Review
Environmental Sciences
Mathieu Nsenga Kumwimba, Jinlou Huang, Mawuli Dzakpasu, Koshila De Silva, Okugbe Ebiotubo Ohore, Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade, Xuyong Li, Jingjun Su, Diana Kavidia Muyembe, Kaixuan Huang
Summary: The transport of excess nutrients into freshwater systems poses a threat to water quality and aquatic health. Vegetated buffer zones (VBZs) have been used to intercept and remove pollutants in overland flow, particularly in warm regions. However, cold weather negatively affects the effectiveness of VBZ by interrupting key processes such as microbial degradation and infiltration. Research on VBZ in cold climates is lacking, and the nutrient removal abilities of these systems in cold regions are uncertain. Furthermore, frozen soils and plants may release nutrients during freeze-thaw cycles and subsequent runoff events. Therefore, the management and design of VBZ in cold climates require further examination.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marc Stutter, Fabiola Barros Costa, Daire O. HUallachain
Summary: Decades of research on riparian buffer zones (RBZ) have shown the need to look across individual site data for collective evidence on pollution mitigation and river water quality. The research findings indicate that factors related to sediment, phosphorus, nitrogen, coliforms and pesticides retention in RBZ are affected by factors such as buffer width, clay particle size, and slope, with inconsistency in the reporting of other pollutant-specific factors. The study suggests revisiting vegetation management studies, extending study durations, and considering belowground soil biogeochemical and transport processes to better understand site-specific buffer functioning and reduce pollution swapping.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Robert M. Dunn, Jane M. B. Hawkins, Martin S. A. Blackwell, Yusheng Zhang, Adrian L. Collins
Summary: Buffer strips play an important role in the management of agricultural runoff and water pollution. The efficacy of different vegetation treatments in buffer strips is still debated. The study shows that willow buffer strips are most effective in controlling runoff and suspended sediment loss.
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Jochem Kail, Martin Palt, Armin Lorenz, Daniel Hering
Summary: The study revealed that woody riparian vegetation plays a significant role in reducing maximum water temperature, with shading helping to lower water temperature. Furthermore, the length, width, and canopy cover of riparian buffers also have varying effects on water temperature.
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Hillary N. Yonce, Saumya Sarkar, Jonathan B. Butcher, Thomas E. Johnson, Susan H. Julius, Stephen D. LeDuc
Summary: This study examines the impact of future climate change on stream water temperature in Lookout Creek, Oregon, and finds that riparian buffers are effective in reducing the increase in stream temperature due to timber harvesting, but cannot fully counteract the additional effects of a warming climate.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Liangsuo Ren, Yadong Liu, Shurong Zhang, Lirong Cheng, Yujing Guo, Aizhong Ding
Summary: This study analyzed the distribution of plant life forms and vegetation coverage in eight riparian zones of the Yongding River Basin, revealing the significant impact of natural factors and human activities on the vegetation ecology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haialla Carolina Rialli Santos Brandao, Camila Andrade Coqueiro Moraes, Ana Paula Silva, Jose Francisco Goncalves Junior, Renan de Souza Rezende, Daniela Mariano Lopes da Silva
Summary: This study aimed to determine litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under different types of forest, including managed cocoa agroforestry system, abandoned cocoa agroforestry system, and secondary forest. The results showed that although there were differences in litter inputs and standing stocks among the forests, the seasonal patterns in the abandoned agroforestry system were more similar to those of the secondary forest, suggesting the potential of abandoned agroforestry systems to restore litter dynamics resembling those of secondary forests.
