Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joey R. Bernhardt, Mary I. O'Connor
Summary: This study examines the impact of biodiversity on the nutritional value of seafood diets and human health. It reveals that species with different ecological traits in seafood have distinct micronutrient profiles, but increasing species richness does not necessarily increase protein content and may lead to higher concentrations of toxic metal contaminants. By drawing on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning theory, the study demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in enhancing nutritional benefits derived from seafood and consolidating sustainability goals for biodiversity and human well-being.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ernest F. Asamoah, Joseph M. Maina
Summary: Nature-based climate solutions (NCS) are important for reducing climate change, but their practical implementation is hindered by a lack of understanding of the biophysical, social, and political contexts. This study identifies socioeconomic and ecological factors that may promote NCS implementation in developing countries, finding that food insecurity hotspots and poor governance structures impede NCS projects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ernest F. Asamoah, Linda J. Beaumont, Joseph M. Maina
Summary: The study indicates that more than a quarter of the world's protected areas will experience high rates of climate change and land-use change by 2050. Changes are expected to occur more often in tropical moist and grassland biomes, which are currently home to diverse species of animals and plants. The findings can inform spatially adaptive natural resource management to achieve sustainable development and biodiversity goals.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
P. A. Hamback, L. Dawson, P. Geranmayeh, J. Jarsjo, I. Kacergyte, M. Peacock, D. Collentine, G. Destouni, M. Futter, G. Hugelius, S. Hedman, S. Jonsson, B. K. Klatt, A. Lindstrom, J. E. Nilsson, T. Part, L. D. Schneider, J. A. Strand, P. Urrutia-Cordero, D. Ahlen, I. ahlen, M. Blicharska
Summary: The wetland area in agricultural landscapes has been significantly reduced for crop production, but there is now a growing recognition of the negative consequences of wetland loss. As a result, there is a trend towards re-establishing wetlands to achieve multiple ecosystem services. This review highlights the need to focus on wetlandscapes rather than individual wetlands to achieve societal and environmental goals, and discusses key factors for planning wetland re-establishment at the landscape scale.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mengyun Chen, Guangsi Lin
Summary: Research on the relationship between human well-being and ecosystem functions through the assessment of cultural ecosystem benefits (CEBs) is an important and emerging field. However, there is a lack of a standardized measurement scale for quantifying CEB, making it challenging. This study aimed to develop a measurement scale for CEBs and investigate the impact of perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) of urban green spaces (UGSs) on these benefits. The findings showed a significant association between PSDs of UGSs and CEBs, with different levels within a PSD influencing the levels of CEBs gained from UGSs.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tasya Vadya Sarira, Yiwen Zeng, Rachel Neugarten, Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, Lian Pin Koh
Summary: This study provides a quantitative assessment of the multiple benefits from forest carbon projects across Southeast Asia, demonstrating that forest conservation can mitigate climate change and provide various other social benefits.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Shishir Paudel, Sarah L. States
Summary: Urban green spaces provide important ecological, environmental, and cultural benefits. Currently, a significant portion of urban green space is managed as manicured lawns that provide limited ecosystem services. Managing urban green spaces as meadows can bring multiple ecosystem benefits. However, little is known about the range of ecosystem services or disservices in managing lawns versus meadows. This paper characterizes the ecosystem services and disservices delivered by urban lawns and meadows and highlights trade-offs and synergies associated with different management strategies.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Emilia Jankowska, Maria Wlodarska-Kowalczuk
Summary: The presence and structural characteristics of seagrass meadows are related to macrofauna standing stocks and richness indicators (both taxonomic and functional). The diversity of seagrass meadows enhances the functional richness of associated fauna. This result is important for conservation planning, suggesting the restoration of multiple seagrass species to increase taxonomic and functional richness in systems with low diversity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Martina Viti, Roland Lowe, Hjalte J. D. Sorup, Marzenna Rasmussen, Karsten Arnbjerg-Nielsen, Ursula S. McKnight
Summary: The valuation of non-tangible benefits of nature-based solutions still lacks a common framework and there are missed opportunities for integrated assessment of non-market human and nature benefits. The existing research seems to be based on a case-by-case approach and lacks a shared holistic method, potentially delaying the adoption of nature-based solutions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kishor Aryal, Tek Maraseni, Armando Apan
Summary: This study explores the demand side of ecosystem services in a multifunctional landscape in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region. The results show that water yield and crop production are the most preferred ecosystem services, while habitat quality and carbon sequestration are among the least preferred. The study also reveals changes in the perceived supply and interactions among different ecosystem services.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Emylia Shakira Jamean, Azlan Abas
