Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.5
3.4
Journals
Water
Special Issues
Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate
share announcement

Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 9077

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jianghua Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Science and the Environment, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
Interests: impacts of climate change and human disturbance on carbon cycling; greenhouse gas emissions in northern peatlands
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Wetland ecosystems are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Climate change is recognized as a major threat to wetland ecosystems. They can be impacted or even destroyed by drought, extreme precipitation or floods. Climate change also affects by increasing temperature, which in turn can alter ecosystem biogeochemistry.

Although wetlands are at risk of being seriously affected by climate change, they are an important component in the global carbon cycle, as they can modulate atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which contribute about 60%, 20% and 6% of global warming. In fact, they store more carbon than any other ecosystem on Earth.

This Special Issue highlights recent developments in the following areas of climate change and wetland ecosystems:

  • The effect of extreme climate change on the wetland ecosystem;
  • The role of wetlands in climate change mitigation through sequestration of greenhouse gases;
  • Measurements of carbon and nitrogen fluxes across different types of wetland ecosystems.

Simulation of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions across different types of wetland ecosystems and how they respond to climate change.

Prof. Dr. Jianghua Wu
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. Water 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 2600 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

  • wetland ecosystems
  • climate change
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • elemental cycling
  • biogeochemical processes
  • hydrology

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 6918 KiB  
Article
Water–Rock–Organic Matter Interactions in Wetland Ecosystem: Hydrogeochemical Investigation and Computer Modeling
by Olga Shvartseva, Olga Gaskova, Andrey Yurtaev, Anatoly Boguslavsky, Marina Kolpakova and Daria Mashkova
Water 2024, 16(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030428 - 28 Jan 2024
Viewed by 720
Abstract
This work investigates how peatlands can be used as archives of past environmental conditions to record changes in atmospheric deposition of some (especially lithophile and chalcophile) elements and any water–rock–organic matter interactions followed by the sedimentation or leaching of others. We have provided [...] Read more.
This work investigates how peatlands can be used as archives of past environmental conditions to record changes in atmospheric deposition of some (especially lithophile and chalcophile) elements and any water–rock–organic matter interactions followed by the sedimentation or leaching of others. We have provided a detailed description of both the distribution of various groups of elements and their chemical species in the entire depth of peat deposits. The study analyzes the features of the peat sediment formation and element distribution in the 0–310 cm depth core sample of peat deposits of the Ubinskoye peat bog located in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. The study reveals a profound diagenetic transformation of water and peat chemical composition. Element speciation investigated using the modified Tessier sequential extraction procedure showed the vertical transition of an oxidative geochemical environment to a reducing one with the formation of geochemical barriers for variably valent elements. Computer modeling calculations of saturation indices of pore solutions in relation to a number of minerals allowed us to estimate the degree of equilibrium of the system and the direction of its transformation. Early diagenetic processes lead to the deposition of authigenic minerals. Therefore, barite forms on the redox line, while pyrite is found in the reducing environment. With depth, the content of Ca, Mg and Sr increases, which leads to the formation of authigenic carbonates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5741 KiB  
Article
Catchment-Scale Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis in Two Coastal Ramsar Sites in Ghana, Using Remote Sensing
by Nii Amarquaye Commey, Jun Magome, Hiroshi Ishidaira and Kazuyoshi Souma
Water 2023, 15(20), 3568; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15203568 - 12 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1069
Abstract
Coastal wetlands are complex ecosystems that support biodiversity. They provide many benefits, including flood mitigation and sustenance for communities. The unique characteristics of wetlands make them vulnerable to natural and human-induced disturbances. Numerous factors, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and climate change, add to this [...] Read more.
Coastal wetlands are complex ecosystems that support biodiversity. They provide many benefits, including flood mitigation and sustenance for communities. The unique characteristics of wetlands make them vulnerable to natural and human-induced disturbances. Numerous factors, including industrialisation, urbanisation, and climate change, add to this phenomenon. The activities that threaten coastal wetlands in the world are relevant to coastal wetlands in Ghana. The Songor and Sakumo wetland catchments are international ecosystems endangered by land modifications and sea level rise. There are gaps in the body of knowledge that need investigation as regards underlying processes and transformation. This study assessed land use and land cover (LULC) changes between 1990 and 2020. The study used geospatial techniques and intensity analysis. LULC change results were from Landsat images (1990, 2000, 2011, and 2020). These changes were attributed to an increase in human activities. Changes in the Sakumo wetland catchment fell more into human-induced LULC categories, and vice versa for the Songor wetland catchment. The study recommends comprehensive methods of LULC change analysis. This would enhance biodiversity and allow the sustainable usage of wetland resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4006 KiB  
Article
Significant Daily CO2 Source–Sink Interchange in an Urbanizing Lake in Southwest China
by Rongjie Yang, Yingying Chen, Di Li, Yuling Qiu, Kezhu Lu, Shiliang Liu and Huixing Song
Water 2023, 15(19), 3365; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15193365 - 25 Sep 2023
Viewed by 837
Abstract
Inland lake water–air interfaces, particularly the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), have become key parameters in the study of global carbon cycle changes. However, there are few studies on short-term daily variations in pCO2 in urbanizing [...] Read more.
