Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Sheaves, N. J. Waltham, C. Benham, M. Bradley, C. Mattone, A. Diedrich, J. Sheaves, A. Sheaves, S. Hernandez, P. Dale, Z. Banhalmi-Zakar, M. Newlands
Summary: Accelerating declines in the world's marine ecosystems have led to increased focus on practical solutions, with ecosystem restoration becoming a popular mitigation strategy. Restoration promises positive outcomes but requires significant investment and careful decision-making.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter A. U. Staehr, Sanjina U. Staehr, Denise Tonetta, Signe Hogslund, Mette Moller Nielsen
Summary: The study found that boulder reefs in the Limfjorden do not have a positive impact on the oxygen dynamics of the ecosystem. In 2018, extreme temperatures and higher nutrient levels resulted in a significant increase in benthic ER rates, leading to net heterotrophy in 2018 compared to net autotrophy in 2017.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fabio M. Delle Grazie, Laurence W. Gill
Summary: Wetlands are important ecosystems that provide various services, such as water purification and carbon storage. Regulatory services are the most important for inland wetlands. Although there has been a significant increase in research on wetland ecosystem services, further studies are needed to standardize quantification and valuation methods, and to focus on specific wetland types and geographical distribution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kashif Imdad, Mohd Rihan, Mehebub Sahana, Samsad Parween, Rayees Ahmed, Romulus Costache, Archana Chaudhary, Richa Tripathi
Summary: This study assesses the changing nature of wetland health, water quality, and declining ecosystem services in Mount Abu wetlands, Rajasthan, India. The analysis indicates a decrease in wetland extent and worsening wetland health, resulting in declining ecosystem services. A wetland management plan is recommended to conserve the wetlands and support the livelihood of the communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Stachowicz, Michael Manton, Marina Abramchuk, Piotr Banaszuk, Leonas Jarasius, Andrzej Kamocki, Arvydas Povilaitis, Amalj Samerkhanova, Achim Schaefer, Jurate Sendzikaite, Wendelin Wichtmann, Nerijus Zableckis, Mateusz Grygoruk
Summary: The study quantifies the benefits of peatland rewetting in the Neman River Basin, showing that rewetting can increase water storage capacity and retention. It is considered technically and economically efficient for sustainable management of agricultural landscapes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amy Arnott, Gillian Riddell, Mark Emmerson, Tancredi Caruso, Neil Reid
Summary: The study found that the impact of agri-environment measures on soil microarthropods in upland grasslands is context-dependent and varies between different grassland types and microarthropod species. Environmental variation caused by overall management of grassland fields is a key factor influencing the responses of soil microarthropods.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Holger Janes, Paul Carnell, Mary Young, Daniel Ierodiaconou, Gregory P. Jenkins, Paul Hamer, Philine S. E. Zu Ermgassen, Jonathan R. Gair, Peter Macreadie
Summary: The value of critical habitats, such as seagrass, in supporting fish populations like King George Whiting is crucial for both recreational and commercial fisheries. Findings from Port Phillip Bay suggest that the seagrass in the bay is valued at around AUD 36 million annually, supporting a significant amount of recreational fishing trips and fish biomass production.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana C. Brito, Humberto Pereira, Ana Picado, Joana Cruz, Rui Cereja, Beatriz Biguino, Paula Chainho, Angela Nascimento, Frederico Carvalho, Sara Cabral, Catia Santos, Carla Palma, Carlos Borges, Joao M. Dias
Summary: Aquaculture is a rapidly growing sector globally, but it may have negative impacts on the environment. This study evaluated the ecological carrying capacity for bivalve production in the Sado Estuary, Portugal, using a model suite. The results showed that increased oyster production led to a decrease in phytoplankton biomass. Climate change had contrasting effects on chlorophyll a concentrations and nutrients, but further research is needed. Monitoring dissolved oxygen concentrations is crucial.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monica M. Moritsch, Kristin B. Byrd, Melanie Davis, Anthony Good, Judith Z. Drexler, James T. Morris, Isa Woo, Lisamarie Windham-Myers, Eric Grossman, Glynnis Nakai, Katrina L. Poppe, John M. Rybczyk
Summary: Sea-level rise and obstructions to sediment delivery pose challenges to estuarine habitats and ecosystem services. Restoration actions and sediment management strategies can help mitigate these challenges by encouraging sediment accretion and migration in tidal forests and marshes.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongchao Liu, Jialin Li, Chao Sun, Xinxin Wang, Peng Tian, Liumeng Chen, Haitao Zhang, Xiaodong Yang, Gaili He
Summary: This study detected and compared the spatiotemporal changes in coastlines, wetlands, and ecosystem services in nine major deltas in Asia. The findings revealed that the coastlines of the deltas experienced varying degrees of change, with the silty delta coasts undergoing significant changes. The interannual dynamics of coastal wetland areas can be divided into three periods over the nearly 30 years. Overall, ecosystem services showed a downward trend.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark Everard, Peter Bradley, Wendy Ogden, Enrica Piscopiello, Louis Salter, Samantha Herbert, Rob McInnes
Summary: This study assessed the ecosystem services provided by lowland British floodplains under semi-natural conditions and converted for intensive maize production. The results showed that floodplains in semi-natural condition provided a wider range of services compared to those converted for monocultural maize production. The importance of protecting the societal values provided by floodplain ecosystems is highlighted in this study.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Selam S. Gebreselassie, Alex M. Lechner, Matthew J. Hill, Fang Yenn Teo, Christopher N. Gibbins
Summary: Urban expansion poses a major threat to diversity, especially in rapidly developing tropical countries. This article conducts a systematic review of published research on the ecology of lentic habitats in tropical urban areas, and identifies biases and gaps in existing knowledge. The authors emphasize the need for diversity assessments of all types and sizes of tropical urban wetlands, as well as the adoption of ecosystem service concepts to highlight their importance.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lida Diaz-Pinzon, Lya Sierra, Francesc Trillas
Summary: Urban growth has negatively impacted natural wetlands, leading to a loss of their beneficial contributions and generating socioeconomic effects. There is a need to measure the benefits of wetlands in developing countries and urban areas, especially where urban growth is most rapid. This study presents the first valuation of urban and peri-urban wetlands in Colombia, using a method that can be replicated in other Latin American cities.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lais Coutinho Zayas Jimenez, Hermano Melo Queiroz, Mauricio Roberto Cherubin, Tiago Osorio Ferreira
Summary: Soil quality index (SQI) is a potentially useful tool for monitoring soil changes in mangrove restoration initiatives. This study tested the soil management assessment framework (SMAF) on mangrove soils and found that it facilitated the monitoring of improvement in soil quality with vegetation development. Physical and biological indicators were the main drivers of the shifts in soil quality. Additional biological and chemical indicators should be included in future studies to better represent specific processes and functions that can alter mangrove soil quality.
Article
Business
David J. Lewis, David M. Kling, Steven J. Dundas, Daniel K. Lew
Summary: This paper develops an empirical approach to estimate the marginal benefits and discount rate of increasing the abundance of threatened species using a choice experiment and a structural model. The study applies this method to the threatened Coho salmon and finds that immediate abundance gains for the species have significantly higher benefits than gradual increases. Additionally, the results show the potential social marginal benefits of conservation activities on the salmon population.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Ismar de Souza Carvalho, Pedro Proenca Cunha, Silverio M. D. Figueiredo
Summary: At Cabo Mondego in Portugal, dinosaur footprints and their associated deformational structures were studied in the Upper Jurassic marine to coastal succession. The identification of three-dimensional structures of dinosaur footprints provides important information about substrate consistency and trackmaker identification. The study also revealed the relationship between the footprints and the substrate cohesiveness at the time of their formation.
Article
Geology
Mario Miguel Mendes, Vivi Vajda, Pedro Proenca Cunha, Pedro Dinis, Marcela Svobodova, James A. Doyle
Summary: A new Lower Cretaceous palynoflora from the Lusitanian Basin in westernmost Iberian Peninsula is described, with 58 species and 43 genera of palynomorphs recognized. The palynoflora is dominated by fern spores and conifer pollen, suggesting deposition in wet lowland environments.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Jose Luis Pena-Monne, Pedro Proenca Cunha, Maria Marta Sampietro-Vattuone, David R. Bridgland, Andrew S. Murray, Jan-Pieter Buylaert
Summary: This study focused on the well-exposed terrace deposits of the Guadalaviar and Turia rivers, providing insights into the genetic connection between river-terrace sediments and slope accumulations. New Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) ages were obtained from these Quaternary deposits, revealing the chronological correlation of the glacial-interglacial cycles of the Pyrenees with marine isotope stages. The findings suggest a close relationship between fluvial terraces and slope deposits in a setting influenced by temperate to cold climates.
GLOBAL AND PLANETARY CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Geology
S. D. Figueiredo, I. S. Carvalho, X. Pereda-Suberbiola, P. P. Cunha, V Antunes, I Diaz-Martinez
Summary: Two new ornithopod natural casts were reported from Praia do Areia do Mastro site in western central mainland Portugal (western Iberia). The study enhances knowledge of Early Cretaceous ornithopod diversity and distribution in the Iberian Peninsula, showing the presence of Caririchnium tracks in estuarine paleoenvironments in Portugal.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. C. S. Carvalho, I. M. H. R. Antunes, M. T. D. Albuquerque, A. C. S. Santos, Pedro Proenca Cunha
Summary: This study focuses on the water-sediment interaction in abandoned uranium mines and found that these mines have significant impact on the aquatic systems. The stream sediments are heavily contaminated with U, Th and As, with As being the most important contaminant. The potential ecological risk around the mines is moderate to considerable, mainly due to the contents of As in stream sediments. The results suggest that stream sediments should be considered in the water quality management and future remediation plans of abandoned uranium mines.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Marcelo Motta de Dantas, Rodrigo W. W. Paixa, Andre A. R. P. Salgado, Luiz G. Eirado A. Silva, Pedro P. A. Cunha, Antanio A. T. Gomes, Antonio A. Martins, Julio C. H. Almeda, Miguel A. Tupinamb, Marcelo Dantas
Summary: This study explores the geological evolution of the Paraiba do Sul River basin in Southeast Brazil and suggests that it was an endorheic drainage system for most of the Neogene period. The study also discusses the transition from an endorheic to an exorheic system. Through analysis of geomorphological features and landscape evolution models, five drainage convergence areas and possible endorheic paleobasins have been identified within the basin. The transition from endorheic to exorheic was likely caused by overspill and inland regressive erosion. The proposed transition period is estimated to be between 21 and 5 Ma.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Fernando Muniz, Luis M. Caceres, Zain Belaustegui, Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal, Joao Belo, Noel Moreira, Mario Cachao, Pedro P. Cunha, Silverio Figueiredo, Jose Maria Galan, Yilu Zhang, Paula Gomez, Antonio Toscano, Francisco Ruiz, Samuel Ramirez-Cruzado, Francisco Giles-Guzman, Geraldine Finlayson, Stewart Finlayson, Clive Finlayson
Summary: The fossil record of artiodactyls in the Iberian Peninsula spans over 53 million years. This study reveals the trace fossil record of aurochs in the early Late Pleistocene, representing the oldest known aurochs track record. The findings suggest a recurrent use of the coastal habitat by these large artiodactyls in Southwest Iberia.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Valenti Turu, Jose Luis Pena-Monne, Pedro P. Cunha, Guy Jalut, Jan-Pieter Buylaert, Andrew S. Murray, David Bridgland, Mads Faurschou-Knudsen, Marc Oliva, Rosa M. Carrasco, Xavier Ros, Laia Turu-Font, Josep Ventura Roca
Summary: This study uses luminescence and C-14 accelerator mass spectrometry to date glacial and glaciofluvial deposits in the Pyrenees. Two types of end-moraine complexes are identified, formed within six glacial intervals. Unexpectedly, glaciers thinned during the second half of MIS 3. The last glacial maximum started around 26.6 ka, with end moraines forming behind or merging with the previous maximum ice extent.
QUATERNARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biology
Silverio Domingues Figueiredo, Ismar de Souza Carvalho, Xabier Pereda Suberbiola, Pedro Proenca Cunha, Ioanna Bachtsevanidou Strantzali, Vanessa Antunes
Summary: This article describes the discovery of ornithopod remains in the Papo-Seco Formation in western central Portugal. These fossils extend the record of early Barremian ornithopods in the region and provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these dinosaurs.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Diego A. A. Sotomayor, Claudia Caro, Richar Morales
Summary: Peru is facing significant anthropogenic changes that threaten its megabiodiverse ecosystems. Ecological science can provide solutions by exploring sustainable ways of utilizing these ecosystems. A systematic review of ecological studies in Peru revealed a bias towards certain regions, taxa, and topics, emphasizing the need for broader research collaborations and alignment with global sustainability agendas. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these knowledge gaps to enhance meaningful knowledge production and effectively conserve Peru's diverse ecosystems.
Article
Geology
Pedro Proenca Cunha, David R. Bridgland, Silverio Figueiredo, Antonio A. Martins, Peter Allen, Mark J. White
Summary: This study compares the geoconservation measures in the River Tejo and the Thames. Both rivers have significant sedimentary, palaeontological, and archaeological records, but differ in their approach and degree of threat. The Tejo focuses on outreach and interpretative materials, while the Thames relies on interaction between geological groups and local administrations. Both regions can benefit from adopting each other's approaches.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GEOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Catarina Lopes, Zara Teixeira, Diamantino I. Pereira, Paulo Pereira
Summary: The importance of quantitatively assessing the spatial patterns of geodiversity and their relationship with biodiversity and ecosystem services has been recognized. The grid system is the most commonly used approach for calculating geodiversity index, but the selection of cell size is crucial for accuracy and correctness of the analysis. A method to select optimal cell size was tested in Portugal, and the results showed that the minimum cell size led to reduced dispersion values and closer to symmetric distributions, providing more accurate results and higher spatial differentiation.
Article
Geography, Physical
Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Joao Belo, Silverio Figueiredo, Pedro P. Cunha, Fernando Muniz, Zain Belaustegui, Mario Cachao, Joaquin Rodriguez-Vidal, Luis M. Caceres, Andrea Baucon, Andrew S. Murray, Jan-Pieter Buylaert, Yilu Zhang, Cristiana Ferreira, Antonio Toscano, Paula Gomez, Samuel Ramirez, Geraldine Finlayson, Stewart Finlayson, Clive Finlayson
Summary: Although avian traces in Pleistocene aeolianite and beach deposits are rare and relatively unknown, they serve as good indicators of paleoenvironment. The discovery of exceptional tracksites in the Malha formation in mainland Portugal revealed two new forms of avian traces, attributed to the locomotion of Western jackdaw and the locomotion and predation/feeding behavior of a large Eagle-owl. These tracks could represent the first evidence of a raptorial bird-prey interaction in the fossil record. Additionally, typical shorebird tracks and trackways attributed to gulls and curlews, and tentatively compared with Rallidae, such as Eurasian coot, were discussed within the aeolianite ichnoassemblages. These avian ichnotaxa are the first of their kind found in the Pleistocene of Europe.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Silverio D. Figueiredo, Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Pedro P. Cunha, Luis V. Duarte, Alexandre Fonseca, Claudio Monteiro, Joao Forte
Summary: This article reports a new ichnosite in Portugal from the Early Jurassic period, which contains dinosaur and archosaurs tracks. By analyzing the stratigraphic position and comparing the tracks, the researchers identified the species and trackmakers. This discovery indicates the presence of crocodylomorphs and thyreophoran dinosaurs in the area during the Early Jurassic.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Carlos Neto de Carvalho, Andrea Baucon, Davide Badano, Pedro Proenca Cunha, Cristiana Ferreira, Silverio Figueiredo, Fernando Muniz, Joao Belo, Federico Bernardini, Mario Cachao
Summary: The extensive fossil record of bee brood nests and cells in siliciclastic sedimentary deposits lacks the presence of their producers, hindering their use in phylogenetic and palaeobiogeographic studies. However, recent findings in carbonate palaeosols in Portugal revealed the presence of insect activity, including intact bee brood cells with preserved inner cell membranes and specific pollen. The cause of mass mortality in the preserved bee chambers remains uncertain, but oxygen depletion due to flooding and temperature drop are plausible explanations. The anaerobic conditions and subsequent rapid carbonate diagenesis likely contributed to the preservation of the bees and their organic membranes.
PAPERS IN PALAEONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yongcui Lan, Jinliang Wang, Qianwei Liu, Fang Liu, Lanfang Liu, Jie Li, Mengjia Luo
Summary: This study focuses on the five major plateau lake basins in central Yunnan, China, and constructs an ecological security pattern using the source-resistance surface-corridor-pinch point framework. The study simulates land use/cover change in the region and identifies early warning regions where future urban expansion poses a threat to current ecological source areas and corridors.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pingping Huang, Feng Zhao, Bailing Zhou, Kuidong Xu
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of benthic microeukaryotes in the China Seas and finds that they can stride over the ecological barrier of 32 degrees N. The study also highlights the significant influence of depth, temperature, and latitude on communities in the China Seas.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Federico Morelli, Yanina Benedetti, Jesse Stanford, Leszek Jerzak, Piotr Tryjanowski, Paolo Perna, Riccardo Santolini
Summary: Species distribution models (SDMs) are numerical tools used for predicting species' spatial distribution. This study found that ecological characteristics, such as habitat specialization, play a role in improving the accuracy of SDMs.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaoxuan Wu, Hang Liu, Wei Liu
Summary: Global climate change, urbanization, and economic development have increased the need for sustainable human development, urban ecological governance, and low-carbon energy transformation. This study analyzes the green ecological transition in Chengdu based on panel data from 2010 to 2020, exploring its spatiotemporal evolution and key factors. The results show an overall upward trend in Chengdu's green ecological development and positive spatial autocorrelation in certain districts.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Castaldi Simona, Formicola Nicola, Mastrocicco Micol, Morales Rodriguez Carmen, Morelli Raffaella, Prodorutti Daniele, Vannini Andrea, Zanzotti Roberto
Summary: Sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important for global and national environmental policies and economy. This study compared the sustainability of grape production under integrated and organic management using multiple indicators. The results showed that organic management was more beneficial for most environmental aspects of the agroecosystem compared to integrated management, without affecting grape yield.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gaia Vaglio Laurin, Alexander Cotrina-Sanchez, Luca Belelli-Marchesini, Enrico Tomelleri, Giovanna Battipaglia, Claudia Cocozza, Francesco Niccoli, Jerzy Piotr Kabala, Damiano Gianelle, Loris Vescovo, Luca Da Ros, Riccardo Valentini
Summary: Phenology monitoring is important for understanding forest functioning and climate impacts. This research compares the phenological behavior of European beech forests using Tree-Talker (TT+) and Sentinel 2 satellite data. The study finds differences in the information derived by the two sensor types, particularly in terms of season length, phenology changepoints, and leaf period variability. TT+ with its higher temporal resolution demonstrates precision in capturing the phenological changepoints, especially when satellite image availability is limited.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Huanhuan Pan, Ziqiang Du, Zhitao Wu, Hong Zhang, Keming Ma
Summary: The land use and cover changes resulting from coal mining activities and ecological restoration have had a significant impact on ecosystem services in mining areas. This study investigates the relationship between ecosystem services and land use intensity in coal mining areas, emphasizing the importance of understanding this interdependence for balanced human-land system development. The research examines the evolving relationship across different reclamation stages in Shanxi, China, using a coupling coordination degree model. The findings suggest the need for timely and judicious reclamation of coalfields, considering the land's bearing capacity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jingjuan He, Yijun Shi, Lihua Xu, Zhangwei Lu, Mao Feng
Summary: This study examines the spatial interplay between changes in the blue-green spatial distribution and modifications in land surface temperature grades in Shanghai. The findings reveal that the transformation of the blue-green spatial pattern differs between different sectors of the city, and the impact on the thermal environment varies spatially.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yi Xu, Di Zhang, Junqiang Lin, Qidong Peng, Xiaohui Lei, Tiantian Jin, Jia Wang, Ruifang Yuan
Summary: This study analyzed the response relationship between phytoplankton growth and water environmental parameters in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China using long-term monitoring data and machine learning models. The results revealed the differences between monitoring sites and identified the key parameters that affect phytoplankton growth.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)