Search Results (479)

Tugai forests are intrazonal riparian ecosystems formed along river valleys in arid and semi-arid regions and characterized by high biodiversity and complex vegetation structure. The aim of this study was to assess the phytocenological structure, species composition, and ecological characteristics of tugai forests distributed within the Kura River basin and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The study was conducted using classical geobotanical and phytocenological methods based on the Braun—Blanquet approach. The results revealed clear ecological differentiation among tugai forest formations depending on hydrological regime, groundwater conditions, and soil salinity. High species diversity and a multi-layered vegetation structure were identified within the Populeta—Salicetum—Ulmosum, Ulmeta, Populeta, Saliceta—Alnueta—Populeta, and Tamariceta formation groups, which develop mainly on alluvial soils under conditions of elevated moisture. In the Nakhchivan region, tugai forests adapted to more arid environments are distributed mainly along the Araz River and are dominated by Tamarix ramosissima, Populus euphratica, Populus nigra, and Salix species. Anthropogenic impacts, including grazing, deforestation, and hydrological alterations, were identified as major factors contributing to ecosystem degradation and reduction in vegetation cover. The obtained results confirm the high ecological and conservation significance of tugai forests and emphasize the necessity of their protection, restoration, and sustainable management. Full article

The Black Sea is a semi-enclosed basin that has experienced significant environmental degradation driven by nutrient enrichment and pollution from insufficiently treated wastewater discharges. While previous reviews have focused primarily on ecological impacts and eutrophication dynamics, no bibliometric study has systematically examined the representation of wastewater treatment technologies within this literature. This review addresses that gap, providing the first bibliometric synthesis to jointly analyse environmental research trends and wastewater treatment technology development in the Black Sea basin. A total of 1002 peer-reviewed publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between January 2000 and March 2026 were analysed using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based framework to examine research trends, thematic clusters, and geographic distribution. A targeted subset of 101 publications directly addressing wastewater treatment technologies was extracted for detailed technological classification. The results reveal a clear increase in research output over the past two decades, with eutrophication, nutrient enrichment, and water-quality degradation as dominant themes. Geographic analysis shows that Türkiye (n = 383), Russia (n = 232), and Romania (n = 129) are the leading contributors, with riparian countries accounting for 83.8% of publications. However, only 101 of the 1002 publications (10.1%) directly address wastewater treatment technologies, with most studies focused on conventional WWTP infrastructure (75.2%) and biological nutrient removal (22.8%). Advanced treatment technologies and nature-based solutions each represent only 3.0% of the wastewater subset. These findings are consistent with a meaningful gap in the regional evidence base for technological approaches to reducing nutrient inputs to the Black Sea, though it should be noted that publication volume alone cannot fully characterise the state of technological development in the region, as it is also shaped by funding structures, disciplinary traditions, and indexing practices. Nevertheless, expanding research on innovative and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies could play an important role in improving wastewater management and supporting long-term ecosystem recovery. Full article

Against the backdrop of global climate change, enhancing the carbon sink capacity of ecosystems has become one of the key pathways for implementing climate action. This study takes the Western Hills–Yongding River Cultural Belt in Beijing as its study area to systematically investigate the coupling mechanisms between multidimensional spatial pattern factors and the carbon sink capacity of vegetation net primary productivity (NPP). The study employed the morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) method to structurally identify and quantify regional green space landscape elements. By integrating vertical vector data such as building height and canopy height, and incorporating terrain background and human activity intensity indicators, a comprehensive system of driving factors was established, encompassing two-dimensional landscape patterns, three-dimensional spatial structures and multi-dimensional attributes. Based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification system, a detailed classification of the study area’s land cover was carried out, and eight typical units—encompassing built-up settlements, brownfield sites, forested green spaces and riparian wetlands—were selected as the core objects of analysis. Building on this, multiple non-linear machine learning regression models were constructed to conduct fitting analyses and accuracy validation; the LightGBM model was identified as the optimal fitting model based on the test set coefficient of determination (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE) as core indicators; Furthermore, the SHAP interpretability analysis framework was introduced to systematically reveal the relative importance of each of the driving factors, their positive and negative effects, non-linear response characteristics, and two-factor interaction mechanisms. Based on these findings, category-specific, differentiated spatial regulation strategies for enhancing carbon sinks were proposed, providing scientific support for the optimisation of ecological spaces, the ecological restoration of brownfield sites, and the realisation of carbon sink potential within the study area. Full article

