Sustainability

22 pages, 17274 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Model Prediction of Secondary Soil Salinization in the Keriya Oasis, Northwest China

by Jumeniyaz Seydehmet, Guang Hui Lv, Ilyas Nurmemet, Tayierjiang Aishan, Abdulla Abliz, Mamat Sawut, Abdugheni Abliz and Mamattursun Eziz

Sustainability 2018, 10(3), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030656 - 28 Feb 2018

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6412

Abstract

Significant anthropogenic and biophysical changes have caused fluctuations in the soil salinization area of the Keriya Oasis in China. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) sustainability framework and Bayesian networks (BNs) were used to integrate information from anthropogenic and natural systems to model the trend of [...] Read more.

Significant anthropogenic and biophysical changes have caused fluctuations in the soil salinization area of the Keriya Oasis in China. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) sustainability framework and Bayesian networks (BNs) were used to integrate information from anthropogenic and natural systems to model the trend of secondary soil salinization. The developed model predicted that light salinization (vegetation coverage of around 15–20%, soil salt 5–10 g/kg) of the ecotone will increase in the near term but decelerate slightly in the future, and that farmland salinization will decrease in the near term. This trend is expected to accelerate in the future. Both trends are attributed to decreased water logging, increased groundwater exploitation, and decreased ratio of evaporation/precipitation. In contrast, severe salinization (vegetation coverage of around 2%, soil salt ≥20 g/kg) of the ecotone will increase in the near term. This trend will accelerate in the future because decreased river flow will reduce the flushing of severely salinized soil crust. Anthropogenic factors have negative impacts and natural causes have positive impacts on light salinization of ecotones. In situations involving severe farmland salinization, anthropogenic factors have persistent negative impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Governance of Sustainable Soil Management)

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15 pages, 2640 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Gliricidia-Derived Biochar on Sequential Maize and Bean Farming

by Ana Castro, Nilcileny Da Silva Batista, Agnieszka E. Latawiec, Aline Rodrigues, Bernardo Strassburg, Daniel Silva, Ednaldo Araujo, Luiz Fernando D. De Moraes, Jose Guilherme Guerra, Gabriel Galvão, Helena Alves-Pinto, Maiara Mendes, Juliana Silveira Dos Santos, Marcio C. Rangel, Mariela Figueredo, Gerard Cornelissen and Sarah Hale

Sustainability 2018, 10(3), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030578 - 26 Feb 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6407

Abstract

The addition of biochar to soils can improve soil fertility and increase agricultural productivity. We carried out a field experiment in which biochar produced from Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. was added to low-fertility Brazilian planosol and tested to increase the yield [...] Read more.

The addition of biochar to soils can improve soil fertility and increase agricultural productivity. We carried out a field experiment in which biochar produced from Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. was added to low-fertility Brazilian planosol and tested to increase the yield of maize (Zea mays) and snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in sequential, organic cultivation. Biochar was applied at a 15 t/ha rate, combined or not with Azospirillum Brasiliense inoculation and organic fertilizer (Bokashi). The application of biochar resulted in an increase in soil pH and of the content of macronutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. Contrary to evidence from elsewhere, biochar had a limited effect on increasing maize yield. In the case of beans, when combined with fertilizer, biochar increased the production of beans pods and biomass, but the significant increase was observed only for inoculation. Beans are the principal component of Brazilian diet and increasing productivity of beans is of upmost importance for the poorest in Brazil, and in other tropical countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical and Applicability Problems of Agricultural Engineering and Associated Research Areas—Sustainable Agricultural Engineering—Sustainable Biomass to Energy Conversion)

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18 pages, 4790 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating Urban Quality: Indicators and Assessment Tools for Smart Sustainable Cities

by Chiara Garau and Valentina Maria Pavan

Sustainability 2018, 10(3), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10030575 - 25 Feb 2018

Cited by 240 | Viewed by 24152

Abstract

The analysis of urban sustainability is key to urban planning, and its usefulness extends to smart cities. Analyses of urban quality typically focus on applying methodologies that evaluate quality objectives at environmental, urban, and building levels. Research has shown that a system of [...] Read more.

The analysis of urban sustainability is key to urban planning, and its usefulness extends to smart cities. Analyses of urban quality typically focus on applying methodologies that evaluate quality objectives at environmental, urban, and building levels. Research has shown that a system of indicators can be useful for developing qualitative and quantitative descriptors of urban environments. The first step in this study was to formulate a methodology to measure the quality of urban life based on investigative checklists and objective and subjective indicators, aggregated to develop an index to evaluate a city’s level of smart urban quality. The second step was to apply this methodology to evaluate the city of Cagliari (Italy) at the neighbourhood scale, which is considered by literature the most suitable as a self-sufficient spatial unit for showing redevelopment results. In addition to sharing its research findings, this study aims to verify whether the methodology can be applied to similar urban contexts. The main outcomes of this research pertain to opportunities to numerically measure both objective and subjective aspects that affect urban quality. In this way, the most critical areas to be requalified have been highlighted in order to prepare policies congruent with the local context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Defining and Assessing Landscape and Urban Sustainability: Linking Spatial Patterns, Ecosystems Services, and Human Wellbeing)

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13 pages, 1115 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Responses of Plant Leaf CO₂/H₂O Exchange and Water Use Efficiency to Drought: A Meta-Analysis

by Jinmeng Zhang, Hong Jiang, Xinzhang Song, Jiaxin Jin and Xiuying Zhang

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020551 - 21 Feb 2018

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 6628

Abstract

Persistent drought severely inhibits plant growth and productivity, which negatively affects terrestrial primary productivity worldwide. Therefore, it is important to investigate the impacts of drought on plant leaf CO₂/H₂O exchange and water use efficiency. This study assessed the responses [...] Read more.

Persistent drought severely inhibits plant growth and productivity, which negatively affects terrestrial primary productivity worldwide. Therefore, it is important to investigate the impacts of drought on plant leaf CO₂/H₂O exchange and water use efficiency. This study assessed the responses of net photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration (Tr), and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) to drought based on a worldwide meta-analysis of 112 published studies. The results demonstrated that drought decreased Pn, Tr, and Gs significantly and differently among different moderators. C₄ plants had smaller Pn reduction than C₃ plants, which gives C₄ plants an advantage in Pn. But their WUE decreased under drought conditions, indicating a great flexibility in C₄ WUE. Annual herbs sacrificed WUE (−6.2%) to maintain efficient Pn. Perennial herbs took a different strategy in response to drought with an increased WUE (25.1%). Deciduous tree species displayed a greater increase in WUE than conifers and evergreen species. Additionally, Gs had a significant correlation with Pn and Tr, but an insignificant correlation with WUE, which could be because WUE is affected by other factors (e.g., air flow, CO₂ concentration, and relative humidity). These findings have significant implications for understanding the worldwide effects of drought on plant leaf CO₂/H₂O exchange and water use efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change on Hydrology, Water Quality and Ecology)

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11 pages, 12648 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoicePerspective

Investing in Natural and Nature-Based Infrastructure: Building Better Along Our Coasts

by Ariana E. Sutton-Grier, Rachel K. Gittman, Katie K. Arkema, Richard O. Bennett, Jeff Benoit, Seth Blitch, Kelly A. Burks-Copes, Allison Colden, Alyssa Dausman, Bryan M. DeAngelis, A. Randall Hughes, Steven B. Scyphers and Jonathan H. Grabowski

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020523 - 15 Feb 2018

Cited by 123 | Viewed by 17943

Abstract

Much of the United States’ critical infrastructure is either aging or requires significant repair, leaving U.S. communities and the economy vulnerable. Outdated and dilapidated infrastructure places coastal communities, in particular, at risk from the increasingly frequent and intense coastal storm events and rising [...] Read more.

Much of the United States’ critical infrastructure is either aging or requires significant repair, leaving U.S. communities and the economy vulnerable. Outdated and dilapidated infrastructure places coastal communities, in particular, at risk from the increasingly frequent and intense coastal storm events and rising sea levels. Therefore, investments in coastal infrastructure are urgently needed to ensure community safety and prosperity; however, these investments should not jeopardize the ecosystems and natural resources that underlie economic wealth and human well-being. Over the past 50 years, efforts have been made to integrate built infrastructure with natural landscape features, often termed “green” infrastructure, in order to sustain and restore valuable ecosystem functions and services. For example, significant advances have been made in implementing green infrastructure approaches for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and drinking water conservation and delivery. However, the implementation of natural and nature-based infrastructure (NNBI) aimed at flood prevention and coastal erosion protection is lagging. There is an opportunity now, as the U.S. government reacts to the recent, unprecedented flooding and hurricane damage and considers greater infrastructure investments, to incorporate NNBI into coastal infrastructure projects. Doing so will increase resilience and provide critical services to local communities in a cost-effective manner and thereby help to sustain a growing economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social-Ecological Restoration for Coastal Sustainability)

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30 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence of the Impact of Surface Water Quality on Property Values

by Sarah Nicholls and John Crompton

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020500 - 13 Feb 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 10073

Abstract

The desirability of living on or close to water is reflected in sometimes substantial property price premiums. Water quality has an important influence on property prices, since it impacts a water body’s appearance, capacity to support wildlife, and recreational potential. As water quality [...] Read more.

The desirability of living on or close to water is reflected in sometimes substantial property price premiums. Water quality has an important influence on property prices, since it impacts a water body’s appearance, capacity to support wildlife, and recreational potential. As water quality continues to be altered by human use and activity, and in light of new threats posed by projected climate and associated environmental change, understanding the impact of changing quality on property prices, and the associated property tax base, is paramount. This paper reviews the body of evidence on this topic to date. Of the 43 distinct studies represented in the 48 publications reviewed, the expected, statistically significant relationship between water quality and property price was demonstrated in at least one of the models developed in all but two studies. As a whole, they provide convincing evidence that clean water has a positive effect on property values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Eutrophication and Sustainable Management of Water)

14 pages, 1381 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modelling Soil Carbon Content in South Patagonia and Evaluating Changes According to Climate, Vegetation, Desertification and Grazing

by Pablo Luis Peri, Yamina Micaela Rosas, Brenton Ladd, Santiago Toledo, Romina Gisele Lasagno and Guillermo Martínez Pastur

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020438 - 8 Feb 2018

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5950

Abstract

In Southern Patagonia, a long-term monitoring network has been established to assess bio-indicators as an early warning of environmental changes due to climate change and human activities. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content in rangelands provides a range of important ecosystem services and supports [...] Read more.

In Southern Patagonia, a long-term monitoring network has been established to assess bio-indicators as an early warning of environmental changes due to climate change and human activities. Soil organic carbon (SOC) content in rangelands provides a range of important ecosystem services and supports the capacity of the land to sustain plant and animal productivity. The objectives in this study were to model SOC (30 cm) stocks at a regional scale using climatic, topographic and vegetation variables, and to establish a baseline that can be used as an indicator of rangeland condition. For modelling, we used a stepwise multiple regression to identify variables that explain SOC variation at the landscape scale. With the SOC model, we obtained a SOC map for the entire Santa Cruz province, where the variables derived from the multiple linear regression models were integrated into a geographic information system (GIS). SOC stock to 30 cm ranged from 1.38 to 32.63 kg C m⁻². The fitted model explained 76.4% of SOC variation using as independent variables isothermality, precipitation seasonality and vegetation cover expressed as a normalized difference vegetation index. The SOC map discriminated in three categories (low, medium, high) determined patterns among environmental and land use variables. For example, SOC decreased with desertification due to erosion processes. The understanding and mapping of SOC in Patagonia contributes as a bridge across main issues such as climate change, desertification and biodiversity conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Long-Term Perspective of Human Impact on Landscape for Environmental Change and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 12368 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rockfall Analysis for Preliminary Hazard Assessment of the Cliff of Taormina Saracen Castle (Sicily)

by Simone Mineo, Giovanna Pappalardo, Michele Mangiameli, Santo Campolo and Giuseppe Mussumeci

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020417 - 6 Feb 2018

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6252

Abstract

A rockfall analysis at one of the most relevant cultural heritage sites of northeastern Sicily (Italy) is presented herein with the aim of assessing the hazard arising from the unstable conditions of the rock cliff of Taormina city, upon which the Saracen Castle [...] Read more.

A rockfall analysis at one of the most relevant cultural heritage sites of northeastern Sicily (Italy) is presented herein with the aim of assessing the hazard arising from the unstable conditions of the rock cliff of Taormina city, upon which the Saracen Castle is perched on its top. Several rockfalls affected this area in the latest years, representing a serious threat for the safety of inhabitants and tourists. Therefore, the qualitative Evolving Rockfall Hazard Assessment (ERHA) was applied for the hazard zonation, supported by rock mass surveys and Terrestrial Laser Scanner prospecting. Kinematic analysis revealed that the unstable rock failure patterns are represented by planar/wedge sliding and toppling, while simulation of potential rockfalls allowed studying the impact of future events in terms of trajectory and energy. This is higher at the foot of scarps and in steeper sectors, where the application of ERHA identified a critical zone close to the inhabited center, which is one of the main elements at risk, along with a pedestrian tourist path. Achieved results represent a starting point for the definition of risk management strategies and provide a scientific contribution to the study of hazard and risk arising from rockfall occurrence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Risk Assessment and Management)

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11 pages, 1671 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Reality of Light Pollution: A Field Survey for the Determination of Lighting Environmental Management Zones in South Korea

by Hong Soo Lim, Jack Ngarambe, Jeong Tai Kim and Gon Kim

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020374 - 31 Jan 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 11153

Abstract

Light pollution has been receiving increased attention worldwide. Scientific research has provided convincing evidence that ties artificial lighting to health-related issues. Consequently, the involved parties are now leaned towards the implementation of regulations to help limit the use of artificial lighting. Many countries, [...] Read more.

Light pollution has been receiving increased attention worldwide. Scientific research has provided convincing evidence that ties artificial lighting to health-related issues. Consequently, the involved parties are now leaned towards the implementation of regulations to help limit the use of artificial lighting. Many countries, together with international organizations, have embarked on setting standards and regulations aimed at halting the excessive and improper usage of artificial lighting, there-by eradicating light pollution and its effects. In Korea, outdoor lighting at night is a common phenomenon. Moreover, as the economic development grows even further, the use of artificial lighting is expected to increase making Korea vulnerable to the adverse effects of artificial lighting. In this study, we discuss the issue of light pollution based on field measurements conducted in Seoul, South Korea. The measurements were undertaken to broaden the understanding and assessment of light pollution. During the investigation, we noted that the most severe forms of light pollution were found in developed urban and densely commercialized areas. Currently, there are ongoing light pollution measurement projects around the entire Korea. It would be informative to see how the rest of South Korea compares to the Capital, Seoul in terms of light pollution levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Lighting and Energy Saving)

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22 pages, 4674 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparing the Applicability of Commonly Used Hydrological Ecosystem Services Models for Integrated Decision-Support

by Anna Lüke and Jochen Hack

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020346 - 29 Jan 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7232

Abstract

Different simulation models are used in science and practice in order to incorporate hydrological ecosystem services in decision-making processes. This contribution compares three simulation models, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, a traditional hydrological model and two ecosystem services models, the Integrated Valuation [...] Read more.

Different simulation models are used in science and practice in order to incorporate hydrological ecosystem services in decision-making processes. This contribution compares three simulation models, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, a traditional hydrological model and two ecosystem services models, the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs model and the Resource Investment Optimization System model. The three models are compared on a theoretical and conceptual basis as well in a comparative case study application. The application of the models to a study area in Nicaragua reveals that a practical benefit to apply these models for different questions in decision-making generally exists. However, modelling of hydrological ecosystem services is associated with a high application effort and requires input data that may not always be available. The degree of detail in temporal and spatial variability in ecosystem service provision is higher when using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool compared to the two ecosystem service models. In contrast, the ecosystem service models have lower requirements on input data and process knowledge. A relationship between service provision and beneficiaries is readily produced and can be visualized as a model output. The visualization is especially useful for a practical decision-making context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable River Basin Management)

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15 pages, 1685 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Air Pollution and Human Development in Europe: A New Index Using Principal Component Analysis

by Ana-Maria Săndică, Monica Dudian and Aurelia Ştefănescu

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020312 - 26 Jan 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5484

Abstract

EU countries to measure human development incorporating the ambient PM2.5 concentration effect. Using a principal component analysis, we extract the information for 2010 and 2015 using the Real GDP/capita, the life expectancy at birth, tertiary educational attainment, ambient PM2.5 concentration, and the death [...] Read more.

EU countries to measure human development incorporating the ambient PM2.5 concentration effect. Using a principal component analysis, we extract the information for 2010 and 2015 using the Real GDP/capita, the life expectancy at birth, tertiary educational attainment, ambient PM2.5 concentration, and the death rate due to exposure to ambient PM2.5 concentration for 29 European countries. This paper has two main results: it gives an overview about the relationship between human development and ambient PM2.5 concentration, and second, it provides a new quantitative measure, PHDI, which reshapes the concept of human development and the exposure to ambient PM2.5 concentration. Using rating classes, we defined thresholds for both HDI and PHDI values to group the countries in four categories. When comparing the migration matrix from 2010 to 2015 for HDI values, some countries improved the development indicator (Romania, Poland, Malta, Estonia, Cyprus), while no downgrades were observed. When comparing the transition matrix using the newly developed indicator, PHDI, the upgrades observed were for Denmark and Estonia, while some countries like Spain and Italy moved to a lower rating class due to ambient PM2.5 concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Risk Assessment and Management)

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14 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Carbon Neutral by 2021: The Past and Present of Costa Rica’s Unusual Political Tradition

by Julia A. Flagg

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020296 - 24 Jan 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10708

Abstract

Costa Rica has pledged to become the first nation to become carbon neutral. This event raises the important question of how to understand this contemporary form of climate politics, given that Costa Rica has made an almost negligible contribution to the problem of [...] Read more.

Costa Rica has pledged to become the first nation to become carbon neutral. This event raises the important question of how to understand this contemporary form of climate politics, given that Costa Rica has made an almost negligible contribution to the problem of global climate change. To understand this pledge, a case study spanning about 200 years situates the pledge within the country’s unique historical profile. An analysis of interview data, archival research, and secondary data reveals that the pledge is the latest instance in Costa Rica’s unusual political tradition. This political tradition dates back to the area’s experience as a Spanish colony and as a newly independent nation. Several events, including the abolition of the army, the work on green development, and being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize were all foundational in forming Costa Rica’s tradition as a place that leads by example and stands for peace and protection of nature. The carbon neutral pledge extends the political tradition that has been established through these earlier events. This case highlights the importance of understanding contemporary environmental politics through an analysis of long-term, historical data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Long-Term Perspective of Human Impact on Landscape for Environmental Change and Sustainability)

11 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Infrastructural and Human Factors Affecting Safety Outcomes of Cyclists

by Sergio Useche, Luis Montoro, Francisco Alonso and Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020299 - 24 Jan 2018

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 9266

Abstract

The increasing number of registered road crashes involving cyclists during the last decade and the high proportion of road crashes resulting in severe injuries and fatalities among cyclists constitutes a global issue for community health, urban development and sustainability. Nowadays, the incidence of [...] Read more.

The increasing number of registered road crashes involving cyclists during the last decade and the high proportion of road crashes resulting in severe injuries and fatalities among cyclists constitutes a global issue for community health, urban development and sustainability. Nowadays, the incidence of many risk factors for road crashes of cyclists remains largely unexplained. Given the importance of this issue, the present study has been conducted with the aim of determining relationships between infrastructural, human factors and safety outcomes of cyclists. Objectives: This study aimed, first, to examine the relationship between key infrastructural and human factors present in cycling, bicycle-user characteristics and their self-reported experience with road crashes. And second, to determine whether a set of key infrastructural and human factors may predict their self-reported road crashes. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, a total of 1064 cyclists (38.8% women, 61.2% men; M = 32.8 years of age) from 20 different countries across Europe, South America and North America, participated in an online survey composed of four sections: demographic data and cycling-related factors, human factors, perceptions on infrastructural factors and road crashes suffered. Results: The results of this study showed significant associations between human factors, infrastructural conditions and self-reported road crashes. Also, a logistic regression model found that self-reported road crashes of cyclists could be predicted through variables such as age, riding intensity, risky behaviours and problematic user/infrastructure interactions. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that self-reported road crashes of cyclists are influenced by features related to the user and their interaction with infrastructural characteristics of the road. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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19 pages, 8958 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of Potential Climate Change Effects on the Rice Yield and Water Footprint in the Nanliujiang Catchment, China

by Mingzhi Yang, Weihua Xiao, Yong Zhao, Xudong Li, Ya Huang, Fan Lu, Baodeng Hou and Baoqi Li

Sustainability 2018, 10(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10020242 - 23 Jan 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6420

Abstract

The Nanliujiang catchment is one of major rice production bases of South China. Irrigation districts play an important role in rice production which requires a large quantity of water. There are potential risks on future climate change in response to rice production, agricultural [...] Read more.

The Nanliujiang catchment is one of major rice production bases of South China. Irrigation districts play an important role in rice production which requires a large quantity of water. There are potential risks on future climate change in response to rice production, agricultural irrigation water use and pollution control locally. The SWAT model was used to quantify the yield and water footprint (WF) of rice in this catchment. A combined method of automatic and manual sub-basin delineation was used for the model setup in this work to reflect the differences between irrigation districts in yield and water use of rice. We validated our simulations against observed leaf area index, biomass and yield of rice, evapotranspiration and runoff. The outputs of three GCMs (GFDL-ESM2M, IPSL-CM5A-LR and HadGEM2-ES) under three RCPs (RCP2.6, 4.5, 8.5) were fed to the SWAT model. The results showed that: (a) the SWAT model is an ideal tool to simulate rice development as well as hydrology; (b) there would be increases in rice yield ranged from +1.4 to +10.6% under climate projections of GFDL-ESM2M and IPSL-CM5A-LR but slight decreases ranged from −3.5 to −0.8% under that of HadGEM2-ES; (c) the yield and WFs of rice displayed clear differences in the catchment, with a characteristic that high in the south and low in the north, mainly due to the differences in climatic conditions, soil quality and fertilization amount; (d) there would be a decrease by 45.5% in blue WF with an increase by 88.1% in green WF, which could provide favorable conditions to enlarge irrigated areas and take technical measures for improving green water use efficiency of irrigation districts; (e) a clear rise in future grey WF would present enormous challenges for the protection of water resources and environmental pollution control in this catchment. So it should be to improved nutrient management strategies for the agricultural non-point source pollution control in irrigation districts, especially for the Hongchaojiang and Hepu irrigation districts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change on Hydrology, Water Quality and Ecology)

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16 pages, 5542 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Responses of Vegetation Cover to Environmental Change in Large Cities of China

by Kai Jin, Fei Wang and Pengfei Li

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010270 - 20 Jan 2018

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 6987

Abstract

Vegetation cover is crucial for the sustainability of urban ecosystems; however, this cover has been undergoing substantial changes in cities. Based on climate data, city statistical data, nighttime light data and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset, we investigate the spatiotemporal variations [...] Read more.

Vegetation cover is crucial for the sustainability of urban ecosystems; however, this cover has been undergoing substantial changes in cities. Based on climate data, city statistical data, nighttime light data and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset, we investigate the spatiotemporal variations of climate factors, urban lands and vegetation cover in 71 large cities of China during 1998–2012, and explore their correlations. A regression model between growing-season NDVI (G-NDVI) and urban land proportion (PU) is built to quantify the impact of urbanization on vegetation cover change. The results indicate that the spatiotemporal variations of temperature, precipitation, PU and G-NDVI are greatly different among the 71 cities which experienced rapid urbanization. The spatial difference of G-NDVI is closely related to diverse climate conditions, while the inter-annual variations of G-NDVI are less sensitive to climate changes. In addition, there is a negative correlation between G-NDVI trend and PU change, indicating vegetation cover in cities have been negatively impacted by urbanization. For most of the inland cities, the urbanization impacts on vegetation cover in urban areas are more severe than in suburban areas. But the opposite occurs in 17 cities mainly located in the coastal areas which have been undergoing the most rapid urbanization. Overall, the impacts of urbanization on G-NDVI change are estimated to be −0.026 per decade in urban areas and −0.015 per decade in suburban areas during 1998–2012. The long-term developments of cities would persist and continue to impact on the environmental change and sustainability. We use a 15-year window here as a case study, which implies the millennia of human effects on the natural biotas and warns us to manage landscapes and preserve ecological environments properly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Long-Term Perspective of Human Impact on Landscape for Environmental Change and Sustainability)

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13 pages, 1554 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Minimizing the Health Risks from Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soils by Using Electric Field-Based Treatment for Soil Remediation

by Irina Aura Istrate, Diana Mariana Cocârță, Zucheng Wu and Mihaela Alexandra Stoian

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010253 - 19 Jan 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5739

Abstract

The present work addresses the assessment of human health risk from soil contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) due to crude oil pollution, with a particular focus on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) group of carcinogenic and toxic substances. Given that the measured [...] Read more.

The present work addresses the assessment of human health risk from soil contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) due to crude oil pollution, with a particular focus on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) group of carcinogenic and toxic substances. Given that the measured risk for human health exceeded the accepted level, the study considered an electrochemical remediation method. The laboratory-scale experiments were conducted by using an electric field-based treatment as a possible solution for the remediation of contaminated soil. After 20 days of treatment, while the voltage applied was 15 V (specific voltage of 1 V/cm), the hydrocarbon content was significantly reduced. The parameters measured to determine the overall remediation efficiency were pH, redox potential, ionic strength, soil characteristics, voltage gradient, and zeta potential. The remediation degree observed during the experiments was around 50% for TPHs and 46% for PAHs. The applied remediation method resulted in significant removal efficiency of the tested contaminants from the soil. Consequently, the human health risk assessment for the new degree of contaminants in the soil was achieved. This data demonstrated to what extent the application of the remediation applied technology ensured an acceptable risk under the same exposure conditions for the industrial workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Risk Assessment and Management)

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17 pages, 1175 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Selective Collection Quality Index for Municipal Solid Waste Management

by Elena Cristina Rada, Claudio Zatelli, Lucian Ionel Cioca and Vincenzo Torretta

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010257 - 19 Jan 2018

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 10440

Abstract

Trentino (an Italian Province located in the northern part of the country) is equipped with a management system of municipal solid waste collection at the forefront. Among the most positive aspects, there is a great ability for waste separation at the source and [...] Read more.

Trentino (an Italian Province located in the northern part of the country) is equipped with a management system of municipal solid waste collection at the forefront. Among the most positive aspects, there is a great ability for waste separation at the source and a consequent low production of residual municipal solid waste for disposal. Latest data show a gross efficiency of selective collection that has recently reached 80%, one of the highest values in Italy. This study analyzed the “Trentino system” to identify the main elements that have been at the base of the current efficient model. This provided an opportunity to propose a selective collection quality index (SCQI), including collection efficiency for each fraction, method of collection, quality of the collected materials, presence of the punctual tariff and tourist incidence. A period relevant for the transition of the collection system to the recent one was chosen for the demonstrative adoption of the proposed indicators in order to determine the potential of the index adoption. Results of the analysis of this case study were obtained in a quantitative form thanks to the sub-parameters that characterize the proposed index. This allowed selected collection decision makers to focus intently on a territory to find criticalities to be solved. For instance, the use of the index and its sub-indicators in the case of Trentino identified and comparatively quantified the local problems resulting from the presence of a large museum in a small town, tourism peaks in some valleys, and a delay in the punctual tariff adoption. The index has been proposed with the aim to make available an integrated tool to analyze other areas in Italy and abroad. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Trends in Municipal Solid Waste Management)

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26 pages, 2715 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Estimating Forest Carbon Fluxes Using Machine Learning Techniques Based on Eddy Covariance Measurements

by Xianming Dou, Yongguo Yang and Jinhui Luo

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010203 - 17 Jan 2018

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 7446

Abstract

Approximating the complex nonlinear relationships that dominate the exchange of carbon dioxide fluxes between the biosphere and atmosphere is fundamentally important for addressing the issue of climate change. The progress of machine learning techniques has offered a number of useful tools for the [...] Read more.

Approximating the complex nonlinear relationships that dominate the exchange of carbon dioxide fluxes between the biosphere and atmosphere is fundamentally important for addressing the issue of climate change. The progress of machine learning techniques has offered a number of useful tools for the scientific community aiming to gain new insights into the temporal and spatial variation of different carbon fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) models were developed to predict the daily carbon fluxes in three boreal forest ecosystems based on eddy covariance (EC) measurements. Moreover, a comparison was made between the modeled values derived from these models and those of traditional artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) models. These models were also compared with multiple linear regression (MLR). Several statistical indicators, including coefficient of determination (R²), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), bias error (Bias) and root mean square error (RMSE) were utilized to evaluate the performance of the applied models. The results showed that the developed machine learning models were able to account for the most variance in the carbon fluxes at both daily and hourly time scales in the three stands and they consistently and substantially outperformed the MLR model for both daily and hourly carbon flux estimates. It was demonstrated that the ANFIS and ANN models provided similar estimates in the testing period with an approximate value of R² = 0.93, NSE = 0.91, Bias = 0.11 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ and RMSE = 1.04 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ for daily gross primary productivity, 0.94, 0.82, 0.24 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ and 0.72 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ for daily ecosystem respiration, and 0.79, 0.75, 0.14 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ and 0.89 g C m⁻² day⁻¹ for daily net ecosystem exchange, and slightly outperformed the GRNN and SVM models. In practical terms, however, the newly developed models (ANFIS and GRNN) are more robust and flexible, and have less parameters needed for selection and optimization in comparison with traditional ANN and SVM models. Consequently, they can be used as valuable tools to estimate forest carbon fluxes and fill the missing carbon flux data during the long-term EC measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forests as a Key Climate Solution)

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18 pages, 3356 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceProject Report

On the Sustainability and Progress of Energy Neutral Mineral Processing

by Frederik Reitsma, Peter Woods, Martin Fairclough, Yongjin Kim, Harikrishnan Tulsidas, Luis Lopez, Yanhua Zheng, Ahmed Hussein, Gerd Brinkmann, Nils Haneklaus, Anand Rao Kacham, Tumuluri Sreenivas, Agus Sumaryanto, Kurnia Trinopiawan, Nahhar Al Khaledi, Ahmad Zahari, Adil El Yahyaoui, Jamil Ahmad, Rolando Reyes, Katarzyna Kiegiel, Noureddine Abbes, Dennis Mwalongo and Eduardo D. Greaves Show full author list Hide full author list

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010235 - 17 Jan 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8634

Abstract

A number of primary ores such as phosphate rock, gold-, copper- and rare earth ores contain considerable amounts of accompanying uranium and other critical materials. Energy neutral mineral processing is the extraction of unconventional uranium during primary ore processing to use it, after [...] Read more.

A number of primary ores such as phosphate rock, gold-, copper- and rare earth ores contain considerable amounts of accompanying uranium and other critical materials. Energy neutral mineral processing is the extraction of unconventional uranium during primary ore processing to use it, after enrichment and fuel production, to generate greenhouse gas lean energy in a nuclear reactor. Energy neutrality is reached if the energy produced from the extracted uranium is equal to or larger than the energy required for primary ore processing, uranium extraction, -conversion, -enrichment and -fuel production. This work discusses the sustainability of energy neutral mineral processing and provides an overview of the current progress of a multinational research project on that topic conducted under the umbrella of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nuclear Waste Management and Sustainability of Nuclear Systems)

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21 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

From Waste Management to Component Management in the Construction Industry

by Colin M. Rose and Julia A. Stegemann

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010229 - 17 Jan 2018

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 15883

Abstract

The construction industry uses more resources and produces more waste than any other industrial sector; sustainable development depends on the reduction of both, while providing for a growing global population. The reuse of existing building components could support this goal. However, it is [...] Read more.

The construction industry uses more resources and produces more waste than any other industrial sector; sustainable development depends on the reduction of both, while providing for a growing global population. The reuse of existing building components could support this goal. However, it is difficult to reclaim components from demolition, and materials remain cheap compared with labour, so new approaches are needed for reuse to be implemented beyond niche projects. This study therefore reviews waste interventions. Multiple case studies, spanning new builds and refurbishment, were undertaken to examine systemic mechanisms that lead to components being discarded. Evidence from fieldwork observations, waste documentation, and interviews indicates that the generators of unwanted components effectively decide their fate, and a failure to identify components in advance, uncertainty over usefulness, the perception of cost and programme risk in reclamation, and the preferential order of the waste hierarchy mean that the decision to discard to waste management goes unchallenged. A triage process is proposed to capture timely information about existing building components to be discarded, make this information visible to a wide community, and determine usefulness by focusing creativity already present in the industry on an exhaustive examination of component reusability and upcyclability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Trends in Municipal Solid Waste Management)

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16 pages, 4978 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainability of the Reanalysis Databases in Predicting the Wind and Wave Power along the European Coasts

by Florin Onea and Eugen Rusu

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010193 - 15 Jan 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4038

Abstract

In the present work, the wind and wave conditions in the European nearshore are assessed considering a total of 118 years of data, covering the time interval from 1900 to 2017. In this context, special attention has been given to the western European [...] Read more.

In the present work, the wind and wave conditions in the European nearshore are assessed considering a total of 118 years of data, covering the time interval from 1900 to 2017. In this context, special attention has been given to the western European coasts that are facing the ocean. In order to do this, the reanalysis data coming from three state-of-the-art databases (ERA Interim, ERA20C, and NCEP) were processed. Furthermore, a more complete picture was provided by also including the satellite measurements coming from the AVISO (Archiving, Validation and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic Data) project in the analysis. From this perspective, the distribution of the two marine energy resources was discussed, which throughout energetic maps—and further, on some specific reference sites—were defined at a distance of 50 km from the shore for more detailed analysis and comparison. As expected, the places located in the vicinity of the United Kingdom present more important energy resources, but some other interesting sites were also highlighted. Furthermore, although each dataset is defined by particular features, there is a similar pattern in the identification of the sites’ attractiveness, regardless of the database considered for assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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17 pages, 12440 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatially Explicit Assessment of Agricultural Water Equilibrium in the Korean Peninsula

by Chul-Hee Lim, Yuyoung Choi, Moonil Kim, Soo Jeong Lee, Christian Folberth and Woo-Kyun Lee

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010201 - 15 Jan 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4927

Abstract

In agriculture, balancing water use and retention is an issue dealt with in most regions and for many crops. In this study, we suggest agricultural water equilibrium (AWE) as a new concept that can facilitate a spatially explicit management of agricultural water. This [...] Read more.

In agriculture, balancing water use and retention is an issue dealt with in most regions and for many crops. In this study, we suggest agricultural water equilibrium (AWE) as a new concept that can facilitate a spatially explicit management of agricultural water. This concept is based on the principle of supply and demand of agricultural water, where the virtual water content of crops (VWC) can be defined as the demand, and cropland water budget (CWB) as the supply. For assessing the AWE of the Korean Peninsula, we quantified the CWB based on the hydrological cycle and the VWC of rice, a key crop in the Peninsula. Five factors, namely crop yield, growing season evapotranspiration, annual evapotranspiration, runoff, and annual precipitation, were used to assess the AWE, of which the first four were estimated using the spatially explicit large-scale crop model, Geographical Information System (GIS)-based Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (GEPIC). The CWB and VWC were calculated for a period of three decades, and the AWE was computed by deducting the VWC from the CWB. Our results show a latitudinal difference across the Korean Peninsula. On analyzing the AWE of the major river basins, we found most basins in North Korea showed very low values inferring unsustainable overconsumption of water. The latitudinal difference in AWE is a reflectance of the latitudinal changes in the VWC and CWB. This can be explained by decoupling the demand and supply of agricultural water. Although the AWE values presented in this study were not absolute, the values were sufficient to explain the latitudinal change, and the demand and supply of agricultural water, and establish the usefulness of the indicator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Irrigation for the Future: Addressing the Challenges to Improved Water Use Efficiency)

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18 pages, 4533 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Variations of Ecosystem Service Value in Response to Land-Use Change in the Kashgar Region, Northwest China

by Aynur Mamat, Ümüt Halik and Aihemaitijiang Rouzi

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010200 - 15 Jan 2018

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 6275

Abstract

Increasing anthropogenic activities have significantly altered ecosystems in arid oasis regions. Estimating the impact on a wide range of ecosystem services is important for decision making and the sustainable development of these regions. This study analyzed time-series Landsat data to determine the influences [...] Read more.

Increasing anthropogenic activities have significantly altered ecosystems in arid oasis regions. Estimating the impact on a wide range of ecosystem services is important for decision making and the sustainable development of these regions. This study analyzed time-series Landsat data to determine the influences of oasis land-use changes on the ecosystem services in the Kashgar region in Northwest China. The following results were found. The total value of the ecosystem services in the Kashgar region were approximately $10,845.3, $11,218.6, $10,291.7, and $10,127.3 million in 1986, 1996, 2005, and 2015, respectively. The water supply, waste treatment, biodiversity protection, and recreation and cultural services were the four ecosystem services with the highest service value, contributing 77.05% of the total ecosystem services. The combined contribution rate of food production and raw material value was only about 4.02%, relatively small. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the estimated total ecosystem service value (ESV) for this study area was relatively inelastic with respect to the value coefficients. The findings of this study will be crucial for maintaining the stability and sustainable development of the oasis region, where socio-economic development and the integrity of the natural ecosystem complement each other. Furthermore, the results provide a scientific basis for decision makers in land use management, and provide a reference for researchers in the Northwest China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Defining and Assessing Landscape and Urban Sustainability: Linking Spatial Patterns, Ecosystems Services, and Human Wellbeing)

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20 pages, 1572 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Sustainable Seafood Movement Is a Governance Concert, with the Audience Playing a Key Role

by Kate Barclay and Alice Miller

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010180 - 12 Jan 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 11041

Abstract

Private standards, including ecolabels, have been posed as a governance solution for the global fisheries crisis. The conventional logic is that ecolabels meet consumer demand for certified “sustainable” seafood, with “good” players rewarded with price premiums or market share and “bad” players punished [...] Read more.

Private standards, including ecolabels, have been posed as a governance solution for the global fisheries crisis. The conventional logic is that ecolabels meet consumer demand for certified “sustainable” seafood, with “good” players rewarded with price premiums or market share and “bad” players punished by reduced sales. Empirically, however, in the markets where ecolabeling has taken hold, retailers and brands—rather than consumers—are demanding sustainable sourcing, to build and protect their reputation. The aim of this paper is to devise a more accurate logic for understanding the sustainable seafood movement, using a qualitative literature review and reflection on our previous research. We find that replacing the consumer-driven logic with a retailer/brand-driven logic does not go far enough in making research into the sustainable seafood movement more useful. Governance is a “concert” and cannot be adequately explained through individual actor groups. We propose a new logic going beyond consumer- or retailer/brand-driven models, and call on researchers to build on the partial pictures given by studies on prices and willingness-to-pay, investigating more fully the motivations of actors in the sustainable seafood movement, and considering audience beyond the direct consumption of the product in question. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seafood Sustainability - Series I)

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18 pages, 1591 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Governance Challenges in an Eastern Indonesian Forest Landscape

by Rebecca A. Riggs, James D. Langston, Chris Margules, Agni Klintuni Boedhihartono, Han She Lim, Dwi Amalia Sari, Yazid Sururi and Jeffrey Sayer

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010169 - 11 Jan 2018

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 7779

Abstract

Integrated approaches to natural resource management are often undermined by fundamental governance weaknesses. We studied governance of a forest landscape in East Lombok, Indonesia. Forest Management Units (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan or KPH) are an institutional mechanism used in Indonesia for coordinating the management [...] Read more.

Integrated approaches to natural resource management are often undermined by fundamental governance weaknesses. We studied governance of a forest landscape in East Lombok, Indonesia. Forest Management Units (Kesatuan Pengelolaan Hutan or KPH) are an institutional mechanism used in Indonesia for coordinating the management of competing sectors in forest landscapes, balancing the interests of government, business, and civil society. Previous reviews of KPHs indicate they are not delivering their potential benefits due to an uncertain legal mandate and inadequate resources. We utilized participatory methods with a broad range of stakeholders in East Lombok to examine how KPHs might improve institutional arrangements to better meet forest landscape goals. We find that KPHs are primarily limited by insufficient integration with other actors in the landscape. Thus, strengthened engagement with other institutions, as well as civil society, is required. Although new governance arrangements that allow for institutional collaboration and community engagement are needed in the long term, there are steps that the East Lombok KPH can take now. Coordinating institutional commitments and engaging civil society to reconcile power asymmetries and build consensus can help promote sustainable outcomes. Our study concludes that improved multi-level, polycentric governance arrangements between government, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society are required to achieve sustainable landscapes in Lombok. The lessons from Lombok can inform forest landscape governance improvements throughout Indonesia and the tropics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Landscape Management)

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15 pages, 3265 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Status of and Perspectives on River Restoration in Europe: 310,000 Euros per Hectare of Restored River

by Ewelina Szałkiewicz, Szymon Jusik and Mateusz Grygoruk

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010129 - 8 Jan 2018

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 7211

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to analyze the available data on river restoration projects in Europe. As the framework of our study, we conducted a structured international survey. We asked selected entities and experts from among those responsible for river restoration [...] Read more.

The purpose of the present research was to analyze the available data on river restoration projects in Europe. As the framework of our study, we conducted a structured international survey. We asked selected entities and experts from among those responsible for river restoration in European countries about the details and costs of European Union river restoration projects. We examined 119 river restoration projects that were implemented in Europe between 1989 and 2016; during the collection of data, some of the projects were still ongoing. Based upon the collected data we observed that the number of river restoration projects has been increasing since 1989, which expresses society’s growing interest in improving the quality of aquatic environments. We revealed that 56% of these European river restoration projects have been implemented by dedicated entities and stakeholders, not as part of any structured, larger-scale river restoration policy. This indicates that most European countries do not have integrated plans for river restoration. Our analysis showed that 52% of the projects analyzed have been designed and implemented without the participation of local stakeholders. It also showed that the budgets for river restoration projects did not differ significantly across various time horizons from 1989 to 2016. In our study, the average cost of restoring 1 ha of an European river was 310,000 euros (EUR). Considering these projects’ permanent assets and including their amortization, we calculated the average unit price of a river restoration’s value in terms of ecosystem meta-service to be 7757 EUR·ha⁻¹·year⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources Economics)

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18 pages, 14239 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Estimation of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Generated by Building and Traffic in Taichung City

by Chou-Tsang Chang and Tzu-Ping Lin

Sustainability 2018, 10(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010112 - 5 Jan 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5383

Abstract

The emissions of carbon dioxide generated by urban traffic is generally reflected by urban size. In order to discuss the traffic volume generated in developed buildings and road crossings in a single urban block, with the metropolitan area in Taichung, Taiwan as an [...] Read more.

The emissions of carbon dioxide generated by urban traffic is generally reflected by urban size. In order to discuss the traffic volume generated in developed buildings and road crossings in a single urban block, with the metropolitan area in Taichung, Taiwan as an example, this study calculates the mutual relationship between the carbon dioxide generated by the traffic volume and building development scale, in order to research energy consumption and relevance. In this research, the entire-day traffic volume of an important road crossing is subject to statistical analysis to obtain the prediction formula of total passenger car units in the main road crossing within 24 h. Then, the total CO₂ emissions generated by the traffic volume in the entire year is calculated according to the investigation data of peak traffic hours within 16 blocks and the influential factors of the development scale of 95 buildings are counted. Finally, this research found that there is a passenger car unit of 4.72 generated in each square meter of land in the urban block every day, 0.99 in each square meter of floor area in the building and the average annual total CO₂ emissions of each passenger car unit is 41.4 kgCO₂/yr. In addition, the basic information of an integrated road system and traffic volume is used to present a readable urban traffic hot map, which can calculate a distribution map of passenger car units within one day in Taichung. This research unit can be used to forecast the development scale of various buildings in future urban blocks, in order to provide an effective approach to estimate the carbon dioxide generated by the traffic volume. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environment and Urban Growth Management)

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