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Liu Q, Tang X, Hang T, Wu Y, Liu Y, Song T, Song Y. Exploring the performance of protected areas in alleviating future human pressure. AMBIO 2024; 53:1323-1335. [PMID: 38653867 PMCID: PMC11300414 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-02023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are effective in mitigating human pressures, yet their future pressure alleviating effects remain unclear. In this study, we employed the ConvLSTM model to forecast the future human footprint and analyzed human pressure trends using Theil-Sen median and Mann-Kendall tests. We further evaluated the mitigating effects of PAs within their buffer zones (1-10 km) and the contributions of different IUCN categories of PAs to mitigating human pressure using linear regression models. The results indicate that by 2035, the average human pressure value is expected to increase by 11%, with trends exhibiting a polarized pattern. Furthermore, PAs also effectively mitigate human pressure within their 1 km buffer zones. Different categories of PAs vary in their effectiveness in mitigating human pressure, and stricter conservation areas are not always the most effective. This study can offer insights for evaluating the effectiveness of PAs in reducing human pressure and advocate for their targeted management in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Liu
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
- Department of Environmental Design, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaolan Tang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China.
- Academy of Chinese Ecological Progress and Forestry Studies, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tian Hang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Landscape Architecture, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Smart City Global Convergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunfei Wu
- Department of Art and Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianrui Song
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Youngkeun Song
- Department of Environmental Design, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Landscape Architecture, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Smart City Global Convergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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2
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Robbe E, Rogge L, Lesutienė J, Bučas M, Schernewski G. Assessment of Ecosystem Services Provided by Macrophytes in Southern Baltic and Southern Mediterranean Coastal Lagoons. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 74:206-229. [PMID: 38453709 PMCID: PMC11227447 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01955-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The ecological importance of macrophytes is well known and reflected in nature protection law, for example, as a key biological quality element. However, the socio-economic role, such as the impact of macrophyte presence on recreational activities, is often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to assess the human benefits (or ecosystem services) provided by macrophytes. We developed a list of 25 macrophyte ecosystem services and 79 assessment indicators based on expert knowledge and literature data. First, hypothetical scenarios of coastal lagoons were developed to assess the impact of different ecological states (i.e., macrophyte coverage) and management measures (i.e., fisheries) on the ecosystem service provision. Scenario assessments were carried out by stakeholder workshops and literature search. Second, the ecosystem service potential of submerged and emergent macrophyte habitats were assessed by macrophyte experts and literature data. Results showed that cultural services are most important in terms of the overall actual provision of ecosystem services (scenario assessment) but also showing highest potential of the hypothetical ecosystem service provision (habitat assessment). Highest overall potential is shown for reeds and tall forb communities (83 out of maximum 125), followed by seagrass beds (71) and seaweed communities (61). Our ecosystem service assessment approaches (i.e., scenario and habitat-based) using socio-cultural data (i.e., stakeholders and experts-based) and biophysical data (i.e., indicators-based) can serve as supportive tools for coastal management and policy implementation visualizing the benefits of macrophytes to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Robbe
- Research Unit - Coastal Seas and Society, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Rostock, Germany.
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania.
| | - Linda Rogge
- International Institute Zittau, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Zittau, Germany
| | - Jūratė Lesutienė
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Martynas Bučas
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Gerald Schernewski
- Research Unit - Coastal Seas and Society, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), Rostock, Germany
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipeda University, Klaipeda, Lithuania
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Hua T, He L, Jiang Q, Chou LM, Xu Z, Yao Y, Ye G. Spatio-temporal coupling analysis and tipping points detection of China's coastal integrated land-human activity-ocean system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169981. [PMID: 38215845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The coastal zone is typically highly developed and its ocean environment is vastly exposed to the onshore activities. Land-based pollution, as the "metabolite" of terrestrial human activities, significantly impacts the ocean environment. Although numerous studies have investigated these effects, few have quantified the interactions among land-human activity-ocean across both spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we have developed a land-human activity-ocean systemic framework integrating the coupling coordination degree model and tipping point to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamic interaction mechanism among the land-based pollution, human activities, and ocean environment in China from 2001 to 2020. Our findings revealed that the overall coupling coordination degree of the China's coastal zone increased by 36.9 % over last two decades. Furthermore, the effect of human activities on China's coastal environment remained within acceptable thresholds, as no universal tipping points for coastal pollution or ocean environment has been found over the 20-year period. Notably, the lag time for algal blooms, the key indicator of ocean environment health, was found to be 0-3 years in response to the land economic development and 0-4 years in response to land-based pollution. Based on the differences in spatiotemporal interactions among land-human activity-ocean system, we employed cluster analysis to categorize China's coastal provinces into four types and to develop appropriate management measures. Quantifying the interaction mechanism within the land-human activity-ocean system could aid decision-makers in creating sustainable coastal development strategies. This enables efficient use of land and ocean resources, supports coastal conservation and restoration efforts, and fosters effective management recommendations to enhance coastal sustainability and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianran Hua
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Liuyue He
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China; Donghai Laboratory, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qutu Jiang
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Zhenci Xu
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yanming Yao
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guanqiong Ye
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan, China; Second Institute of Oceanography of MNR, Hanghou, Zhejiang, China.
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4
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Castiglia Feitosa R, Rosman PCC, Wasserman JC, Bleninger T. Microbiological water quality assessment of sewage discharge through Barra da Tijuca (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) submarine outfall. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1192. [PMID: 37698744 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11767-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Submarine outfalls have been employed to convey urban effluents to their fate in the open ocean due to their dilution capacity and organic matter decay. This work analysed Escherichia coli concentrations in the Barra da Tijuca (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) submarine outfall plume, considering an hourly variable bacterial die-off due to environmental parameters associated with dynamic changes, vertical plume position, and thickness in response to hydrodynamic conditions. The adopted modelling procedure included coupling a near-field mixing zone model, NRFIELD, with the far-field Lagrangian transport and water quality model of the SisBaHiA® ( http://www.sisbahia.coppe.ufrj.br ). The coupling methodology simulated E. coli concentrations considering simultaneous variations in temperature, salinity, solar radiation, and hydrodynamic conditions. The results showed substantial variability in E. coli concentrations in the marine environment due to variable environmental conditions, regulating solar radiation levels over the submerged plume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Castiglia Feitosa
- Department of Sanitation and Environmental Health, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Cesar Colonna Rosman
- Department of Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julio C Wasserman
- Post-Graduation Programme in Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tobias Bleninger
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Paraná Federal University, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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Heydari M, Cheraghi J, Omidipour R, Rostaminia M, Kooch Y, Valkó O, Carcaillet C. Tree dieback, woody plant diversity, and ecosystem driven by topography in semi-arid mountain forests: Implication for ecosystem management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 339:117892. [PMID: 37075630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mountain landscapes are highly heterogeneous due to topography, notably positions along slope and slope shapes, which control ecosystem mechanisms. We hypothesized that tree dieback is controlled by topography, selecting productive and less diverse communities in lower slopes, and stress-resistant and more diverse communities on upper slopes. Understanding how this heterogeneity drives vegetation patterns should provide benchmarks for ecosystem management of mountain forest dominated by Quercus brantii. Woody communities were sampled along convex vs concave topography (i.e., ridge vs talweg), and with measurements of tree dieback severity, environmental variables (litter depth, soil quality, rock outcrop), stand structure (canopy cover, mistletoe infestation, tree diameter and height, diameter and height differentiations, oaks' number from sprout-clumps or seed-origin), and biodiversity. Slope position was the most significant driver that affected all variables, excepted evenness. Dieback severity was higher on slope shoulders and summits, and lower in lower slopes where trees were the most productive: taller, larger, more homogeneous, and mostly seed-origin. Catena shape affected the diversity and dieback severity, both higher in talwegs, but had no effect on environmental variables and little on stand structure. Outputs indicate that the higher diversity of woody plants is on upper slopes supporting stress-resistant community associated with more severe dieback and mistletoe infection probably because frugivore birds attracted by the shrubs' fruits. Semi-arid forest management must consider the shaped-slope ecosystem heterogeneity by preserving ridges that are more susceptible to tree dieback, and naturally support biodiversity. Restoration measures on lower fertile slopes could be carried out by oak planting or seedlings under the cover of shrubs to counter dieback effects and environmental stresses. In addition, forestry measures can be taken in lower positions for the conversion of coppice to high oak forest to potentially consider a moderate forestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Heydari
- Department of Forest Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Javad Cheraghi
- Department of Forest Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Reza Omidipour
- Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, 8818634141 , Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Rostaminia
- Department of Soil and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Yahya Kooch
- Faculty of Natural Resources & Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 46417-76489, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Orsolya Valkó
- 'Lendület' Seed Ecology Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, 2-4 Alkotmány Str., H-2163, Vácrátót, Hungary.
| | - Christopher Carcaillet
- Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Paris Sciences & Lettres Université (EPHE-PSL), F-75014, Paris, France; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE (UMR 5023 LEHNA), F-69622, Villeurbanne, France; Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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6
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Mamidisetti H, Vijay R. Dynamics of sewage outfall plumes based on Landsat-8-derived sea surface salinity and tidal characteristics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-28137-0. [PMID: 37328719 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In the face of growing marine pollution, assessment of the sewage outfall discharges is essential as it affects the seawater quality. The study demonstrates sea surface salinity (SSS) variations caused by sewage discharges and links it with tidal characteristics to hypothesize the dynamics of sewage outfall plumes. SSS is estimated using a multilinear regression model based on Landsat-8 (L8) OLI reflectance and in situ SSS data of 2013-2014. Using the validated model, the SSS of the 2018 image is predicted and evidenced by its relationship with colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The preliminary results of the hypothesis are encouraging and found that the dispersion patterns of outfall plumes exhibit distinct characteristics depending on the intra-tidal range and hour. The findings indicate a lower SSS in the outfall plume zone than in ambient seawater due to dilution caused by partially treated sewage discharges from diffusers. The plumes observed during the macro tidal range are long and narrowly spread alongshore. In contrast, during the meso and microtidal ranges, the plumes are shorter and are primarily dispersed offshore rather than alongshore. During slack times, low salinity levels are visibly concentrated around outfalls as there is no water movement to disperse the accumulated sewage discharges from diffusers. These observations suggest that slack periods and low-tidal conditions could be significant factors contributing to the accumulation of pollutants in coastal waters. The study further suggests more datasets such as wind speed, wind direction, and density variations are needed to understand the processes influencing the outfall plume dynamics and variation in SSS. The study recommends increasing the treatment capabilities of existing treatment facilities from primary to tertiary treatment levels. Furthermore, it is important to warn and educate the public about the health risks associated with exposure to partially treated sewage that is discharged from outfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanisha Mamidisetti
- CSIR- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440420, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Ritesh Vijay
- CSIR- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 440420, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Ojaveer H, Einberg H, Lehtiniemi M, Outinen O, Zaiko A, Jelmert A, Kotta J. Quantifying impacts of human pressures on ecosystem services: Effects of widespread non-indigenous species in the Baltic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159975. [PMID: 36347283 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem services (ES) are the benefits natural ecosystems provide to society, such as food provisioning, water supply, climate regulation and recreational benefits. Biological invasions are a major driver of global change, and several non-indigenous species (NIS) may alter key ecological feedbacks with ultimate consequences to ES, livelihoods and human wellbeing. Nonetheless, the effects of NIS on ES supply remain largely unquantified. Here we present the first quantitative case study assessing the impacts of widespread NIS on ES in the Baltic Sea, by developing and employing a robust and repeatable data-driven approach. All NIS with a sufficient knowledge base pose large and highly significant effects on ES, resulting on average 55 % change in the intensity of ES. Most impacts affected regulation services, concerning both abiotic and biotic realms, with little evidence on cultural and provisioning services. The methodology can be easily employed beyond the current study realm e.g. to better understand the roles of human pressures on ES in any ecosystem. Importantly, the study also identified major biases not only in the availability of taxonomic and sub-regional evidence, but also in the different study types employed to create the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henn Ojaveer
- Pärnu College, University of Tartu, Ringi 35, 80012 Pärnu, Estonia; National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Heli Einberg
- Pärnu College, University of Tartu, Ringi 35, 80012 Pärnu, Estonia
| | - Maiju Lehtiniemi
- Finnish Environment Institute, Marine Research Center, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Okko Outinen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Marine Research Center, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anastasija Zaiko
- Biosecurity Group, Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, 7010 Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag, 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anders Jelmert
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevign Research Station, Nye Flødevign 25, N-4817, Norway
| | - Jonne Kotta
- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu, Mäealuse 14, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
