Ecological Engineering最新文献

Soil-bioengineering to stabilize gravel roadside slopes in the steep Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-20 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107569

Soghra Keybondori , Ehsan Abdi , Azade Deljouei , Alessio Cislaghi , Zahed Shakeri , Vahid Etemad

Soil-bioengineering techniques for stabilizing road cut and fill slopes based on indicator herbaceous and woody species in the Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran effectively reduce shallow landslide occurrences and improve overall slope stability. This study assessed the role of roots in stabilizing shallow soil layers by measuring the root biomechanical properties and root distribution of 13 indicator species, from cut and fill slopes. Our study identified Athyrium filix-femina and Pteris cretica as the most effective species for slope stabilization on cut slopes, providing root reinforcement values of 4538 Pa and 4513 Pa, respectively, and reducing slope instability by up to 18 %. On fill slopes, Sambucus ebulus and Phyllitis scolopendrium showed significant root reinforcement potential, reducing slope instability by up to 17 % and 18 %, respectively. Root systems of these species were primarily concentrated in the upper 0.1 m to 0.2 m of soil, providing simultaneously soil reinforcement and erosion control. Findings indicate that in the Hyrcanian Forest, where favorable climate conditions prevail, native pioneer species are particularly effective for slope stabilization, especially in areas without natural vegetation. Over time, this approach can restore disturbed areas, enhance biodiversity, and improve forest health. As a sustainable alternative to traditional engineering methods, soil-bioengineering offers forest managers a practical solution for reducing landslide risks while fostering ecosystem resilience. While these results highlighted the potential of herbaceous vegetation in mitigating slope failures, soil type and local climate may influence their effectiveness. Consequently, site-specific applications and further research needed to optimize vegetation selection for long-term slope stability. This study provided a framework for integrating native plants into soil-bioengineering techniques for forest road management, promoting environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience.

{"title":"Soil-bioengineering to stabilize gravel roadside slopes in the steep Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran","authors":"Soghra Keybondori , Ehsan Abdi , Azade Deljouei , Alessio Cislaghi , Zahed Shakeri , Vahid Etemad","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil-bioengineering techniques for stabilizing road cut and fill slopes based on indicator herbaceous and woody species in the Hyrcanian Forests of Northern Iran effectively reduce shallow landslide occurrences and improve overall slope stability. This study assessed the role of roots in stabilizing shallow soil layers by measuring the root biomechanical properties and root distribution of 13 indicator species, from cut and fill slopes. Our study identified <em>Athyrium filix-femina</em> and <em>Pteris cretica</em> as the most effective species for slope stabilization on cut slopes, providing root reinforcement values of 4538 Pa and 4513 Pa, respectively, and reducing slope instability by up to 18 %. On fill slopes, <em>Sambucus ebulus</em> and <em>Phyllitis scolopendrium</em> showed significant root reinforcement potential, reducing slope instability by up to 17 % and 18 %, respectively. Root systems of these species were primarily concentrated in the upper 0.1 m to 0.2 m of soil, providing simultaneously soil reinforcement and erosion control. Findings indicate that in the Hyrcanian Forest, where favorable climate conditions prevail, native pioneer species are particularly effective for slope stabilization, especially in areas without natural vegetation. Over time, this approach can restore disturbed areas, enhance biodiversity, and improve forest health. As a sustainable alternative to traditional engineering methods, soil-bioengineering offers forest managers a practical solution for reducing landslide risks while fostering ecosystem resilience. While these results highlighted the potential of herbaceous vegetation in mitigating slope failures, soil type and local climate may influence their effectiveness. Consequently, site-specific applications and further research needed to optimize vegetation selection for long-term slope stability. This study provided a framework for integrating native plants into soil-bioengineering techniques for forest road management, promoting environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 107569"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143444412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

On the influence of plant morphology in the extensive green roof cover: A case study in Mediterranean area

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-19 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107562

Germina Giagnacovo , Damiano Biagiotti , Rita Di Bonito , Sara Di Lonardo , Carlo Alberto Campiotti

The success of green roofs in Mediterranean areas requires the selection of fast development plant species, able to grow in a shallow soilless substrate also under dry climatic conditions. In this context, the exploitation of native species from marginal sites characterized by limited availability of nutrients and water could be a strategy to select plants. In this work, various species, belonging to the Crassulaceae family from Central Mediterranean and sub-tropical regions, have been evaluated for their growth performance on extensive green roofs outdoor in Central Italy in mono and mixed culture. The morphology, i.e. branched or rosette type, resulted a fundamental trait for the coverage and species with prostrate branches, presented higher plant cover in the first year after transplant respect to the “rosette” type in monoculture. In particular, the Mediterranean native branched species S. album, S. rupestre, S. sediforme and the “rosette” Sempervivum tectorum presented a good performance under the seasonal variations, with high cover ability or biomass production after 15 months. In the mixed cultures, these species presented a different performance. S. album resulted highly competitive and “aggressive spreaders” respect to the other Sedums and may be suitable for monoculture or in combination with low covering shrub species. Among the “rosette” species, the allochthonous subtropical Aeonium castello paivae Bolle presented a good surface coverage and biomass production respect to the branched species while the native Sempervivum tectorum (Griseb. & Schenk) L. presented low covering ability in all the combinations. However, the introduction of “rosette” species in combination with “branched” ones (Sedums) could increase the diversity and aesthetic appearance of the roof.

{"title":"On the influence of plant morphology in the extensive green roof cover: A case study in Mediterranean area","authors":"Germina Giagnacovo , Damiano Biagiotti , Rita Di Bonito , Sara Di Lonardo , Carlo Alberto Campiotti","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107562","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107562","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The success of green roofs in Mediterranean areas requires the selection of fast development plant species, able to grow in a shallow soilless substrate also under dry climatic conditions. In this context, the exploitation of native species from marginal sites characterized by limited availability of nutrients and water could be a strategy to select plants. In this work, various species, belonging to the Crassulaceae family from Central Mediterranean and sub-tropical regions, have been evaluated for their growth performance on extensive green roofs outdoor in Central Italy in mono and mixed culture. The morphology, i.e. branched or rosette type, resulted a fundamental trait for the coverage and species with prostrate branches, presented higher plant cover in the first year after transplant respect to the “rosette” type in monoculture. In particular, the Mediterranean native branched species <em>S. album, S. rupestre, S. sediforme</em> and the “rosette” <em>Sempervivum tectorum</em> presented a good performance under the seasonal variations, with high cover ability or biomass production after 15 months. In the mixed cultures, these species presented a different performance. <em>S. album</em> resulted highly competitive and “aggressive spreaders” respect to the other <em>Sedums</em> and may be suitable for monoculture or in combination with low covering shrub species. Among the “rosette” species, the allochthonous subtropical <em>Aeonium castello paivae</em> Bolle presented a good surface coverage and biomass production respect to the branched species while the native <em>Sempervivum tectorum</em> (Griseb. & Schenk) L. presented low covering ability in all the combinations. However, the introduction of “rosette” species in combination with “branched” ones (Sedums) could increase the diversity and aesthetic appearance of the roof.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 107562"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Assessment of wetland sustainability capacity of artificial mangrove wetland on landscape scale: A case of Luoyangjiang River Estuary, China

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-19 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107561

Wei Lin , Shi-Hua Li , Xu Wei , Yang-Jian Cheng

Mangrove wetland ecosystem plays a vital ecological service function in carbon neutralization and coastal protection. In recent decades, a series of artificial mangrove wetlands have been produced. However, the sustainability of these kind of mangrove wetlands has not been fully studied, especially on the landscape scale. This study explored a set of robust and transplantable technical routines for assessing the sustainability of mangrove forest landscape. With the support of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, the temporal and spatial evolution pattern of artificial mangroves in the Luoyangjiang River estuary was obtained from 1990 to 2023. The landscape index is calculated by Fragstats and screened by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and 9 key indicators are obtained. The Landscape Sustainability Development Index (LSDI) was calculated using landscape metrics and principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems. The LSDI derived from PCA scores, provides insights into the effectiveness of mangrove conservation and restoration efforts. From 1990 to 2023, the sustainability capacity of the Luoyangjiang wetland, as indicated by LSDI, has gradually increased. This trend suggests a positive trajectory towards enhanced ecological stability and resilience in the region. These findings contribute to the strategic objectives of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in China, offering both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for ecological engineering.

{"title":"Assessment of wetland sustainability capacity of artificial mangrove wetland on landscape scale: A case of Luoyangjiang River Estuary, China","authors":"Wei Lin , Shi-Hua Li , Xu Wei , Yang-Jian Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107561","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107561","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mangrove wetland ecosystem plays a vital ecological service function in carbon neutralization and coastal protection. In recent decades, a series of artificial mangrove wetlands have been produced. However, the sustainability of these kind of mangrove wetlands has not been fully studied, especially on the landscape scale. This study explored a set of robust and transplantable technical routines for assessing the sustainability of mangrove forest landscape. With the support of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, the temporal and spatial evolution pattern of artificial mangroves in the Luoyangjiang River estuary was obtained from 1990 to 2023. The landscape index is calculated by Fragstats and screened by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and 9 key indicators are obtained. The Landscape Sustainability Development Index (LSDI) was calculated using landscape metrics and principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems. The LSDI derived from PCA scores, provides insights into the effectiveness of mangrove conservation and restoration efforts. From 1990 to 2023, the sustainability capacity of the Luoyangjiang wetland, as indicated by LSDI, has gradually increased. This trend suggests a positive trajectory towards enhanced ecological stability and resilience in the region. These findings contribute to the strategic objectives of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in China, offering both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for ecological engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 107561"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143438217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Exploring key drivers of Chinese sturgeon spawning sites fragmentation in the Yangtze River: Insights into spawning window

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-16 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107563

Qianqian Wang , Yu Zhong , Guo-an Yu , Zhiwei Li , Lijian Ouyang , Wenyi Zhang , Weiwei Yao

Since 1950, the Yangtze River has experienced significant human interventions, resulting in various environmental changes, including alterations to fish habitats and the gradual retreat and disappearance of the Chinese sturgeon's wide distribution range. In this study, an evaluation framework was proposed to evaluate the reasons that led to the reduction or even disappearance of spawning activities. Three historical spawning sites and one current spawning site of Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze River were studied. According to the time of human activity, three periods were proposed: pre-dam (1950–1981), post-dam (1982–2002), and post-impoundment (2003−2020) periods. Human activities affect fish habitat use and spawning timing. The simulation results indicated that habitat degradation was a reason for the disappearance of the historical spawning sites of Chinese sturgeon, in which the hydrodynamic conditions that did not meet the spawning requirements being the main reason for the disappearance of spawning activities. Narrowed spawning period and delayed spawning activities resulted in the disappearance of spawning activities in the current spawning sites. The evaluation framework provided in this study has been demonstrated to be reasonable and practical for fish habitat assessment in dammed rivers. It can be used to evaluate the effects of future construction of hydraulic projects for better reservoir regulation and fish conservation.

{"title":"Exploring key drivers of Chinese sturgeon spawning sites fragmentation in the Yangtze River: Insights into spawning window","authors":"Qianqian Wang , Yu Zhong , Guo-an Yu , Zhiwei Li , Lijian Ouyang , Wenyi Zhang , Weiwei Yao","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since 1950, the Yangtze River has experienced significant human interventions, resulting in various environmental changes, including alterations to fish habitats and the gradual retreat and disappearance of the Chinese sturgeon's wide distribution range. In this study, an evaluation framework was proposed to evaluate the reasons that led to the reduction or even disappearance of spawning activities. Three historical spawning sites and one current spawning site of Chinese sturgeon in the Yangtze River were studied. According to the time of human activity, three periods were proposed: pre-dam (1950–1981), post-dam (1982–2002), and post-impoundment (2003−2020) periods. Human activities affect fish habitat use and spawning timing. The simulation results indicated that habitat degradation was a reason for the disappearance of the historical spawning sites of Chinese sturgeon, in which the hydrodynamic conditions that did not meet the spawning requirements being the main reason for the disappearance of spawning activities. Narrowed spawning period and delayed spawning activities resulted in the disappearance of spawning activities in the current spawning sites. The evaluation framework provided in this study has been demonstrated to be reasonable and practical for fish habitat assessment in dammed rivers. It can be used to evaluate the effects of future construction of hydraulic projects for better reservoir regulation and fish conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 107563"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

A review on constructed wetlands in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China: Application in water treatment, problem, and practical solution 中国京津冀地区人工湿地综述：水处理中的应用、问题和实际解决方案

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-16 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107568

Lijie Wang , Xuemin Dai , Tao Zhang , Chao Chi

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are commonly employed in developing countries for wastewater treatment, owing to their environmental, economic, and social advantages. CWs remove pollutants through natural processes, offering ecosystem services and recreational benefits. However, the efficiency of pollutant removal varies due to factors such as low winter temperatures and the complexity of wastewater composition. This review examines the development and application of CWs in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China. The relationship between CW type and wastewater treatment efficiency is explored, along with factors influencing CW performance. Based on monitoring data from 27 field-scale CWs, Hybrid Constructed Wetlands demonstrated the highest removal rates for COD (43.48 %), TN (44.79 %), and TP (51.50 %). Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands achieved the highest NH₃-N removal rate (71.25 %). Substrate selection, plant species, hydraulic retention time, and pollutant loading rates all influence CW performance. These variations in pollutant removal efficiency are primarily attributed to low dissolved oxygen, low C/N ratios, and ambient temperature. Pollutant removal efficiency can be enhanced through strategies such as intermittent aeration, tidal flow operation, supplementation with electron donor substrates, selection of cold-tolerant plants, augmentation of cold-tolerant microbes, insulation material cover, and clogging remediation. These strategies help increase pollutant removal rates and promote the sustainable operation of CWs.

{"title":"A review on constructed wetlands in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China: Application in water treatment, problem, and practical solution","authors":"Lijie Wang , Xuemin Dai , Tao Zhang , Chao Chi","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107568","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107568","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Constructed wetlands (CWs) are commonly employed in developing countries for wastewater treatment, owing to their environmental, economic, and social advantages. CWs remove pollutants through natural processes, offering ecosystem services and recreational benefits. However, the efficiency of pollutant removal varies due to factors such as low winter temperatures and the complexity of wastewater composition. This review examines the development and application of CWs in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China. The relationship between CW type and wastewater treatment efficiency is explored, along with factors influencing CW performance. Based on monitoring data from 27 field-scale CWs, Hybrid Constructed Wetlands demonstrated the highest removal rates for COD (43.48 %), TN (44.79 %), and TP (51.50 %). Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands achieved the highest NH<sub>3</sub>-N removal rate (71.25 %). Substrate selection, plant species, hydraulic retention time, and pollutant loading rates all influence CW performance. These variations in pollutant removal efficiency are primarily attributed to low dissolved oxygen, low C/N ratios, and ambient temperature. Pollutant removal efficiency can be enhanced through strategies such as intermittent aeration, tidal flow operation, supplementation with electron donor substrates, selection of cold-tolerant plants, augmentation of cold-tolerant microbes, insulation material cover, and clogging remediation. These strategies help increase pollutant removal rates and promote the sustainable operation of CWs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 107568"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Assessment of oxygen demand loads and its application in effective decision-making for the rehabilitation of an urban lake

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-16 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107567

Nadia Viridiana Cruz-Vivar , Anne M. Hansen

Urban lakes grapple with degradation, primarily due to excessive oxygen demand (OD) caused by loads of organic matter (OM) and nutrients. An OD load balance was developed to assess conditions and propose necessary actions to reduce pollutant loads, thereby improving water quality in Lake Nabor Carrillo, Mexico. The external and extracted loads of OD were determined based on flow rates and pollutant concentrations; the internal load was obtained through the determination of gross primary productivity; the load of OD accumulated in sediment (OD_sed) was calculated based on the fraction of OM in sediment relative to the total incoming OM; the mineralized loads of OD in water and sediment were determined through respirometry; and the load of dissolved oxygen (DO) was obtained by applying the load balance for steady state. The final OD in water was determined through load balancing. By modifying parametric values in the balance, the final DO was calculated for different rehabilitation scenarios aiming to achieve sufficient oxygen for protection of aquatic organisms. The current oxygen demand is 1824 t yr⁻¹ in the lake. To achieve saturated dissolved oxygen, tailored measures beyond standard environmental regulations for discharges are needed by phosphorus (TP) removal to a concentration of 1.95 mg L⁻¹. Alternatively, reducing BOD and TP to the maximum permissible limits for treated water into a lentic water body, along with applying 860 t yr⁻¹ of oxygen, can also achieve the goal. Both scenarios would require five years to achieve stable results through the application of the proposed technologies.

{"title":"Assessment of oxygen demand loads and its application in effective decision-making for the rehabilitation of an urban lake","authors":"Nadia Viridiana Cruz-Vivar , Anne M. Hansen","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107567","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107567","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urban lakes grapple with degradation, primarily due to excessive oxygen demand (OD) caused by loads of organic matter (OM) and nutrients. An OD load balance was developed to assess conditions and propose necessary actions to reduce pollutant loads, thereby improving water quality in Lake Nabor Carrillo, Mexico. The external and extracted loads of OD were determined based on flow rates and pollutant concentrations; the internal load was obtained through the determination of gross primary productivity; the load of OD accumulated in sediment (OD<sub>sed</sub>) was calculated based on the fraction of OM in sediment relative to the total incoming OM; the mineralized loads of OD in water and sediment were determined through respirometry; and the load of dissolved oxygen (DO) was obtained by applying the load balance for steady state. The final OD in water was determined through load balancing. By modifying parametric values in the balance, the final DO was calculated for different rehabilitation scenarios aiming to achieve sufficient oxygen for protection of aquatic organisms. The current oxygen demand is 1824 t yr<sup>−1</sup> in the lake. To achieve saturated dissolved oxygen, tailored measures beyond standard environmental regulations for discharges are needed by phosphorus (TP) removal to a concentration of 1.95 mg L<sup>−1</sup>. Alternatively, reducing BOD and TP to the maximum permissible limits for treated water into a lentic water body, along with applying 860 t yr<sup>−1</sup> of oxygen, can also achieve the goal. Both scenarios would require five years to achieve stable results through the application of the proposed technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 107567"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

The role of limpets in biodiversity patterns and bioerosion on coastal infrastructure: Insights from Plymouth Breakwater 褐藻在沿海基础设施的生物多样性模式和生物侵蚀中的作用：普利茅斯防波堤的启示

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107548

Aeden Cooper , Antony M. Knights , Sandalia Walker , Juan Sempere-Valverde , Chris Moocarme , Stephen J. Hawkins , Louise B. Firth

The choice of materials used in coastal infrastructure not only influences colonization by marine life, but it can also influence the extent to which colonizing organisms modify the surface topography of the structure. This study examines the role of limpets as ecosystem engineers on the 180 year-old Plymouth Breakwater, a large artificial coastal structure composed of limestone, granite, and concrete. By comparing biodiversity patterns across these substrates, the research highlights how limpet bioerosion and grazing activities influence community structure and ecological succession. The study found that limestone pools, formed through differential erosion, support higher biodiversity and distinct functional groups compared to emergent granite habitats. On concrete blocks of varying ages, a clear successional pattern was observed: early colonization by green algae (< 2 yrs) was followed by the establishment of fucoids (2–3 yrs) and, subsequently, dense limpet populations that reduced algal cover (4–10 yrs). Over time, as the blocks aged and eroded (> 25 yrs), red algae became dominant, and limpet populations declined. This study highlights the importance of substrate type and erosion in shaping ecological communities on artificial coastal structures. The research contributes to a growing understanding of the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in engineered marine environments, offering insights for the design and management of sustainable coastal infrastructure to support biodiversity.

{"title":"The role of limpets in biodiversity patterns and bioerosion on coastal infrastructure: Insights from Plymouth Breakwater","authors":"Aeden Cooper , Antony M. Knights , Sandalia Walker , Juan Sempere-Valverde , Chris Moocarme , Stephen J. Hawkins , Louise B. Firth","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The choice of materials used in coastal infrastructure not only influences colonization by marine life, but it can also influence the extent to which colonizing organisms modify the surface topography of the structure. This study examines the role of limpets as ecosystem engineers on the 180 year-old Plymouth Breakwater, a large artificial coastal structure composed of limestone, granite, and concrete. By comparing biodiversity patterns across these substrates, the research highlights how limpet bioerosion and grazing activities influence community structure and ecological succession. The study found that limestone pools, formed through differential erosion, support higher biodiversity and distinct functional groups compared to emergent granite habitats. On concrete blocks of varying ages, a clear successional pattern was observed: early colonization by green algae (< 2 yrs) was followed by the establishment of fucoids (2–3 yrs) and, subsequently, dense limpet populations that reduced algal cover (4–10 yrs). Over time, as the blocks aged and eroded (> 25 yrs), red algae became dominant, and limpet populations declined. This study highlights the importance of substrate type and erosion in shaping ecological communities on artificial coastal structures. The research contributes to a growing understanding of the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in engineered marine environments, offering insights for the design and management of sustainable coastal infrastructure to support biodiversity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 107548"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Deflecting danger: The role of screen angles in fish impingement

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107547

Guglielmo Sonnino Sorisio , Charlotte Robison-Smith , Andy Don , Jo Cable , Catherine A.M.E. Wilson

Water abstractions in inland watercourses have the potential to harm European eel populations (Anguilla anguilla) if they are not correctly protected, potentially contributing to further declines of this critically endangered species. Current guidance aim to prevent eel impingement and entrainment at intakes and outfalls by specifying mitigation screening techniques such as screen types, screen apertures, and maximum approach velocities to the screens. These aim to prevent eels from being injured and allow them to bypass the abstraction, but they have yet to be empirically tested. In this study, screens with 3 mm apertures of horizontal and vertical wedge-wire and a Hydrolox screen were evaluated under the current Environment Agency's screening guidance document that supports the Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009. We measured the hydrodynamics of the screens and then observed eel behaviour and swimming dynamics upstream of the screens. The screens had minor effects on the upstream flow fields and produced suitable velocities and turbulence levels for eel escapement. At the regulation velocities, no eels impinged on the screens, validating the current guidance but impingement started to occur at higher velocities, so the guidance velocities should not be exceeded. Screens at smaller angles to the flow caused few eel impingements and therefore are preferable. The current screen guidance for 3 mm wedge-wire screens are appropriate for eels of the size tested in this study and do not cause impingement or entrainment.

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引用次数: 0

The tungsten tailings remediation by soilless plant establishment: Varied aggregation structure, heavy metal mobilization, and microbial community structure

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-13 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107565

Xiaojun Zheng , Ziqin Wang , Qi Li , Liliang Liu , Ming Chen

Soilless plant establishment is an effective approach for tailings reclamation, where plant rhizosphere interactions induce physical, chemical, and biological transformations in tailings, thus promoting functional soil formation. This study conducted a 120-day pot plant experiment and investigated the basic properties, nutrients, aggregate structure, heavy metals (HMs), and microbial community structure variation in tungsten tailings after soilless plant establishment. Results showed that soilless plant establishment depleted limited nutrients (available nitrogen and available phosphorus) but ameliorated the basic properties of tailings (reduced pH and electrical conductivity, increased organic matter, and available potassium). After plants growth, tailings particles were aggregated, the macroaggregates fraction increased to 25–43 % compared to the control group, and the mean weight diameter in plant-treated tailings ranged from 376 to 521 μm, which was an average of 2.7 times that of the control group. After planting, the dominant bacteria shifted from Actinobacteria to Proteobacteria. Compared with the control group, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria increased from 26 % and 0.1 % to 28 % and 2 %, respectively. Furthermore, soilless plant establishment effectively reduced the total Cd (0.7–4.6 mg/kg), Pb (4.8–78.4 mg/kg), and W (7.0–95.7 mg/kg) content in tailings, particularly activating stable HMs fractions and facilitating their removal from tailings through plant uptake. Festuca elata and Brassica napus are recommended as potential pioneer plants attributed to adaptability in tailings and ability to uptake HMs, respectively. This study systematically elucidates the soil-formation process in tungsten tailings and discusses the fate of HMs, offering an effective method for ecological restoration of tailings with high HMs levels.

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引用次数: 0

The effectiveness of a fish-friendly pumping station for critically endangered European eel; An assessment using live eels, fish-mounted sensors and passive sensors

IF 3.9 2区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ECOLOGY

Ecological Engineering

Pub Date : 2025-02-11 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107526

Oliver Evans , Andrew Don , Jeffrey A. Tuhtan , Gert Toming , Christopher F. Williams , John C. Price , Rosalind M. Wright , Christopher Bell , Jonathan D. Bolland

Fish-friendly pumps may provide safe downstream passage for seaward migrating silver European eel, Anguilla anguilla, at pumping stations but further research into their effectiveness is urgently required. This study uniquely combined health assessments of live fish, including behaviour, delayed (48-h) mortality and post-mortem post-passage, with fish-mounted (fish backpack sensors; FBS) and passive (barotrauma detection system; BDS) sensors that passed through a fish-friendly axial flow pump in situ at a real-world pumping station to comprehensively quantify the effectiveness. Nineteen eels (including two control eels released directly into the recapture net) were recaptured and there was no immediate or delayed (n = 5, including one control eel) mortality or behavioural change, nor were there any major external or internal injuries. Minor external injuries were newly present on most eels (84.6 %) that underwent a post-mortem post-passage (n = 13) but were equivalent to the types of pathologies recorded pre-passage and were considered unlikely to affect function or survival. A previously defined acceleration threshold for fish vertebrae damage (>50 m/s²) was exceeded by all FBS and BDS (up to 66.48 m/s²), predominantly (89.15 %) after passing through the pump, but no eels showed any evidence of spinal injury or vertebral deformity, indicating that this threshold may be overly conservative for eels. Extremes of pressure (i.e., nadir) and changes in pressure (i.e., pressure rate of change (PRC) and log ratio of pressure change (LRPC)) recorded by FBS and BDS were well below thresholds known to induce injury in American eels (Anguilla rostrata) of similar length and no pressure-related injuries were found during post-mortems. Indeed, it illustrated the importance of using sensors alongside live fish to further our understanding of species-specific injury thresholds. Overall, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of a newly installed axial flow fish-friendly pump (under ‘normal’ operating conditions), using live fish and two types of sensors to quantify conditions during passage.

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引用次数: 0