Pub Date : 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107813
Dian Zheng , Guanlong Yu , Yameng Zhang , Jiaxin Liu , Yongqi Wang , Shiyu Chen , Sili Tan
Excess nitrogen in water bodies can trigger eutrophication, posing a threat to the ecosystem. The treatment of nitrogenous wastewater and removal of nitrogen compounds from water bodies is essential to improve and maintain water quality. To address this issue, the immobilized heterotrophic nitrifying-aerobic denitrifying bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis (A. faecalis) was combined with ecological floating island (EFI) to improve nitrogen removal performance, and the optimal operating conditions were determined. EFI supplemented with immobilized A. faecalis exhibited excellent and stable nitrogen removal capacity, with average removal rates of 89.10 ± 3.65 %, 74.79 ± 8.81 % and 95.44 ± 4.93 % for TN, and respectively, when the HRT was 3 d and the C/N was 16. The addition of immobilized A. faecalis increased the relative abundance of dominant denitrifying bacteria, especially unclassified_p__Proteobacteria, thereby altering the microbial community structure, improving the denitrification efficiency of the EFI, and facilitating nitrogen removal. In addition, the immobilized A. faecalis could reduce the effects of the nitrogenous wastewater on plants, enabling the nitrogen removal of the EFI. The study suggests that immobilization of A. faecalis is an effective strategy to improve nitrogen removal through EFI-microbial integrated systems.
{"title":"Enhanced nitrogen removal performance of ecological floating islands by immobilized denitrifying bacteria","authors":"Dian Zheng , Guanlong Yu , Yameng Zhang , Jiaxin Liu , Yongqi Wang , Shiyu Chen , Sili Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107813","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107813","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Excess nitrogen in water bodies can trigger eutrophication, posing a threat to the ecosystem. The treatment of nitrogenous wastewater and removal of nitrogen compounds from water bodies is essential to improve and maintain water quality. To address this issue, the immobilized heterotrophic nitrifying-aerobic denitrifying bacterium <em>Alcaligenes faecalis</em> (<em>A. faecalis</em>) was combined with ecological floating island (EFI) to improve nitrogen removal performance, and the optimal operating conditions were determined. EFI supplemented with immobilized <em>A. faecalis</em> exhibited excellent and stable nitrogen removal capacity, with average removal rates of 89.10 ± 3.65 %, 74.79 ± 8.81 % and 95.44 ± 4.93 % for TN, <span><math><msubsup><mi>NH</mi><mn>4</mn><mo>+</mo></msubsup><mo>−</mo><mi>N</mi></math></span> and <span><math><msubsup><mi>NO</mi><mn>3</mn><mo>−</mo></msubsup><mo>−</mo><mi>N</mi></math></span> respectively, when the HRT was 3 d and the C/N was 16. The addition of immobilized <em>A. faecalis</em> increased the relative abundance of dominant denitrifying bacteria, especially <em>unclassified_p__Proteobacteria</em>, thereby altering the microbial community structure, improving the denitrification efficiency of the EFI, and facilitating nitrogen removal. In addition, the immobilized <em>A. faecalis</em> could reduce the effects of the nitrogenous wastewater on plants, enabling the nitrogen removal of the EFI. The study suggests that immobilization of <em>A. faecalis</em> is an effective strategy to improve nitrogen removal through EFI-microbial integrated systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107813"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322233","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107825
Xuejie Ma , Zhihong Yu , Qiang Su , Wenhang Liu
This study investigated the effects of various corn stover management strategies on soil mechanical and physicochemical properties. Six treatments were established: natural residue decomposition (NRD), chopped residue incorporation (CRI), chopped residue with microbial inoculant (CRMI), composted residue incorporation (CRC), composted residue with microbial inoculant (CRMC), and a no-residue control (CK). Soil properties—including shear strength, compactness, saturated water content, geometric mean diameter, erodibility factor, pH, and the content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter—were assessed using one-way ANOVA, PCA, Mantel tests, and Random Forest models. The results revealed that the application of chopped stover and microbial inoculants significantly enhanced both the mechanical and physicochemical properties of the soil. Specifically, treatments involving composting (CRC and CRMC) yielded the most substantial improvements in shear strength, compactness, and OM content. PCA confirmed a distinct separation of the CRC and CRMC treatments, underscoring their profound impact on soil characteristics. Furthermore, the Random Forest analysis identified OM as the single most critical factor driving soil quality improvement. The Mantel test indicated strong correlations between shear strength, geometric mean diameter, and organic matter. We conclude that the incorporation of microbially-inoculated composted stover represents a highly effective strategy for improving soil health in arid agricultural systems. This approach provides a practical pathway for sustainable soil management and contributes valuable insights for the efficient utilization of agricultural residues in support of a green agricultural transition.