Summary: Urban forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing ecosystem services to citizens. However, forest coverage is often sacrificed in emerging nations, leading to a negative impact on the benefits from green spaces. This study investigated visitor perceptions and willingness to pay for urban forests in Kuala Lumpur, finding positive perceptions and a willingness to contribute financially for conservation. The findings contribute to understanding urban forest ecosystem services and can inform policy-making for sustainable development and smart cities.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael J. Evans, Kathryn Kay, Chelsea Proctor, Christian J. Thomas, Jacob W. Malcom
Summary: This study utilized public datasets to analyze the impact of mountaintop removal coal mining on water quality and federally protected species across several states. The results showed that mining activities led to elevated levels of heavy metals in water, negatively affecting the survival and recovery of species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marius Kalinauskas, Katazyna Bogdzevic, Eduardo Gomes, Miguel Inacio, Damia Barcelo, Wenwu Zhao, Paulo Pereira
Summary: This study aims to map and assess the supply and demand of recreational culture ecosystem services (CES) in Vilnius. The results showed that natural recreational CES supply was highest in protected areas, while cultural recreational CES supply had the highest scores in the city centre. The demand for recreational CES was highest in the areas near the city centre. There was a mismatch between the supply and demand of natural recreational CES, but a match between the supply and demand of cultural recreational CES. Overall, it is important to preserve areas with high natural recreation CES supply and limit urban expansion, as well as improve public transport accessibility to reduce pollution and its impact on cultural heritage sites.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isaac Vendig, Aidee Guzman, Gisel De La Cerda, Kenzo Esquivel, Allegra C. Mayer, Lauren Ponisio, Timothy M. Bowles
Summary: A global meta-analysis examines the concurrent effects of cover cropping on soil organic carbon (SOC) and crop yields, finding that cover cropping can increase both. Increasing SOC directly benefits yields in low carbon soils. Additionally, incorporating legume cover crops in simplified rotations or with low nitrogen inputs results in the largest yield increases and greater SOC enhancement compared to non-legumes.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Minxia Liu, Guojuan Zhang, Fengling Yin, Siyuan Wang, Le Li
Summary: This study explores the elevation patterns of species, functions, and phylogenetic diversity in alpine meadows on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and their effects on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). The results show that species and phylogenetic diversity increase and then decrease with elevation, while functional diversity indices show the opposite trend. There are significant correlations between biodiversity and ecosystem functions, with species richness and functional richness having a greater impact on EMF.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sophie Kratschmer, Baerbel Pachinger, Rene Gaigher, James S. Pryke, Julia van Schalkwyk, Michael J. Samways, Annalie Melin, Temitope Kehinde, Johann G. Zaller, Silvia Winter
Summary: Wild bees are threatened by various factors, but vineyards with vegetated inter-rows can provide important habitats. Organic vineyard management can enhance wild bee richness and functional diversity, with different associations between bee traits and floral characteristics in Austria and South Africa.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel Doerler, Verena Dorn, Theresia Widhalm, Micha Horacek, Florian Heigl, Pia Euteneuer, Friedrich Leisch, Thomas Frank, Johann G. Zaller
Summary: The study investigated the potential interrelationship between the invasive Spanish slug and Roman snails, finding that in mesocosms containing both species, the percentage of herbivory per body mass was significantly lower than in mesocosms with only Spanish slugs, especially when watered every three days. However, the predation of Roman snails on Spanish slug eggs was minimal, providing no clear evidence to support or refute the popular anecdote that Roman snails have a negative effect on Spanish slug abundance or herbivory in gardens.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bea Maas, Manuela Brandl, Raja Imran Hussain, Thomas Frank, Klaus Peter Zulka, Dominik Rabl, Ronnie Walcher, Dietmar Moser
Summary: The study found that newly established grassland strips supported larger sized and actively foraging/hunting species in the agricultural landscape. Adjacent crops likely benefit from such measures through enhanced functional diversity and related ecosystem services.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Letter
Ecology
Carsten A. Bruehl, Johann G. Zaller, Matthias Liess, Joern Wogram
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ramona M. Cech, Suzanne Jovanovic, Susan Kegley, Koen Hertoge, Friedrich Leisch, Johann G. Zaller
Summary: The use of herbicides in Austria has decreased, but potential toxic risks to non-target organisms and humans still exist. The shift towards more acutely toxic and persistent active ingredients has led to increased toxic loads on honeybees, earthworms, and birds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Ronnie Walcher, Raja Imran Hussain, Leopold Sachslehner, Johann G. Zaller, Arne Arnberger, Thomas Frank
Summary: Grasshoppers are commonly used as bioindicators for assessing the effects of human-induced land-use changes. This study compared the grasshopper species richness and assemblages in mountainous meadows using a visual-acoustic method and a soundscape method. The results showed no significant difference in species richness between the two methods, but the visual-acoustic method detected more Caelifera species and the soundscape method detected slightly more Ensifera species. The grasshopper assemblages differed marginally significantly between the two methods.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ramona Cech, Friedrich Leisch, Johann G. Zaller
Summary: The production of synthetic pesticides in agriculture is often overlooked when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. However, a study analyzing pesticide sales data in Austria from 2000 to 2019 found that pesticide use and associated greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing, especially in pesticide-intensive crops. In intensive apple production, pesticide-related emissions accounted for 51% of total emissions, while in viticulture it accounted for 37% and in sugar beets it accounted for 12%. This highlights the significant contribution of pesticide production and application to greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johann G. Zaller, Maren Kruse-Plass, Ulrich Schlechtriemen, Edith Gruber, Maria Peer, Imran Nadeem, Herbert Formayer, Hans-Peter Hutter, Lukas Landler
Summary: Little is known about the influence of land use, meteorological parameters, and substance-specific properties on the numbers and concentrations of airborne pesticide residues, as well as the potential toxicological hazards posed to non-target organisms, including humans. This study conducted air sampling in different land use regions in eastern Austria, analyzing samples for 566 substances. The results showed that the number and concentration of pesticides were influenced by land use, season, meteorological parameters, and the properties of substances. Pesticide residues were also found in non-agricultural areas such as national parks and city centers. The increasing numbers and concentrations of pesticides pose potential ecotoxicological and human toxicological risks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ramona Cech, Johann G. Zaller, Angeliki Lyssimachou, Peter Clausing, Koen Hertoge, Caroline Linhart
Summary: This study analyzed data on pesticide residues in grass samples collected over six years in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol, Italy. The results indicate that measures to reduce pesticide drift have not been sufficient to eliminate substantial risks to human health and the environment in nontarget areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, Thomas Durstberger, Johann G. G. Zaller
Summary: This article compares the health and environmental hazards of pesticide active substances used in conventional agriculture and organic agriculture, based on an evaluation of the official EU pesticide database. The results show that the pesticide active substances used in conventional agriculture have higher health and environmental risks compared to those used in organic agriculture. The article calls for reducing pesticide use and strengthening organic farming to protect biodiversity and food security.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lukas Kenner, Samuel Kenner, Barbara Prainsack, Peter Wallner, Kathrin Lemmerer, Lisbeth Weitensfelder, Hans-Peter Hutter
Summary: Climate change poses a threat to the health and well-being of billions of people, affecting quality of life and exacerbating inequality. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are crucial to mitigate the negative health impacts, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged regions.
WIENER MEDIZINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johann G. Zaller, Andreas Oswald, Martin Wildenberg, Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, Imran Nadeem, Herbert Formayer, Daniel Paredes
Summary: This study analyzed the pesticide use and its impact on apple yields and honeybee toxicity based on farmer records from 2549 commercial apple fields in Austria. The results showed that pesticide use was influenced by farm management, apple varieties, and meteorological parameters. Higher pesticide use was associated with certain farming practices and weather conditions. Apple yields were positively affected by pesticide treatment frequency and weather factors, but not by fertilization and tillage frequency. Honeybee toxicity was not related to insecticide use.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johann G. Zaller, Maren Kruse-Plass, Ulrich Schlechtriemen, Edith Gruber, Maria Peer, Imran Nadeem, Herbert Formayer, Hans-Peter Hutter, Lukas Landler
Summary: In this study, passive air samplers were deployed in 15 regions with different land use in eastern Austria to analyze 566 substances. The results showed that, in addition to agricultural pesticides, eight other substances were frequently detected in ambient air, including a nitrification inhibitor that has been banned in Austria since 1993, as well as insecticides and a pesticide formulation synergist. These substances have high potential human toxicity and are toxic to aquatic life.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Raja Imran Hussain, Daniela Ablinger, Walter Starz, Juergen Kurt Friedel, Thomas Frank
Summary: Land abandonment has a significant impact on true bugs and syrphids, with extensive grasslands having higher abundance compared to abandoned grasslands. However, species richness does not differ among the studied grassland regimes. Abandoned grasslands have a high number of unique species, and their true bug assemblages differ significantly from those in intensive and extensive grasslands. Extensive grasslands can increase the abundance of true bugs and syrphids, while undisturbed abandoned grasslands support the survival of more unique species. A mosaic landscape of abandoned and extensively managed grassland is ideal for alpine biodiversity conservation.
Article
Soil Science
Verena Brandmaier, Anna Altmanninger, Friedrich Leisch, Edith Gruber, Eszter Takacs, Maria Mortl, Szandra Klatyik, Andras Szekacs, Johann G. Zaller
Summary: This study investigated the short-term and long-term effects of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) on deep burrowing earthworms and soil functions. The results showed that GBHs had a long-term enhancing effect on earthworm activity, while the active ingredients and control groups had no effect. Additionally, GBHs led to decreased water infiltration and increased leaching. The effects of GBHs and active ingredients varied depending on soil organic matter and moisture levels.