Urban greenbelts are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services but face threats from urban expansion. This study assessed the population structure and identified potential threats to woody plants in Arusha city’s greenbelts (nature areas and riparian forests). Woody plants were sampled across 53 grid cells (200 m × 200 m) using stratified random sampling and the Braun-Blanquet relief method. Remote sensing processed 2015 and 2022 satellite images. ArcGIS 10.8.2 software facilitated field data collection coordinates, the satellite imageries and spatial analyses. Standard plot sizes of 400 m² were systematically selected for data collection. Significant differences in tree species diversity and abundance were observed within nature areas (t = 18.6, p = 0.001; t = 5.48, p = 0.001) and riparian forests (t = 21.4, p = 0.001; t = 13.8, p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between eastern and western nature areas (t = 1.06, p = 0.338; t = −1.55, p = 0.181) while within riparian forests, only species diversity differed significantly (t = 2.66, p = 0.011). However, tree species abundance differed significantly between nature areas and riparian forests (t = −2.97, p = 0.01) with riparian forests having higher abundance of native trees compared to nature areas and with significant abundance of native trees compared to non-native trees (t = 14, p = 0.001). These findings emphasize the conservation of Arusha’s greenbelts, aligning with SDGs 3 (well-being), 6 (water quality), 11 (sustainable cities) and 15 (ecosystem conservation). Full article

Tugai forests represent key riparian ecosystems of the arid landscapes of Central Asia, where vegetation dynamics are strongly influenced by seasonal hydrological variability and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Assessing the population structure of dominant shrub species can provide important insights into the condition and resilience of these floodplain ecosystems. This study examines the demographic structure, vitality, and morphological variability of Lycium dasystemum populations in the Syr Darya River valley. Field surveys were conducted in six subpopulations located in Tugai forests differing in hydrological conditions and levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Population structure was assessed using ontogenetic spectra, ecological density, and regeneration indices, while vitality indices and morphological traits were analyzed to evaluate population condition and phenotypic variability. Species turnover dominated β-diversity patterns (βsim up to 81%), indicating floristic differentiation among the studied communities. Clear spatial differences in demographic parameters were detected among subpopulations. Subpopulations occurring in relatively stable habitats showed more balanced ontogenetic spectra, higher vitality indices, and signs of active regeneration, whereas subpopulations exposed to stronger anthropogenic pressure were characterized by demographic imbalance, reduced recruitment, and lower ecological density. Morphological analyses revealed moderate phenotypic plasticity, suggesting that some traits may be associated with local floodplain habitat conditions. These findings indicate that maintaining suitable floodplain moisture conditions and regulating grazing pressure may contribute to the persistence of L. dasystemum populations and the conservation of Tugai vegetation in the Syr Darya basin. Full article

Riparian zones provide vital ecosystem services, including water purification, soil aeration, and recreation. Anthropogenic activities and invasive plant species threaten native vegetation and alter fire patterns. This study investigates the impact of invasive vegetation cover (IVC) on riparian fire patterns in Otay Valley Regional Park, San Diego, California, using Sentinel-2 imagery to analyze 13 fires that occurred in 2019. The impact of IVC on fire patterns was assessed using high-resolution Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) from 2019 to 2023. We found nuanced fire dynamics relationship driven by species-specific traits. Results showed that post-fire NDVI was consistently highest in areas with <25% IVC, suggesting more stable vegetation recovery in native areas. In contrast, areas with >75% IVC had high NDVI variability and greater canopy loss, particularly where species such as Melilotus albus and mixed annual forbs dominated. IVC was evaluated descriptively rather than as an inferential predictor due to the small number of fire counts. Descriptive patterns indicate that post-fire vegetation response varied by dominant invasive species, with resilient taxa such as Arundo donax, Tamarix ramosissima, and Eucalyptus spp. showing evidence of rapid or sustained recovery. These findings highlight the complexity of fire dynamics in invaded riparian systems and the importance of species-specific monitoring. We recommend integrating remote sensing with targeted invasive vegetation species management to improve fire resilience and ecological integrity in urban riparian corridors. Full article

This study evaluated social media platforms as complementary tools for monitoring threatened and rare bird species in Morocco from 2015 to 2025. Records were extracted from groups, pages, videos, photographs, and ornithological publications based on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Telegram platforms. Multi-language and validation criteria were used to standardize records, and then data were analyzed and mapped to assess spatio-temporal dynamics, habitat preferences, and threatening factors. Results revealed significant interspecific differences (p < 0.001), with dominance of Streptopelia turtur arenicola (250 ± 48.35 records), followed by Geronticus eremita and Chersophilus duponti (222.15 ± 26.58 and 222 ± 59.31 records), Acrocephalus paludicola, and Chlamydotis undulata. Adults dominated records (851.54 ± 364.70 records), while eggs and chicks were weakly recorded. Records were mostly photographs and were from Facebook. Digital records were higher in March and April. Spatial records highlighted ecological specialization, G. eremita in Souss Massa and C. undulata in southeastern desert ecosystems. Results showed associations with steppes, riparian, agricultural, and semi-desert mosaics depending on recorded species. Predation (50 ± 3.54 records) and hunting (49 ± 13.44 records) were the main affecting factors, particularly in S. t. turtur (22.22% and 52.38% of records) and C. undulata (31.25% and 62.5%). The identified habitats and threats provide actionable indicators for prioritizing protection, monitoring, and targeted mitigation measures. These findings show that social media can support passive citizen-science and contribute to conservation planning and large-scale ecological monitoring of threatened avifauna. However, future research needs to combine field and digital investigations to reduce biases and present a more comprehensive picture of threatened birds. Full article

Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, Nigeria, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, has experienced rapid urban expansion alongside heightened environmental risks, including flooding and ecosystem degradation. Using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (2000, 2010, 2020, 2024), Random Forest classification, and landscape metrics, this study analyses spatio-temporal patterns of urban growth and fragmentation in this underrepresented mid-sized African city. Urban land cover expanded from 6668 ha in 2000 to 15,985 ha in 2024 (net ~140% growth), following a non-linear trajectory of rapid expansion (2000–2010), partial consolidation (2010–2020), and renewed growth with intensified fragmentation (2020–2024). This growth caused severe ecological impacts: dense forest declined by 99.7% (from 373 ha to 1 ha), woodland by 73.9%, and core natural land cover by 23% to 13.8% of the landscape, below critical ecological thresholds. Edge density rose by 121%, exacerbating urban heat, runoff, and biodiversity loss, while apparent gains in grassland largely reflect secondary succession rather than recovery. This study recommends enforcing development restrictions below 10 m in elevation, with 100 m riparian buffers; restoring 500 ha of native corridors; mandating 20% urban tree canopy cover; and establishing community-based green space monitoring. The findings provide empirical insights into sustainability challenges facing mid-sized African cities and offer transferable strategies for ecologically sensitive urban planning. Full article

Introduction: Biological invasions constitute one of the main threats to freshwater ecosystems, causing significant ecological changes through the introduction of exotic species that compete with or prey upon native species. In Portugal, the introduction and spread of exotic species in lotic and lentic ecosystems, such as pike (Esox lucius), European catfish (Silurus glanis), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), all top predators, may have a big impact on autochthonous species. In contrast, bleak (Alburnus alburnus), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) compete aggressively for food resources. In the Sousa River basin, gudgeon (Gobio lozanoi) is considered an exotic species with potential ecological impact, with the minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) stand having been recently identified in Portugal and, so far, recorded only in this river basin, and not yet being classified as an invasive species in Portugal. Public knowledge regarding invasive aquatic biodiversity remains a significant bottleneck for conservation. Because recreational angling is a prominent dispersal vector, initiatives that directly target this community are relevant. Objective: The aim is to carry out a bibliographic review on the exotic ichthyofauna species present in the Sousa River, with special focus on the invasion potential of the minnow (P. phoxinus). Methodology: The literature review was conducted based on the ScienceDirect, Springer Nature Link, and Fauna Norvegica databases, selecting publications between 2006 and 2025 concerning relevant studies on the potentially invasive characteristics of the minnow (P. phoxinus). The methodology is based on the analysis of studies regarding the impacts caused on riparian ecosystems. Results: The species P. phoxinus presents a generalist diet and high adaptive capacity, allowing it to colonise new habitats and compete aggressively with native species for trophic resources. Its presence is associated with negative impacts on brown trout populations (Salmo trutta), reducing growth and productivity, especially in mountain ecosystems. Increased species density also causes a significant decrease in benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity. Studies conducted in the Douro basin indicate that the arrival of minnow in Portugal resulted from human action, probably associated with its use as live bait in recreational fishing. Conservation programmes use diverse tactics to bridge the awareness gap. Recent initiatives feature electrofishing demonstrations to visually differentiate species, theatrical performances, and even culinary show-cooking events using invasive predators like the European catfish to promote harvesting. Conclusions: The potential transition of P. phoxinus into an exotic and invasive species may be associated with the ecological pressure exerted on native communities, particularly through competition for trophic resources, highlighting the need to assess its dispersion in the Sousa basin and its impacts on fish fauna and benthic macroinvertebrates. It is important to do more sampling to understand its real distribution in the Sousa Basin. Additionally is important to explain to recreational anglers and the general population the impacts of fish transfer and the adverse effects of invasive species on freshwater Portuguese ecosystems. Full article

