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Hu M, Wang J, Sardans J, Wu H, Ni R, Guo P, Yan R, Liao H, Liu C, Peñuelas J, Tong C. Coastal conversion alters topsoil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stocks and stoichiometric balances in subtropical coastal wetlands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:174011. [PMID: 38880140 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The extensive conversion of coastal wetlands into agricultural and aquaculture areas has significant repercussions on soil nutrient balance. However, how coastal conversion specifically influences the dynamics and stoichiometry of topsoil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) remains limited due to the considerable spatial variability and a lack of comprehensive field data. Here, we investigated the concentration and distribution of total C (TC), N (TN) and P (TP), along with their stoichiometric balance in four distinct coastal landscapes, including natural marshes and tidal flats, as well as converted agricultural croplands and ponds. The results revealed that converted croplands and ponds exhibited significantly higher concentrations of soil C, N and P, particularly in comparison to tidal flats. Furthermore, croplands and ponds have higher topsoil C stocks than tidal flats, but little difference or even lose stored C compared to marshes. Cropland soils showed considerably higher levels of available N (NH4+-N and NO3--N) and available P compared to those in natural marshes and tidal flats. The distribution of soil TC, TN, and TP demonstrated greater spatial heterogeneity in natural marshes and tidal flats, while the converted areas were more uniform and became hotspots for N and P accumulation. Coastal conversion altered soil C:N:P stoichiometry, with cropland soils exhibiting a lower N:P ratio (2.9 ± 1.1), indicating that long-term application of N and P fertilizers could decrease the N:P ratio, as P is more retained in the soil than N. Furthermore, it was observed that the dynamics of C, N and P, as well as their stoichiometry, are closely linked to soil physicochemical properties, especially soil organic matter and texture. These findings highlight that coastal conversion and associated management practices markedly affected soil C, N and P dynamics in a representative wetland area of the subtropical regions, leading to a reshaping of their stoichiometric balances, particularly in the topsoil layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Humid Sub-tropical Eco-geographical Processes of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China; Fujian Minjiang Estuary Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Fuzhou 350215, China.
| | - Jingtao Wang
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Jordi Sardans
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Hui Wu
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Ranxu Ni
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Pingping Guo
- Fujian Minjiang Estuary Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Fuzhou 350215, China; Fujian Minjiang River Estuary Wetland National Nature Reserve Administrative Office, Fuzhou 350200, China
| | - Ruibing Yan
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Haoyu Liao
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Chunya Liu
- School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Chuan Tong
- Key Laboratory of Humid Sub-tropical Eco-geographical Processes of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China; Fujian Minjiang Estuary Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Fuzhou 350215, China.
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Thorne KM, MacDonald GM, Chavez FP, Ambrose RF, Barnard PL. Significant challenges to the sustainability of the California coast considering climate change. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310077121. [PMID: 39074269 PMCID: PMC11317555 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310077121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is an existential threat to the environmental and socioeconomic sustainability of the coastal zone and impacts will be complex and widespread. Evidence from California and across the United States shows that climate change is impacting coastal communities and challenging managers with a plethora of stressors already present. Widespread action could be taken that would sustain California's coastal ecosystems and communities. In this perspective, we highlight the main threat to coastal sustainability: the compound effects of episodic events amplified with ongoing climate change, which will present unprecedented challenges to the state. We present two key challenges for California's sustainability in the coastal zone: 1) accelerating sea-level rise combined with storm impacts, and 2) continued warming of the oceans and marine heatwaves. Cascading effects from these types of compounding events will occur within the context of an already stressed system that has experienced extensive alterations due to intensive development, resource extraction and harvesting, spatial containment, and other human use pressures. There are critical components that could be used to address these immediate concerns, including comanagement strategies that include diverse groups and organizations, strategic planning integrated across large areas, rapid implementation of solutions, and a cohesive and policy relevant research agenda for the California coast. Much of this has been started in the state, but the scale could be increased, and timelines accelerated. The ideas and information presented here are intended to help expand discussions to sharpen the focus on how to encourage sustainability of California's iconic coastal region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Thorne
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Davis, CA95618
| | - Glen M. MacDonald
- Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095-1524
| | | | - Richard F. Ambrose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095-1772
| | - Patrick L. Barnard
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA95060
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3
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Jiang Y, Wang M, Yan X, Liu M, Guo X. Exotic plants introduction changed soil nutrient cycle and symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in wetland ecological projects. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1410009. [PMID: 39049854 PMCID: PMC11266298 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1410009] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In the process of applying exotic plants to wetland ecological restoration, insufficiently evaluated alien species may exhibit strong competitiveness and fecundity. Once introduced, they can displace native flora, disrupt the original ecological balance, diminish biodiversity, and even induce ecosystem dysfunction. Furthermore, exotic plants have the potential to alter soil microbial community structure, including the composition and activity of beneficial symbiotic microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), thereby impacting soil nutrient cycling and interplant nutrient competition. Here, we conducted three consecutive years of sampling experiments to investigate the succession of AMF communities associated with the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora along an initial introduction chronosequence, and to identify the key environmental factors influencing its response to S. alterniflora invasion. Our findings reveal that early-stage invasion by S. alterniflora alters the composition of soil AMF communities with unclassified_c__Glomeromycetes and Glomus-viscosum-VTX00063 consistently dominating. Additionally, as the duration of introduction increases, the diversity of rhizosphere soil AMF significantly decreases, while its evenness remains relatively stable. It's indicated that soil ω, AN, AK and N/P ratio were the main influencing factors of the integral AMF community. Notably, soil available phosphorus (AP) emerges as a positive influence on the important AMF taxa. The results confirm the mutual feedback effect between the invasion of the perennial herb S. alterniflora and AMF, in which specific AMF assist in nutrient absorption to promote S. alterniflora growth, potentially facilitating its rapid and successful invasion of new habitats. Given the likely differential effects of AMF communities on various plant species, our findings could contribute to anticipating future AMF-mediated effects during the introduction of alien plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaohong Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, China
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4
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Qiu M, Liu Y, Tian F, Wang S, Fu B. Marsh decrease was much faster than the water increase among the Yellow River Source wetlands during 1986-2022. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174377. [PMID: 38971257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Wetlands are valuable and sensitive ecosystems that make them imperative to tracking the dynamics in their extent for sustainable management under global warming. Here we focused on the Yellow River Source (YRS) wetlands, which is renowned for hosting one of the world's largest plateau peat bog, unfortunately, it had experienced sharp degradation, threatening the safety of water supply for approximately 110 million people of the lower Yellow River basin. However, the lack of long-term, dense time-series data makes it challenging to assess its evolution trends and driving factors. Therefore, we developed a decision tree sample migration method based on Euclidean distance and Land Surface Water Index, and successfully generated annual wetland mapping of YRS from 1986 to 2022 by utilizing the Landsat 5/7/8 datasets and Random Forest method. The average sample migration rate was 89.21 %, with an average overall accuracy of 95.49 %. We observed that the marsh area decreased by 2031 km2, marking a decline of 12.98 %, while the water area increased by 710 km2 (31.24 %) compared to 1986. Spatially, 10.96 % of marsh composition presents significant (P < 0.05) decline trend, which are mainly converted to grass (86 %), followed by impervious (10 %). There were 6.69 % of water composition showing significant (P < 0.05) increase trend, which are mainly sourced from impervious (82 %) and marsh (12 %). Grazing activities were more important driving forces than climate change for marsh degradation, while the water expansion was associated with recent rising temperature in YRS. The sample migration method is proved to be feasible, robust, and effective for long-term wetland mapping. We suggest that wetland decision-makers need to focus on marsh degradation and reduce grazing intensity, so that fostering the sustainable and healthy wetlands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100857, China.
| | - Yanxu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100857, China.
| | - Fuyou Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100857, China
| | - Bojie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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5
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Tosi L, Da Lio C, Cosma M, Donnici S. Vulnerability of tidal morphologies to relative sea-level rise in the Venice Lagoon. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:173006. [PMID: 38710389 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The rise in sea level and land subsidence are seriously threatening the diversity of tidal morphologies that have made the Venice Lagoon such a distinctive landscape. Here, we assess the vulnerability of tidal morphologies to relative sea-level rise based on a new conceptual framework that accounts for both above- and below-sea-level zones, sedimentary architecture, and surface morphology. Around 80 % of the lagoon area will face moderate to severe vulnerability by 2050, doubling compared to the 1990s. While the subtidal zone may be relatively less threatened compared to past conditions, the drastic decline in intertidal morphologies is alarming. This contributes to the flattening and deepening of the lagoon topography and thus to the loss of lagoon landscape diversity, likely leading to a decrease in the ecosystem services the tidal morphologies provide. The interconnection of intertidal and subtidal morphologies is crucial for maintaining the overall health and functionality of the lagoon's ecosystem. Any disruption to one aspect can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Tosi
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council, Via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Cristina Da Lio
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council, Via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Cosma
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council, Via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sandra Donnici
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council, Via G. Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padova, Italy
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6
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Li G, Törnqvist TE, Dangendorf S. Real-world time-travel experiment shows ecosystem collapse due to anthropogenic climate change. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1226. [PMID: 38360727 PMCID: PMC10869341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45487-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Predicting climate impacts is challenging and has to date relied on indirect methods, notably modeling. Here we examine coastal ecosystem change during 13 years of unusually rapid, albeit likely temporary, sea-level rise ( > 10 mm yr-1) in the Gulf of Mexico. Such rates, which may become a persistent feature in the future due to anthropogenic climate change, drove rising water levels of similar magnitude in Louisiana's coastal wetlands. Measurements of surface-elevation change at 253 monitoring sites show that 87% of these sites are unable to keep up with rising water levels. We find no evidence for enhanced wetland elevation gain through ecogeomorphic feedbacks, where more frequent inundation would lead to enhanced biomass accumulation that could counterbalance rising water levels. We attribute this to the exceptionally rapid sea-level rise during this time period. Under the current climate trajectory (SSP2-4.5), drowning of ~75% of Louisiana's coastal wetlands is a plausible outcome by 2070.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guandong Li
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70118-5698, USA.
| | - Torbjörn E Törnqvist
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70118-5698, USA
| | - Sönke Dangendorf
- Department of River-Coastal Science and Engineering, Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70118-5698, USA
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7
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Abstract
Marine transgression associated with rising sea levels causes coastal erosion, landscape transitions, and displacement of human populations globally. This process takes two general forms. Along open-ocean coasts, active transgression occurs when sediment-delivery rates are unable to keep pace with accommodation creation, leading to wave-driven erosion and/or landward translation of coastal landforms. It is highly visible, rapid, and limited to narrow portions of the coast. In contrast, passive transgression is subtler and slower, and impacts broader areas. It occurs along low-energy, inland marine margins; follows existing upland contours; and is characterized predominantly by the landward translation of coastal ecosystems. The nature and relative rates of transgression along these competing margins lead to expansion and/or contraction of the coastal zone and-particularly under the influence of anthropogenic interventions-will dictate future coastal-ecosystem response to sea-level rise, as well as attendant, often inequitable, impacts on human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hein
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA; ,
| | - Matthew L Kirwan
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA; ,
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8
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Chen Y, Kirwan ML. Upland forest retreat lags behind sea-level rise in the mid-Atlantic coast. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17081. [PMID: 38273570 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17081] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Ghost forests consisting of dead trees adjacent to marshes are striking indicators of climate change, and marsh migration into retreating coastal forests is a primary mechanism for marsh survival in the face of global sea-level rise. Models of coastal transgression typically assume inundation of a static topography and instantaneous conversion of forest to marsh with rising seas. In contrast, here we use four decades of satellite observations to show that many low-elevation forests along the US mid-Atlantic coast have survived despite undergoing relative sea-level rise rates (RSLRR) that are among the fastest on Earth. Lateral forest retreat rates were strongly mediated by topography and seawater salinity, but not directly explained by spatial variability in RSLRR, climate, or disturbance. The elevation of coastal tree lines shifted upslope at rates correlated with, but far less than, contemporary RSLRR. Together, these findings suggest a multi-decadal lag between RSLRR and land conversion that implies coastal ecosystem resistance. Predictions based on instantaneous conversion of uplands to wetlands may therefore overestimate future land conversion in ways that challenge the timing of greenhouse gas fluxes and marsh creation, but also imply that the full effects of historical sea-level rise have yet to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Chen