{"title":"Microbial-assisted corn residue return as a sustainable strategy for soil structural and nutrient enhancement","authors":"Xuejie Ma , Zhihong Yu , Qiang Su , Wenhang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effects of various corn stover management strategies on soil mechanical and physicochemical properties. Six treatments were established: natural residue decomposition (NRD), chopped residue incorporation (CRI), chopped residue with microbial inoculant (CRMI), composted residue incorporation (CRC), composted residue with microbial inoculant (CRMC), and a no-residue control (CK). Soil properties—including shear strength, compactness, saturated water content, geometric mean diameter, erodibility factor, pH, and the content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter—were assessed using one-way ANOVA, PCA, Mantel tests, and Random Forest models. The results revealed that the application of chopped stover and microbial inoculants significantly enhanced both the mechanical and physicochemical properties of the soil. Specifically, treatments involving composting (CRC and CRMC) yielded the most substantial improvements in shear strength, compactness, and OM content. PCA confirmed a distinct separation of the CRC and CRMC treatments, underscoring their profound impact on soil characteristics. Furthermore, the Random Forest analysis identified OM as the single most critical factor driving soil quality improvement. The Mantel test indicated strong correlations between shear strength, geometric mean diameter, and organic matter. We conclude that the incorporation of microbially-inoculated composted stover represents a highly effective strategy for improving soil health in arid agricultural systems. This approach provides a practical pathway for sustainable soil management and contributes valuable insights for the efficient utilization of agricultural residues in support of a green agricultural transition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107825"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264326","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107824
Xingchen Liu , Xiaobo Liu , Dayu Zhu , Wei Huang , Jinhui Wang , Zhuowei Wang , Weiqiao Liu , Minhui Xia , Huaidong Zhou , Leixiang Wu
Seasonally exposed shorelines of China's Three Gorges Reservoir host dense vegetation stands that accumulate nutrients and emit greenhouse gases (GHGs). This study tested whether an annual, zone-wide plant biomass removal could simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and prevent nutrient mobilization from soils into adjacent waters. We hypothesized that removing aboveground vegetation prior to re-inundation would reduce methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes without significantly elevating soil or water nutrient levels. Across upstream, mid-reservoir, and downstream reaches, we monitored soil chemistry, near-shore water quality, and surface fluxes of CH₄, CO₂, and N₂O for four weeks following plant biomass removal. Harvesting reduced median soil CH₄ emissions by 67 %, CO₂ emissions by 40 %, and N₂O emissions by approximately 20 %, resulting in a total net benefit of 0.8 kg CO₂ equivalents per square meter. Key soil nutrients including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), Olsen-extractable phosphorus (Olsen-P), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N), as well as eleven monitored water-quality indicators, showed no statistically significant changes, indicating minimal nutrient mobilization. Mean standing biomass (652 ± 239 g m−2) contained 16.2 g nitrogen per kilogram and 4.2 g phosphorus per kilogram. Scaled to the 284.65 km2 drawdown zone, an annual harvest could remove approximately 3.0 kt of nitrogen and 0.8 kt of phosphorus, comparable to inputs from several tributaries. Mechanized vegetation harvesting therefore provides a feasible management practice offering both climate and water quality benefits for the Three Gorges Reservoir.
三峡水库岸线季节性暴露，植被密集，积累养分，排放温室气体（ghg）。本研究测试了每年一次的全区域植物生物量去除是否可以同时减少温室气体排放并防止养分从土壤转移到邻近水域。我们假设在再次淹没之前移除地上植被会减少甲烷（CH₄）、二氧化碳（CO₂）和一氧化二氮（N₂O）通量，而不会显著提高土壤或水的营养水平。在去除植物生物量后的四周内，我们监测了水库上游、中游和下游的土壤化学、近岸水质以及CH₄、CO₂和N₂O的表面通量。收获减少了土壤中位数氯化铵排放量67%，二氧化碳排放量40%，氮排放量约20%，导致每平方米总净效益为0.8千克二氧化碳当量。包括全氮（TN）、全磷（TP）、奥尔森可萃取磷（Olsen-P）、铵态氮（NH₄-N）和硝态氮（NO₃-N）在内的关键土壤养分，以及11项监测的水质指标，没有统计学上的显著变化，表明养分动员最小。平均直立生物量（652±239 g m−2）每公斤含16.2 g氮和4.2 g磷。按比例计算，在284.65平方公里的下降区，每年的收获可以去除约3.0 kt的氮和0.8 kt的磷，与几条支流的投入相当。因此，机械化植被采收为三峡水库提供了一种既能带来气候效益又能带来水质效益的可行管理方法。
{"title":"Coupling hydrology and vegetation management: Evidence that annual harvesting curtails greenhouse gases and nutrient release in a reservoir drawdown zone","authors":"Xingchen Liu , Xiaobo Liu , Dayu Zhu , Wei Huang , Jinhui Wang , Zhuowei Wang , Weiqiao Liu , Minhui Xia , Huaidong Zhou , Leixiang Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107824","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107824","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seasonally exposed shorelines of China's Three Gorges Reservoir host dense vegetation stands that accumulate nutrients and emit greenhouse gases (GHGs). This study tested whether an annual, zone-wide plant biomass removal could simultaneously reduce GHG emissions and prevent nutrient mobilization from soils into adjacent waters. We hypothesized that removing aboveground vegetation prior to re-inundation would reduce methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes without significantly elevating soil or water nutrient levels. Across upstream, mid-reservoir, and downstream reaches, we monitored soil chemistry, near-shore water quality, and surface fluxes of CH₄, CO₂, and N₂O for four weeks following plant biomass removal. Harvesting reduced median soil CH₄ emissions by 67 %, CO₂ emissions by 40 %, and N₂O emissions by approximately 20 %, resulting in a total net benefit of 0.8 kg CO₂ equivalents per square meter. Key soil nutrients including total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), Olsen-extractable phosphorus (Olsen-P), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N), as well as eleven monitored water-quality indicators, showed no statistically significant changes, indicating minimal nutrient mobilization. Mean standing biomass (652 ± 239 g m<sup>−2</sup>) contained 16.2 g nitrogen per kilogram and 4.2 g phosphorus per kilogram. Scaled to the 284.65 km<sup>2</sup> drawdown zone, an annual harvest could remove approximately 3.0 kt of nitrogen and 0.8 kt of phosphorus, comparable to inputs from several tributaries. Mechanized vegetation harvesting therefore provides a feasible management practice offering both climate and water quality benefits for the Three Gorges Reservoir.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107824"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264330","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107822
Lannan Huang , Mengting Yi , Pan Yang , Ting Fong May Chui , Qian Tan
A systematic analysis of the factors influencing the pollutant removal efficiency in constructed wetlands (CWs) through meta-analysis is crucial for effective CW design and evaluation. Previous meta-analyses have consistently identified design and operational variables as the dominant factors, and the impacts of climate conditions have often been considered relatively low. In this study, we revisit the drivers of CW performance by introducing the aridity index (AI) as a new indicator of climate conditions in the meta-analysis. The analysis is based on 139 cases across China, and the results reveal that the pollutant removal efficiency of CWs in China is primarily influenced by AI, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and wetland area, alongside other factors with relatively low impacts. The removal rates of COD, NH4+-N, TN, and TP were all significantly higher in arid and semi-arid regions than in dry sub-humid and humid regions. Multiple regression analysis identifies AI, HRT, and wetland area as the most significant factors affecting CW pollutant removal efficiencies. Further structural equation modeling reveals that aridity has the greatest impact on individual and paired pollutant removals, followed by wetland area, HRT, temperature, and precipitation. These findings provide new insights into the impact of climate variables on CW pollutant removal, offering valuable guidance for the design and operation of CW, an increasingly critical environmental infrastructure for advancing multiple sustainable development goals.
{"title":"Drivers of constructed wetland pollutant removal efficiency in China revisited by incorporating the impact of aridity – A meta-analysis","authors":"Lannan Huang , Mengting Yi , Pan Yang , Ting Fong May Chui , Qian Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107822","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107822","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A systematic analysis of the factors influencing the pollutant removal efficiency in constructed wetlands (CWs) through meta-analysis is crucial for effective CW design and evaluation. Previous meta-analyses have consistently identified design and operational variables as the dominant factors, and the impacts of climate conditions have often been considered relatively low. In this study, we revisit the drivers of CW performance by introducing the aridity index (AI) as a new indicator of climate conditions in the meta-analysis. The analysis is based on 139 cases across China, and the results reveal that the pollutant removal efficiency of CWs in China is primarily influenced by AI, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and wetland area, alongside other factors with relatively low impacts. The removal rates of COD, NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N, TN, and TP were all significantly higher in arid and semi-arid regions than in dry sub-humid and humid regions. Multiple regression analysis identifies AI, HRT, and wetland area as the most significant factors affecting CW pollutant removal efficiencies. Further structural equation modeling reveals that aridity has the greatest impact on individual and paired pollutant removals, followed by wetland area, HRT, temperature, and precipitation. These findings provide new insights into the impact of climate variables on CW pollutant removal, offering valuable guidance for the design and operation of CW, an increasingly critical environmental infrastructure for advancing multiple sustainable development goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107822"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264328","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107823
Yifan Yang , Xiang Zhang , Zhou Guo , Joseph Smith , Xia Jin , Yuhong Li , Ryan Winston
Bioretention facilities (BRFs) are critical components of Sponge City initiatives in China, yet their performance is highly influenced by regional soil characteristics and temporal pedogenic processes. This study systematically analyzed 61 young BRFs (2–66 months old) across 14 cities in China, representing seven distinct topographic regions. Soil properties, including particle size distribution and organic matter content (OM%), were evaluated at different depths (0–30 cm) and locations —specifically the forebay (inflow section where runoff initially enters and sediments accumulate) and the center (central bioretention media zone representing the primary filtration area) to assess spatiotemporal variations. Results revealed significant regional differences in soil composition, with sandy loam dominating high-rainfall areas (e.g., Southern China) and silty loam prevalent in alluvial plains (e.g., Huang-Huai-Hai Plain). Temporal analysis identified four operational phases—Early Deployment (ED), Performance Optimization (PO), Maintenance-Required (MR), and Aging Infrastructure (AI)—each exhibiting unique soil evolution patterns. Fine particle accumulation increased with system age, particularly in surface layers (0–10 cm), while OM% varied regionally, peaking in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (9.10–12.77 %) and declining in the Loess Plateau (1.55–2.24 %). These findings underscore the need for region-specific BRF designs and age-dependent maintenance strategies to optimize hydrological performance and pollutant removal. The study provides evidence-based guidelines for adapting BRF construction and upkeep to China's diverse environmental conditions, supporting sustainable urban stormwater management.
{"title":"Regional soil characteristics of young bioretention facility in China: Evidence-based guidelines for LID design and maintenance","authors":"Yifan Yang , Xiang Zhang , Zhou Guo , Joseph Smith , Xia Jin , Yuhong Li , Ryan Winston","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bioretention facilities (BRFs) are critical components of Sponge City initiatives in China, yet their performance is highly influenced by regional soil characteristics and temporal pedogenic processes. This study systematically analyzed 61 young BRFs (2–66 months old) across 14 cities in China, representing seven distinct topographic regions. Soil properties, including particle size distribution and organic matter content (OM%), were evaluated at different depths (0–30 cm) and locations —specifically the forebay (inflow section where runoff initially enters and sediments accumulate) and the center (central bioretention media zone representing the primary filtration area) to assess spatiotemporal variations. Results revealed significant regional differences in soil composition, with sandy loam dominating high-rainfall areas (e.g., Southern China) and silty loam prevalent in alluvial plains (e.g., Huang-Huai-Hai Plain). Temporal analysis identified four operational phases—Early Deployment (ED), Performance Optimization (PO), Maintenance-Required (MR), and Aging Infrastructure (AI)—each exhibiting unique soil evolution patterns. Fine particle accumulation increased with system age, particularly in surface layers (0–10 cm), while OM% varied regionally, peaking in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (9.10–12.77 %) and declining in the Loess Plateau (1.55–2.24 %). These findings underscore the need for region-specific BRF designs and age-dependent maintenance strategies to optimize hydrological performance and pollutant removal. The study provides evidence-based guidelines for adapting BRF construction and upkeep to China's diverse environmental conditions, supporting sustainable urban stormwater management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107823"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145263802","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107811
Fernanda Cristina Aguiar Mendonça , Robério Anastácio Ferreira , Maria Fernanda Oliveira Torres , Airon José da Silva , André César Pinheiro , Renata Silva-Mann
Long-term ecological restoration requires integrative, indicator-based approaches to evaluate ecosystem trajectories and guide adaptive management. This study presents a 17-year monitoring effort in a 46-ha Atlantic Forest restoration site in northeastern Brazil, combining biotic (vegetation structure and diversity), soil (soil fertility and organic matter), and remote sensing (NDVI, GPP, NPP) data. Central to this research is the development of a novel, quantitative Restoration Success Index (R), which integrates normalized indicators from three ecological dimensions—vegetation, soil, and biodiversity—weighted by ecological relevance. The model enables a multidimensional and scalable assessment of restoration progress across space and time. Field data revealed notable increases in aboveground biomass (62.49 t ha−1), carbon stock (24.89 t ha−1), and soil potassium levels, indicating convergence with reference ecosystem conditions. While organic matter and species richness remained below target levels, the cumulative index (Rt) captured a positive restoration trajectory. Principal Component Analysis identified vegetation metrics as the main drivers of recovery, while geospatial analyses detected disturbances and supported landscape-scale monitoring. This study offers a replicable framework to quantify tropical forest restoration, underscoring the importance of integrating soil and biodiversity indicators—often overlooked in restoration assessments. The model supports evidence-based decision-making for enhancing ecological resilience and long-term sustainability.
长期生态恢复需要综合的、基于指标的方法来评估生态系统轨迹并指导适应性管理。本研究结合生物（植被结构和多样性）、土壤（土壤肥力和有机质）和遥感（NDVI、GPP、NPP）数据，对巴西东北部一个46公顷的大西洋森林恢复点进行了17年的监测。本研究的核心是开发一种新的定量恢复成功指数(R)，该指数综合了三个生态维度（植被、土壤和生物多样性）的标准化指标，并按生态相关性加权。该模型能够跨空间和时间对恢复进度进行多维和可扩展的评估。野外数据显示，地上生物量（62.49 t ha−1）、碳储量（24.89 t ha−1）和土壤钾水平显著增加，表明与参考生态系统条件趋同。虽然有机质和物种丰富度仍低于目标水平，但累积指数（Rt）呈现出积极的恢复轨迹。主成分分析确定植被指标是恢复的主要驱动因素，而地理空间分析发现了干扰并支持景观尺度监测。这项研究为量化热带森林恢复提供了一个可复制的框架，强调了在恢复评估中经常被忽视的整合土壤和生物多样性指标的重要性。该模型支持基于证据的决策，以增强生态恢复力和长期可持续性。
{"title":"From degradation to restoration: Soil, biotic changes, and monitoring models in the Atlantic Forest over 17 years","authors":"Fernanda Cristina Aguiar Mendonça , Robério Anastácio Ferreira , Maria Fernanda Oliveira Torres , Airon José da Silva , André César Pinheiro , Renata Silva-Mann","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107811","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107811","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long-term ecological restoration requires integrative, indicator-based approaches to evaluate ecosystem trajectories and guide adaptive management. This study presents a 17-year monitoring effort in a 46-ha Atlantic Forest restoration site in northeastern Brazil, combining biotic (vegetation structure and diversity), soil (soil fertility and organic matter), and remote sensing (NDVI, GPP, NPP) data. Central to this research is the development of a novel, quantitative Restoration Success Index (R), which integrates normalized indicators from three ecological dimensions—vegetation, soil, and biodiversity—weighted by ecological relevance. The model enables a multidimensional and scalable assessment of restoration progress across space and time. Field data revealed notable increases in aboveground biomass (62.49 t ha<sup>−1</sup>), carbon stock (24.89 t ha<sup>−1</sup>), and soil potassium levels, indicating convergence with reference ecosystem conditions. While organic matter and species richness remained below target levels, the cumulative index (Rt) captured a positive restoration trajectory. Principal Component Analysis identified vegetation metrics as the main drivers of recovery, while geospatial analyses detected disturbances and supported landscape-scale monitoring. This study offers a replicable framework to quantify tropical forest restoration, underscoring the importance of integrating soil and biodiversity indicators—often overlooked in restoration assessments. The model supports evidence-based decision-making for enhancing ecological resilience and long-term sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107811"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264327","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107820
Dhanuska B. Wijesinghe , Daniel R. Hitchcock , Dara M. Park , David L. White , Anand D. Jayakaran , William Bridges
Vegetative based stormwater control measures (VB-SCMs) attempt to maintain natural hydrologic conditions in urban development. The suitability for two VB-SCMs in Coastal SC (Georgetown, Horry, Charleston, and Beaufort Counties) were investigated: retention-based stormwater wetlands and infiltration based bioretention systems. Two GIS based models (weighted linear combination (WLC), and spatial query (SQ) were developed and compared for determining the suitability of the two VB-SCMs. Although both models identified a very low percentage of areas suitable for either VB-SCMs, the SQ model identified less suitable sites than the WLC. The more stringent criteria and smaller footprint needed for bioretention systems than for stormwater wetlands is most likely why there was better agreement among the models for identifying suitable areas for bioretention systems than for stormwater wetlands. The area required for the two VB-SCMs was a limiting factor and is the primary reason why only 68 % and 48 % of the existing natural wetlands were predicted suitable as stormwater wetlands (WLC and SQ, respectively). The SQ model determines whether a site requires standard construction, while the WLC model helps identify actions needed to construct and maintain certain VB-SCMs successfully. Thus, both models can help the stakeholders identify and properly place VB-SCMs to minimize the impairments. Nevertheless, further studies are required at the field scale to evaluate the suitability of the developed models.
{"title":"A decision support tool for determination of stormwater wetland and bioretention system suitability in coastal South Carolina","authors":"Dhanuska B. Wijesinghe , Daniel R. Hitchcock , Dara M. Park , David L. White , Anand D. Jayakaran , William Bridges","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vegetative based stormwater control measures (VB-SCMs) attempt to maintain natural hydrologic conditions in urban development. The suitability for two VB-SCMs in Coastal SC (Georgetown, Horry, Charleston, and Beaufort Counties) were investigated: retention-based stormwater wetlands and infiltration based bioretention systems. Two GIS based models (weighted linear combination (WLC), and spatial query (SQ) were developed and compared for determining the suitability of the two VB-SCMs. Although both models identified a very low percentage of areas suitable for either VB-SCMs, the SQ model identified less suitable sites than the WLC. The more stringent criteria and smaller footprint needed for bioretention systems than for stormwater wetlands is most likely why there was better agreement among the models for identifying suitable areas for bioretention systems than for stormwater wetlands. The area required for the two VB-SCMs was a limiting factor and is the primary reason why only 68 % and 48 % of the existing natural wetlands were predicted suitable as stormwater wetlands (WLC and SQ, respectively). The SQ model determines whether a site requires standard construction, while the WLC model helps identify actions needed to construct and maintain certain VB-SCMs successfully. Thus, both models can help the stakeholders identify and properly place VB-SCMs to minimize the impairments. Nevertheless, further studies are required at the field scale to evaluate the suitability of the developed models.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107820"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264329","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107814
Zhiwen Yuan , Shili Meng , Tao Yu , Xiaodong Niu , Yong Pang
The Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP) is the largest forest restoration program for protecting natural forests in China. The Danjiangkou Reservoir Area (DRA) offers a good opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the NFPP program due to its unique implementation timeline and location characteristics. While most regions initiated the NFPP in 2000, the DRA began implementation in 2011. Its proximity to both early NFPP and non-NFPP regions provides a comparative framework for assessing the program's impacts on forest landscapes. This study employed dynamic landscape patterns analysis to compare the protection effects of forest resources both within and outside the NFPP areas, as well as before and after the NFPP implementation. Among the identified landscape categories, the core class represents large forest patches with high landscape connectivity. From 2000 to 2020, the area of core forests increased by 5.01 % of the total landscape area in NFPP-I (areas that initiated the NFPP in 2000) and by 7.65 % in NFPP-II (areas that initiated the NFPP in 2011), whereas the increase was only 0.73 % in non-NFPP (areas without NFPP implementation). Meanwhile, the net growth rate of core areas in the NFPP-II rose sharply from 0.92 % of the total landscape area before the implementation of the NFPP to 13.6 % after its implementation. These findings further demonstrate the positive role of the NFPP in reducing forest fragmentation. Moreover, landscape category transitions show consistent patterns, with the islet category being prone to forest loss, whereas other categories, such as bridge, are more likely to be converted into core areas. To halt forest ecosystem degradation, we recommend implementing measures to reduce the fragmentation of plantation forests and promoting a transition to more stable landscape types. This study provides a scientific basis for comprehensively promoting the protection and restoration of forests and the sustainable development of forest resources.
{"title":"Landscape patterns indicate reduced forest fragmentation in the Danjiangkou Reservoir Area following the implementation of the Natural Forest Protection Program","authors":"Zhiwen Yuan , Shili Meng , Tao Yu , Xiaodong Niu , Yong Pang","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107814","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107814","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP) is the largest forest restoration program for protecting natural forests in China. The Danjiangkou Reservoir Area (DRA) offers a good opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the NFPP program due to its unique implementation timeline and location characteristics. While most regions initiated the NFPP in 2000, the DRA began implementation in 2011. Its proximity to both early NFPP and non-NFPP regions provides a comparative framework for assessing the program's impacts on forest landscapes. This study employed dynamic landscape patterns analysis to compare the protection effects of forest resources both within and outside the NFPP areas, as well as before and after the NFPP implementation. Among the identified landscape categories, the core class represents large forest patches with high landscape connectivity. From 2000 to 2020, the area of core forests increased by 5.01 % of the total landscape area in NFPP-I (areas that initiated the NFPP in 2000) and by 7.65 % in NFPP-II (areas that initiated the NFPP in 2011), whereas the increase was only 0.73 % in non-NFPP (areas without NFPP implementation). Meanwhile, the net growth rate of core areas in the NFPP-II rose sharply from 0.92 % of the total landscape area before the implementation of the NFPP to 13.6 % after its implementation. These findings further demonstrate the positive role of the NFPP in reducing forest fragmentation. Moreover, landscape category transitions show consistent patterns, with the islet category being prone to forest loss, whereas other categories, such as bridge, are more likely to be converted into core areas. To halt forest ecosystem degradation, we recommend implementing measures to reduce the fragmentation of plantation forests and promoting a transition to more stable landscape types. This study provides a scientific basis for comprehensively promoting the protection and restoration of forests and the sustainable development of forest resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"223 ","pages":"Article 107814"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219251","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}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107819
Kerstin Bouma , Gabriela Carrasco Oliva , Mats I. Douma , Perry Cornelissen , Mennobart R. van Eerden , Ralph J.M. Temmink , Bart A. Nolet , Elisabeth S. Bakker
In wetlands, multi-annual water level drawdowns and herbivory can induce cyclic vegetation succession. While water level drawdowns can be used in wetland management to increase the area of reed vegetation, an important habitat for wetland birds, herbivory may interfere with this process. Here, we studied the combined effects of a human-induced water level drawdown, i.e. the intentional temporarily and large scale lowering of the water level, and herbivores on wetland vegetation development.
In the Oostvaardersplassen wetland, we used satellite imagery to assess vegetation development with and without water level drawdown and with and without red deer presence (introduced in 1992). An herbivore exclosure experiment (2022–2024) across an elevational gradient tested the effect of grazing on vegetation development during a drawdown.
Satellite imagery showed an expansion of reed cover by 560 ha in the period without red deer (1987–1991) and by 420 ha with red deer (2020–2024), only in the area with drawdowns. The exclosure experiment highlighted an interaction between herbivory and water depth: The presence of red deer at drier locations had minor effects on reed expansion, whereas reed expansion was strongly inhibited at wet locations with presence of geese.
Our findings provide large-scale quantitative evidence of the interaction between a water level drawdown and herbivory on the restoration of reed-dominated wetlands. We show the effectiveness of a water level drawdown, when dry conditions can be maintained for several consecutive years, as a restoration tool to promote reed development and the potential to steer the impact of herbivores during restoration.
{"title":"Multi-year water level drawdown and wildlife grazing drive wetland vegetation succession","authors":"Kerstin Bouma , Gabriela Carrasco Oliva , Mats I. Douma , Perry Cornelissen , Mennobart R. van Eerden , Ralph J.M. Temmink , Bart A. Nolet , Elisabeth S. Bakker","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In wetlands, multi-annual water level drawdowns and herbivory can induce cyclic vegetation succession. While water level drawdowns can be used in wetland management to increase the area of reed vegetation, an important habitat for wetland birds, herbivory may interfere with this process. Here, we studied the combined effects of a human-induced water level drawdown, i.e. the intentional temporarily and large scale lowering of the water level, and herbivores on wetland vegetation development.</div><div>In the Oostvaardersplassen wetland, we used satellite imagery to assess vegetation development with and without water level drawdown and with and without red deer presence (introduced in 1992). An herbivore exclosure experiment (2022–2024) across an elevational gradient tested the effect of grazing on vegetation development during a drawdown.</div><div>Satellite imagery showed an expansion of reed cover by 560 ha in the period without red deer (1987–1991) and by 420 ha with red deer (2020–2024), only in the area with drawdowns. The exclosure experiment highlighted an interaction between herbivory and water depth: The presence of red deer at drier locations had minor effects on reed expansion, whereas reed expansion was strongly inhibited at wet locations with presence of geese.</div><div>Our findings provide large-scale quantitative evidence of the interaction between a water level drawdown and herbivory on the restoration of reed-dominated wetlands. We show the effectiveness of a water level drawdown, when dry conditions can be maintained for several consecutive years, as a restoration tool to promote reed development and the potential to steer the impact of herbivores during restoration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"222 ","pages":"Article 107819"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145217445","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}
