Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.0
3.0
Journals
Water
Special Issues
Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems
water-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Water Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 8845

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zhongqing Yan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
Interests: wetland ecosystem services; climate change; carbon cycle; microbiology; protection and restoration
Dr. Guopeng Liang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Interests: soil biogeochemistry; terrestrial carbon cycling; plant–soil–microbe interactions
Dr. Yingxin Shang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Center, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
Interests: remote sensing of optical properties and carbon cycle for inland water; water quality monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xueping Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China
Interests: carbon cycle in wetland; climate change; potential toxic elements

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, wetland ecosystems have faced increasing pressures from both climate change and human activities. The complex interplay of changing climatic patterns, alterations in precipitation, and rising global temperatures has significantly impacted wetland habitats. These natural environmental changes have disrupted the delicate balance of wetland material cycles and energy flows, resulting in biodiversity losses, alterations in habitat suitability, and disturbances in ecological functions. Additionally, human interventions such as intensified land-use conversion, unsustainable resource extraction, and pollution have exacerbated these impacts, compromising the health and resilience of wetland ecosystems.

The focus of this Special Issue is to deepen our understanding of the impacts of climate change and human activities on wetland ecosystems, while also exploring strategies to mitigate and address these challenges. Our aim is to provide crucial theoretical insights and practical solutions for the pollution control, conservation, and sustainable management of wetland resources. This Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews on a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Wetland material nutrient cycles and energy flows: Studies examining how climate change and anthropogenic activities influence the cycling of nutrients, water, productivity, and other essential materials within wetland plant and soil, as well as the dynamics of energy flow within these systems.
  • Effectiveness of wetland ecological conservation and restoration: Evaluations of various conservation measures and restoration projects aimed at revitalizing degraded wetlands, focusing on their success rates, challenges encountered, and long-term ecological impacts.
  • Wetland pollution and remediation projects: Research on the sources, types, and impacts of pollutants in wetlands, as well as innovative technologies and methodologies for their effective treatment and management.
  • Assessment of wetland ecosystem services: Comprehensive evaluations of the multiple services provided by wetlands, such as water purification, flood control, carbon sink function, biodiversity support, and cultural values, and the implications of their degradation for human societies and ecosystems.
  • Regulation of wetland hydrological processes: Exploring the relationship between wetland hydrology and ecological processes, simulating eco-hydrological regulation and constructing wetland eco-hydrological coupling models.
  • Wetland Greenhouse Gas (GHGs) fluxes: Focusing on greenhouse gas fluxes (CO2, N2O, and CH4) under global warming conditions and examining the environmental factors that control each GHG flux.
  • Wetland water environment quality: Investigations into the factors influencing the water quality of wetland ecosystems, including pollutant sources, nutrient loading, and hydrological dynamics, as well as strategies for monitoring, maintaining, and improving water quality in these vital ecosystems.

We welcome contributions that offer fresh perspectives, robust data, and actionable recommendations to foster a deeper understanding and promote sustainable stewardship of wetland ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

Dr. Zhongqing Yan
Dr. Guopeng Liang
Dr. Yingxin Shang
Dr. Xueping Wang
Guest Editors

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
  • ecosystem services and functions
  • protection and restoration
  • climate change and human activities
  • wetland hydrological processes
  • greenhouse gas (GHGs) fluxes
  • nutrient cycle and energy flow
  • water environment quality

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (8 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

