3,580 results on '"ecological integrity"'
Search Results
2. Will It Burn? Characterizing Wildfire Risk for the Sagebrush Conservation Design
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Crist, Michele R., Short, Karen C., Cross, Todd B., Doherty, Kevin E., and Olszewski, Julia H.
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- 2024
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3. Assessing comprehensive anthropogenic impacts at a regional scale using ecological integrity
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Yang, Jia, Xue, Qiannan, Li, Hao, Shi, Mingxi, Wang, Yingying, Liu, Xueqi, and Wang, Lu
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- 2024
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4. A SAFE AND JUST EARTH.
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GUPTA, JOYEETA
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EARTH (Planet) , *POLLUTION , *PARTICULATE matter , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *NATURAL resources - Abstract
The article discusses the establishment of boundaries for Earth's resources in order to protect both the planet and its people. The Earth Commission, along with other scientific networks, has set safe and just limits for various domains such as climate, biosphere, water cycle, aerosols, and nutrient cycles. These limits aim to prevent significant harm to people worldwide and take into account justice principles. The article also emphasizes the need to address the underlying causes of environmental degradation and poverty, and highlights the importance of preserving ecosystems and managing land for the benefit of nature and humans. The article concludes by stating that the world has already exceeded seven of the eight safe and just boundaries, and calls for transformative actions to care for the Earth and its inhabitants. [Extracted from the article] more...
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- 2024
5. Risk assessment of antibiotic residues and resistance profile of E. coli in typical rivers of Sichuan, China.
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Sha, Jingzhou, Wu, Minghao, Zhou, Yaliang, Cheng, Tao, Liu, Haisha, Zhang, Jingjing, Luo, Wan, Huang, Yi, Liu, Yinshan, Wang, Baoming, Song, Tao, and Lin, Jiafu
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ESCHERICHIA coli , *ANTIBIOTIC residues , *DRUG resistance in bacteria , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *NORFLOXACIN - Abstract
The presence and distribution of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in rivers have attracted significant global concern. However, research on the contamination of typical rivers in Sichuan Province, China, remains limited. This study aimed to assess the residual levels of antibiotics across 42 national and provincial monitoring sites in nine rivers within Sichuan using UPLC-MS/MS. Ecological risk levels were evaluated through established risk assessment methods, and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli(E.coli) isolated from these waters was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Additionally, redundancy analysis (RDA) was conducted to explore the impact of residual antibiotics on the microbial community structure in the Minjiang River basin. Antibiotics were detected in all nine rivers studied, with the Minjiang, Tuojiang, and Jialingjiang rivers exhibiting particularly severe contamination, with concentrations ranging from 0.29 to 2233.71 ng/L. The level of antibiotic pollution in the Sichuan Basin was significantly higher than in other regions of Sichuan, likely due to the area's high population density. Furthermore, 9.77% of E. coli isolates from the nine rivers exhibited antibiotic resistance, with over 5.8% demonstrating multidrugs resistance. Norfloxacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and tetracycline were identified as the primary contributors to the high ecological risk at 26 of the 42 monitoring sites. A strong correlation was observed between residual antibiotics and changes in microbial community structure. These findings provide critical insights into the distribution of antibiotics and ARGs in the rivers of Sichuan Province and highlight the urgent need for targeted strategies to mitigate antibiotic pollution. Addressing this issue is essential to protect both ecological integrity and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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6. Relationship between riparian zones and water quality in the main watersheds of Ushuaia City, Tierra del Fuego (Argentina).
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Granitto, María, Lopez, María Eugenia, Bursztyn Fuentes, Amalia Lara, Maluendez Testoni, María Constanza, and Rodríguez, Patricia
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WATER management ,URBAN ecology ,LIFE sciences ,ENVIRONMENTAL engineering ,ECOLOGICAL integrity - Abstract
Background: Ushuaia City has experienced much population growth and still lacks secondary treatment for its wastewater. As a result, most of the discharge is directed into the lotic ecosystems that cross the urban environment. This paper assesses the relationship between riparian areas and water quality along an urbanization gradient in the city's main watersheds: Pipo River, Buena Esperanza Stream and Arroyo Grande River. Results: The Riparian Forest Quality Index adapted for Patagonia showed a positive correlation with the Fuegian Water Quality Index (r = 0.83, p < 0.05). Differences in the riparian index along the urban gradient were detected in all the studied watersheds. In general, non-urbanized sites in the upper zones showed very good or good quality while urbanized sites showed worse riparian conditions. Furthermore, in relation to the Fuegian Water Quality Index, this work showed spatial and temporal variations. The Pipo River watershed showed no statistically significant differences among sampling sites, although water quality decreased over time at the urbanized site near the outlet of the river (in March 2018 the Fuegian Water Quality Index was 88 and in March 2022 it was 38). In the Buena Esperanza Stream, significant differences were detected among sampling sites; water quality at the non-urbanized zones in the upper section and upper-middle section was higher than at the urbanized sites. In the Arroyo Grande River, despite the lower ranges of the Fuegian Water Quality Index observed at the urban site near the outlet, no significant differences were identified between study sites. Conclusion: The relationship of both indices supports the relevance of the environmental surroundings of the watercourses and how their ecological integrity affects water quality in urban lotic ecosystems. The watersheds studied here are strongly linked to the complex dynamics of a growing city which was reflected by the Fuegian Water Quality. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for sustainable environmental management. We recommend integrated water resources management that not only ceases the direct discharge of wastewater into watercourses but also implements measures to protect and restore the riparian environment as a fundamental measure for the conservation of urban lotic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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7. Beyond the Remote Sensing Ecological Index: A Comprehensive Ecological Quality Evaluation Using a Deep-Learning-Based Remote Sensing Ecological Index.
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Gong, Xi, Li, Tianqi, Wang, Run, Hu, Sheng, and Yuan, Shuai
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LONG short-term memory , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *ECOLOGICAL assessment , *REMOTE sensing , *PEARSON correlation (Statistics) - Abstract
Ecological integrity is fundamental to human survival and development. However, rapid urbanization and population growth have significantly disrupted ecosystems. Despite the focus of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) on terrestrial ecosystems and land use/cover changes, existing ecological indices, such as the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), have limitations, including an overreliance on single indicators and inability to fully encapsulate the ecological conditions of urban areas. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a Deep-learning-based Remote Sensing Ecological Index (DRSEI) that integrates human economic activities and leverages an autoencoder neural network with long short-term memory (LSTM) modules to account for nonlinearity in ecological quality assessments. The DRSEI model utilizes multi-temporal remote sensing data from the Landsat series, WorldPop, and NPP-VIIRS and was applied to evaluate the ecological conditions of Hubei Province, China, over the past two decades. The key findings indicate that ecological environmental quality gradually improved, particularly from 2000 to 2010, with the rate of improvement subsequently slowing. The DRSEI outperformed the traditional RSEI and had a significantly higher Pearson correlation coefficient than the Ecological Index (EI), thus demonstrating enhanced accuracy and predictive performance. This study presents an innovative approach to ecological assessment that offers a more comprehensive, accurate, and nuanced understanding of ecological changes over time. Integrating socioeconomic factors with deep learning techniques contributes significantly to the field and has implications for ecological risk control and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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8. How does optimal prey abundance shape space use by a territorial raptor?
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Real, Joan, Azpillaga, Maialen, Bosch, Rafel, Hernández-Matías, Antonio, and Puig-Gironès, Roger
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ECOLOGICAL integrity ,EUROPEAN rabbit ,HABITAT selection ,PREY availability ,LIFE sciences ,PREDATION - Abstract
Understanding predator-prey interactions is important to determine the inter-relationships between species. Optimal foraging theory states that predators balance out energy expended with the energy gained from their prey. In the Iberian Peninsula, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a key prey species for endangered Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata). Thus, it is vital to understand how changes in rabbit abundance can influence habitat selection and territory use by Bonelli's eagle. We studied 11 radio-tagged Bonelli's eagles in their territories in Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula) and analysed the relationship between rabbit relative abundance, habitat selection and territory use of eagles. Rabbit relative abundance varied between territories, with shrublands hosting more rabbits, and eagles preferred shrublands and open areas for foraging and avoided dense forests. Spatial use by territorial eagles correlated positively with rabbit abundance in rabbit-rich territories, thereby supporting the idea that prey availability influences habitat selection. This result confirms optimal foraging strategies given that open habitats including shrublands tended to host more rabbits, thus providing better opportunities for prey detection and capture. Therefore, maintaining rabbit populations and their habitats (i.e., preserving open Mediterranean shrublands) would seem to be crucial for Bonelli's eagle conservation. Our findings improve our understanding of predator-prey interactions and highlight the relationship between habitat structure, prey abundance and predator behaviour. In addition, our results emphasize the need for targeted conservation strategies designed to safeguard endangered species such as Bonelli's eagle and maintain ecosystem integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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9. Multi-scenario land use change simulation and spatial-temporal evolution of carbon storage in the Yangtze River Delta region based on the PLUS-InVEST model.
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Zhou, Jingru, Johnson, Verner Carl, Shi, Jingchao, Tan, Mou Leong, and Zhang, Fei
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ECOLOGICAL integrity , *URBAN growth , *LAND use , *FARMS , *FORESTS & forestry - Abstract
Influenced by urban expansion, population growth, and various socio-economic activities, land use in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) area has undergone prominent changes. Modifications in land use have resulted in adjustments to ecological structures, leading to subsequent fluctuations in carbon storage. This study focuses on YRD region and analyzes the characteristics of land use changes in the area using land use data from 2000 to 2020, with a 10-year interval. Utilizing InVEST Model's Carbon Storage module in combination with PLUS model (patch-generating land use simulation), we simulated and projected future land use patterns and carbon storage across YRD region under five scenarios including natural development (ND), urban development (UD), ecological protection (EP), cropland protection (CP), and balanced development (BD). Upon comparing carbon storage levels predicted for 2030 under the five scenarios with those in 2020, carbon stocks decrease in the initial four scenarios and then increase in the fifth scenario. In the initial four declining scenarios, CP scenario had the least reduction in carbon storage, followed by EP scenario. The implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding cropland and preserving ecological integrity can efficaciously curtail the expansion of developed land into woodland and cropland, enhance the structure of land use, and mitigate the loss of carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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10. Predicting daily net ecosystem production in shallow lakes from dissolved oxygen saturation levels: a pan-European mesocosm experiment and modelling approach.
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Cao, Yu, Scharfenberger, Ulrike, Shatwell, Tom, Adrian, Rita, Agasild, Helen, Angeler, David G., Beklioğlu, Meryem, Çakıroğlu, Ayşe ldil, Hejzlar, Josef, Papastergiadou, Eva, Šorf, Michal, Stefanidis, Kostas, Søndergaard, Martin, Zingel, Priit, and Jeppesen, Erik more...
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OXYGEN saturation , *CLIMATIC zones , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *WATER levels , *WATER depth - Abstract
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] more...
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- 2025
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11. Effects of water and sediment chemistry variables on aquatic macroinvertebrate community structuring in a subtropical Austral river system.
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Dalu, Tatenda, Zantsi, Busiswa P., Wu, Naicheng, and Cuthbert, Ross N.
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ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ENVIRONMENTAL sciences ,LIFE sciences ,BIOLOGICAL extinction ,REGRESSION trees ,PREDATION - Abstract
Riverine physical and chemical characteristics are influencing ecosystem integrity while shaping and impacting species richness and diversity. Changes in these factors could potentially influence community structuring through competition, predation and localised species extinctions. In this study, eight sampling sites over multiple seasons were assessed along the streams draining the City of Nelspruit, South Africa, to examine river health based on water and sediment quality, while using macroinvertebrates as bioindicators for pollution. All water variables with the exception for salinity were found to be significantly different among seasons, with sites having significant differences among all water variables. All sediment chemistry variables were also found to be significantly different among sites and seasons, with the exception of K for sites and Zn and Ca for seasons. The PCA factor loadings and two-cluster analysis identified two groupings, i.e. group 1 that consisted of all metals apart from K and Na and group 2 with K and Na metals. A total of 4470 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified, with Crustacea Caridina nilotica and Diptera Chironominae being dominant across seasons, with macroinvertebrate communities being found to be significantly different among sites and seasons. The most common functional feeding groups across sites were the collector–gatherers (52.2%), followed by collector–filters (26.8%), predators (16.4%), scrapers (4.4%) and shredders (0.1%). Boosted regression trees indicated that high variation in species richness occurred with change in resistivity, P, water pH, ORP, conductivity and S concentrations. These results evidence a strong linkage among the sediment, water quality, substratum embeddedness and habitat structure and community structure. It is important to protect the integrity of aquatic ecosystems through effective monitoring due to the increasing water and sediment quality pressures that arise from various anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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12. Three Decades of Research on Iberian Wild Ungulates: Key Insights and Promising Research Avenues.
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Carvalho, João, Carpio, António, Figueiredo, Ana M., Fonseca, Carlos, Ferreira, Eduardo, Serrano, Emmanuel, Barja, Isabel, Sánchez‐Zapata, José, Carranza, Juan, Palacios, Laura Barbero, Ortiz‐Jiménez, Lorena, Rosalino, Luís Miguel, Rossa, Mariana, Velamazán, Mario, Santos, Nuno, Fandos, Paulino, Acevedo, Pelayo, Perea, Ramón, Castillo‐Contreras, Raquel, and Pascual‐Rico, Roberto more...
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SCIENTIFIC literature , *WILD boar , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *WILDLIFE monitoring , *FALLOW deer - Abstract
ABSTRACT The Iberian Peninsula is witnessing ever‐faster environmental changes, and new challenges for wild ungulates are continuously emerging as they become more abundant and widespread. We conducted a systematic review to analyse the knowledge on wild ungulates inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. We used Web of Science and Scopus search engines, complemented by searches in nonindexed journals, to examine peer‐reviewed articles published between January 1990 and July 2023. The annual average growth rate in the number of publications was 17%. Most studies focussed on diseases and pathogens (36%), physiology, endocrinology and reproduction (19%), and behaviour, population and community ecology (17%). Red deer and wild boar are the most targeted species in scientific literature, followed by the Iberian wild goat, roe deer, fallow deer, Southern chamois, mouflon and aoudad. We identify key knowledge gaps that deserve further attention such as the ecological and social impacts of (re)introductions, the effects of increasing ungulate densities on ecosystem integrity and the impact of different hunting and management techniques (some unique to the Iberian Peninsula) on population dynamics. We also highlight the need to stimulate Iberian collaboration and extend the discussion to a wider range of stakeholders to integrate different perspectives on the research agenda for Iberian wild ungulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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13. Temporal patterns in Malaysian rainforest soundscapes demonstrated using acoustic indices and deep embeddings trained on time-of-day estimationa).
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Loo, Yen Yi, Lee, Mei Yi, Shaheed, Samien, Maul, Tomas, and Clink, Dena Jane
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ARTIFICIAL neural networks , *TROPICAL ecosystems , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *URBAN growth , *RAIN forests - Abstract
Rapid urban development impacts the integrity of tropical ecosystems on broad spatiotemporal scales. However, sustained long-term monitoring poses significant challenges, particularly in tropical regions. In this context, ecoacoustics emerges as a promising approach to address this gap. Yet, harnessing insights from extensive acoustic datasets presents its own set of challenges, such as the time and expertise needed to label species information in recordings. Here, this study presents an approach to investigating soundscapes: the use of a deep neural network trained on time-of-day estimation. This research endeavors to (1) provide a qualitative analysis of the temporal variation (daily and monthly) of the soundscape using conventional ecoacoustic indices and deep ecoacoustic embeddings, (2) compare the predictive power of both methods for time-of-day estimation, and (3) compare the performance of both methods for supervised classification and unsupervised clustering to the specific recording site, habitat type, and season. The study's findings reveal that conventional acoustic indices and the proposed deep ecoacoustic embeddings approach exhibit overall comparable performance. This article concludes by discussing potential avenues for further refinement of the proposed method, which will further contribute to understanding of soundscape variation across time and space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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14. Enterprise Attributes and Hazard Risks in the Ornamental Fish Trade: Implications for Ecosystem Integrity and Stakeholder Engagement in Southeast India.
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Iyyappan, Thirumal, Santhakumar, Rajagopal, Oli, Govindasamy Arul, Padmavathy, Pandurengan, Athithan, Saminathan, and Arisekar, Ulaganathan
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ORNAMENTAL fishes , *FISH industry , *MALACHITE green , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *FISH diseases , *BIOSECURITY - Abstract
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] more...
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- 2025
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15. Environmental realism in molecular ecotoxicology: key considerations to transition experimental data to ecologically relevant scenarios.
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Franco, Marco E.
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EARTH (Planet) ,POLLUTION ,CHEMICAL ecology ,LIFE sciences ,ECOLOGICAL integrity - Abstract
Molecular ecotoxicology facilitates the mechanistic understanding of chemical-organism interactions and the establishment of frameworks to link molecular events to adverse outcomes. However, the foundation of this sub-discipline must remain focused on the necessity to generate insight at levels of biological organization beyond the individual, namely the population, community, and ecosystem levels, and to strive towards ecological relevance. As planet Earth continues to experience unprecedented levels of chemical pollution, causing significant impact to the integrity and functionality of ecosystems, research efforts in molecular ecotoxicology must prioritize experimentation that quantitatively incorporates the influence of non-chemical stressors to enhance the predictability of chemical-driven effects at the population level and beyond. Here, perspectives on the challenge to transition experimental data to environmentally relevant scenarios are offered in an attempt to highlight the critical role of molecular ecotoxicology in protecting and supporting ecosystems threatened by chemical pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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16. Analysis of Spatial Distribution Pattern and Driving Factors of Nature Reserves in Xinjiang.
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Yang, Yue, Yang, Zhaoping, and Han, Fang
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NATURE reserves ,ENVIRONMENTAL security ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,SUSTAINABLE development ,STANDARD deviations - Abstract
Establishing nature reserves is fundamental to promoting ecological civilization and ensuring the ecological security of sustainable development, as well as a key strategy for maintaining the integrity of the national ecosystem. In recent years, with the enhancement in environmental awareness, the role of nature reserves in maintaining ecosystem stability, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development has become increasingly prominent. As a crucial ecological defense line in China, studying the spatial distribution and influencing factors of nature reserves in Xinjiang is vital for regional ecological protection and resource management. In this study, we focused on the nature reserves in Xinjiang and used kernel density and standard deviation ellipse analysis methods to examine data from 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 in order to reveal the dynamics of spatial distribution, clustering characteristics, and evolutionary patterns, providing a scientific basis for optimizing the spatial layout of nature reserves in Xinjiang. We also employed a geographical detector model to assess the main influencing factors. This study shows that the number, area, and types of nature reserves in Xinjiang have rapidly increased, forming an integrated system predominantly composed of nature reserves. Their spatial distribution exhibits a northeast–southwest orientation and a ring-centered clustering pattern. This spatial differentiation is the result of the interaction between natural and human factors, manifesting as an enhanced effect among these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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17. Assessment of Organic Matter Influence on the Ecological Integrity of Poyang Lake Using O/E Model and Chemical–Biological Indices over the Past Two Decades.