Pub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107794
Qin Yue , Wang Shijin , Chen Shengyun , Cai Xingran
Ecological restoration has become a central issue in global sustainable development. Through large-scale engineering initiatives and policy innovation, China has gradually emerged as a key player in global environmental governance. This study draws on the Web of Science (WoS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, utilizing the keywords “ecological restoration”, “ecological rehabilitation”, “ecological remediation”, and other related terms. After screening the database and conducting a manual review, we identified 9,486 publications, mapping the development of research in this field over time and examining its major themes, geographic focus, and other key features. The results indicate that: (1) The research trajectory of ecological restoration in China exhibits a policy-driven pattern, with the growth in publication volume closely aligned with major policy milestones such as the Grain for Green Program and the Ecological Redline initiative. (2) Research hotspots in this field have gradually shifted from early soil and water conservation projects to the quantitative assessment of ecosystem services. The research has not only progressively innovated in technical approaches but has also continuously expanded in scope, spatial scale, and participation models. (3) Current hotspot research topics include carbon neutrality and carbon sink functions, climate change adaptation and vulnerable ecosystem management, multi-pollutant synergistic remediation and soil function reconstruction, aquatic ecosystem and blue carbon system restoration, and the optimization of ecosystem services and spatial pattern reconfiguration. In the future, efforts should focus on accelerating the development of an integrated “satellite-air-ground” intelligent monitoring network, promoting interdisciplinary integration in ecological restoration, and advancing theoretical and technological innovation, thereby contributing Chinese experience and optimized models to the global ecological restoration knowledge system.
生态恢复已成为全球可持续发展的核心问题。通过大规模的工程倡议和政策创新，中国逐渐成为全球环境治理的关键参与者。本研究基于Web of Science （WoS）和中国知网（CNKI）数据库，采用“生态修复”、“生态修复”、“生态修复”等相关关键词。在筛选数据库并进行人工审查后，我们确定了9486份出版物，绘制了该领域长期以来的研究发展情况，并检查了其主要主题、地理焦点和其他关键特征。结果表明：(1)中国生态恢复研究的发展轨迹呈现政策驱动的格局，论文发表量的增长与退耕还林工程、生态红线等重大政策里程碑密切相关；(2)该领域的研究热点逐渐从早期的水土保持工程转向生态系统服务的定量评价。研究不仅在技术手段上不断创新，而且在范围、空间尺度和参与模式上不断拓展。(3)当前研究热点包括碳中和与碳汇功能、气候变化适应与脆弱生态系统管理、多污染物协同修复与土壤功能重建、水生生态系统与蓝碳系统修复、生态系统服务优化与空间格局重构等。未来应着力加快“星-空-地”一体化智能监测网络建设，推进生态修复学科交叉融合，推进理论和技术创新，为全球生态修复知识体系贡献中国经验和优化模式。
{"title":"A systematic review of ecological restoration in China from 1991 to 2024: A bibliometric analysis","authors":"Qin Yue , Wang Shijin , Chen Shengyun , Cai Xingran","doi":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ecoleng.2025.107794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ecological restoration has become a central issue in global sustainable development. Through large-scale engineering initiatives and policy innovation, China has gradually emerged as a key player in global environmental governance. This study draws on the Web of Science (WoS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases, utilizing the keywords “ecological restoration”, “ecological rehabilitation”, “ecological remediation”, and other related terms. After screening the database and conducting a manual review, we identified 9,486 publications, mapping the development of research in this field over time and examining its major themes, geographic focus, and other key features. The results indicate that: (1) The research trajectory of ecological restoration in China exhibits a policy-driven pattern, with the growth in publication volume closely aligned with major policy milestones such as the Grain for Green Program and the Ecological Redline initiative. (2) Research hotspots in this field have gradually shifted from early soil and water conservation projects to the quantitative assessment of ecosystem services. The research has not only progressively innovated in technical approaches but has also continuously expanded in scope, spatial scale, and participation models. (3) Current hotspot research topics include carbon neutrality and carbon sink functions, climate change adaptation and vulnerable ecosystem management, multi-pollutant synergistic remediation and soil function reconstruction, aquatic ecosystem and blue carbon system restoration, and the optimization of ecosystem services and spatial pattern reconfiguration. In the future, efforts should focus on accelerating the development of an integrated “satellite-air-ground” intelligent monitoring network, promoting interdisciplinary integration in ecological restoration, and advancing theoretical and technological innovation, thereby contributing Chinese experience and optimized models to the global ecological restoration knowledge system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11490,"journal":{"name":"Ecological Engineering","volume":"222 ","pages":"Article 107794"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145217446","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}
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