12 pages, 2676 KB  
Article
The Dual Effect of Hematite-Amended Constructed Wetlands: Reducing the Toxicity of SMX Degradation Products and Increasing the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes
by Shiwen Zhang, Xin Zhang, Fengkai Sun, Chaoyu Li, Zhen Hu, Shuang Liang and Huijun Xie
Water 2025, 17(19), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17192850 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
Iron ore may enhance the treatment performance of antibiotics within constructed wetlands (CWs), but its effects on the toxicity of degradation products and antibiotic resistance genes require further investigation. This study investigated the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal efficiency, SMX degradation pathway, and dissemination of [...] Read more.
Iron ore may enhance the treatment performance of antibiotics within constructed wetlands (CWs), but its effects on the toxicity of degradation products and antibiotic resistance genes require further investigation. This study investigated the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal efficiency, SMX degradation pathway, and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (sul1 and sul2) linked to SMX in hematite-amended CW microcosms. Hematite, due to its large specific surface area and formation of high redox potential, promoted SMX removal (99.05–99.26%) by adsorption, thus enhancing microbial biodegradation. The addition of hematite increased SMX degradation pathways and simultaneously attenuated the ecotoxicity of intermediate products. However, hematite also stimulated the production of extracellular polymeric substances by microorganisms, enhancing cell–cell adhesion and increasing membrane permeability, ultimately leading to a rise in the abundance of sul1 and sul2. Therefore, although iron ore provides benefits in practical applications, the potential environmental risks it poses deserve serious consideration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5406 KB  
Article
Assessment of Wetlands in Liaoning Province, China
by Yu Zhang, Chunqiang Wang, Cunde Zheng, Yunlong He, Zhongqing Yan and Shaohan Wang
Water 2025, 17(19), 2827; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17192827 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
In recent years, under the dual pressures of climate change and human activities, wetlands in Liaoning Province, China, are increasingly threatened, raising concerns about regional ecological security. To better understand these changes, we developed a vulnerability assessment framework integrating a 30 m wetland [...] Read more.
In recent years, under the dual pressures of climate change and human activities, wetlands in Liaoning Province, China, are increasingly threatened, raising concerns about regional ecological security. To better understand these changes, we developed a vulnerability assessment framework integrating a 30 m wetland dataset (2000–2020) with multi-source environmental and socio-economic data. Using the XGBoost–SHAP model, we analyzed wetland spatiotemporal evolution, driving mechanisms, and ecological vulnerability. Results show the following: (1) ecosystem service functions exhibited significant spatiotemporal differentiation; carbon storage has generally increased, water conservation capacity has significantly improved in the northern region, while wind erosion control and soil retention functions have declined due to urban expansion and agricultural development; (2) driving factors had evolved dynamically, shifting from population density in the early period to increasing influences of precipitation, vegetation index, GDP, and wetland area in later years; (3) ecologically vulnerable areas demonstrated a pattern of fragmented patches coexisting with zonal distribution, forming a three-level spatial gradient of ecological vulnerability—high in the north, moderate in the central region, and low in the southeast. These findings demonstrate the cascading effects of natural and human drivers on wetland ecosystems, and provide a sound scientific basis for targeted conservation, ecological restoration, and adaptive management in Liaoning Province. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 7824 KB  
Article
Modeling Multi-Objective Synergistic Development Scenarios for Wetlands in the International Wetland City: A Case Study of Haikou, China
by Ye Cao, Rongli Ye, Shengtian Chen, Guang Fu and Hui Fu
Water 2025, 17(17), 2565; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17172565 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 909
Abstract
Wetland ecosystems are critical for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, underpinning climate regulation and sustainable development. Accurate prediction of wetland evolution is therefore essential for informed regional planning, particularly in International Wetland Cities. As one of the first designated International Wetland Cities, Haikou [...] Read more.
Wetland ecosystems are critical for biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, underpinning climate regulation and sustainable development. Accurate prediction of wetland evolution is therefore essential for informed regional planning, particularly in International Wetland Cities. As one of the first designated International Wetland Cities, Haikou exemplifies the intensifying pressures faced by coastal wetlands in rapidly urbanizing regions, balancing economic development imperatives with ecological conservation. This study addresses this challenge by employing the PLUS model to simulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of wetland evolution in Haikou from 2010 to 2030 under four distinct scenarios: Business-as-Usual (BAU), Ecological Conservation (EC), Economic Development (ED), and Multi-Objective Development (MOD). The integrated approach combines landscape pattern