Inland lake water–air interfaces, particularly the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), have become key parameters in the study of global carbon cycle changes. However, there are few studies on short-term daily variations in pCO2 in urbanizing lakes. The fluctuations in pCO2 and CO2 fluxes (fCO2) were monitored biweekly on-site for pCO2 assessments during daytime hours (7:00–17:00 CST) from January to September 2020 in an urbanizing lake located in Southwest China. We found a pronounced and uninterrupted decline in the average levels of pCO2 and fCO2 from 7:00 to 17:00 CST. Notably, the mornings (7:00–12:00 CST) exhibited substantially elevated pCO2 and fCO2 values compared to the afternoons. Specifically, compared to 7:00, the mean pCO2 and fCO2 at 17:00 CST decreased by ca. 74% and 112%, respectively. The average daytime pCO2 was 707 ± 642 μatm, significantly higher than the typical atmospheric CO2 levels of 380–420 μatm, while the average pCO2 on 9 January, 1 April, and 27 July was lower than typical atmospheric CO2. Each month, all water environmental parameters showed significant differences. pCO2 and fCO2 reached maximums in September; water temperature and turbidity significantly increased; and pH, dissolved oxygen and transparency markedly decreased. Additionally, the correlation between pCO2 and environmental factors demonstrated that the nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen, pH, and transparency/turbidity had significant roles in CO2 dynamics in this lake. Therefore, this urbanizing lake could serve as a CO2 source and sink during the daytime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2385 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (Ksat) Estimations from Pedotransfer Functions (PTFs) and Field Observations in Riparian Seasonal Wetlands
by Bidisha Faruque Abesh and Jason A. Hubbart
Water 2023, 15(15), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15152711 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1216
Abstract
Accurate saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) predictions are critical for precise water flow estimations. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) have been used to estimate Ksat based on soil structural and textural properties. However, PTF accuracy must be validated with observed Ksat values to improve confidence in [...] Read more.
Accurate saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) predictions are critical for precise water flow estimations. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) have been used to estimate Ksat based on soil structural and textural properties. However, PTF accuracy must be validated with observed Ksat values to improve confidence in model predictions. A study was conducted in the seasonal wetlands of a representative mixed land-use watershed in West Virginia (WV), USA. The observed data included soil characteristics and observed piezometric Ksat using slug tests. Soil texture was predominantly sandy, and the observed average Ksat ranged from 35.90 to 169.64 m/d. The average bulk dry density (bdry) increased, while porosity and volumetric water content decreased significantly with a depth to 45 cm (p < 0.05). The degree of saturation varied significantly between monitoring sites (p < 0.05). A Pearson correlation matrix and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that Ksat was more connected to soil textural properties, specifically clay. Single parameter PTFs that estimated Ksat as a function of clay content performed better (ME = −90.19 m/d, RMSE = 102.87 m/d) than the PTFs that used silt or sand percentages (ME= −96.86 m/d, RMSE = 108.77). However, all five PTFs predicted Ksat with low accuracy (RMSE > 100 m/d), emphasizing the need to calibrate existing PTFs with observed data or develop site-specific PTFs. These results provide valuable insights into Ksat estimation in riparian wetlands of mixed land-use watersheds and are a helpful reference for land managers and future work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1522 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on the Decomposition Process of Plant Litter in Wetlands: A Review
by Xinyu Zhou, Kun Dong, Yukun Tang, Haoyu Huang, Guosen Peng and Dunqiu Wang
Water 2023, 15(18), 3246; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183246 - 12 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2761
Abstract
Wetland is a transitional area where terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems interact and influence each other, and it is an important ecosystem on the Earth’s surface. Due to the special characteristics of wetland ecology, the decomposition of wetland plant litter is slightly different [...] Read more.
Wetland is a transitional area where terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems interact and influence each other, and it is an important ecosystem on the Earth’s surface. Due to the special characteristics of wetland ecology, the decomposition of wetland plant litter is slightly different from litter in forests, grasslands, and meadows and other traditional areas. The role of litter mineralization in the wetland ecological C cycle and the functional role of plant litter have been neglected. This study analyzes the decomposition mechanism and decomposition model of wetland litter material and focuses on the effects of the decomposition process of wetland litter material on the structure of the soil fauna community, decomposition of soil organic matter, sediment properties, and the dynamic changes in the C cycle of the biological system by combining domestic and international studies from recent years. Finally, we propose that the direction of future research on wetland litter decomposition should be to reveal the mechanism of wetland biodiversity and ecology, as well as the ecological correlation between aboveground and belowground biodiversity, with a view to providing a decision-making basis for wetland phytoremediation and wetland wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 438 KiB  
Review
Assessing the Landscape Ecological Health (LEH) of Wetlands: Research Content and Evaluation Methods (2000–2022)
by Rongjie Yang, Yingying Chen, Yuling Qiu, Kezhu Lu, Xurui Wang, Gaoyuan Sun, Qiuge Liang, Huixing Song and Shiliang Liu
Water 2023, 15(13), 2410; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15132410 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2002
Abstract
Wetlands are often referred to as the Earth’s kidneys. However, wetlands worldwide are still negatively affected due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of wetland landscape ecological health (WLEH). Based on this background, we analyzed and compared the conceptual definitions, research progress, contents [...] Read more.
Wetlands are often referred to as the Earth’s kidneys. However, wetlands worldwide are still negatively affected due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of wetland landscape ecological health (WLEH). Based on this background, we analyzed and compared the conceptual definitions, research progress, contents (in terms of structural, functional, and process health), and methods (indicator species approach, ecological integrity assessment, conceptual model evaluation including the vigor–organization–resilience (VOR), pressure–state–response (PSR), and ecological feature–function–socioeconomic (EFFS) models, and water–gas CO2 calculation) over the past 20 years (2000–2022). Moreover, the concept definition and research progress of ecosystem health (EH) and landscape ecological health (LEH) and WLEH research outlook were analyzed. In this study, it was shown that WLEH could be considered a LEH subset, while the LEH is a specific EH perspective. These three concepts share a common focus on ecosystem conditions, functions, and services while considering ecological processes and habitat characteristics. However, they differ in the scope and specific types of ecosystems considered. This review may provide references for ecological conservation and restoration of artificial and restored wetland landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Ecosystems—Functions and Use in a Changing Climate)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop