22°C). Survival and longevity were significantly higher at lower temperature and copper concentration (14°C and 0.2 mg/L). Conversely, at higher temperature and copper concentration (22°C and 3 mg/L), survival and longevity decreased to only 66 hours. Our results show that Himasthla sp. cercariae tolerated most copper concentrations, with vulnerability observed primarily in high water temperatures, indicating an adverse effect on cercariae performance. This study contributes valuable insights into how parasites respond to environmental pollution, in marine ecosystems influenced by anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing is a major ecological driver that influences vegetation dynamics globally. We investigated the long‐term effects of different grazing regimes on the vegetation structure of the Central Anatolian steppes, a region characterized by its unique convergence of biogeographical influences and historical land use. We employed the spatially explicit FATELAND model to simulate vegetation dynamics over a 50‐year period under three distinct grazing scenarios: no grazing, moderate grazing, and overgrazing. Our simulations incorporated a range of plant functional traits to predict changes across five different vegetation types in Central Anatolia, including woodland steppes and treeless steppes. The simulations revealed that moderate grazing supports the diversity and abundance of various plant functional groups, excluding resprouter trees, which flourish under no grazing conditions. In contrast, overgrazing leads to significant reductions in the abundance of perennial forbs and both spiny and non‐spiny subshrubs, often resulting in a shift toward grassland dominated by resprouter gramineae or an annual herb‐dominated grassland, depending on the initial abundance of gramineae. Our findings highlight the critical role of grazing management in maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability in steppe ecosystems. While moderate grazing can enhance plant functional group diversity, overgrazing significantly threatens the ecological integrity of the Central Anatolian steppes. In conclusion, our modeling approach reveals that the grazing regime is a major driver in shaping the vegetation structure of Central Anatolian steppes. Grazing management strategies that are adjusted to the ecological characteristics and historical context of specific regions are required to prevent degradation and promote sustainable grassland vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of consumers threatens the integrity of ecological systems, but the mechanisms underlying the effects on communities and ecosystems remain difficult to predict. This is, in part, due to the complex roles that consumers play in those systems. Here, we highlight this complexity by quantifying two mechanisms by which molluscan grazers—typically thought of as consumers of their algal resources—facilitate algae on rocky shores. Initial observations in high‐zone tide pools revealed that both water‐column ammonium concentrations and photosynthetic biomass were higher in pools containing higher densities of grazers, suggesting that local‐scale nutrient recycling by the grazers could be enhancing algal biomass. We assessed this possibility by experimentally manipulating grazer abundances at the level of whole tide pools but controlling access of those grazers to experimental plots within each pool. Contrary to predictions that algal biomass inside grazer exclusions would increase as grazer abundances in the pools increased, we found that algal biomass inside grazer‐exclusion fences was unaffected by grazer abundances. Instead, the consumptive effects of grazers that were evident at low grazer abundances transitioned to facilitative effects as experimentally manipulated grazer abundances increased. This finding suggested that these positive interactions were associated with the physical presence of grazers and not just grazers' effects on nutrient availability. Subsequent experiments highlighted the potential role of "slime"—the pedal mucous trails left behind as the mollusks crawl on the substratum—in promoting the recruitment of algae and thereby mediating a spatial subsidy of new organic matter into the system. Furthermore, different grazer groups contributed disproportionately to ammonium excretion (i.e., turban snails) versus slime production (i.e., littorine snails), suggesting a potential role for grazer diversity. Our work highlights the complex ways in which consumers affect their resources, including multiple, complementary mechanisms by which these grazers facilitate the algae they consume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the integrity and security of the ecosystem in the Sanjiang Plain have faced severe challenges due to land reclamation. Understanding the impact of paddy field expansion on regional ecosystem services (ESs), as well as revealing the trade-offs and synergies (TOS) between these services to achieve optimal resource allocation, has become an urgent issue to address. This study employs the InVEST model to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of five key ESs, while the Optimal Parameter Geodetector (OPGD) identifies primary drivers of these changes. Correlation analysis and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) reveal intricate TOS among ESs at multiple scales. Additionally, the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) elucidates the direct impacts of paddy field expansion on ESs. The main findings include the following: (1) The paddy field area in the Sanjiang Plain increased from 5775 km2 to 18,773.41 km2 from 1990 to 2020, an increase of 12,998.41 km2 in 40 years. And the area of other land use types has generally decreased. (2) Overall, ESs showed a recovery trend, with carbon storage (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) initially decreasing but later improving, and consistent increases were observed in soil conservation, water yield (WY), and food production (FP). Paddy fields, drylands, forests, and wetlands were the main ES providers, with soil type, topography, and NDVI emerging as the main influencing factors. (3) Distinct correlations among ESs, where CS shows synergies with HQ and SC, while trade-offs are noted between CS and both WY and FP. These TOS demonstrate significant spatial heterogeneity and scale effects across subregions. (4) Paddy field expansion enhances regional SC, WY, and FP, but negatively affects CS and HQ. These insights offer a scientific basis for harmonizing agricultural development with ecological conservation, enriching our understanding of ES interrelationships, and guiding sustainable ecosystem management and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus deficiency critically constrains crop growth. Soil microbial diversity, which is crucial for maintaining terrestrial ecosystem integrity, plays a key role in promoting soil P cycling. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the survival strategies of microorganisms under P-limited conditions and explore their roles in community regulation. We initiated a comprehensive, long-term, in situ wheat field experiment to measure soil physicochemical properties, focusing on the different forms of soil inorganic P. Subsequently, 16S rRNA and ITS marker sequencing was employed to study changes in soil microbial abundance and community structure and predict functional alterations. The results showed that soil water and P deficiencies significantly affected wheat growth and development, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial diversity and function. Prolonged P deficiency lowered soil pH, significantly increasing phosphatase content (58%) under W1 (normal irrigation) conditions. Divalent calcium phosphate decreased significantly under W0 (lack of irrigation) and W1 conditions, and the most stable ten-valent calcium phosphate began to transform under W0 conditions. Soil microbial diversity increased (e.g., Proteobacteria and Vicinamibacterales) and enhanced the transport capacity of bacteria. P deficiency affected the coexistence networks between bacteria and fungi, and SEM (structural equation modeling) analysis revealed a stronger correlation in bacteria (r2 = 0.234) than in fungi (r2 = 0.172). In soils deprived of P for 7 years, the soil P content and forms were coupled with microbial changes. Microorganisms exhibited community and functional changes in response to low-phosphorus soil, concurrently influencing soil P status. This study enhances our understanding of rhizospheric processes in soil P cycling under microbial feedback, particularly the impact of microbial interactions on changes in soil P forms under P-limited conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodlet cells (RCs) are specialised immune cells found in teleost fish, recognised for their unique morphology and potential roles in both immune responses and environmental adaptation. Herein, current knowledge on RCs is reviewed, focussing on their responsiveness to toxicants and environmental stressors. The historical context of RC research is discussed, including key milestones in the identification and characterisation of these cells. Recent studies highlight RCs' quantitative and qualitative changes in response to various pollutants, such as heavy metals, organic chemicals, and microplastics, underscoring their utility as biomarkers for environmental monitoring and assessment of ecological health. The underlying mechanisms that govern RC responses are explored, noting the limited research available at the molecular level, which hampers a comprehensive understanding of their functionality. Despite this, the consistent patterns of RC responses position them as valuable indicators of environmental health within the One Health framework, linking aquatic ecosystem integrity to broader human and animal health concerns. Additionally, the potential equivalence of RCs in other vertebrates is examined, which may provide insights into their evolutionary significance and functional roles across different species. The urgent need for further research is emphasised to enhance the understanding of RC biology and its applications in toxicology and environmental pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface ozone monitoring sites in the tropics are limited, despite the risk that surface ozone poses to human health, tropical forest and crop productivity. Atmospheric chemistry models allow us to assess ozone exposure in unmonitored locations and evaluate the potential influence of changing policies and climate on air quality, human health and ecosystem integrity. Here, we utilise in situ ozone measurements from ground-based stations in the pan-tropics to evaluate ozone from the UK Earth system model, UKESM1, with a focus on remote sites. The study includes ozone data from areas with limited previous data, notably tropical South America, central Africa and tropical northern Australia. Evaluating UKESM1 against observations beginning in 1987 onwards, we show that UKESM1 is able to capture changes in surface ozone concentration at different temporal resolutions, albeit with a systematic high bias of 18.1 nmolmol-1 on average. We use the diurnal ozone range (DOR) as a metric for evaluation and find that UKESM1 captures the observed DOR (mean bias of 2.7 nmolmol-1 and RMSE of 7.1 nmolmol-1) and the trend in DOR with location and season. Results from this study reveal that hourly ozone concentrations from UKESM1 require bias correction before use for impact assessments based on human and ecosystem health. Indeed, hourly surface ozone data have been crucial to this study, and we encourage other modelling groups to include hourly surface ozone output as a default. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Huanghe Estuary, which is characterized by dynamic hydrological and ecological processes, is highly susceptible to marine oil spills due to dense maritime traffic and extensive industrial activities. This study evaluated the vulnerability of estuarine wetlands in the Huanghe Estuary to oil spill stress using the Pressure-Situation-Sensitivity-Recovery (PSSR) framework. By employing the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this study categorized the vulnerability index (0-1) into five classes: Very Low (0- 0.098), Low (0.098-0.125), Medium (0.125-0.192), High (0.192-0.224), and Very High (0.224-1). The results indicate that the ships indicator has the highest weight, followed by oil rigs. In contrast, the number of chemical splash-proof suits and tugboats have the lowest weights. Wetland vulnerability under oil spill stress exhibited significant spatial variation, with higher vulnerability observed in areas closer to the coastline, such as the eastern part of Kenli County, the northern part of Wudi County, and the northern part of Hekou District. This study underscores the need for targeted measures and enhanced monitoring to mitigate the risks of large oil spills and protect the ecological integrity of the Huanghe Estuary. The findings presented herein provide critical information that will help policymakers and environmental managers implement effective conservation strategies and risk mitigation efforts in this ecologically sensitive and economically important region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological health of urban rivers serves as a critical indicator of the overall health of urban ecosystems. The water ecological health status of the Zaogang River in Changzhou City was evaluated; nine sections of the river and the Old Zaogang River were sampled, and an assessment system with 8 indexes for hydrologic integrity, physical structural integrity, chemical integrity, and biological integrity was set up. A comprehensive scoring system, based on index scores and their corresponding weights, was employed to evaluate the ecological health of the Zaogang River. The assessment revealed that most sections of the Zaogang River were in a healthy state, classified as second-class level. In contrast, the Old Zaogang River exhibited sub-health conditions in one section, indicating a need for comprehensive restoration measures. Water ecological health evaluation system constructed in this study is relatively complete and comprehensive, and provides a good example for the rapid evaluation of urban rivers. Additionally, the findings of the study offer guidance for managing rivers in Changzhou city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying, protecting, and developing biodiversity in urban environments contributes to ecosystem integrity. Although there are studies addressing biodiversity in natural areas in Türkiye, there has been no study specifically measuring the biodiversity of city centers. Adapting existing methods for measuring city biodiversity to Turkish cities is challenging due to their unique local dynamics. Therefore, there is a need to identify indicators that can be used to monitor and evaluate biodiversity performance for the protection and sustainability of urban areas in Türkiye and to develop a feasible, reliable, and measurable biodiversity performance assessment approach. The developed UrBioPDeM has 4 main factors and 32 sub-factors. Indicators for the assessment and management of urban biodiversity performance in Isparta, Türkiye, were identified and analyzed, and it was found that Isparta's urban biodiversity has low potential. Therefore, suggestions were made to increase the urban biodiversity of Isparta. The developed approach is an appropriate and effective biodiversity performance model that can be applied in Turkish cities. The factors and sub-factors used in this method can be adjusted and revised according to the potential biodiversity characteristics of a city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Najeoer Pond, which is the object of this study, was created to be utilized as a test bed for the restoration of endangered species and for carrying out ecological education on the pond ecosystem. To achieve these goals, the Najeoer Pond was created for diversity and stability purposes by first securing various water depths imitating natural lagoons and inducing the establishment of various vegetation types according to the depth. As a result of analyzing the vegetation settlement process for 12 years after its creation through vegetation cover, species composition, species diversity, and the ratio of exotic species, and comparing the results with those of natural lagoons, the Najeoer Pond has been shaped to resemble the diversity and stability of natural lagoons. The carbon absorption capacity of the littoral vegetation established around the pond was significantly higher than that of forest vegetation. In this respect, the Najeoer Pond was also deemed to have a high creation effect in terms of ecological function. Therefore, a stable pond with diversity can be created because vegetation diversity can be guaranteed as a result of securing the ecological diversity of various water depths. The Najeoer Pond was created in a rice paddy as a part of a plan to build the National Institute of Ecology. To induce the establishment of various plants, the maximum depth of the pond was 2.0 m, and diverse depths were created with a gentle slope on the pond bed. When introducing vegetation, littoral and emergent vegetation were first introduced to stabilize the space secured for the creation of the pond, whereas the introduction of other vegetation was allowed to develop naturally. In this pond, floating, emergent, wetland, and littoral plants have been established to various degrees, reflecting the water depth and water table. As a result of stand ordination, based on vegetation data obtained from the created Najeoer Pond and a natural lagoon selected as the reference site, the species' composition resembled that of the reference site. Diversity, based on vegetation type, community, and species, tended to be higher than that of the reference site. The proportion of exotic species increased due to the disturbance that occurred during the pond creation process but continued to decrease as the vegetation introduced during the creation of the pond became established. Considering these results comprehensively, the restorative treatment served to increase both the biological integrity and ecological stability of the pond and, thus, achieved the creation goal from the viewpoint of the pond structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study establishes and refines a social-landscape ecological security pattern that integrates the demand and supply of ecosystem services, providing a substantial foundation for the ecological restoration of territorial spaces. This foundation is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of "social–ecological" systems in achieving sustainable development. Jilin Province, serving as a national ecological security buffer and experiencing rapid economic growth, exhibits a significant spatial imbalance between social and economic progress and ecological conservation. The balance of ecosystem service demand and supply is pivotal in this context, making Jilin Province an ideal study area. We employed a multifaceted approach, including MSPA, the InVEST model, landscape connectivity assessment, circuit theory, and ecological network integrity evaluation, to elucidate the spatial disparities between the demand and supply of ecosystem services. We then developed and optimized social and landscape ecological security patterns to meet human demands and safeguard ecological integrity, thereby promoting the sustainable development of "social–ecological" systems. The key findings are as follows: (1) The supply of ecosystem services shows a clear spatial gradient, with lower values in the west and higher in the east, while demand is concentrated in the central region with lower values in the east and west, indicating a pronounced spatial mismatch in Jilin Province. (2) The landscape ecological security pattern includes 18 barrier points, 33 pinch points, 166 ecological corridors, and 101 ecological sources. (3) The social–ecological security pattern comprises 119 demand sources and 150 supply–demand corridors. (4) The study introduces 14 supply–demand nodes and 47 optimization corridors, proposing zoning schemes for the eastern core protection area, the central ecological demand area, and the western core restoration area. Additionally, recommendations are concerning the optimization of the "social–ecological" system pattern. This research advances the theoretical understanding of "social–ecological" system development in Jilin Province and offers insights for more harmonized development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural ecosystem health (REH) serves as an effective metric for assessing the damage degree and stability state within rural systems and their components. It reflects the interaction and the balance among rural subsystems, emphasizing the harmonious development of resources, agriculture, environment, economy, and society that are fundamental to sustainable rural development. Most regional-scale ecosystem health assessments primarily focus on either the natural state of the ecosystem or external disturbances affecting it, often neglecting human ecological systems characterized by economic and social dimensions. Taking Chongqing as an example, we established an improved REH assessment framework by integrating ecological integrity from the perspective of a social-economy-natural compound ecosystem. Furthermore, we innovatively incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the formulation of the REH indicator system to quantitatively elucidate the spatiotemporal characteristics. The results indicated that: (1) The REH in Chongqing exhibited an evolutionary pattern characterized by a subsequent rise, maintaining values between 0.363–0.872 from 2000 to 2018. This trend reflected a distinct two-stage development characteristic, with the rural socio-economic subsystem contributing the most at 33.36%, followed closely by the rural environmental subsystem at 27.84%; (2) In 2018, the REH across the 36 districts and counties in Chongqing displayed spatial differentiation patterns described as "collapse in the west, high levels in the northeast, and localized surges". The areas ranked from smallest to largest REH were metropolitan, western, southeastern, and northeastern areas; (3) Four levels (e.g., disease, single health, compound health, and comprehensive health) and twelve sub-levels of REH were defined using a dominant factors method. Finally, we analyzed the driving factors from four aspects of urbanization development: policy regulation, urban-rural factors flow, and regional differences. We also proposed differentiated planning and policies for sustainable rural development in Chongqing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When focusing on biodiversity maintenance, ecological security pattern (ESP) planning gradually becomes a multi-objective planning strategy for sustainable development; wildlife conservation and ecosystem health maintenance should be balanced with local economic development and people's livelihood enhancement goals. This study focuses on ESP mapping in the Qinling-Daba Mountain area, which is an ecologically significant and socioeconomically underdeveloped area. The tradeoff between conservation and development is made by varying the area of ecological sources and incorporating ecosystem service tradeoffs into ecological source identification through multi-scenario designation. ESPs under six scenarios were generated based on the minimum resistance model, and the important ecological corridors and strategic points in each scenario were identified and compared. The results show the following: (1) The scenario that sets around 30 percent of the study area as ecological sources maintains the integrity of natural ecosystems and leaves space for food and material supply to residents. (2) In this scenario, the ecological sources are connected by 60 corridors that cross 137 townships with high population densities (>100 people/km2) and intersect with major traffic lines at 71 points. Engineering, management, or education strategies must be taken in these townships or intersections to avoid human–wildlife conflicts. (3) The study area needs to construct both short (north–south) corridors linking proximate ecological sources for species' daily movement and long (west–east) corridors connecting large and distant sources for species' seasonal migration and gene flow. (4) The multi-scenario approach turns out to be an effective strategy for ESP planning with considerations for development–conservation tradeoffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitroaromatic compounds represent a class of highly toxic pollutants discharged into aquatic environments by various industrial activities, posing significant threats to ecological integrity and human health due to their persistent and hazardous nature. In this study, Pd-doped ZnO nanoparticles were investigated as a potential solution for the degradation of nitro organics, offering heightened photocatalytic efficacy and prolonged stability. The synthesis of Pd-doped ZnO NPs was achieved via the hydrothermal method, with subsequent analysis through XRD spectra and XPS confirming successful Pd doping within the ZnO matrix. Characterization through FESEM and HRTEM unveiled the heterogeneous morphologies of both undoped and Pd-doped ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, UV–vis and PL spectroscopy provided insights into the optical properties, chemical bonding, and defect structures of the synthesized Pd-doped ZnO NPs. Pd doping induces a redshift in ZnO's absorption spectra, reducing the bandgap from 3.12 to 2.94 eV as Pd concentration rises from 0 to 0.2 wt.%. The photocatalytic degradation, following pseudo-first-order kinetics, achieved 90% nitrobenzene abatement (200 µg/L, pH 7) under visible light within 320 min with a catalyst loading of 16 µg/mL. The photocatalytic efficacy of 0.08 wt% Pd-doped ZnO (k = 0.058 min⁻1) exhibited a 25-fold enhancement compared to bare ZnO (k = 3.1 × 10–4 min-1). Subsequent quenching and ESR experiments identified hydroxyl radicals (OH•) as the predominant active species in the degradation mechanism. Mass spectrometry analysis unveiled potential breakdown intermediates, illuminating a plausible degradation pathway. The investigated Pd-doped ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated reusability for up to five successive treatment cycles, offering a sustainable solution to nitro organics contamination challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic stressors to marine ecosystems from climate change and human activities increase extinction risk of species, disrupt ecosystem integrity, and threaten important ecosystem services. Addressing these stressors requires understanding where and to what extent they are impacting marine biological and functional diversity. We model cumulative risk of human impact upon 21,159 marine animal species by combining information on species-level vulnerability and spatial exposure to a range of anthropogenic stressors. We apply this species-level assessment of human impacts to examine patterns of species-stressor interactions within taxonomic groups. We then spatially map impacts across the global ocean, identifying locations where climate-driven impacts overlap with fishing, shipping, and land-based stressors to help inform conservation needs and opportunities. Comparing species-level modeled impacts to those based on marine habitats that represent important marine ecosystems, we find that even relatively untouched habitats may still be home to species at elevated risk, and that many species-rich coastal regions may be at greater risk than indicated from habitat-based methods alone. Finally, we incorporate a trait-based metric of functional diversity to identify where impacts to functionally unique species might pose greater risk to community structure and ecosystem integrity. These complementary lenses of species, function, and habitat provide a richer understanding of threats to marine biodiversity to help inform efforts to meet conservation targets and ensure sustainability of nature's contributions to people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the challenges of coral reef conservation in Bali, a critical hub for marine tourism. Despite the island’s global significance, efforts to preserve its coral reefs have been insufficient, leading to the launch of the 2020 Integrated Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Management Program (ICRG). Supported by National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds, the ICRG has focused on deploying artificial reefs in the waters of Nusa Dua. However, only 74.3 hectares of the potential 204 hectares of restoration areas have been addressed, underscoring the need for more intensive conservation efforts. Data collection involved the distribution of closed questionnaires to key stakeholders, including government bodies, academic institutions, tourists, and coral reef conservation organizations. The data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to gauge stakeholder awareness, perceptions, and willingness to contribute to conservation efforts. The analysis revealed that 69% of respondents have a comprehensive understanding of the ecological, economic, and social functions of coral reefs. Furthermore, 92% of respondents expressed a willingness to contribute to coral reef preservation, either through labor or financial means. Financial contributions ranged from Rp. 25,000 to Rp. 150,000, with 30% of respondents willing to allocate up to 5% of their annual income to conservation initiatives. These findings highlight a strong stakeholder commitment to coral reef conservation in Bali and emphasize the necessity for ongoing public engagement and support. The research suggests that integrating local customary laws into conservation strategies and enhancing public involvement could significantly bolster the long-term sustainability of coral reef restoration efforts in Bali, thereby preserving the island’s marine tourism appeal and ecological integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of natural ecosystems. Accurate mapping of windfall damages following storms is essential for effective post-disaster management. While remote sensing image classification offers substantial advantages over ground surveys for monitoring changes in forests, it encounters several challenges. Firstly, training samples in classification algorithms are typically selected through pixel-based random sampling or manual regional sampling. This approach struggles with accurately modeling complex patterns in high-resolution images and often results in redundant samples. Secondly, the limited availability of labeled samples compromises the classification accuracy when they are divided into training and test sets. To address these issues, two innovative approaches are proposed in this paper. The first is a new sample selection method which combines block-based sampling with spatial features extracted by single or multiple windows. Second, a new evaluation criterion is proposed by using the homomorphic hypothesis margin map with out-of-bag (OOB) accuracy. The former can not only assess the confidence level of each pixel category but also make regional boundaries clearer, and the latter can replace the test set so that all samples can be used for change detection. The experimental results show that the OOB accuracy obtained by spatial features with whole block sampling was 7.2 % higher than that obtained by spectral features with pixel-based sampling and 2–3% higher than that for block center sampling, of which the highest value reached 98.8 % . Additionally, the feasibility of identifying storm-damaged forests using only post-storm images has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hilly and mountainous regions are significantly impacted by soil erosion, primarily due to rainfall-runoff processes occurring on the hillslope scale. Assessing soil erosion is crucial for quantifying the loss of soil carbon and nutrients, which diminishes the potential of soil ecosystem services and is critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change on food security. However, the Himalayan landscape poses serious challenges for assessing soil erosion due to its steep and rugged terrain, which hinders the use of conventional and modelling methods. The fallout radionuclide—137Cs has been extensively utilized as an environmental marker for investigating soil redistribution processes. Despite its potential, there is a notable lack of 137Cs-based soil erosion studies in the Himalayan region. In this context, we assessed the applicability of the fallout radionuclide—137Cs method in quantifying soil erosion rates and identifying erosion hotspots on two hillslopes of the Higher Himalayas. On the hillslope scale, we observed that soil erosion rates vary based on slope gradient and land use/land cover. Forested areas exhibited the lowest soil erosion rates compared to cultivated areas, while flat hillslope positions experienced lower erosion rates than steeper positions. The average net erosion rate for the Harsil hillslope varied among different hillslope positions, ranging from – 2.9 to – 15.6 t ha−1 yr−1. Similarly, in the Gangnani hillslope, the net erosion rates varied across different positions, ranging from – 5.6 to – 39 t ha−1 yr−1. Our findings confirm that the middle and lower hillslope positions are the most critical source areas with higher soil erosion rates, while hillslope positions with forest cover demonstrate the lowest erosion rates, identified as helpful in controlling soil erosion. The study has demonstrated the applicability of FRN as a soil erosion measurement method in the complex, rugged, and steep terrain of the Himalayas, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate soil erosion and preserve ecosystem integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of protecting forests and woodlands to achieve global climate and biodiversity goals, logging impacts persist worldwide. Forestry advocates often downplay these impacts but rarely consider the cumulative threat deforestation and degradation has had, and continues to have, on biodiversity. Using New South Wales (Australia) as a case study, we quantify the extent of deforestation and degradation from 1788 (pre‐European colonization) to 2021. We used historical loss as a baseline to evaluate recent logging (2000–2022) and the condition of the remaining native forest and woodland. Condition was quantified by measuring the similarity of a current ecosystem to a historical reference state with high ecological integrity. Using these data, we measured the impacts on 269 threatened terrestrial species. We show that possibly over half (29 million ha) of pre‐1788 native forest and woodland vegetation in NSW has been lost. Of the remaining 25 million ha, 9 million ha is estimated to be degraded. We found recent logging potentially impacted 150 species that had already been affected by this historical deforestation and degradation, but the impacts varied across species. Forty‐three species that were identified as impacted by historical deforestation and degradation and continue to be impacted by logging, now have ≤50% of their pre‐1788 extent remaining that is intact and nine species now have ≤30%. Our research contextualizes the impact of current logging against historical deforestation and highlights deficiencies in environmental assessments that ignore historical baselines. Future land management must consider both the extent and condition of remaining habitat based on pre‐1788 extents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild mammals are often difficult to directly observe, especially in woodland and forest habitats with dense vegetation, so surveys of largely indirect signs of their activities (e.g. tracks and spoor) are often a more practical option for monitoring populations. This study compared two different approaches to surveying largely indirect indicators of activity by a range of wild mammals across a gradient of ecosystem integrity in southern Tanzania. Surveys of all such signs of wild mammal activity detected around all identifiable surface water bodies within a 2 km radius of 32 convenient camping locations with perennial surface water were complemented on alternative days with similar surveys along transects between each camp and the next camp that required similar time and effort. For most of the wild mammal species detected, radial surveys around water bodies proved more sensitive than those along transects between them, because the former approach samples distinct and convenient locations that attract most animal species. Transect surveys were found to be more sensitive for only sable (Hippotragus niger) and spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), which are known to routinely commute considerable distances across their home ranges, and for greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) that seldom drink surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]