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Wang, Jindong, Huang, Wenjie, Feng, Chenglian, and Wang, Hongyang
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ENVIRONMENTAL health ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ECOLOGICAL surveys ,WATER quality ,ENVIRONMENTAL quality - Abstract
Ecological integrity, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological aspects, is crucial for sustaining ecosystem service functions and stability. As the largest freshwater lake in China, the ecological integrity of Poyang Lake has attracted much attention due to the over-exploitation of its water resources in recent years. In this study, several biological and water quality surveys on water ecological conditions were carried out at 11 sampling points of Poyang Lake from 1998 to 2022, and the ecological health of Poyang Lake was evaluated by use of the O/E (Observation/Expectation) model and the chemical–biological index method according to the status of the water quality and the structure of the benthic fauna in the four seasons, respectively. The results showed that the benthic community structure is simple, and the biodiversity is low, which is mainly dominated by Insecta in Arthropoda and Oligochaeta in Oroidea, accounting for 84.3% and 42.4%, respectively; the results of the O/E index evaluated under the threshold of probability of capture ≥ 0.5 showed that the health grade of all sections was sub-healthy or average, which was consistent with the results of the chemical–biological composite index evaluation. The dual evaluation method of the O/E model and chemical–biological composite index adopted in this study integrates more than twenty years of long-time scale data; this method combined with long time scale data has not been studied before, and its advantage is that it can more objectively show the change in the ecological situation of Poyang Lake for many years. The results of the present study could provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the evaluation of lake water environment quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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18. Integrating Geo-AI with RS & GIS for comprehensive assessments of urban land cover transformations and integrated responses.
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Farooqi, Sajid Mahmood, Kanwal, Ambrina, Zaman-ul-Haq, Muhammad, Saqib, Zafeer, Akhtar, Nadia, Tariq, Aqil, Abdullah-Al-Wadud, M., Mubbin, Muhammad, and Bokhari, Syed Atif
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LAND cover ,CITIES & towns ,LANDSAT satellites ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,LAND use - Abstract
Poorly conceived urbanization negatively affects the urban environment, particularly in developing nations such as Pakistan. The resultant degradations undermine urban ecological and environmental integrity. Resource, knowledge, and governance-related constraints further aggravate the situation. This study compares spatial-temporal trends in land use and land cover (LULC) transformation from divergent contextual settings such as Attock, Faisalabad, and Islamabad, Pakistan. The cities were selected for their contrasting models of urban planning. The study can be a yardstick for all similarly planned towns in developing countries. In this study, we used the Landsat 5 and 8 in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) from 1990 to 2020. We also used high-resolution imagery to validate the results in the GEE. We modified the supervised classification with geo-Ai. From 1990 to 2020, all three cities experienced significant changes in land cover. In Attock, agricultural land expanded from 65.48% to 74.51%, while barren land and tree cover decreased, and built-up areas grew substantially, reaching 13.47%. Faisalabad saw a notable increase in built-up areas from 10.45% to 26.51%, with a corresponding decline in agricultural land from 86.24% to 68.87%. Islamabad's built-up area rose dramatically from 6.02% to 29.04%, with reductions in tree cover and agricultural land, reflecting intensified urbanization. The concluding assessments demand a focus on LULC management in countries like Pakistan to tackle hyperactive urbanization. Studies such as this are significant for possibly addressing this threat in similar contextual settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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19. Particle fluxes by subtropical pelagic communities under ocean alkalinity enhancement.
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Suessle, Philipp, Taucher, Jan, Goldenberg, Silvan Urs, Baumann, Moritz, Spilling, Kristian, Noche-Ferreira, Andrea, Vanharanta, Mari, and Riebesell, Ulf
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COLLOIDAL carbon ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,CARBON dioxide ,MARINE ecology ,ECOSYSTEM services - Abstract
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) has been proposed as a carbon dioxide removal technology (CDR), allowing for long-term storage of carbon dioxide in the ocean. By changing the carbonate speciation in seawater, OAE may potentially alter marine ecosystems with implications for the biological carbon pump. Using mesocosms in the subtropical North Atlantic, we provide first empirical insights into impacts of carbonate-based OAE on the vertical flux and attenuation of sinking particles in an oligotrophic plankton community. We enhanced total alkalinity (TA) in increments of 300 µ mol kg
−1 , reaching up to Δ TA = 2400 µ mol kg−1 compared to ambient TA. We applied a p CO2 -equilibrated OAE approach; i.e., dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was raised simultaneously with TA to maintain seawater p CO2 in equilibrium with the atmosphere, thereby keeping perturbations of seawater carbonate chemistry moderate. The vertical flux of major elements, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon, as well as their stoichiometric ratios (e.g., carbon-to-nitrogen ratios), remained unaffected over 29 d of OAE. The particle properties controlling the flux attenuation, including sinking velocities and remineralization rates, also remained unaffected by OAE. However, we observed abiotic mineral precipitation at high OAE levels (Δ TA = 1800 µ mol kg−1 and higher) that resulted in a substantial increase in particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) formation. The associated consumption of alkalinity reduces the efficiency of CO2 removal and emphasizes the importance of maintaining OAE within a carefully defined operating range. Our findings suggest that carbon export by oligotrophic plankton communities is insensitive to OAE perturbations using a CO2 pre-equilibrated approach. The integrity of ecosystem services is a prerequisite for large-scale application and should be further tested across a variety of nutrient regimes and for less idealized OAE approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...- Published
- 2025
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20. Comparative investigation provides further insights on how riparian deforestation and different land uses impact the distribution of freshwater macroinvertebrates in Nigerian streams.
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Akinpelu, O.T., Arimoro, F.O., Ayanwale, A.V., Chukwuemeka, V.I., Adedapo, A.M., and Akindele, E.O.