dynamics analysis, land-use transition matrices, and quantitative assessment of driving factor contributions. Key findings reveal significant historical wetland loss between 2010 and 2020 (21.01 km2), characterized by substantial declines in artificial wetlands (paddy fields: −14.43 km2; agricultural ponds: −8.99 km2) alongside resilient growth in natural wetlands (rivers: +2.70 km2; mangroves: +1.25 km2), highlighting fundamental trade-offs between economic and ecological priorities. Scenario projections indicate that unregulated development (ED) would exacerbate wetland loss (−26.33 km2; dynamic change rate: −0.61%), including unprecedented river fragmentation (−16.0%). Conversely, strict conservation (EC) achieves near net-zero wetland loss (−0.05%) but constrains economic development capacity by 24%. Critically, the MOD scenario demonstrates an effective balance, maintaining 86% of EC’s wetland preservation efficacy while satisfying 73% of ED’s development demand. This is achieved through strategic interventions including establishing wetland protection constraints and optimizing bidirectional land conversion rules, yielding synergistic benefits. Spatial analysis identifies key conflict hotspots such as Nandu River shoreline, Dongzhai Port mangroves, necessitating targeted management strategies aligned with the heterogeneity of driving factors. This study advances the framework for sustainable wetland governance by demonstrating how multi-objective spatial planning can transform ecological-economic trade-offs into synergistic co-benefits. It provides a transferable methodological approach for coastal cities in the Global South and other International Wetland City. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1211 KB  
Article
Sustainable Greywater Treatment in Jordan: The Role of Constructed Wetlands as Nature-Based Solutions
by Ahmed M. N. Masoud, Amani Alfarra, Alham W. Al-Shurafat and Sabrina Sorlini
Water 2025, 17(16), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162497 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1801
Abstract
Water scarcity in Jordan is intensifying, creating an urgent need for innovative approaches to maximize the use of nonconventional water resources, such as greywater treatment and reuse. This study presents a detailed analysis of the suitability of nature-based solutions (NbSs) for greywater treatment, [...] Read more.
Water scarcity in Jordan is intensifying, creating an urgent need for innovative approaches to maximize the use of nonconventional water resources, such as greywater treatment and reuse. This study presents a detailed analysis of the suitability of nature-based solutions (NbSs) for greywater treatment, with a focus on the application of horizontal flow constructed wetlands (HFCWs). Two systems were implemented to treat greywater generated from mosques located in Az-Zarqa Governorate, a dry region in Jordan. Following several months of operation, monitoring, and evaluation, the systems demonstrated high removal efficiencies: turbidity (>87%), total suspended solids (TSS) (>96%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (>91%), and five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5) (>85%). The eight-square-meter HFCW units successfully produced one cubic meter of treated greywater per day, meeting Jordanian standards for reclaimed greywater (JS 1776:2013) for use in irrigating food crops, including those consumed raw. The system achieved a 70% reduction in water consumption compared to the same period in the year prior to its implementation. These results demonstrate the potential of constructed wetlands (CWs) as effective, low-cost, and sustainable NbSs for decentralized greywater treatment and reuse in water-scarce regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3646 KB  
Article
SPEI Drought Forecasting in Central Mexico
by Mauricio Carrillo-Carrillo, Laura Ibáñez-Castillo, Ramón Arteaga-Ramírez and Gustavo Arévalo-Galarza
Water 2025, 17(13), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17132005 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
This study compares three Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) prediction models at different time scales: (1) Kalman filter with exogenous variables (DKF-ARX-Pt, FK), (2) gated recurrent unit (GRU), and (3) autoregressive neural networks with external input (NARX). Using observed data from meteorological [...] Read more.
This study compares three Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) prediction models at different time scales: (1) Kalman filter with exogenous variables (DKF-ARX-Pt, FK), (2) gated recurrent unit (GRU), and (3) autoregressive neural networks with external input (NARX). Using observed data from meteorological stations in the State of Mexico and Mexico City, considering performance metrics, such as mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE). The results indicate that the FK model with exogenous variables is the most accurate model for SPEI prediction at different time scales, standing out in terms of stability and low variance in prediction error. GRU networks showed acceptable performance on long time scales (SPEI12 and SPEI24), but with lower stability on short scales. In contrast, NARX presented the worst performance, with high errors and negative efficiency coefficients at several time scales. Models based on Kalman filters can be key tools to improve drought mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions, as it has an improved average predictive accuracy by reducing the MAE by up to 68% and achieving higher consistency in KGE values at longer time scales (SPEI12 and SPEI24). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2811 KB  
Article
Geochemical Characteristics and Origin of Heavy Metals and Dispersed Elements in Qarhan Salt Lake Brine