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Bryhn AC, Belgrano A. Teaching, learning and assessment methods for sustainability education on the land-sea interface. DISCOVER SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 4:3. [PMID: 36694724 PMCID: PMC9851111 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Land-Sea Interface (LSI) is where land and sea meet, not only in physical terms, but also with regards to a large variety of ecological and societal aspects. The United Nations has proclaimed the period 2021-2030 the Ocean Decade, which entails striving for a sustainable use of the ocean and teaching and learning about ocean related issues. Teaching and learning about the LSI are also tightly connected with several Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) such as Life Below Water, Zero Hunger and Sustainable Cities and Communities. Teaching and learning about sustainability lacks a uniform pedagogy, and it is probably wise to maintain that apparently adaptive diversity. In this globally relevant methods overview, we present a wide range of relatively new and/or successful and mostly largely learner-centered methods. We also discuss how effective and popular they are, and give examples on how most of these methods are already used in LSI sustainability teaching. There will probably not be any successful "one size fits all" model developing for LSI teaching and learning, and each module, course and programme will have to develop its own recipe for successful teaching and learning, possibly with support from one or several methods discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas C. Bryhn
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Andrea Belgrano
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Marine Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, 45330 Lysekil, Sweden
- Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment (SIME), University of Gothenburg, Seminariegatan 1F, 41313 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Olli K, Nyman E, Tamminen T. Half-century trends in alpha and beta diversity of phytoplankton summer communities in the Helsinki Archipelago, the Baltic Sea. JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH 2023; 45:146-162. [PMID: 36751485 PMCID: PMC9897023 DOI: 10.1093/plankt/fbac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed phytoplankton biodiversity trends in a 52 year (1967-2018) monitoring time-series from the archipelago of Helsinki, Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea. The community ordination revealed strong ordering of samples along the time axis (generalized additive model-gam fit: R 2 = 0.9). Species richness increased in time and was the most influential alpha diversity descriptor related to the community structure (gam fit: R 2 = 0.56-0.70). Changes in species richness accounted for 35-36% of the mean between-sample beta diversity. The remaining 64-65% was due to species turnover-the dominant component of the biodiversity trend. The temporal beta diversity trend reflected the eutrophication history of the geographically confined region, with a turning point in mid-1990s demarking the adaptation and recovery phases of the phytoplankton community. Trends in spatial beta diversity revealed homogenization of the communities in the outer archipelago zone, but not in the inner bays. The temporal decay of community similarity revealed high turnover rate, with 23.6 years halving time in the outer archipelago and 11.3 years in the inner bays, revealing the differences in eutrophication strength. The observed phytoplankton trends manifest the regional eutrophication history, and dispersal of new species to the unsaturated brackish species pool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emil Nyman
- Urban Environment Division, City of Helsinki, Työpajankatu 8, 00580 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Tamminen
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Mentis C, Maroulis G, Latinopoulos D, Bithas K. The effects of environmental information provision on plastic bag use and marine environment status in the context of the environmental levy in Greece. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2022:1-22. [PMID: 35729922 PMCID: PMC9188922 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The focus of this study is to examine the level of awareness, as well as the impacts of environmental information provision, regarding plastic bag consumption in Greece, taking into consideration the effects of plastic pollution in the marine environment within the framework of the environmental levy. This study was conducted through the use of two structured questionnaires as web-based surveys. The aim of both questionnaires was to explore citizen attitudes towards the marine environment in addition to their preferences with regard to the implementation of a program aimed at marine conservation and the reduction of plastic bag use. Data on plastic bag consumption at a national level were also incorporated. This research was carried out according to the contingent valuation method aimed at estimating citizen willingness-to-pay (WTP) on both structured questionnaires. The first questionnaire utilized the minimal legal WTP (ML-WTP) model resulting in 834 responses in total, while the second questionnaire applied a double-bounded dichotomous choice method and amassed 713 responses in aggregate. Based on the results of the first questionnaire, pre-existing environmentally friendly behaviour was further enhanced by the introduction of the environmental levy on plastic bags. The second questionnaire revealed that marine conservation is based both on collective as well as individual responsibility. This study provides evidence that the utilization of both economic and non-economic measures may be very effective in considerably reducing plastic bag consumption and its detrimental impact on the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Mentis
- Department of Economic and Regional Development, Institute of Urban Environment & Human Resources, Panteion University, 29 Aristotelous St, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - George Maroulis
- Department of Economic and Regional Development, Institute of Urban Environment & Human Resources, Panteion University, 29 Aristotelous St, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysis Latinopoulos
- School of Spatial Planning and Development, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kostas Bithas
- Department of Economic and Regional Development, Institute of Urban Environment & Human Resources, Panteion University, 29 Aristotelous St, 17671 Kallithea, Athens, Greece
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Uusitalo L, Blenckner T, Puntila-Dodd R, Skyttä A, Jernberg S, Voss R, Müller-Karulis B, Tomczak MT, Möllmann C, Peltonen H. Integrating diverse model results into decision support for good environmental status and blue growth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150450. [PMID: 34599959 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable environmental management needs to consider multiple ecological and societal objectives simultaneously while accounting for the many uncertainties arising from natural variability, insufficient knowledge about the system's behaviour leading to diverging model projections, and changing ecosystem. In this paper we demonstrate how a Bayesian network- based decision support model can be used to summarize a large body of research and model projections about potential management alternatives and climate scenarios for the Baltic Sea. We demonstrate how this type of a model can act as an emulator and ensemble, integrating disciplines such as climatology, biogeochemistry, marine and fisheries ecology as well as economics. Further, Bayesian network models include and present the uncertainty related to the predictions, allowing evaluation of the uncertainties, precautionary management, and the explicit consideration of acceptable risk levels. The Baltic Sea example also shows that the two biogeochemical models frequently used in future projections give considerably different predictions. Further, inclusion of parameter uncertainty of the food web model increased uncertainty in the outcomes and reduced the predicted manageability of the system. The model allows simultaneous evaluation of environmental and economic goals, while illustrating the uncertainty of predictions, providing a more holistic view of the management problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Uusitalo
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Thorsten Blenckner
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Kräftriket 2B, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Riikka Puntila-Dodd
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annaliina Skyttä
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Jernberg
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rudi Voss
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Wilhelm-Seelig-Platz 1, 24118 Kiel, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Maciej T Tomczak
- Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Möllmann
- Institute of Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science, Universität Hamburg, Große Elbstraße 133, 22767 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heikki Peltonen
- Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Dworczyk C, Burkhard B. Conceptualising the demand for ecosystem services – an adapted spatial-structural approach. ONE ECOSYSTEM 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/oneeco.6.e65966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
People require multiple ecosystem services (ES) to meet their basic needs and improve or maintain their quality of life. In order to meet these needs, natural resources are exploited, threatening biodiversity and increasing the pressure on the Earth's ecosystems.
Spatial-structural approaches are used to explain and visualise the spatial relationships and connections between areas that provide and benefit from ES. However, areas where the demand for these ES occurs are rarely considered in existing spatial approaches or equated with areas where people can use the benefits.
In order to highlight the differences between these two areas, we would like to introduce the 'Service Demanding Area' (SDA) in an adapted spatial-structural approach.
This approach relates SDA to already familiar ES provision and use units, namely Service Providing Areas (SPA), Service Connecting Areas (SCA) and Service Benefitting Areas (SBA) and can be used to schematically illustrate, understand and analyse the different forms of demand that can emerge.
A literature review was conducted to provide an overview of the spatial mapping of ES demand. Three issues arose that should be addressed to improve the assessment of ES demand: 1) The term ES demand is not used consistently. To avoid confusion, it is important to clarify how ES demand is understood and how it differs from the other components of the ES concept (e.g. ES supply, ES potential, ES flow); 2) It is important to consider that ES demand is multi-faceted and is generated on different geographical scales, including the full range of stakeholders' perceptions, needs and desires which broadens the picture of societal demand for ES; 3) Meaningful interpretations between ES supply and demand need to be available to inform decision-makers about interventions for reducing ES trade-offs and mismatches.
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Ruocco M, Barrote I, Hofman JD, Pes K, Costa MM, Procaccini G, Silva J, Dattolo E. Daily Regulation of Key Metabolic Pathways in Two Seagrasses Under Natural Light Conditions. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.757187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock is an endogenous time-keeping mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to external environmental cycles. It produces rhythms of plant metabolism and physiology, and interacts with signaling pathways controlling daily and seasonal environmental responses through gene expression regulation. Downstream metabolic outputs, such as photosynthesis and sugar metabolism, besides being affected by the clock, can also contribute to the circadian timing itself. In marine plants, studies of circadian rhythms are still way behind in respect to terrestrial species, which strongly limits the understanding of how they coordinate their physiology and energetic metabolism with environmental signals at sea. Here, we provided a first description of daily timing of key core clock components and clock output pathways in two seagrass species, Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera marina (order Alismatales), co-occurring at the same geographic location, thus exposed to identical natural variations in photoperiod. Large differences were observed between species in the daily timing of accumulation of transcripts related to key metabolic pathways, such as photosynthesis and sucrose synthesis/transport, highlighting the importance of intrinsic biological, and likely ecological attributes of the species in determining the periodicity of functions. The two species exhibited a differential sensitivity to light-to-dark and dark-to-light transition times and could adopt different growth timing based on a differential strategy of resource allocation and mobilization throughout the day, possibly coordinated by the circadian clock. This behavior could potentially derive from divergent evolutionary adaptations of the species to their bio-geographical range of distributions.
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Apostoloumi C, Malea P, Kevrekidis T. Principles and concepts about seagrasses: Towards a sustainable future for seagrass ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112936. [PMID: 34562848 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses grow in shallow marine and estuarine environments worldwide, providing multiple ecosystem services. However, a global trend of seagrass loss has been documented. Thus, increasing awareness of seagrass value is crucial for the sustainability of these vital ecosystems. This study aims to contribute to the creation of a seagrass-literate society, by defining key principles and concepts in relation to seagrasses that a seagrass-literate person should know. Six principles about seagrasses were defined. Each one is underpinned by a set of concepts. These principles and concepts concern key issues of seagrass biology (Principles 1-4), value (Principles 3-5), loss and protection (Principle 5), and research (Principle 6). Seagrass principles and concepts can be primarily used for educational purposes and as a practical resource to policy- and decision- makers. Our attempt could stimulate a collaborative effort of scientists and educators, aiming to improve the recommended principles and concepts, and to contribute to seagrass conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrisa Apostoloumi
- Laboratory of Environmental Research and Education, Democritus University of Thrace, Nea Hili, GR-68131 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Malea
- Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodoros Kevrekidis
- Laboratory of Environmental Research and Education, Democritus University of Thrace, Nea Hili, GR-68131 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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Hojo A, Tsuji N, Kasuga T, Osaki M. Natural capital evaluation in the FutureCity of Shimokawa, Northern Japan, based on forest economics. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:793. [PMID: 34767121 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We have pragmatically but accurately evaluated the natural capital of a small northern town, Shimokawa, Hokkaido, Japan. The key industries are forestry, wood manufacturing, and agriculture. From an environmental perspective, Shimokawa was nominated as a Japanese FutureCity. Consequently, the total natural capital value (NCV) of the forest and agricultural lands was calculated to be 1.326 billion USD/year (or 24,161 USD/ha/year) and 44 million USD/year (or 19,692 USD/ha/year), respectively, in 2012. The sum of these NCVs was more than 7 times greater than the yearly gross production of the town, although the forest had a higher NCV because of the larger area (54,862 ha for forest area), compared with 2953 ha for agricultural area. This substantial NCV is mainly generated by sustainable forest management. The timber account showed that the annual tree growth was greater than the annual harvest of trees. The CO2 account derived from a one-year calculation showed that the town served as a CO2 sink at 107,249 t-CO2/year due to the large amount of annual tree growth and CO2 storage in the harvested wood products even if CO2 was emitted from industries and households. The forestry and wood manufacturing industries, as well as agriculture, created socioeconomic effects for the townspeople, ranging from job creation, study tours, and social welfare. This NCV accounting for Shimokawa town ensures the sustainable use of valuable environmental assets and will help other communities recognize their own NCV accounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Hojo
- NPO SHIMOKAWA Research Institute for Forest Future Society, Shimokawa, 098-1206, Japan
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tsuji
- Center for Sustainability Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0809, Japan.
- Small Islands Research Centre, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88400, Malaysia.
- , 23, Naka-machi, Yanagawa, Fukuoka, 832-0012, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kasuga
- NPO SHIMOKAWA Research Institute for Forest Future Society, Shimokawa, 098-1206, Japan
- , Shimokawa Town, Shimokawa, 098-1206, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Osaki
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8589, Japan
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Sridharan S, Kumar M, Bolan NS, Singh L, Kumar S, Kumar R, You S. Are microplastics destabilizing the global network of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111243. [PMID: 33933493 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has created a new man-made ecosystem called plastisphere. The plastic pieces including microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as a global concern due to their omnipresence in ecosystems and their ability to interact with the biological systems. Nevertheless, the long-term impacts of MPs on biotic and abiotic resources are not completely understood, and existing evidence suggests that MPs are hazardous to various keystones species of the global biomes. MP-contaminated ecosystems show reduced floral and faunal biomass, productivity, nitrogen cycling, oxygen-generation and carbon sequestration, suggesting that MPs have already started affecting ecological biomes. However, not much is known about the influence of MPs towards the ecosystem services (ESs) cascade and its correlation with the biodiversity loss. MPs are perceived as a menace to the global ecosystems, but their possible impacts on the provisional, regulatory, and socio-economic ESs have not been extensively studied. This review investigates not only the potentiality of MPs to perturb the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic biomes, but also the associated social, ecological and economic repercussions. The possible long-term fluxes in the ES network of terrestrial and aquatic niches are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinidhi Sridharan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lal Singh
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India; CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siming You
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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Effect of pyrene and phenanthrene in shaping bacterial communities in seagrass meadows sediments. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:4259-4272. [PMID: 34100100 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), originating from anthropogenic and natural sources, are highly concerned environmental pollutants. This study investigated the impact of two model PAHs (pyrene and phenanthrene) on bacterial community succession in the seagrass meadows sediment in a lab-scale microcosm. Halophila ovalis sediment slurry microcosms were established, one group was placed as a control, and the other two were treated with pyrene and phenanthrene. Bacterial community succession in response to respective PAHs was investigated by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The results demonstrated that bacterial diversity decrease in each microcosm during the incubation process; however, the composition of bacterial communities in each microcosm was significantly different. Proteobacteria (37-89%), Firmicutes (9-41%), and Bacteroides (7-21%) were the predominant group at the phylum levels. Their abundance varies during the incubation process. Several previously reported hydrocarbon-degrading genera, such as Pseudomonas, Spinghobium, Sphingobacterium, Mycobacterium, Pseudoxanthomonas, Idiomarina, Stenotrophomonas, were detected in higher abundance in pyrene- and phenanthrene-treated microcosms. However, these genera were distinctly distributed in the pyrene and phenanthrene treatments, suggesting that certain bacterial groups favorably degrade different PAHs. Statistical analyses, such as ANOSIM and PERMANOVA, also revealed that significant differences existed among the treatments' bacterial consortia (P < 0.05). This work showed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon significantly affects bacterial community succession, and different PAHs might influence the bacterial community succession differently.
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Abstract
Among the many types of terrestrial ecosystems, forests have some of the highest levels of biodiversity; they also have many interdependent economic, ecological and social functions and provide ecosystem services. They supply a range of tangible, marketable goods, as well as a variety of nonmarketable and intangible services derived from various forest functions. These translate into social, cultural, health and scientific benefits for people’s quality of life. However, because they cannot be traded on a market, nonmarketable and intangible services are often perceived as free, inexhaustible and, as a result, underestimated. The human–nature interaction has affected both nature (via resource consumption) and society (via development of human welfare and well-being). Decision-makers, both public and private, often manage natural capital for multiple aims. In recent years it has been found that the single, individual approach estimating the value for these goods and services is not able to provide information that generates and supports decisions and policies in complex areas of current relevance such as the constant loss of biodiversity, climate change and global warming in close connection with the need for social development and ensuring an acceptable level of well-being for the greatest part of humanity. An integrated assessment with advanced techniques and methods using a pluralist framework of a heterogeneous set of values is considered a better approach to the valuation of such complex nature of the ecosystem goods and services. This assessment should take into account both costs and benefits trade-off issues among the multiple uses of ecosystem goods and/or services, especially the relationships between them and how they influence or determine the economic, social and cultural development of society. It should also consider the estimation of the complex inverse effect, from society to nature, whose goods and services can be diminished to exhaustion by the extensive and intensive anthropization of natural ecosystems with major impact on the number and quality of goods and services provided by ecosystems. Research has shown that applying an integrative assessment approach that utilizes tools developed by sustainability sciences could be an important component of future environmental policy making.
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