Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Lingfei Yu, Wenjuan Sun, Yao Huang
Summary: Grazing exclusion has positive effects on plant and topsoil carbon accumulation, but its effects may change due to altered soil water conditions under climate change.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
D. J. Burger, S. L. Bauke, W. Amelung, M. Sommer
Summary: Erosion of fertile topsoil leads to land degradation and yield loss, but a long-term field experiment in NE Germany shows that reformation of fertile topsoil and increase in crop yield is possible through good agricultural management within a few decades.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bin Guo, Bo Zhang, Yi Su, Dingming Zhang, Yan Wang, Yi Bian, Liang Suo, Xianan Guo, Haorui Bai
Summary: This study evaluated zinc concentrations in soil using random forest and partial least squares regression models based on ground data and soil spectral reflectance. The results showed that the random forest model combined with continuous wavelet transform was the most effective in predicting zinc concentrations in contaminated areas like coal mines and metallic mineral deposits, providing valuable insight for environmental monitoring and reclamation efforts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Laura Garcia-Velazquez, Antonio Gallardo, Victoria Ochoa, Beatriz Gozalo, Roberto Lazaro, Fernando T. Maestre
Summary: This study investigates the impacts of temperature warming, rainfall reduction, and biocrust cover on soil phosphorus (P) pools in drylands. It finds that warming increases most P pools, except occluded P, while rainfall reduction has no effect on soil P pools. Biocrusts enhance soil P pools and provide resilience against warming and rainfall reduction.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chaoxiang Yuan, Fuzhong Wu, Qiqian Wu, Dario A. Fornara, Yan Peng, Guiqing Zhu, Zemin Zhao, Petr Hedene, Kai Yue
Summary: Vegetation restoration can effectively improve soil quality in post-mining lands by increasing soil carbon, nutrients, and enzymatic activities. This global study evaluated the potential effects of vegetation restoration on soil variables using data from 4838 paired observations. The results showed consistent positive effects of vegetation restoration on soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and enzymatic activities. Restoration effects were influenced by mine type and moderated by latitude, climate, vegetation species richness, restoration year, and initial soil properties.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Agustin Sarquis, Carlos A. Sierra
Summary: Plant litter decomposition plays a crucial role in the carbon dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. Most decomposition studies only use one-pool models that do not consider the heterogeneity and dynamics of litter transformation. In this study, we compared the performance of one-pool and two-pool decomposition models with different structures and used a multi-model inference approach to analyze the median transit times of litter mass in arid lands and their relationships with environmental variables.
Article
Soil Science
K. Stutler, E. Pena-Yewtukhiw, J. Skousen
Summary: This study assessed the soil quality of four reclaimed mine sites in the Appalachian states of the USA. The results showed that soil health indicators determined with the NRCS Soil Quality Test Kit provided similar results and trends to Standard methodologies and can be used to evaluate soil quality of mine soils. Both methodologies verified that mine soil health indicators improve with time since reclamation.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Emmanuelle Vaudour, Asa Gholizadeh, Fabio Castaldi, Mohammadmehdi Saberioon, Lubos Boruvka, Diego Urbina-Salazar, Youssef Fouad, Dominique Arrouays, Anne C. Richer-de-Forges, James Biney, Johanna Wetterlind, Bas Van Wesemael
Summary: This review paper focuses on the satellite-based spectral approaches for assessing soil organic carbon (SOC) in various geographical contexts. Most studies have been conducted in temperate croplands in Europe, China, and North America, with dry combustion and wet oxidation being the commonly used methods for SOC determination. The findings suggest that satellite-derived SOC spectral models, particularly under bare soil conditions, have the potential for further investigations. However, there is a need for future research on deep learning methods, performance evaluations, and uncertainty analysis of spatial model predictions.