by Na Cai, Wei Wang, Guotao Xiao, Zhiping Yang, Haixia Zhu and Xueping Wang
Water 2025, 17(13), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131927 - 27 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 782
Abstract
This study investigated the distribution and source of heavy metals and dispersed elements in the high-salinity brine of Qarhan Salt Lake. The brine with an average total dissolved solid content of 332.22 g/L, dominated by Cl− (216.41 g/L) and Mg2+ (44.76 [...] Read more.
This study investigated the distribution and source of heavy metals and dispersed elements in the high-salinity brine of Qarhan Salt Lake. The brine with an average total dissolved solid content of 332.22 g/L, dominated by Cl− (216.41 g/L) and Mg2+ (44.76 g/L), indicated strong evaporation and dolomite dissolution. As (6.57 ± 3.59 μg/L) and Hg (0.48 ± 0.14 μg/L) showed uniform distribution while Li (69.66 mg/L), B2O3 (317.80 mg/L), and Zn (5.69 mg/L) were highly enriched, highlighting the resource potential and geochemical complexity. Correlation analysis revealed that water–rock interaction played a key role in element differentiation, with Sr and Ca2+/Cl− showing strong positive correlations (r = 0.693/0.768), reflecting isomorphic substitution and dissolution. Meanwhile, Na+ and Mg2+/Ca2+ showed negative correlations (r = −0.732/−0.889), suggesting cation exchange and gypsum precipitation. The self-organizing map yielded four clusters of elements and positive matrix factorization model identified four sources; the elements in the Salt Lake brine mainly came from the river water supply, weathering and leaching of minerals, and dissolution of salt-bearing layers and were locally influenced by human activities. The research provided valuable insights for future sustainable development and the environmental protection of the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2917 KB  
Article
New Insights About the Drivers of Change in the Coastal Wetlands of Peru: Results of a Rapid Field Survey
by Héctor Aponte, Maria-Paula Coello-Sarmiento and David Montes-Iturrizaga
Water 2025, 17(10), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101473 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 2104
Abstract
Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide numerous services that are critical for human survival on a global scale. In Peru, these vital areas are situated along the coastal desert, one of the most densely populated regions in the country. This study employed a [...] Read more.
Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide numerous services that are critical for human survival on a global scale. In Peru, these vital areas are situated along the coastal desert, one of the most densely populated regions in the country. This study employed a rapid field survey methodology to investigate the drivers of change (DOC) in 11 poorly studied wetlands along the Peruvian coast. Field visits occurred from August 2023 to August 2024, during which the DOC identified were documented. We performed similarity analyses of the data to identify (a) locations requiring similar management approaches and (b) co-occurring DOC. Our research identified 16 DOC; the presence of debris and waste, as well as roads or pathways that provide vehicular access, were the most frequent, followed by livestock and fisheries. The similarity analysis highlighted the crucial role of accessibility to these wetlands, as this increases the risk of adverse effects, whether from waste dumping or livestock. The findings suggest that several river mouths exhibit similar drivers, underscoring the need for coordinated management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2032 KB  
Article
Understanding the Relationship Between Water Quality and Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Qinghai Lake Through Statistical and Regression Models
by Guangying Li, Jinhan Zhou, Deling Deng, Minjie Du, Yingyi Meng, Lijun Dai, Qin Peng and Lingqing Wang
Water 2025, 17(4), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040472 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 972
Abstract
Lakes are essential ecosystems that play a significant role in water quality and biodiversity, particularly in nutrient cycling. Nitrogen compounds, including ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), and nitrite (NO2−), are critical elements in lake ecosystems, [...] Read more.
Lakes are essential ecosystems that play a significant role in water quality and biodiversity, particularly in nutrient cycling. Nitrogen compounds, including ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), and nitrite (NO2−), are critical elements in lake ecosystems, influencing productivity and water quality. This study aimed to investigate nitrogen compounds in Qinghai Lake, assess water and soil quality indicators, and evaluate the relationship between nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels in water and soil. Water samples from 17 locations around the lake and soil samples from nine sites at two depths were analyzed for various parameters. Statistical and regression analyses were performed to explore the correlations between N forms in water and other parameters in water and total P, total N, and pH in soil, as well as their interactions with environmental variables. The mean concentrations of NO3−-N, NH4+-N, and NO2−-N were 0.0189 mg/L, 0.112 mg/L, and 0.595 mg/L in Qinghai Lake, respectively. The regression models revealed that the total P in water and soil, along with other environmental factors, play crucial roles in regulating N levels. These findings contribute to our understanding of N cycling in high-altitude lakes and provide insight into managing eutrophication risks in Qinghai Lake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change & Human Activities on Wetland Ecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop