Article
Environmental Sciences
V. Vasenev, M. Varentsov, P. Konstantinov, O. Romzaykina, I Kanareykina, Y. Dvornikov, V Manukyan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of urban heat island on soil microbial respiration in Moscow megalopolis, revealing an average increase of 5-10% in microbial respiration due to urban heat island and up to 25% in the most affected locations. The research highlights the vulnerability of urban topsoil carbon stocks to mineralization intensified by mesoclimatic anomalies.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gang Wang, Guoqing Li, Zhe Liu
Summary: Wind energy is renewable and clean, but the operation of wind turbines can lead to soil drying, which has significant impacts on grassland ecosystems. This study analyzed changes in soil moisture caused by wind farms, focusing on different wind directions and seasons in the grasslands of China. The research found that wind turbine operation causes significant drying of soil, with the drought effect varying according to season and wind direction.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Cheuk Yui Yeung, Vera Yu Men, Yingqi Guo, Paul Siu Fai Yip
Summary: This study aimed to identify high-risk suicide-methods clusters based on location of residence and suicide incidence, and to compare the characteristics of cases and spatial units inside and outside clusters. The findings revealed suicide clusters involving jumping and charcoal burning methods, with different housing distribution compared to outside clusters. Socially disadvantaged units were more prevalent within most of the overall suicide and suicide by jumping clusters. The study highlights the need for consistent support from stakeholders within suicide clusters to ensure effective suicide prevention programs.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Te Xiao, Li Min Zhang, Raymond Wai Man Cheung, Suzanne Lacasse
Summary: The study developed a spatio-temporal landslide forecasting model using machine learning to predict the risk of slope failures in man-made slopes. The model can accurately predict the probability, scale, and spatial distribution of landslides in real-time, making it an essential tool for advanced landslide risk assessment and early warning.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoi Shing Lo, Leung Chun Wong, Keng Po Lai, Siu Gin Cheung
Summary: This study investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics (MP) in marine fish from both the western and eastern waters of Hong Kong during the wet and dry seasons. More than half (57.1%) of the fish had MP in their gastrointestinal tracts, with MP abundance ranging from not detected to 44.0 items per individual. Significant spatial and temporal differences in MP occurrence were found, with fish from more polluted areas and during the wet season having a higher likelihood of MP ingestion. Factors such as feeding mode and range also influenced MP counts in fish. The study provides insights for future research on the factors governing MP ingestion by fish in different ecosystems and species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Runfei Zhong, Song Song, Jianxin Zhang, Ziqiang Ye
Summary: In this study, the variation of urban and rural temperature in Guangdong province from 1951 to 2018 was analyzed to detect the urbanization warming effect. The results showed that the warming process in Guangdong province is complex and has high temporal and spatial heterogeneity. The temperature increase rate of urban stations is faster than that of rural stations, and the contribution of urbanization to the coldest month average temperature is about 24.09% in general. The spatial differentiation of urbanization warming effect is evident, with the fastest temperature increase observed in Eastern Guangdong.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ka Yiu Ng, Chun Long Ho, Keumseok Koh
Summary: Veterinary services are crucial for the well-being of pets and their owners. This study examines the spatial-temporal accessibility of veterinary service and its association with social and spatial inequality in Hong Kong. It finds that there is inequality in access to veterinary services, with wealthier and more educated populations having greater accessibility. The study suggests that a comprehensive investigation of pet ownership and needs is necessary to improve the animal welfare system.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiansheng Wu, Dongjun Cheng, Yingying Xu, Qiao Huang, Zhe Feng
Summary: This paper explores the relationship between ecosystem health and urbanization in 260 Chinese cities over different time periods, revealing significant negative correlations between different dimensions of urbanization and ecosystem health at the national level, with spatial urbanization having the greatest impact on ecosystem health.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rundong Feng, Fuyuan Wang, Kaiyong Wang
Summary: The study found a shift in ecological land from over-exploitation to balanced co-existence, driven by a transition in spatiotemporal patterns from adjacent degradation-led (1990-2010) to edge-expansion restoration-led (2010-2019). Urbanization rate and population density had a stronger promoting effect on ELD, while tertiary industry, topography, and soil conditions were more significant in ELR.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Chunyan He, Ding Li, Junlin Yu
Summary: Based on panel data from all Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2017, this study examines the temporal and spatial variation of the coordination degree between population urbanization and affordable housing land supply. The findings reveal significant regional differentiation in the coordinated development level of population urbanization and affordable housing land in China. The study also identifies a significant upward trend in the coupling coordination degree nationwide, as well as a strong positive global spatial correlation.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Liya Chao, Qingxiang Li, Wenjie Dong, Yuanjian Yang, Ziyou Guo, Boyin Huang, Liming Zhou, Zhihong Jiang, Panmao Zhai, Phil Jones
Summary: Previous studies have shown that the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao region is facing double stress from global warming and urbanization. However, recent research indicates that the impact of urbanization on surface air temperature has decreased due to regional greening, while the warming effect on land surface temperature remains significant. Anthropogenic heat has limited influence on surface air temperature but more tangible effects on land surface temperature, highlighting the importance of increasing urban green spaces and reducing anthropogenic heat fluxes.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kai Liu, Jingjing Cao, Minying Lu, Qian Li, Haojian Deng
Summary: This study examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of wetlands in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area using remote sensing data. The results revealed the influence of natural factors and human activities on wetland evolution. The findings contribute to the scientific management and sustainable development of wetlands.
Article
Soil Science
Xiangtian Meng, Yilin Bao, Huanjun Liu, Xinle Zhang, Xiang Wang
Summary: This study proposes a new method for digital soil mapping (DSM) based on temporal-spatial-spectral (TSS) data, which greatly improves the accuracy of soil mapping by fusing TSS information from multiple remote sensing data sources. The results demonstrate a high correlation between the DSM based on TSS information and the legacy soil map, and considering terrain factors can further enhance the mapping accuracy.
Article
Environmental Studies
Guoen Wei, Zhenke Zhang, Xiao Ouyang, Yang Shen, Shengnan Jiang, Binglin Liu, Bao-Jie He
Summary: The study found that in the BRI region, PM2.5 concentrations are influenced by urbanization, showing spatial autocorrelation and differentiation, mainly in emerging developing regions such as China and India. Energy pollution emissions, economic activities, and human activities are the three main factors affecting PM2.5 accumulation. Proposed urban strategies and governance actions aim to coordinate the relationship between urban construction and atmospheric environmental protection.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Mengjie Zhang, Wei Zhang, Keli Zhang, Yue Yu, Liang Liu
Summary: Soil loss is an important environmental issue in the black soil region of Northeast China, and the magnetic susceptibility technique shows promising potential for evaluating soil loss and estimating soil redistribution. This study found that soil magnetic susceptibility is directly proportional to the cultivation duration, and can be used to establish soil redistribution and erosion patterns.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Dong, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiao-Rui Zhao, Shun-Hua Yang, Jan Mulder, Peter Dorsch, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: The study revealed that the loss of NO3- in subtropical agricultural watersheds is primarily caused by nonpoint source pollution from fertilization, with soil organic nitrogen (SON) playing a more significant role than chemical fertilizers (CF). It also highlighted the importance of considering the contribution of sewage in NO3- pollution mitigation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Yue Dong, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiao-Rui Zhao, Shun-Hua Yang, Jan Mulder, Peter Dorsch, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: Fertilization increased nitrate leaching, particularly at a depth of 20 cm. Soil organic nitrogen was the main source of nitrate, and fertilizer contributed significantly to nitrate leaching. Continuous fertilization led to nitrogen accumulation in soil, posing a potential threat to groundwater quality.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Feng Liu, Huayong Wu, Yuguo Zhao, Decheng Li, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiaodong Song, Zhou Shi, A-Xing Zhu, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: Traditionally, soil spatial information has been presented as coarse polygon maps. However, solving global and local issues requires higher quality and more detailed soil information. In this study, we integrated predictive soil mapping paradigms and high-performance computing to generate high-resolution national gridded maps of nine soil properties at multiple depths across China. The predictions achieved significantly more detailed and accurate results compared to previous soil maps, making it a significant contribution to the GlobalSoilMap.net project.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui-Rui Wang, Hui-Min Yu, Wen-Han Cheng, Yu-Chen Liu, Gan-Lin Zhang, De-Cheng Li, Fang Huang
Summary: This study investigated the migration of copper in paddy soils and explored the coupling relationship between copper concentrations and isotope compositions in different layers. The results showed that the variations in delta Cu-65 values and Cu concentrations were not coupled along the profile, which could be attributed to various physicochemical conditions in different layers. This study provides valuable insights into understanding the copper migration in paddy soils.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Dong, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiao-Rui Zhao, Shun-Hua Yang, Jan Mulder, Peter Dorsch, Xin-Hua Peng, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: Soil acidification and base cation loss are significant problems in the subtropical red soil region of China, particularly in agroecosystems with high nitrogen fertilization. This study assessed the current status and future risk of soil acidification in a typical agricultural watershed using a two-year monitoring approach. The results showed that while significant soil acidification occurred, surface water acidification was minor, indicating the buffer capacity of the soils. However, there was a substantial loss of base cations, depleting the exchangeable pool in the watershed and posing a serious threat to soil recovery from acidification.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Dong, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiao-Rui Zhao, Shun-Hua Yang, Jan Mulder, Peter Dorsch, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: Nitrogen fertilization affects soil pH and nitrogen transformations, resulting in soil acidification during the growing season and pH recovery during the fallow period. The effect of parent material on soil acidification is minimal, with fertilization, environmental factors, and plant uptake playing a dominant role.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Huayong Wu, Xiaodong Song, Feng Liu, Decheng Li, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on the effect of topography on the structure of the critical zone in a low hilly region. Seismic refraction and borehole surveys were conducted to examine the thickness of the regolith and the underlying bedrock. The results show that topography controls the distribution of different layers and the overall structure of the critical zone.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Fei Yang, David G. Rossiter, Yue He, Volker Karius, Gan-Lin Zhang, Daniela Sauer
Summary: Loess content has significant effects on soil hydrological properties in coarse-textured soils, especially in subsoils with low SOC contents. However, for coarse-textured topsoils, SOC content plays a dominant role in affecting soil hydrological properties.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Liumei Chen, Dongbo Zhao, Guangzhong Han, Fei Yang, Zitong Gong, Xiaodong Song, Decheng Li, Ganlin Zhang
Summary: Iron (Fe) loss from paddy soils during rice cultivation is influenced by soil properties, history of rice cultivation, and artificial irrigation and drainage. This loss has an impact on soil dynamics and the biogeochemical cycle of iron.