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew L Kirwan
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA
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Zhai X, Liu C, Cui L, Li W, Zhao X, Wang J, Lei Y, Li J. Coupled patterns of natural and anthropogenic resources in typical ecosystems in coastal areas of China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:117411. [PMID: 37839532 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117411] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The coastal area of Yancheng, China, is one of the hotspots for ecological research. Under the coupling of human and natural ecosystems, the region has gradually evolved into a coexistence of aquatic, agricultural and mudflat ecosystems. What are the patterns of natural and artificial resource inputs and patterns of change in ecosystems? How can ecological flows be analyzed at a uniform scale? Here, we selected six typical local ecosystems, namely, rice‒wheat for enterprises (RWE), rice‒wheat for smallholder households (RWS), chrysanthemum‒wheat (CW), fish polyculture (FP), juvenile crab farming (JF) and clam polyculture (CP), and analyzed their energy flow flux and sustainability based on emergy theory. The results showed that anthropogenic resource inputs were higher than natural resource inputs in all ecosystems, and the inputs of aquatic ecosystems were greater than those of agroecosystems. The greatest total input was 2.0 E+17 seJ/ha/yr for FP, and the lowest was 1.9 E+16 seJ/ha/yr for RWE. The proportions of renewable and artificial inputs for RWE, RWS, CW, FP, JF and CP were 32.8% vs. 96.1%, 40.3% vs. 96.5%, 34.7% vs. 97.0%, 32.6% vs. 99.4%, 55.1% vs. 98.5%, and 62.5% vs. 98.6%, respectively. The highest input to agroecosystems was nitrogen fertilizer, while in JF and CP, it was water, and feed (63.3%) accounted for the highest percentage of input in FP. JF and CP had lower environmental loads and higher sustainability than other ecosystems, but this still represents a high input compared to agroecosystems. Human-led resource coupling profoundly affects ecosystem sustainability, and various thresholds of energy use and ecological sustainability need to be studied in depth. Continuous exploration of methods and mechanisms for the maintenance and evolution of ecosystems with low total inputs and low inputs of non-renewable resources can contribute to high-quality sustainable development of an area or region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiajie Zhai
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Lijuan Cui
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China
| | - Xinsheng Zhao
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China
| | - Yinru Lei
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration, Institute of Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, 100091, China; Beijing Hanshiqiao National Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Beijing, 101399, China
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10
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Saintilan N, Horton B, Törnqvist TE, Ashe EL, Khan NS, Schuerch M, Perry C, Kopp RE, Garner GG, Murray N, Rogers K, Albert S, Kelleway J, Shaw TA, Woodroffe CD, Lovelock CE, Goddard MM, Hutley LB, Kovalenko K, Feher L, Guntenspergen G. Widespread retreat of coastal habitat is likely at warming levels above 1.5 °C. Nature 2023; 621:112-119. [PMID: 37648850 PMCID: PMC10482694 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Several coastal ecosystems-most notably mangroves and tidal marshes-exhibit biogenic feedbacks that are facilitating adjustment to relative sea-level rise (RSLR), including the sequestration of carbon and the trapping of mineral sediment1. The stability of reef-top habitats under RSLR is similarly linked to reef-derived sediment accumulation and the vertical accretion of protective coral reefs2. The persistence of these ecosystems under high rates of RSLR is contested3. Here we show that the probability of vertical adjustment to RSLR inferred from palaeo-stratigraphic observations aligns with contemporary in situ survey measurements. A deficit between tidal marsh and mangrove adjustment and RSLR is likely at 4 mm yr-1 and highly likely at 7 mm yr-1 of RSLR. As rates of RSLR exceed 7 mm yr-1, the probability that reef islands destabilize through increased shoreline erosion and wave over-topping increases. Increased global warming from 1.5 °C to 2.0 °C would double the area of mapped tidal marsh exposed to 4 mm yr-1 of RSLR by between 2080 and 2100. With 3 °C of warming, nearly all the world's mangrove forests and coral reef islands and almost 40% of mapped tidal marshes are estimated to be exposed to RSLR of at least 7 mm yr-1. Meeting the Paris agreement targets would minimize disruption to coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Saintilan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Benjamin Horton
- Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Torbjörn E Törnqvist
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erica L Ashe
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Rutgers Institute of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicole S Khan
- Department of Earth Sciences, Swire Institute of Marine Science and Institute of Climate and Carbon Neutrality, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mark Schuerch
- Catchments and Coasts Research Group, Department of Geography, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Chris Perry
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Robert E Kopp
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Rutgers Institute of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Gregory G Garner
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Rutgers Institute of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas Murray
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kerrylee Rogers
- School of Earth Atmospheric and Life Sciences and GeoQuEST Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Albert
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Kelleway
- School of Earth Atmospheric and Life Sciences and GeoQuEST Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy A Shaw
- Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Colin D Woodroffe
- School of Earth Atmospheric and Life Sciences and GeoQuEST Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Madeline M Goddard
- Research Institute of Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lindsay B Hutley
- Research Institute of Environment and Livelihoods, Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Katya Kovalenko
- Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Laura Feher
- US Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Centre, Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Glenn Guntenspergen
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Research Center, Beltsfield, MD, USA
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11
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Gu YG, Wang YS, Jordan RW, Su H, Jiang SJ. Probabilistic ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metal and rare earth element mixtures in aquatic biota using the DGT technique in coastal sediments. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138592. [PMID: 37023907 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138592] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) are routine contaminants due to their extensive use worldwide. Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging contaminants because of their global exploitation for use in the high-tech sector. Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) are an effective method for measuring the bioavailable component of pollutants. This study represents the first assessment of the mixture toxicity of HMs and REEs in aquatic biota using the DGT technique in sediments. Xincun Lagoon was chosen as the case study site because it has been contaminated by pollutants. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) analysis reveals that a wide variety of pollutants (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, InHg, Co, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) are primarily impacted by sediment characteristics. Appraisal of single HM-REE toxicity reveals that the risk quotient (RQ) values for Y, Yb and Ce notably exceeded 1, demonstrating that the adverse effects of these single HMs and REEs should not be ignored. The combined toxicity of HM-REE mixtures in terms of probabilistic ecological risk assessment shows that the Xincun surface sediments had a medium probability (31.29%) of toxic effects on aquatic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Guang Gu
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510300, China; Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, 990-8560, Japan; Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya, 572025, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China; Key Laboratory of Fishery Ecology and Environment, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510300, China; Key Laboratory of Open-Sea Fishery Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510300, China.
| | - Ya-Su Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, 245700, China
| | - Richard W Jordan
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, 990-8560, Japan
| | - Hong Su
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shi-Jun Jiang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, 245700, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China
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Ding J, McDowell N, Fang Y, Ward N, Kirwan ML, Regier P, Megonigal P, Zhang P, Zhang H, Wang W, Li W, Pennington SC, Wilson SJ, Stearns A, Bailey V. Modeling the mechanisms of conifer mortality under seawater exposure. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023. [PMID: 37376720 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Relative sea level rise (SLR) increasingly impacts coastal ecosystems through the formation of ghost forests. To predict the future of coastal ecosystems under SLR and changing climate, it is important to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying coastal tree mortality and to integrate this knowledge into dynamic vegetation models. We incorporate the physiological effect of salinity and hypoxia in a dynamic vegetation model in the Earth system land model, and used the model to investigate the mechanisms of mortality of conifer forests on the west and east coast sites of USA, where trees experience different form of sea water exposure. Simulations suggest similar physiological mechanisms can result in different mortality patterns. At the east coast site that experienced severe increases in seawater exposure, trees loose photosynthetic capacity and roots rapidly, and both storage carbon and hydraulic conductance decrease significantly within a year. Over time, further consumption of storage carbon that leads to carbon starvation dominates mortality. At the west coast site that gradually exposed to seawater through SLR, hydraulic failure dominates mortality because root loss impacts on conductance are greater than the degree of storage carbon depletion. Measurements and modeling focused on understanding the physiological mechanisms of mortality is critical to reducing predictive uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Ding
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Lab, PO Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Nate McDowell
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Lab, PO Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA
| | - Yilin Fang
- Earth Systems Science Division, Pacific Northwest National Lab, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Nicholas Ward
- Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA, 98382, USA
| | - Matthew L Kirwan
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, 23062, USA
| | - Peter Regier
- Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA, 98382, USA
| | - Patrick Megonigal
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, 21037, USA
| | - Peipei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenzhi Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mountain Environment Evolution and Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Stephanie C Pennington
- Joint Global Change Research Institute, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | | | - Alice Stearns
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, 21037, USA
| | - Vanessa Bailey
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Lab, PO Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
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13
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Bernhardt E. Coastal freshwater wetlands squeezed between migrating salt marshes and working lands. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd1628. [PMID: 35767608 PMCID: PMC11094673 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Creative solutions are needed to sustain the diversity of coastal wetland ecosystems as sea levels rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bernhardt
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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