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AQUATIC insects ,RIPARIAN forests ,FRESHWATER biodiversity ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ECOLOGICAL regions ,AQUATIC invertebrates - Abstract
Riparian forest loss and various land use impacts on macroinvertebrate communities in Nigerian streams remain poorly understudied. To fill this knowledge gap, a study was conducted on five streams in the southwest ecoregion of Nigeria between December 2019 and October 2021. A total of 2,077 macroinvertebrates were sampled, comprising 16 orders, 40 families, and 80 species. Aquatic insects were the most abundant, constituting 85 % of species and 73.13 % of individuals. Other specimens included Mollusca, Crustacea, Arachnida, and Annelida. Notably, Olumirin stream exhibited the highest macroinvertebrate abundance, including the stress-sensitive Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) members. The site also had the highest degree of naturalness, widest channel and dissolved oxygen (DO), but lowest electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) compared to the other streams (Abirunmu, Awoosun, Mogimogi, and Aboto), that harbored facultative and stress-tolerant species, indicating varying degrees of disturbances. The bivariate regression analysis confirms that riparian deforestation and land use impact macroinvertebrate distribution in streams as there was an inverse relationship between EPT abundance and forest cover. Also, DO positively correlates with EPT taxa richness but inversely correlates with Coleoptera richness and Hemiptera abundance. As a result, Olumirin stream is proposed as a benchmark for evaluating freshwater ecological integrity in the region. Given the escalating anthropogenic activities in the tropics, urgent collaborative efforts are required to safeguard freshwater biodiversity, protect the riparian corridor of Olumirin stream, and restore impaired streams in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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21. Challenges and Current Trends in Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance in EU Water Law Context.
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Rogowska, Justyna, Gałęzowska, Grażyna, and Zimmermann, Agnieszka
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SUSTAINABILITY ,EMERGING contaminants ,WATER management ,ENVIRONMENTAL quality ,ECOLOGICAL integrity - Abstract
The increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, and their improper disposal have resulted in both pharmaceuticals and their metabolites being released into the environment, where they pose a risk to both ecosystems and human health. One of the most serious threats to public health associated with the presence of antibiotics in the environment is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In order to combat AMR, the legal aspect of water protection becomes a critical area of action. This article analyzes the current challenges and legislative developments in the European Union (EU) aimed at mitigating pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments, particularly with regard to AMR. It traces the evolution of EU water protection policies from the initial surface and groundwater directives to the recent updates of the Water Framework Directive, Groundwater Directive and Environmental Quality Standards Directive, focusing on the integration of pharmaceutical contaminants into the regulatory framework. In addition, these changes include the update of the Watch List system for monitoring emerging contaminants, the adoption of effects-based methods (EBMs) in the assessment of water status and the streamlining of the legislative process to respond more quickly to emerging threats in the aquatic environment. The EU's strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment is emphasized as a key framework for harmonizing the environmental standards and addressing the problem of AMR through more sustainable pharmaceutical practices. This study advocates for a proactive, integrated approach to water policy that aligns regulatory actions with scientific advancements to protect public health and ecosystem integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2025
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22. Evaluating ecological impacts through geospatial analysis of land use land cover dynamics in Jarmet wetland ecosystems in Western Ethiopia.
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Bojer, Amanuel Kumsa, Al-Quraishi, Ayad M. Fadhil, and Nadarajah, Saralees
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ECOLOGICAL integrity ,GEOGRAPHIC information systems ,LIFE sciences ,ECOSYSTEM dynamics ,ECOLOGICAL impact - Abstract
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] more...
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- 2024
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23. Global rarity of high-integrity tropical rainforests for threatened and declining terrestrial vertebrates.
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Pillay, Rajeev, Watson, James E. M., Hansen, Andrew J., Burns, Patrick, Virnig, Anne Lucy Stilger, Supples, Christina, Armenteras, Dolors, González-del-Pliego, Pamela, Aragon-Osejo, Jose, Jantz, Patrick A., Ervin, Jamison, Goetz, Scott J., and Venter, Oscar more...
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ECOLOGICAL integrity , *RAIN forests , *FOREST biodiversity , *BIODIVERSITY , *HABITATS - Abstract
Structurally intact native forests free from major human pressures are vitally important habitats for the persistence of forest biodiversity. However, the extent of such high-integrity forest habitats remaining for biodiversity is unknown. Here, we quantify the amount of high-integrity tropical rainforests, as a fraction of total forest cover, within the geographic ranges of 16,396 species of terrestrial vertebrates worldwide. We found up to 90% of the humid tropical ranges of forest-dependent vertebrates was encompassed by forest cover. Concerningly, however, merely 25% of these remaining rainforests are of high integrity. Forest-dependent species that are threatened and declining and species with small geographic ranges have disproportionately low proportions of high-integrity forest habitat left. Our work brings much needed attention to the poor quality of much of the forest estate remaining for biodiversity across the humid tropics. The targeted preservation of the world's remaining high-integrity tropical rainforests that are currently unprotected is a critical conservation priority that may help alleviate the biodiversity crisis in these hyperdiverse and irreplaceable ecosystems. Enhanced efforts worldwide to preserve tropical rainforest integrity are essential to meet the targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity's 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which aims to achieve near zero loss of high biodiversity importance areas (including ecosystems of high integrity) by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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24. Critical social perspectives in forest and landscape restoration – a systematic review.
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Shelton, Madeline R., Kanowski, Peter J., Kleinschmit, Daniela, and Ison, Ray L.
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FOREST restoration ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,CRITICAL analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL justice ,RESTORATION ecology - Abstract
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] more...
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- 2024
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25. Enhancing soil health and crop yields through water-fertilizer coupling technology.
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Xing, Yingying, Zhang, Xiangzhu, and Wang, Xiukang
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SUSTAINABILITY ,SUSTAINABLE agriculture ,WATER efficiency ,DECISION support systems ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,SOIL classification - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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26. The Environmental Consequences of Extreme Tourism in Fragile Ecosystems.
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Ganieva, Khayriniso, Madaminova, Durdona, Karimov, Nodir, Seytasmanova, Anastasiya, Nashirova, Shakhnoza, Nizomova, Mohinur, Zoirova, Aziza, and Khamidova, Sevara
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SOIL erosion , *BIODIVERSITY , *ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis , *ENVIRONMENTAL degradation , *SUSTAINABLE tourism - Abstract
Extreme tourism, typically featuring high-intensity activities in isolated or pristine areas of nature, is becoming much more popular. This trend has engendered concerns over its implications for fragile ecosystems. The environmental impacts of extreme tourism are the concern of this study, with special reference to those ecosystems that are most susceptible to ecological disruption. The analysis looks into the various implications that take place in regard to soil erosion, habitat disturbance, pollution, and loss of biodiversity, events that gain intensity with increasing footfall and infrastructural demands in these regions. The paper further discusses the contribution of inadequate regulatory measures and non-existent sustainable practices within the tourism industry to environmental degradation. The present case studies and the recent data explain in detail the urgent need to establish eco-friendly policies and sustainable tourism models that balance recreational demands with environmental preservation. Results stress the importance of policy makers, tour operators, and local communities joining hands to diminish the detrimental effects of extreme tourism and ensure the resiliency of these fragile ecosystems for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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27. Estructura taxonómica y funcional de macroinvertebrados en ríos de bosque y de zonas agrícolas en la llanura tucumana.
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STEPANENKO, MARIO D., PERO, EDGARDO J. I., and REYNAGA, MARİA C.
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ECOLOGICAL integrity , *AGRICULTURE , *ALLUVIAL plains , *SPECIES diversity , *BIOINDICATORS - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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28. Conservation ecology of land snails: a synthesis for Estonia.
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Remm, Liina, Vaikre, Maarja, Linnamägi, Merike, and Lõhmus, Asko
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- *
RESTORATION ecology , *NATIVE species , *FOREST protection , *OLD growth forests , *ECOLOGICAL integrity - Abstract
We provide a synthesis of how the regional fauna of land snails, a flagship group among invertebrates, is distributed across ecosystems and how that translates to conservation priorities in Estonia. The data were compiled from 24 assemblage studies (mostly sample quadrats or substrate volume sampling; totalling >80,000 individuals) and from species records of infrequent species in the country since the 1970s. These data were quantitatively analysed for snail diversity and species frequencies by ecosystem types, and for the conservation status and indicator value of species. The known Estonian extant fauna contains 80 native and 12 presumably non-native species, of which 11 native species were assessed as threatened (2 not found in the 21st century). Hydrologically functional fens, old eutrophic forests, wooded meadows and calcareous areas appeared hotspots for threatened species and for overall snail diversity and abundance. As conservation measures, strict protection of natural forests and fens is fundamental, whereas the consequences of ecological restoration of alvars and fens require further study. Invasion of non-native species has greatly accelerated in the last 15 years, but it still mostly affects human settlements and their surroundings. We conclude that the Estonian land snail fauna is in a vulnerable state that largely depends on the integrity of hotspot ecosystems. There is a critical lack of knowledge on the value of small habitat patches and ecological restoration, and ecological responses to the snail invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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29. Mapping landscape values and exploring sense of place in a threatened mangrove biodiversity hotspot: the Sundarbans delta, Bangladesh.
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Polas, Abul Bashar, Topp, Emmeline, and Plieninger, Tobias
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- *
PLACE attachment (Psychology) , *MANGROVE forests , *FOREST biodiversity , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *SOCIAL values - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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30. Leveraging environmental DNA (eDNA) to optimize targeted removal of invasive fishes.
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Wiggins, Jennie J., Tobias, Vanessa D., Holcombe, Erika F., Karpenko, Katie, Huber, Eric R., and Goodman, Andrew C.
- Subjects
- *
NATURAL resources management , *FISHERIES , *NATIVE species , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *POLYMERASE chain reaction - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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31. Spatial Configuration and Sustainable Conservation of Ecotourism Resources in the Dabie Mountains, Eastern China, Using an Ecosystem Services Model.
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Hou, Yingyue and Dai, Yunchuan
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- *
ECOLOGICAL integrity , *ECOTOURISM , *ECOLOGICAL regions , *ECOSYSTEM services , *ENVIRONMENTAL protection , *SUSTAINABLE tourism , *BIODIVERSITY conservation - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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32. Trophic Interactions of Callinectes sapidus (Blue Crab) in Vendicari Nature Reserve (Central Mediterranean, Ionian Sea) and First Record of Penaeus aztecus (Brown Shrimp).
- Author
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Tiralongo, Francesco, Nota, Alessandro, Pasquale, Costanza Di, Muccio, Eliana, and Felici, Alberto
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- *
INTRODUCED species , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *BLUE crab , *COMMON octopus , *NATURE reserves , *MARINE biodiversity , *BIOLOGICAL invasions - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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33. The Erosion of Seasonality in Avian Communities.
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Curley, Shannon R., Ramírez‐Garofalo, José R., Acosta Alamo, Marlen, Manne, Lisa L., Lockwood, Julie L., and Veit, Richard R.
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- *
BIOTIC communities , *WINTERING of birds , *BIRD breeding , *BIRD communities , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *WINTER - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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34. Partial planned relocation and livelihoods: Learnings from Narikoso, Fiji.
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Yee, Merewalesi, McMichael, Celia, McNamara, Karen E., and Piggott‐McKellar, Annah
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EXTREME weather , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *SEA level , *ENVIRONMENTAL risk , *ENVIRONMENTAL exposure - Abstract
Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are vulnerable to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, extreme weather events and other environmental changes. Planned relocation can be an adaptive response to climatic threats. In Fiji, six communities have already relocated. While there is growing interest in planned relocation, there are few empirical case studies from which to learn. Narikoso village, in the Kadavu Province of Fiji, undertook partial relocation in 2020. Drawing on qualitative research (interviews, group discussions, observation), informed by Vanua methodology in 2022, this study examines the impacts of partial planned relocation on people's lives and livelihoods. Seven sustainable livelihood assets – or forms of 'capital' – are explored: natural, social, financial, human, physical and cultural, with the addition of spiritual. Our research found that planned relocation altered forms of capital that underpin sustainable livelihoods, leading to both benefits and problems. We argue that planned relocation must not only reduce exposure to climatic and environmental risk, but promote and preserve the integrity of local ecosystems, value continuity of culture and sustain and develop diverse assets that support sustainable livelihoods. This demands deep engagement with climate change‐affected communities to ensure that planned relocations sustain people's livelihoods, dignity and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
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35. Trade-Offs in Marine Policy Decisions Through the Lens of Literature.
- Author
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de Queiroz, Joyce Dias Gois Rodrigues, Gutierrez, Débora, and Calado, Helena Maria Gregório Pina
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- *
MARINE parks & reserves , *MARINE resources , *MARINE resources conservation , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *CONSERVATION projects (Natural resources) - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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36. 整体性治理视域下生态保护规范法典化的逻辑与进路.
