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Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 6381

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Carlos Mestanza-Ramón

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Sciences, Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador
Interests: environmental impacts; biodiversity conservation; environmental sustainability; water and soil pollution; tourism; environmental management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental problems, such as climate change, deforestation and pollution, threaten the stability of ecosystems and human health. Sustainability is presented as a key solution, seeking to balance economic development with environmental protection, promoting responsible practices to ensure a viable future for generations to come. In this sense, and out of concern for knowing the reality of the anthropic relationship with ecosystems, we invite researchers, academics and professionals in this field to submit manuscripts for publication in a Special Issue focused on issues of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. This Special Issue will compile innovative, multidisciplinary studies that address current challenges and solutions related to mitigating the global environmental crisis.

Environmental protection and biodiversity conservation are essential for human and planetary well-being. In this context, this Special Issue will focus on research that explores everything from species and ecosystem conservation strategies to sustainable natural resource management practices, as well as effective public policies and community approaches that promote harmony between development and environmental preservation. It will also highlight advances in clean technologies and innovative solutions to problems such as climate change, deforestation, pollution and habitat loss.

This Special Issue is aimed at researchers advancing environmental sustainability through integrative practices, both locally and globally. We welcome papers that address case studies, new methodologies, public policy analysis, responsible business initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations for the environment. We also welcome contributions that address environmental education and social awareness as essential tools for change.

This Special Issue will bring together original research and innovative approaches that address the current challenges of environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, thus promoting practical and effective solutions to mitigate environmental impacts, strengthen ecosystem resilience and foster sustainable development globally.

We look forward to receiving manuscripts that offer original perspectives, practical solutions and innovative approaches to move towards a more sustainable future. The purpose of this Special Issue is to enable academic dialogue that promotes concrete actions for the preservation of the planet and the promotion of biodiversity in an increasingly interconnected world in the following areas:

  • Environmental impacts on ecosystems;
  • Biodiversity conservation and protection;
  • Tourism, environment and biodiversity;
  • Environmental sustainability and climate change;
  • Environmental pollution;
  • Environmental problems in coastal and marine areas.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Mestanza-Ramón
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental impacts
  • biodiversity conservation
  • environmental sustainability
  • pollution
  • tourism
  • environmental management

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3657 KiB  
Article
Bioaccumulation and Tolerance of Metals in Floristic Species of the High Andean Wetlands of the Ichubamba Yasepan Protected Area: Identification of Groups and Discriminant Markers
by Diego Francisco Cushquicullma-Colcha, María Verónica González-Cabrera, Cristian Santiago Tapia-Ramírez, Marcela Yolanda Brito-Mancero, Edmundo Danilo Guilcapi-Pacheco, Guicela Margoth Ati-Cutiupala, Pedro Vicente Vaca-Cárdenas, Eduardo Antonio Muñoz-Jácome and Maritza Lucía Vaca-Cárdenas
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6805; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156805 (registering DOI) - 26 Jul 2025
Abstract
The Ichubamba Yasepan wetlands, in the Andean páramos of Ecuador, suffer heavy metal contamination due to anthropogenic activities and volcanic ash from Sangay, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the bioaccumulation and tolerance of metals in high Andean species through [...] Read more.
The Ichubamba Yasepan wetlands, in the Andean páramos of Ecuador, suffer heavy metal contamination due to anthropogenic activities and volcanic ash from Sangay, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the bioaccumulation and tolerance of metals in high Andean species through stratified random sampling and linear transects in two altitudinal ranges. Concentrations of Cr, Pb, Hg, As, and Fe in water and the tissues of eight dominant plant species were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, calculating bioaccumulation indices (BAIs) and applying principal component analysis (PCA), clustering, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Twenty-five species from 14 families were identified, predominantly Poaceae and Cyperaceae, with Calamagrostis intermedia as the most relevant (IVI = 12.74). The water exceeded regulatory limits for As, Cr, Fe, and Pb, indicating severe contamination. Carex bonplandii showed a high BAI for Cr (47.8), Taraxacum officinale and Plantago australis for Pb, and Lachemilla orbiculata for Hg, while Fe was widely accumulated. The LDA highlighted differences based on As and Pb, suggesting physiological adaptations. Pollution threatens biodiversity and human health, but C. bonplandii and L. orbiculata have phytoremediation potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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22 pages, 9346 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Disinfection Efficiency of Chlorine and Bromine-Based Biocides for Marine Biofouling
by Susan N. James, Alya Ahmed Alteneiji, Ameera Badr Alteneiji, Fatema Mohammed Alharmi, Noura Hatem Al Balushi, Shahad K. Hassooni, Ashraf Aly Hassan and Mohamed A. Hamouda
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4262; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104262 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 487
Abstract
Marine biofouling is a significant challenge for industries that rely on seawater. This study examined the effect of structural materials, carbon concentration, and salinity on biofilm formation. Furthermore, it compares the disinfection efficiency of chlorine (NaClO) and bromine (NaBr) biocides and attempts to [...] Read more.
Marine biofouling is a significant challenge for industries that rely on seawater. This study examined the effect of structural materials, carbon concentration, and salinity on biofilm formation. Furthermore, it compares the disinfection efficiency of chlorine (NaClO) and bromine (NaBr) biocides and attempts to identify their optimal dosing. Among tested materials, PVC exhibited the highest microbial attachment (40%), followed by plastic (30%) and concrete (23%). Biofilm attachment and growth increased with higher concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), which depends upon the seawater’s salinity. The simultaneous reduction of salinity and TOC concentration further enhanced the biofilm attachment and growth. A strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.98 and p = 0.003) was found between the initial cell count of seawater and biofilm formation. Disinfection experiments showed that NaBr (97.36%) was slightly more effective than NaClO (95.83%). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) identified optimal disinfection conditions: 0.6 mg/L biocide concentration and 138 min dosing period. Generally, there are three strategies for reducing biofilm growth: selecting appropriate materials, controlling carbon concentrations, or optimizing concentrations and dosing periods with biocides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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15 pages, 1619 KiB  
Article
Oil Palm Bagasse as a Treatment for Soils Contaminated with Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
by Jennifer Alexandra Orejuela-Romero, Luis Miguel Santillán-Quiroga, Zayda Vanessa Herrera Cuadrado, Daniel Alejandro Heredia Jara, María Soledad Núñez Moreno, Marcos Barahona, Seleni Prado and Michelle Elisa Zurita Ordóñez
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020422 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1349
Abstract
Soil contamination from oil spills in the canton of Francisco de Orellana in Ecuador is the biggest contamination problem in the region. It affects the quality of resources and poses health risks to the surrounding communities. To find an economical and efficient alternative [...] Read more.
Soil contamination from oil spills in the canton of Francisco de Orellana in Ecuador is the biggest contamination problem in the region. It affects the quality of resources and poses health risks to the surrounding communities. To find an economical and efficient alternative for the remediation of soils contaminated with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), the application of oil palm bagasse was proposed. This is a locally available industrial waste. The methodology of the study was based on the application of six treatments (G-A, G-B, O-A, O-B, M-A, M-B) belonging to the bagasse of Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera, in two percentages of concentration, 98:2 and 96:4, during a period of 20 days. To determine the efficacy of the treatments, the bagasse of the two palms was characterized. In addition, the initial physicochemical characterization of the soil and the final characterization after the treatments were carried out. Soil characterization included analyses of macronutrients, micronutrients, metals, pH, EC and TPH. The results of the initial characterization revealed that the concentrations of electrical conductivity and TPH were more than 70 and 50 times the values established in the 97-A ministerial agreement, respectively. However, after the final characterization, the effectiveness of the treatments in reducing metal concentrations was observed. Likewise, conductivity levels were reduced by more than 10 times. As for TPH, the G-B treatment stood out by achieving a 56% removal of this pollutant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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12 pages, 5442 KiB  
Article
Influence of Altitude and Climatic Factors on the Floristic Composition of the Moorlands of the Guamote Canton, Ecuador: Key Revelations for Conservation
by Diego Francisco Cushquicullma-Colcha, Guicela Margoth Ati-Cutiupala, Edmundo Danilo Guilcapi-Pacheco, Juan Federico Villacis-Uvidia, Marcela Yolanda Brito-Mancero, Pedro Vicente Vaca-Cárdenas, Martha Marisol Vasco-Lucio, Eduardo Antonio Muñoz-Jácome and Maritza Lucia Vaca-Cárdenas
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020383 - 7 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 994
Abstract
The Andean paramos are unique and biodiverse environments. Located between the upper limit of forest and perpetual snow, they provide ecosystem services, especially freshwater supply; however, anthropogenic activities and climate change have altered their distribution and composition. This paper analyses the influence of [...] Read more.
The Andean paramos are unique and biodiverse environments. Located between the upper limit of forest and perpetual snow, they provide ecosystem services, especially freshwater supply; however, anthropogenic activities and climate change have altered their distribution and composition. This paper analyses the influence of altitude and climatic factors on the floristic composition of the páramos. A quasi-experimental study was used in three altitudinal gradients, collecting geolocalised data on species and bioclimatic variables. Principal component analysis, using the HJ-Biplot visualisation technique and k-means clustering algorithms, was applied to explore the relationships between factors. It was determined that the lower zone is nuanced by the presence of Solanaceae, which are important for human food. In the middle zone, there is a high diversity, with the Ericaceae and Caprifoliaceae families standing out, while in the upper zone, the Ericaceae and Gentianaceae families are accentuated. The PCA reveals that strata 2 and 3 share family taxa, while stratum 1 shows differences. Altitude and precipitation directly influence the distribution of species in each stratum; the Asteraceae family is dominant in the canton for its contribution to the principal components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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Review

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29 pages, 18081 KiB  
Review
Evolution Trends and Future Prospects in Artificial Marine Reef Research: A 28-Year Bibliometric Analysis
by Haoran Bao, Anna Nikolaeva, Jun Xia and Feng Ma
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010184 - 29 Dec 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2397
Abstract
Under growing recognition of the need to restore marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources, this research delves into an analysis of studies on artificial reefs in the marine environment spanning from 1996 to 2024 to explore how they have [...] Read more.
Under growing recognition of the need to restore marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources, this research delves into an analysis of studies on artificial reefs in the marine environment spanning from 1996 to 2024 to explore how they have evolved in supporting biodiversity growth and fishery management while also promoting ecosystem sustainability over time. Using tools like CiteSpace 6.3. R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.18, a total of 586 research publications were examined to pinpoint authors, current trends in research, and emerging focal points. This study highlights the roles played by countries such as the United States, China, and Australia, as well as esteemed institutions, like NOAA and the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences leading the field. In this field of study, there are topics like restoring the environment to its natural state and making fisheries more sustainable by creating habitats with diverse structures and elements; this shows how artificial reef research involves different areas of expertise working together for a common goal. The findings suggest a trend towards using tools such as ecofriendly materials and 3D printing to improve the design and ecological functionality of reefs. However, some challenges still exist, such as conducting assessments on the long-term effects on the environment and finding a balance between promoting biodiversity and meeting the needs of people in terms of economic aspects. This research highlights the importance of countries working together and adapting their strategies to ensure that artificial reefs play a role in protecting marine life and using ocean resources in a sustainable way. By charting out the existing knowledge landscape, this study lays the groundwork for research endeavors focused on tackling these obstacles and propelling the field forward. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development)
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