SCIENCE CHINA-EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiao-Lin Sun, Budiman Minasny, Yun-Jin Wu, Hui-Li Wang, Xiao-Hui Fan, Gan -Lin Zhang
Summary: The increase in soil organic carbon (OC) in China over the past two decades suggests that atmospheric carbon dioxide is being sequestered into the soil, mitigating climate change and improving soil health. However, there have also been reports of soil pH decrease nationwide, which may negatively impact soil quality for food production and the environment. This study investigates the relationship between soil OC and pH using large-scale soil survey data from two provinces in China and finds that the changes in OC and pH are significantly correlated, with increased soil nitrogen content as the linking factor. The decrease in pH is particularly significant in the eastern region of China, where soils are more neutral in pH. The study recommends exploring alternative methods of carbon sequestration in soil to avoid potential acidification effects caused by excessive nitrogen application.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Hui-Ying Wen, Hua-Yong Wu, Yue Dong, Wen-Juan Feng, Ying Lu, Yue-Ming Hu, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: This study investigated soil acidification in the Pearl River Delta of China, focusing on the effects of land-use change and parent materials. Results showed that soils derived from granite exhibited higher acidity and lower pH buffering capacity compared to those derived from alluvial sediment. Significant soil acidification was observed under land-use change in vegetable lands and orchards, but not in paddy fields. The study suggests that soil acidification induced by land-use change is influenced by parent materials.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuye Feng, Hao Long, Fei Yang, Fan Yang, Hongyi Cheng, Ganlin Zhang
Summary: By studying a 2,800-year peat record from the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the researchers identified the aeolian origin of archived particles and found that dust input was enhanced during warming periods. They proposed that warming climate may have significant impact on moisture balance and wind strength, leading to more frequent dust activity in the future.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanzhe Ma, Nanchun Zhang, Yanan Li, Haolin Zhao, Fei Zhou, Mingyue Xue, Lihui Lyu, Jing Yang, Yu Ban Man, Fuyong Wu, Dongli Liang
Summary: Lack of understanding of differences in selenium behavior between paddy and dryland soils affects Se biofortification and human health risks. This study found that Se concentration in paddy soil was significantly lower than in dryland soil in Se-rich areas of China. The bioavailability of selenium in rice was lower in Se-rich areas due to higher selenite content. The concentration and availability of selenium in dryland soil were lower than in paddy soil, affecting the biofortification of maize. The study highlights the importance of understanding selenium concentrations and bioavailability in soils for land use decisions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Guocheng Wang, Liujun Xiao, Ziqi Lin, Qing Zhang, Xiaowei Guo, Annette Cowie, Shuai Zhang, Mingming Wang, Songchao Chen, Ganlin Zhang, Zhou Shi, Wenjuan Sun, Zhongkui Luo
Summary: Plant root-derived carbon inputs are the main source of carbon in mineral bulk soil, but a fraction of these inputs may be quickly lost without contributing to long-term soil carbon storage. This study quantified the loss of root-derived carbon on a global scale and found that about 80% of the carbon inputs are lost rather than stored in the soil. The depth distribution of root-derived carbon inputs and their contribution to soil carbon storage were also determined, and a global map of the lost carbon and its distribution was created.
SCIENCE CHINA-EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Larissa A. Naylor, Jennifer A. J. Dungait, Ying Zheng, Sarah Buckerfield, Sophie M. Green, David M. Oliver, Hongyan Liu, Jian Peng, Chenglong Tu, Gan-lin Zhang, Xinyu Zhang, Tim A. Quine, Susan Waldron, Paul D. Hallett
Summary: This article introduces the development of Critical Zone Science (CZS) in human-modified and natural systems, and proposes a new framework that incorporates human behavior into CZS research for a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the terrestrial ecosystem. Through the China-UK CZO program, it was found that human-environment interactions and their impact on the socio-economic livelihoods of local farmers can be identified, and opportunities for improving local livelihoods and environmental conditions can be explored. The importance of co-designing CZS to address human-induced degradation in the critical zone is highlighted.