- Author
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朱炳成 and 宁天琦
- Subjects
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ECOLOGICAL integrity , *RESTORATION ecology , *ECOSYSTEMS , *GERMPLASM , *SUSTAINABLE development , *BIODIVERSITY conservation - Abstract
In recent years, environmental governance in China has gradually shifted from element-based management to systematic governance, aiming to address the shortcomings of traditional governance models that insufficiently consider the integrity of ecosystems. In this context, holistic governance has emerged as an important reference in the ecological protection norms within the Ecological and Environmental Code. This transition has necessitated a conceptual alignment with the logical mainline of sustainable development and adherence to a holistic method in terms of textual logic and legal institutions to strengthen China's ecological legal system. Based on a moderate codification model, the special section on natural ecological protection in the Ecological and Environmental Code could follow the following rationale: ① Regarding legal philosophy, the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature should be incorporated into the code, constructing an ecological legal system centered on the environmental code through a holistic and systematic approach. In the special section on natural ecological protection, a systematic outlook should be maintained to promote integrated protection and governance of ‘mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, deserts, and glaciers,’ with the fundamental aim of preserving the overall function of ecosystems, thus constructing the ecological protection legal system accordingly. ② Regarding content, on the basis of the interrelated aspects of environment, resources, and ecology, the focus and core of legal norms for ecological protection in the special section on natural ecological protection should be clarified, and an ‘ecology-resource’ integrated protection model should be adopted. Concurrently, under the requirements of moderate codification, coherence and connection should be achieved between the special section on natural ecological protection and those on pollution control and green low-carbon development, and an effective synergy between the code and separate laws should be ensured, thereby clarifying the specific manifestations of the same ecological elements with varying emphasis based on ‘environment,’ ‘ecology,’ and ‘resources’ in different sections of the code. ③ In terms of framework, with biodiversity protection as the logical foundation, the primary content of ecological protection should cover aspects of ecosystem protection, species conservation, and safeguarding of genetic resources. Based on this framework, regulations should be established for managing ecological degradation, promoting ecological restoration, and implementing ecological compensation to achieve holistic governance from ecosystems to inter-species and finally to intraspecies levels. Simultaneously, the Ecological and Environmental Code could arrange natural ecological protection systems based on a typological logic, constructing a regulatory system of ‘prevention in advance-process supervision-damage relief-restoration management,’ thereby providing a comprehensive and robust normative basis for ecological protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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37. Phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms: a technique for enhancing phosphorus use efficiency.
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Gurav, Priya Pandurang, Kollah, Bharati, Shirale, Abhay Omprakash, Yadav, Dinesh Kumar, Mohanty, Santosh Ranjan, Babu, Subhash, Yadav, Devideen, Yeasin, M. D., Meena, Bharat Prakash, Shinogi, K. C., Das, Ruma, and Nath, Arun Jyoti more...
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SUSTAINABLE agriculture , *ECOLOGICAL integrity , *PLANT growth , *PLANT development , *CROP growth - Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is the second most important essential macronutrient after nitrogen for plant growth and development. Even though P is plentiful in soil, it is largely inaccessible to plants as it is strongly bound with metal ions and form insoluble metal-P complexes. Therefore, different agrochemicals are used to improve the P availability in soils and mitigate the plant need for sustainable growth and productivity of crops. However, those agrochemicals deteriorate ecosystem integrity and adversely affect the soil health. Consequently, there is a need for a more economical and ecologically beneficial P bio-fortification method by phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs). The characterization of phosphorus pools and the assessment of different microbial communities can help to improve our understanding of plant–microbe interaction and P availability. The objective of this study is to discuss the PSMs that facilitate P nutrition mechanisms, including the molecular aspects of P solubilization in soil, and to characterize their features that promote plant growth and development. We mainly focused on how PSMs constitute a fundamental resource for the release of P nutrient where described the several pathways of solubilization and mineralization. The use of PSMs is a viable resource for the future sustainable agriculture, mainly due to its application can helps to reduce the fertilizer dose of P and ultimately reduce the exploitation of fertilizer P and its resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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38. The Field Automatic Insect Recognition‐Device—A Non‐Lethal Semi‐Automatic Malaise Trap for Insect Biodiversity Monitoring: Proof of Concept.
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Chiavassa, Juan A., Kraft, Martin, Noack, Patrick, Walther, Simon, Kirse, Ameli, and Scherber, Christoph
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ECOLOGICAL integrity , *BIODIVERSITY monitoring , *ECOLOGICAL disturbances , *AGRICULTURAL pests , *INSECT diversity - Abstract
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] more...
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- 2024
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39. Micropollutant Control in Wastewater Treatment: A Review of Harnessing Nitrification and Denitrification Biotransformation of Micropollutant.
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Muhammad, Hanaa A., Masyab, Hikmat M., Othman, Bakhtyar A., and Mahmood, Yaseen N.
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SUSTAINABILITY ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ENVIRONMENTAL management ,ENVIRONMENTAL health ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection ,MICROPOLLUTANTS - Abstract
Copyright of ARO: The Scientific Journal of Koya University is the property of Koya University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...
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- 2024
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40. Evaluation of Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Different Grasses Irrigated with Treated Mine Water.
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Mangwane, Mziwanda, Madakadze, Ignacio Casper, Nherera-Chokuda, Florence Veronica, Dube, Sikhalazo, Mndela, Mthunzi, Letsoalo, Ngoako, and Tjelele, Tlou Julius
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MINE water ,ACID mine drainage ,COAL mining ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection ,ECOLOGICAL integrity - Abstract
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 T
50 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] more...- Published
- 2024
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41. Tiny but mighty mayfly - probing Prosopistoma pennigerum (Müller 1785) as the Flagship species for the Vjosa Wild River National Park.
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Schwingshackl, Thea, Martini, Jan, Yegon, Mourine, Singer, Gabriel, and Vitecek, Simon
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KEYSTONE species ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,NATIONAL parks & reserves ,GENETIC variation ,PARTHENOGENESIS - Abstract
The recently created Vjosa Wild River National Park sets precedence at the European scale to protect a rare river ecosystem and, at the same time, the last refuge of the almost extinct mayfly Prosopistoma pennigerum (Müller 1785, Fig. 1). We extensively searched for the species in the Vjosa and five abiotically similar but fragmented surrounding rivers. To characterize the genetic diversity of the Vjosa population and assess its potential as a source population, we analysed partial mtCOI data. Besides high abundances in the Vjosa River, we observed only a few specimens in the free-flowing section of the Osumi River, but in no other investigated river although suitable habitat appears to be widely available at site-scale. Molecular analysis of 174 specimens revealed largely homogeneous sequences across all sampling sites and an almost 100% infection rate with Wolbachia sp. that suggests parthenogenetic reproduction, possibly as a strategy to increase resilience to high natural disturbance dynamics. We argue that P. pennigerum should serve as a flagship species for the Vjosa Wild River National Park. The species is exceptionally aesthetic, and its most viable, but apparently parthenogenetic populations are restricted to the Vjosa River where the species is widespread. The restricted regional distribution indicates only weak (or no) potential to recolonize and/or re-establish in other rivers, and the absence from fragmented rivers suggests dependence on high ecological integrity. Implications for conservation: Our findings thus sanction our nomination of P. pennigerum as the flagship species for the Vjosa Wild River National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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42. The impact of land use and land cover change on the stream water quality in Limbe I municipality, Cameroon.
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Asmare, Betelhem, Neculina, Anyinkeng, Wubie, Alemayehu, Egbe, Awo Miranda, Charleine, Djouego Sob, and Ambo, Fonge Beatrice
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SURFACE of the earth ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ANTHROPOGENIC effects on nature ,LAND cover ,BIOINDICATORS ,CONTAMINATION of drinking water - Abstract
Inland aquatic ecosystems cover 0.1%–3.0% of Earth's surface. They provide different ecosystem services to the area, such as drinking water, transportation, and hydropower generation. However, increasing land use changes threaten their ecological integrity. This study aims to assess land use and land cover change and their impact on stream water quality in Limbe I municipality. The study was conducted in the rainy season, with sampling points chosen based on anthropogenic impacts. Hanna multi‐probe model number HI9829 was used for in‐situ measurements. The research detects and presents changes in the vegetation cover between three LULC maps (1990, 2010, and 2021). The result suggested that over the last 31 years, vegetation cover decreased by 8.1, 4.8, and 10.6 hectares, respectively. The settlement expanded by 23.5 hectares in the years 1990–2021. In situ measurements, temperature ranged from 23 to 25.8°C; pH, 8–9.4; DO, 1.0–5.9 mg/L; turbidity, 12.4–449.5 NTU; phosphorus, 1–3.4 mg/L. Iron ranges from 0.39 to 0.49 mg/L; cadmium from 0.025 to 0.03 mg/L; and lead from 0.07 to 0.15 mg/L. The heavy metal levels exceed the World Health Organization's acceptable limits for recreational water. The study indicated that the water quality was poor for swimming and aesthetic uses. Total bacteria count ranges from 8500 to 41,000 cfu/mL; total coliforms, 720–6400 cfu/mL; Escherichia coli, 65–300 cfu/mL; and salmonella, 1–46 cfu/mL. The water's bacteriological load indicates high fecal contamination and exceeds the World Health Organization's drinking water limit. LUCC has affected the physico‐chemical and bacteriological quality of the stream water. Hence, the stream needs continuous monitoring of the physico‐chemical and biological indicators to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem's environment and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
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- 2024
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43. "Where the Moose Were": Fort William First Nation's Ancestral Land, Two–Eyed Seeing, and Industrial Impacts.
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Thapa, Keshab, Laforest, Melanie, Banning, Catherine, and Thompson, Shirley
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LAND Back movement ,NORMALIZED difference vegetation index ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ENVIRONMENTAL racism ,GREENSTONE belts - Abstract
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] more...
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- 2024
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44. Air quality evaluation of Meerut city, Uttar Pradesh, India: A comparative analysis.
- Author
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Ruhela, Mukesh, Bhutiani, Rakesh, Kumar, Rahul, and Ahamad, Faheem
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AIR pollution potential ,AIR quality indexes ,AIR quality ,PARTICULATE matter ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,AIR pollutants ,AIR quality standards ,AIR pollution - Abstract
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 (NO
2 ), 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] more...- Published
- 2024
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45. National Park Double Boundary Delimitation: A Synergy-Based Approach Integrating Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services—An Example of Proposed Ailaoshan–Wuliangshan National Parks in China.
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Ge, Mengxiao, Liu, Junze, and Qi, Jun
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ECOLOGICAL integrity ,BIODIVERSITY conservation ,PROTECTED areas ,NATIONAL parks & reserves ,HABITAT conservation - Abstract
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 km
2 , 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] more...- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Spatio-temporal analysis of urban forest fragmentation in Delhi, India, using Landscape Fragmentation Tool v2.0.
- Author
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Randhawa, Khushboo, Bhattacharya, Prodyut, and Shimrah, Tuisem
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FRAGMENTED landscapes ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,FOREST degradation ,ENVIRONMENTAL management ,ENVIRONMENTAL sciences - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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47. Understanding Environmental Contamination Through the Lens of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus).
- Author
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Castagna, Fabio, Montano, Luigi, Lombardi, Renato, Pagano, Angelo, Gigliotti, Andrea, Bava, Roberto, Lupia, Carmine, Costagliola, Anna, Giordano, Antonio, Palma, Ernesto, Britti, Domenico, and Liguori, Giovanna more...
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ENVIRONMENTAL health ,PEREGRINE falcon ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,HEAVY metal toxicology ,POLLUTION - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
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48. Stream Sentinels: Mayfly Diversity, Land Use, and Conservation in Algeria's Djurdjura Mountains.
- Author
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Labdaoui, Sarah, Samraoui, Farrah, Vuataz, Laurent, Gattolliat, Jean‐Luc, Sartori, Michel, and Samraoui, Boudjéma
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FRESHWATER biodiversity ,AQUATIC insects ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,ANTHROPOGENIC effects on nature ,INSECT conservation - Abstract
Despite its biogeographical importance and high endemism, the freshwater biodiversity in Algeria and the wider arid region of North Africa has been significantly under‐researched and underestimated. Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are crucial for the maintenance of ecological integrity of hydrosystems and could serve as indicators of changes of North African freshwater biodiversity. This study focuses on mayflies in Algeria, particularly in the Djurdjura Mountains, including the Djurdjura National Park in central‐northern Algeria. The aim is to establish an updated checklist, map the distribution of mayfly species and determine the ecological requirements of their assemblages. Twenty‐four mayfly taxa were identified during the study, including five new, undescribed species. Through multivariate analysis, the study revealed that land‐use practices, altitude and slope orientation significantly influenced mayfly assemblages in the studied streams. This study emphasises the urgent need for conservation action and lays the foundation for future research and conservation efforts that are essential to protecting the integrity of the critical freshwater habitats of the Djurdjura Mountains, which are hotspots for North African endemic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Sustainable Urbanization and Microplastic Management: Implications for Human Health and the Environment.
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Ihenetu, Stanley Chukwuemeka, Enyoh, Christian Ebere, Wang, Chunhui, and Li, Gang
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WASTE management ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,RUNOFF ,ENVIRONMENTAL management ,CITIES & towns - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Aquatic Fungi as Bioindicators of Freshwater Ecosystems.
- Author
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Barros, Juliana, Ben Tanfous, Sarra, and Seena, Sahadevan
- Subjects
ECOLOGICAL disturbances ,ECOLOGICAL integrity ,TECHNOLOGICAL innovations ,NUTRIENT cycles ,FRESHWATER habitats ,FUNGAL communities ,BIOINDICATORS - Abstract
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] more...
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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