Article
Environmental Studies
Eli Zaady, Ilan Stavi, Vladislav Dubinin, Nina Kamennaya, Hiam Abu-Glion, Shimshon Shuker, Hezi Yizhaq
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of geodiversity on the biogeochemical functions of biocrusts and finds that higher geodiversity in slopes leads to higher soil moisture content and concentrations of ammonium and labile organic carbon in biocrusts, enhancing the survival of plants under long-term drought conditions.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yuwei Liu, Xiaoming Zou, Han Y. H. Chen, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Cuiting Wang, Chen Zhang, Honghua Ruan
Summary: The frequency and intensity of droughts worldwide pose challenges to the conservation of soil organic carbon. In a 3-year field experiment in a forest plantation, the impacts of drought intensities on microbial necromass at different soil depths were investigated. The results showed that the effects of drought on microbial necromass depend on microbial groups, soil depth, and drought intensity.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jiawei Yang, Shuxin Que, Tianwei Wang, Yihui Bi, Nian Li, Xinquan Su
Summary: This study evaluated the topsoil organic carbon density (TSOCD) of China using a diagnostic surface horizon (DSH)-based topsoil classification method. The results showed that the TSOCD ranged from 0.03 to 74.63 kg m(-2) with a mean value of 4.34 kg m(-2). The study also demonstrated that specific uniform thickness delineations were suitable for particular soil types, climatic conditions, and land use patterns, and that these delineations yielded similar results to those based on DSH.
Article
Soil Science
Xavier Dupla, Karine Gondret, Ophelie Sauzet, Eric Verrecchia, Pascal Boivin
Summary: The study reveals a significant decrease in SOC content in western Switzerland's cropland topsoil, with most areas showing a linear increase in SOC content change rates. This trend is attributed to Swiss agri-environmental schemes and the adoption of minimum tillage, conservation agriculture, and multi-species cover crops.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gabor Szatmari, Laszlo Pasztor, Annamaria Laborczi, Gabor Illes, Zsofia Bakacsi, Dora Zachary, Tibor Filep, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab
Summary: The objective of the study is to develop a cubist-based pedotransfer function (PTF) for predicting and mapping the saturated SOC content of the topsoils (0-30 cm) in Hungary. The study found that both the physicochemical properties of soils and environmental conditions, such as topography and climate, are important factors in predicting the level of SOC saturation. The results show that there is a significant SOC deficit in a large part of the country, with high spatial variability.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Norine Khedim, Lauric Cecillon, Jerome Poulenard, Pierre Barre, Francois Baudin, Silvio Marta, Antoine Rabatel, Cedric Dentant, Sophie Cauvy-Fraunie, Fabien Anthelme, Ludovic Gielly, Roberto Ambrosini, Andrea Franzetti, Roberto Sergio Azzoni, Marco Stefano Caccianiga, Chiara Compostella, John Clague, Levan Tielidze, Erwan Messager, Philippe Choler, Gentile Francesco Ficetola
Summary: The study found that SOM content increases over time, with faster accumulation in forelands experiencing warmer climates. During the initial stages of soil development, low SOM content is dominated by a stable carbon pool. The stability of SOM decreases with soil age at all sites, suggesting that SOM storage is primarily influenced by the accumulation of labile SOM during the first centuries of soil development.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Shuang Wang, Zhangyan Zhu, Ruiping Yang, Li Yang, Baoming Ge
Summary: This study compared the differences in soil properties and stoichiometry among five different land-use types in a reclaimed coastal area. The results showed significant variation in soil properties and stoichiometry among the land-use types. Paddy and vegetable garden soils had higher organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus contents, while upland and upland-forest soils had lower contents. The stoichiometric characteristics presented a narrow range of ratios, similar to the stoichiometry of average Chinese cropland soils.
Article
Forestry
Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Xin Jing, David Candel-Perez, Misagh Parhizkar, Francisco Rocha, Mehdi Heydari, Miriam Munoz-Rojas, Demetrio Antonio Zema
Summary: The study found that Spanish black pine seedling survival rates were higher when seed origin differed from plantation site, and higher for high and medium elevation seeds compared to low elevation sites. Additionally, the hazard of seedling death increased with decreasing elevation of the plantation site. These results have implications for forest management in Mediterranean regions, particularly in the context of climate change.
TREES-STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vanessa S. Brown, Alison L. Ritchie, Jason C. Stevens, Taylah D. Hanks, Richard J. Hobbs, Todd E. Erickson
Summary: This study aimed to optimize the position of seeds within pellets to improve emergence and survival rates of Jacksonia furcellata. The results showed that seeds positioned at the bottom of pellets without activated carbon (AC) had the highest emergence rate, while seeds in the middle of pellets with AC had lower emergence rate. Further research and testing are needed to refine pellet production for optimal emergence.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Thomas P. Munro, Alison L. Ritchie, Todd E. Erickson, Dale G. Nimmo, Jodi N. Price
Summary: Invasive plant species hinder the reestablishment of native species after land degradation. The use of postemergent herbicides in restoration is preferred, but recent studies show that these herbicides can negatively affect native seeds. Activated carbon seed enhancement technologies (SETs) have been effective against preemergent herbicides, but their effectiveness against postemergent herbicides remains untested.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Michael Just, Adam T. Cross, Wolfgang Lewandrowski, Shane R. Turner, David J. Merritt, Kingsley Dixon
Summary: This study aimed to understand the influence of temperature treatment on seed dormancy and germination timing in two species of Rutaceae seeds (Diplolaena dampieri and Rhadinothamnus anceps). The results showed that temperature treatment gradually alleviated seed dormancy and increased germination proportion. The optimal duration of temperature treatment was 4 to 8 weeks for both species.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mitch G. Thacker, Matthew D. Madsen, Benjamin W. Hoose, Rhett M. Anderson, David R. Tryon, Randy T. Larsen, Kevin L. Gunnell, Daniel D. Summers, Todd E. Erickson
Summary: Restoring rangelands with wild-collected seeds is difficult due to low seed quality, seed anatomy, and plant establishment challenges. Winterfat, a valuable protein-rich forage, has seeds enclosed in bracts that prevent mechanized seeders and seed coating. We tested the use of flash flaming and seed coating to improve flowability and found that it allows for the treating and planting of winterfat on degraded rangelands.
RANGELAND ECOLOGY & MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mercedes M. Ondik, Mark K. J. Ooi, Miriam Munoz-Rojas
Summary: The intersection of fire, land use transformations, and climate change is putting Mediterranean climate-type ecosystems at risk of soil degradation and loss of ecosystem services. This study investigates the impact of fire and land management on soil physicochemical properties, microbial community composition, and microbial functions in a Mediterranean woodland.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Todd E. Erickson, John M. Dwyer, Emma L. Dalziell, Jeremy J. James, Miriam Munoz-Rojas, David J. Merritt
Summary: Seeding is a common practice in ecological restoration, but the establishment rates can be low. This study examined the germination, emergence, and survival of seeds sown under different abiotic conditions in the Pilbara bioregion in north-west Western Australia. The results showed that rainfall and soil substrate significantly influenced the germination and emergence of the seeds.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Frederick A. Dadzie, Angela T. Moles, Todd E. Erickson, Nathali Machado de Lima, Miriam Munoz-Rojas
Summary: This study examined the effects of inoculating native microbes on severely degraded mine soil. The results showed that inoculating with bacteria increased soil nitrogen and improved some soil properties related to ecosystem function. However, the mixture of bacteria and cyanobacteria did not have any impact. Additionally, the microbial composition in the soil was altered by microbial inoculation, but the diversity of soil microbial communities was not significantly affected.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Selina Baldauf, Yolanda Canton, Britta Tietjen
Summary: Biocrusts play a crucial role in shaping dryland ecosystems through their ecohydrological effects. In this study, a spatially-explicit process-based ecohydrological model was used to assess how biocrusts influence water fluxes and availability in a dryland landscape, and how climate change-induced shifts in the biocrust community affect landscape hydrology. The results showed that biocrusts increase water availability in the landscape, even in dry years. Well-developed biocrusts protect soil from evaporation and redistribute water towards downhill vegetation, highlighting their importance in water redistribution and plant-available water. However, potential changes in biocrust composition and cover could reduce their ability to act as water sources and sustain dryland vegetation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Vanessa S. Brown, Todd E. Erickson, Richard J. Hobbs, Stanley Mastrantonis, Alison L. Ritchie
Summary: Combining carbon-based seed enhancement technologies and restoration management practices can alleviate plant recruitment barriers caused by invasive plant species and poor soil conditions. This study tested seven seed enhancement technologies and five management practices on Grey Stinkwood, a common shrub in Western Australia. The results showed that coins incorporating biochar had the highest seedling emergence at the Post-pine site, while extruded pellets containing activated carbon had the highest emergence at the Post-mine site. Using carbon-based seed treatments and management practices like herbicide application followed by soil ripping can help overcome seedling emergence bottlenecks in direct seeding programs. However, further investigation into seedling survival is needed before implementing seed enhancement technologies on a large scale.
ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Igor S. Pessi, Rafael V. Popin, Benoit Durieu, Yannick Lara, Bjorn Tytgat, Valentina Savaglia, Beatriz Roncero-Ramos, Jenni Hultman, Elie Verleyen, Wim Vyverman, Annick Wilmotte
Summary: In this study, a genome-resolved metagenomics approach was used to analyze microbial mats from Arctic, sub-Antarctic, and Antarctic regions. The results revealed 17 distinct cyanobacteria species, most of which are not closely related to previously sequenced genomes. This research expands our knowledge of cyanobacteria diversity, particularly in understudied remote and extreme environments.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bianca Berto, Todd E. Erickson, Alison L. Ritchie
Summary: Seed enhancement technologies (SETs) were used to improve seed handling and germination of Australian native grasses. Flash flaming and acid digestion were successful in reducing bulky floret structures while maintaining or improving germination. Hydropriming did not improve germination outcomes when applied after other treatments.
Article
Water Resources
Borja Rodriguez-Lozano, Juan Martinez-Sanchez, Jaime Maza-Maza, Yolanda Canton, Emilio Rodriguez-Caballero
Summary: In this study, a new methodology for characterizing the functioning of dryland ecosystems based on the balance between runoff connectivity and water retention capacity of vegetation was proposed. The method was tested on synthetic hillslopes and real hillslopes and showed good ability to assess ecohydrological interactions in drylands. This metric represents a promising tool for evaluating dryland conditions and incorporating hillslope processes in climate change models.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY AND HYDROMECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Toshimi Nakajima, Mao Kuragano, Makoto Yamada, Ryo Sugimoto
Summary: This study compared the contribution of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to river nutrient budgets at nearshore and embayment scales, and found that SGD-derived nutrients become more important at larger spatial scales.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Liu, Lei Zhang, Chongyang Zhang, Ziguang Chen, Jingguang Li
Summary: NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves used for household heating have become a significant source of indoor pollution in Chinese urban areas. The high indoor concentration of NO2 poses potential health risks to residents. It is urgently necessary to establish relevant regulations and implement emission reduction technologies to reduce NO2 emissions from wall-mounted gas stoves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Letter
Environmental Sciences
Hans Peter H. Arp, Raoul Wolf, Sarah E. Hale, Sivani Baskaran, Juliane Gluege, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Ian T. Cousins, Harrie Timmer, Roberta Hofman-Caris, Anna Lennquist, Andre D. Bannink, Gerard J. Stroomberg, Rosa M. A. Sjerps, Rosa Montes, Rosario Rodil, Jose Benito Quintana, Daniel Zahn, Herve Gallard, Tobias Mohr, Ivo Schliebner, Michael Neumann
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philomina Onyedikachi Peter, Binessi Edouard Ifon, Francois Nkinahamira, Kayode Hassan Lasisi, Jiangwei Li, Anyi Hu, Chang-Ping Yu
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments from Yundang Lagoon, China. The results show four distinct fluorescent components, with protein-like substances being the most prevalent. Additionally, the total fluorescence intensity and LREE concentrations exhibit a synchronized increase from Outer to Inner to Songbai Lake core sediments. The findings demonstrate a strong correlation between DOM content and pollution levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Surya Gupta, Pasquale Borrelli, Panos Panagos, Christine Alewell
Summary: The objective of this study is to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into the erodibility factor (K) of USLE-type models. By modifying and improving the existing equations for soil texture and permeability, the study successfully included information on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) into the calculation of K factor. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, two independent K factor maps with different spatial resolutions were generated. The results show that the decrease in K factor values has a positive impact on the modeling of soil erosion rates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesmin Akter, Wendy J. M. Smith, Yawen Liu, Ilho Kim, Stuart L. Simpson, Phong Thai, Asja Korajkic, Warish Ahmed
Summary: The choice of workflow in wastewater surveillance has a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 concentrations, while having minimal effects on HF183 and no effect on HAdV 40/41 concentrations. Certain components in the workflow can be interchangeable, but factors such as buffer type, chloroform, and homogenization speed can affect the recovery of viruses and bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Luo, Xueting Yang, Diwei Wang, Hongmei Xu, Hongai Zhang, Shasha Huang, Qiyuan Wang, Ningning Zhang, Junji Cao, Zhenxing Shen
Summary: Atmospheric PM2.5, which can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. The study found that both the mass concentration of PM2.5 and the DTT activity were higher during the heating season than during the nonheating season. Combustion sources were the primary contributors to DTT activity during the heating season, while secondary formation dominated during the nonheating season. The study also revealed that biomass burning had the highest inherent oxidation potential among all sources investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erin L. Murphy, Leah R. Gerber, Chelsea M. Rochman, Beth Polidoro
Summary: Plastic pollution has devastating consequences for marine organisms. This study uses a trait-based framework to develop a vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. The index ranks 63 study species based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, providing valuable information for species monitoring and management priorities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kenji Maurice, Amelia Bourceret, Sami Youssef, Stephane Boivin, Liam Laurent-Webb, Coraline Damasio, Hassan Boukcim, Marc-Andre Selosse, Marc Ducousso
Summary: Growing pressure from climate change and agricultural land use is destabilizing soil microbial community interactions. Little is known about microbial community resistance and adaptation to disturbances, hindering our understanding of recovery latency and implications for ecosystem functioning. This study found that anthropic disturbance and natural disturbance have different effects on the topology and stability of soil microbial networks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Li, Yali Feng, Haoran Li, Yisong Yao, Chenglong Xu, Jinrong Ju, Ruiyu Ma, Haoyu Wang, Shiwei Jiang
Summary: Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health by disturbing sediment and transmitting metal ions through the food chain. This study developed a new regenerative adsorption material, OMN@SA, which effectively removes metal ions. The adsorption mechanism and performance of the material for metal ion fixation were investigated.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Medici, Margherita Lavorgna, Marina Isidori, Chiara Russo, Elena Orlo, Giovanni Luongo, Giovanni Di Fabio, Armando Zarrelli
Summary: Valsartan, a widely used antihypertensive drug, has been detected in high concentrations in surface waters due to its unchanged excretion and incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment plants. This study investigated the degradation of valsartan and identified 14 degradation byproducts. The acute and chronic toxicity of these byproducts were evaluated in key organisms in the freshwater trophic chain.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiang Lin, Lianbao Chi, Qing Yuan, Busu Li, Mingbao Feng
Summary: This study investigated the photodegradation behavior and product formation of two representative pharmaceuticals in simulated estuary water. The study found that the formed transformation products of these pharmaceuticals have potential toxicity on marine organisms, including oxidative stress and damage to cellular components.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Fang, Dongdong Jiang, Ye He, Siyi Wu, Yuehong Li, Ziqi Zhang, Haoting Chen, Zixin Zheng, Yan Sun, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: This study revealed that exposure to lower levels of air pollutants led to decreased pregnancy rates, with PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO emerging as the four most prominent pollutants. Individuals aged 35 and above exhibited heightened susceptibility to pollutants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Shaan Manzoor Ghumman, Rashid Shamsuddin, Amin Abbasi, Mohaira Ahmad, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Abdul Sami, Hamad Almohamadi
Summary: In this study, inverse vulcanized polysulfides (IVP) were synthesized by reacting molten sulfur with 4-vinyl benzyl chloride, and then functionalized using N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG). The functionalized IVP showed a high mercury adsorption capacity and a machine learning model was developed to predict the amount of mercury removed. Furthermore, the functionalized IVP can be regenerated and reused, providing a sustainable and cost-effective adsorbent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Bonfiglio, Renata Sisto, Stefano Casciardi, Valeria Palumbo, Maria Paola Scioli, Erica Giacobbi, Francesca Servadei, Gerry Melino, Alessandro Mauriello, Manuel Scimeca
Summary: This study investigated the presence of aluminum in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression. Aluminum was found in tumor areas of 24% of patients and was associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. Additional analyses revealed higher tumor mutational burden and mutations in genes related to EMT and apoptosis in aluminum-positive colon cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aluminum toxicity may improve strategies for the management of colon cancer patients.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