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. M. Kreiling, L. A. Bartsch, P. M. Perner, E. J. Hlavacek, V. G. Christensen
Summary: The study found that increasing riparian forest cover reduced total phosphorus concentration and nitrification rates in stream sediment, likely due to a decrease in fine organic material. Denitrification rates were closely correlated with surface water nitrate concentrations. Riparian forest cover indirectly decreased denitrification rates by reducing dissolved nutrient concentrations entering the stream, improving nitrogen removal efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Heikki Mykra, Mari Annala, Anu Hilli, Juha-Pekka Hotanen, Raili Hokajarvi, Pauli Jokikokko, Krister Karttunen, Mikko Kesala, Minna Kuoppala, Antti Leinonen, Hannu Marttila, Leo-Juhani Merio, Sirpa Piirainen, Petri Porvari, Aura Salmivaara, Asta Vaso
Summary: It was found that forested buffer zones designed based on varying-depth water table (DTW) index could better protect riparian plant communities, reduce soil erosion, and minimize nutrient leaching in managed forestry areas. This is in contrast to the widely used fixed-width buffer approach, which is adopted due to its simplicity. The cost of DTW-based buffer was also lower than fixed-width buffers, indicating its potential effectiveness and economic benefits.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
E. Jablonska, M. Winkowska, M. Wisniewska, J. Geurts, D. Zak, W. Kotowski
Summary: The study found that harvesting vegetation within wetland buffer zones can increase nitrogen removal efficiency while potentially increasing the decomposability of biomass, facilitating the recycling of nutrients. Therefore, biomass should be removed after mowing to maintain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ziwei Guo, Zhang Wen, Xiaochuang Bu, Hui Liu, Songhu Yuan
Summary: This study investigated the migration and transformation of iron and phosphorus in riparian zones using a sand tank experiment. The results showed a significant positive correlation between iron/aluminum coupled phosphorus and amorphous total iron. Dissolved organic carbon was found to have a greater effect on the redox condition than dissolved oxygen. Phosphate was observed to accumulate in the transition area of the riparian zone and was difficult to migrate through the river.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanxin Hu, Lin Gao, Chuanming Ma, Hao Wang, Chi Zhou
Summary: This study provides a theoretical basis for using herbaceous riparian buffer to remove agricultural non-point source pollution in the Plain Lake area of Hubei Province, China. Unlike previous studies that focused on the elimination of a single pollutant by a single plant species, we consider the simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants by natural riparian herbaceous vegetation buffer strips, and the selection of vegetation species based on actual conditions. Indoor simulation experiments were conducted using processed soil samples and collected rainwater to prepare standard solutions representing surface runoff containing five primary water pollutants. The experiment results showed that the reduction capacity of vegetation buffer strips varies depending on the biological structure and growth characteristics, with Dichondra repens Forst and Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers exhibiting a strong comprehensive ability to reduce pollutants.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weiwei Jiang, Huimin Pan, Nan Yang, Henglin Xiao
Summary: This study quantitatively evaluated the limiting factors for riparian vegetation restoration in reservoirs and found that inundation duration had a significantly greater effect on vegetation distribution, cover, and diversity compared to other environmental factors. Inundation for 5 months is close to the tolerance limit of most plants and poses a significant limitation on the vegetation restoration in reservoir riparian areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Eva Ring, Stefan Lofgren, Lars Hogbom, Mikael Ostlund, Magda -Lena Wiklund-McKie, Brendan G. Mckie
Summary: Maintaining forest buffers along the shorelines of surface water bodies during logging is a common measure to protect freshwater habitats. This study found that streams surrounded by a higher density of broadleaf trees after selective thinning exhibited better water quality and supported a higher proportion of benthic organisms, indicating the importance of managing forest composition for maintaining ecosystem health.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wan-lu Zhang, Zai-jian Yuan, Ding-qiang Li, Kun Zhang, Lun-yang Zhao
Summary: This study evaluated the potential application of porous concrete with recycled coarse aggregate (RA) in riparian buffer area. The results showed that the compressive strength of the porous concrete depended on the bonding capacity among RA grains and slightly on the RA grading. The CP/RA ratio had a greater effect on effective porosity. The porous concrete was able to maintain structural integrity under wetting-drying cycles and was suitable for vegetation growth. It also exhibited high removal efficiency for total nitrogen (T-N) and total phosphorus (T-P) in wastewater.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. Shi, O. Fenton, S. M. Ashekuzzaman, K. Daly, J. J. Leahy, N. Khalaf, Y. Hu, K. Chojnacka, C. Numviyimana, M. G. Healy
Summary: This study analyzed the nutrient and metal content of dairy processing sludge (DPS) and DPS-derived STRUBIAS products, creating an application calculator for guidance on maximum legal application rates for ryegrass and spring wheat in different soil conditions. The analysis showed high phosphorus content in these products, while nitrogen content varied due to the thermo-chemical processes involved.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
John McGinley, Jenny Harmon O'Driscoll, Mark G. Healy, Paraic C. Ryan, Per Eric Mellander, Liam Morrison, Oisin Callery, Alma Siggins
Summary: This paper develops a risk ranking of pesticide transmission through soil to waterways, considering physico-chemical properties of the pesticides, soil permeability, and the relationship between pesticide adsorption and soil texture. The data generated can be used as a screening tool for land managers to assess the potential transmission risks associated with the use of specified pesticides across different soil textures.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricia B. Cusack, Mark G. Healy, Oisin Callery, Elisa Di Carlo, Eva Ujaczki, Ronan Courtney
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using bauxite residue as a low-cost adsorbent for phosphorus (P) recycling from wastewaters. Application of bauxite residue does not significantly affect soil properties, and its performance in plant growth and soil properties is comparable to conventional superphosphate fertiliser.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
S. Monteverde, M. G. Healy, D. O'Leary, E. Daly, O. Callery
Summary: Peatlands, as the most abundant source of terrestrial carbon, provide various ecosystem services. However, factors such as spatial diversity, laborious survey methods, climate variations, lack of generalizability, and non-implementation of water quality assessment policies complicate land and water management practices. This paper proposes the use of remote sensing methods and an airborne electromagnetic approach for improved peatland management.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Harmon O'Driscoll, A. Siggins, M. G. Healy, J. McGinley, P. E. Mellander, L. Morrison, P. C. Ryan
Summary: This paper presents a novel scoring system for evaluating the risk of pesticides in contaminated drinking water to human health. The method takes into account pesticide use, chronic human health effects, and environmental fate. Soil conditions are also considered to show how pesticide fate can be influenced by the areas in which they are used. The scoring system uses multiple indices to describe the level of concern for a pesticide and incorporates the toxicity and persistence of metabolites. The developed method can be used by pesticide users to assess and compare pesticide risk at the site level.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. Shi, M. G. Healy, K. Daly, S. M. Ashekuzzaman, O. Fenton
Summary: This study investigated the potential of dairy processing sludges and biochar as bio-fertilisers and examined the effects of application rate and calculation methods on estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser equivalence value. The results showed that nitrogen fertiliser equivalence value increased with application rate, while phosphorus fertiliser equivalence value did not. Aluminium-precipitated dairy processing sludges performed better as bio-fertilisers compared to other products. The two calculation methods of fertiliser equivalence value did not show significant differences, suggesting that the determination of equivalence value could be simplified.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Dave O'Leary, Colin Brown, Mark G. Healy, Shane Regan, Eve Daly
Summary: This paper presents a method that integrates multi-band remote sensing data to comprehensively interpret the intra-peatland variation of key restoration indicators. The study provides a framework for high spatial and temporal resolution monitoring of peatland restoration using future drone-based platforms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. L. Gonzalez Jimenez, K. Daly, M. G. Healy
Summary: The study found that splitting fertilizer application into two does not significantly affect nutrient exports, indicating that the amount of fertilizer applied rather than the application regime is the predominant factor in nutrient loss.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. G. Healy, A. Siggins, K. Molloy, A. P. Potito, D. O'Leary, E. Daly, O. Callery
Summary: This study investigated the effects of peat inundation and drying cycles on nitrogen release and physico-chemical properties of peat. The results showed that rewetted peat released high concentrations of nitrate-N, but had no significant impact on ammonium-N. The depth of the water table had a significant effect on inorganic nitrogen release, particularly nitrate-N.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ian Byrne, Mark Gerard Healy, Owen Fenton, Patrick Tuohy
Summary: In poorly drained grassland farms in Ireland, stone aggregates are commonly used as in-field drain envelope material. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of different aggregate gradations in clay-textured mineral soils. The results showed that aggregates in the 0.7-19 mm size range performed well in terms of hydraulic and filter performance. Discharge rate was inversely related to aggregate size. Aggregates in the lower size range were recommended for field testing in clay-textured soils.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
J. McGinley, M. G. Healy, Harmon O'Driscoll, L. Morrison, A. Siggins, P-e. Mellander, P. C. Ryan
Summary: Pesticides used in agriculture have negative impacts on aquatic environments when they enter water bodies. The EU's Farm to Fork strategy aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. However, the prevalence of legacy pesticides from historical applications may hinder the EU's goal of reducing chemical pesticide use and risk by 50% by 2030. This review examines pesticide use and movement in Europe, the issues of legacy pesticides, and methods of pesticide remediation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Y. A. Mohamed, P. Tuohy, M. G. Healy, D. O. hUallachain, O. Fenton, A. Siggins
Summary: Intermittent sand filters (ISFs) are widely used for wastewater treatment in rural areas due to their simplicity and low cost. However, filter clogging reduces their operational lifetime. This study found that pre-treatment of dairy wastewater with coagulation can reduce clogging in ISFs and prolong their lifespan.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Ian Byrne, Mark Gerard Healy, Owen Fenton, Patrick Tuohy
Summary: In Ireland, agricultural landscapes with high rainfall and poorly drained soils have infield pipe drains surrounded by stone aggregate envelopes. Synthetic envelopes have limited availability and use, and their suitability and efficacy in clay-textured soils is unknown. This study examined five configurations of synthetic envelopes and stone aggregates for drainpipe design. Results showed that geotextiles performed poorly compared to stone aggregates in terms of discharge and sediment loss. This study recommends the use of stone aggregates as drain envelope material in similar textured soils in Ireland.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Y. A. Mohamed, A. Siggins, M. G. Healy, O. Fenton, D. O. Huallachain, P. Tuohy
Summary: This study proposes a novel hybrid coagulation-ISF system for treating dairy wastewater. The hybrid system shows better performance and operational lifetime compared to conventional ISF system, with higher hydraulic loading rates and improved effluent quality that complies with EU directives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Leah A. Jackson-Blake, Francois Clayer, Elvira de Eyto, Andrew S. French, Maria Dolores Frias, Daniel Mercado-Bettin, Tadhg Moore, Laura Puertolas, Russell Poole, Karsten Rinke, Muhammed Shikhani, Leon van der Linden, Rafael Marce
Summary: This study examines the value of seasonal forecasting for decision-making in extratropical regions and highlights the need to reduce forecast uncertainty and develop practical experience before incorporating forecasts into operational decision-making.
HYDROLOGY AND EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Alexander M. Cancelli, Frank A. P. C. Gobas
Summary: A mechanistic model was developed to assess the removal efficiency of pollutants in a wetland system, particularly in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). The model simulated wetland mechanisms of chemical removal and showed that sustained wetland treatment is feasible. It is a helpful tool to evaluate the feasibility of treatment systems and to assess trade-offs in wetland design and operation.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Prakash Singh Thapa, Hiromu Daimaru, Seiji Yanai
Summary: This study assessed the vegetation recovery and erosion condition in a landslide area in central Japan. The results show that the upper slope, where reforestation activities were implemented, has seen significant vegetation recovery and no significant erosion, while the lower slope lacks vegetation and has experienced continued erosion.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Mike Jerauld, Forrest Dierberg, Thomas DeBusk, Scott Jackson, Kevin Grace, John Juston
Summary: The Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) are constructed wetlands built to remove phosphorus (P) from agricultural and urban runoff in support of Everglades restoration. Research shows that the levels of calcium (Ca) and alkalinity (Alk) have an impact on phosphorus removal in these wetlands.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Kalindhi Larios, Stefan Gerber, Rafael Munoz-Carpena, Patrick Inglett, K. Ramesh Reddy, Michael Chimney
Summary: This study modeled the phosphorus biogeochemical dynamics in one of the best performing Everglades treatment wetlands and found that the complexity of the hydrological system significantly affected the simulated water column P concentration. The modeling tool developed in this study can guide future data collection and optimization efforts for treatment wetlands in the Everglades.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Jing Hu, Benjamin Baiser, R. Thomas James, K. Ramesh Reddy
Summary: This study examined the long-term phosphorus retention in Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) and identified the factors influencing their performance. The results showed that the operational performance of STAs improved over time. There were notable differences among individual STAs, with the co-precipitation of phosphorus with calcium playing a critical role in one of the STAs. This highlights the complexity of phosphorus removal in STAs and the need for site-specific management strategies.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Odi Villapando, K. R. Reddy, J. King
Summary: The biogeochemical response to different flow conditions within two parallel flow-ways in Everglades Stormwater Treatment Area (STA)-2 was studied. It was found that there was a gradual decrease in the total phosphorus (TP) concentration from inflow to outflow for both emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV) and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) dominated systems, with EAV showing a higher reduction rate. Significant increase in TP concentration was observed in the SAV system under no flow condition, possibly due to the production of particulate phosphorus (PP) through various mechanisms.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2024)