Heavy metal(loid) pollution in watersheds surrounding mining areas originates from multiple and complex sources, posing persistent threats to terrestrial–aquatic ecosystems and human dietary safety. This study systematically investigated the pollution characteristics, spatial distribution, ecological risks and human health hazards of seven typical heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in the integrated water–soil–vegetable continuum of a mining-affected watershed in Southwest China. Field sampling was carried out in three functional zones with different mining disturbance intensities, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect heavy metal(loid) concentrations in all samples. Multiple pollution evaluation indices and the USEPA human health risk assessment model were adopted for comprehensive quantitative analysis. The results showed that 44.0% of surface water samples exceeded national permissible limits, with high-pollution areas concentrated in intensive mining zones, presenting moderate overall aquatic heavy metal(loid) pollution. Although the average concentrations of seven heavy metal(loid)s in riparian soils complied with Chinese agricultural soil screening standards, localized significant enrichment was observed for As (1.98 times), Cd (4.62 times), Cu (1.81 times), and Zn (2.72 times) compared with regional background values, causing mild comprehensive soil pollution. Farmland soils exhibited prominent Cu and Zn accumulation, and leafy vegetables in the study area suffered severe Pb and Cd pollution, with potential dietary exposure risks. Health risk assessment indicated that children face higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults via soil hand-to-mouth exposure; dietary intake of vegetables leads to moderate carcinogenic risks for children caused by As and Ni exposure. Overall, this study clarifies the migration and enrichment rules of heavy metal(loid)s in the water–soil–vegetable system of mining watersheds, confirms the prominent ecological and human health risks of Cd, As and Pb in the study area, and provides targeted basic data for regional heavy metal(loid) pollution prevention and food safety management. Full article

Introduction: AQUArestore is a three-year project focused on promoting adaptive ecological restoration strategies for river ecosystems in the vulnerable cross-border region of Portugal. The project responds to pressing environmental challenges across the territory, including severe habitat degradation, climate vulnerability, declining water security, and biodiversity loss, with particular concern for freshwater fish communities, making river restoration essential to preserve native species and freshwater ecosystem services. Objective: The project aims to develop a replicable framework for restoration of Mediterranean transboundary riverine habitats, supporting the objectives of the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL, Regulation 2024/1991). The consortium AQUArestore will develop (1) robust restoration indicators, (2) implement living labs for restoration experimentation, and (3) establish capacity-building and training programs for technicians and citizens. Methodology: The project kick-off meeting was used to operationalize project tasks, detail the implementation calendar and milestones, and clarify responsibilities of each project member and partner institutions within the different work tasks. The meeting gathered consortium members from the coordinating institution CEF-ISA (researchers at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia) and partners WWF Portugal (an environmental NGO) and Mushmore Cooperative, each one contributing according to their respective expertise and institutional objectives. Results: The AQUArestore project kick-off meeting took place in January 2026 at ISA, Lisbon, and included a presentation of the NRL and a detailed discussion of project task development. In detail, the activities will begin with the compilation of information on previously restored sites (Task 1). This will support the development and validation of environmental and biodiversity indicators of restoration outcomes, including those linked to freshwater fish assemblages and riparian vegetation (Task 2). The project will then establish two living labs as platforms to test nature-based solutions in collaboration with stakeholders and local communities (Task 3). In parallel, AQUArestore will strengthen technical capacity through training for practitioners and public authorities (Task 4). Finally, dissemination will be supported through citizen science, communication activities, and stakeholder engagement, fostering a broader impact (Task 5). Together, these tasks provide an integrated, science-based, and participatory framework aiming to support adaptive river restoration under climate and environmental changes. Conclusions: By integrating ecological restoration, biodiversity and environmental monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, AQUArestore is expected to contribute to the recovery of Mediterranean freshwater ecosystems and improve habitat quality and connectivity for native fish communities, enhancing resilience to climate change and other anthropogenic pressures. Full article

Agricultural intensification has simplified European agroecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and altered ecosystem functioning. Within these landscapes, (semi)natural elements such as riparian zones may enhance biodiversity, yet the mechanisms linking habitat structure to functional diversity remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated how landscape attributes and community-level processes jointly shape avian functional diversity in an intensively managed Mediterranean agricultural landscape in central Greece. Bird communities were surveyed at 60 sampling stations across riparian zones, green elements, and croplands. We quantified taxonomic and functional diversity using generalized linear models and examined direct and indirect relationships using piecewise structural equation modelling (SEM), complemented by variation partitioning and redundancy analysis. Riparian habitats supported significantly higher species richness and functional richness compared to croplands, with green elements showing intermediate values. However, functional dispersion (FDis) showed limited variation among habitat types. SEM results revealed that landscape variables influenced functional diversity primarily through indirect pathways, mediated by species richness, Shannon diversity, and functional richness. Variation partitioning further showed that functional dispersion was overwhelmingly explained by community-level attributes, with negligible independent contribution of landscape variables. These findings suggest that higher-order functional structure in bird communities is not directly associated with habitat configuration but is more strongly related to internal community organization. Our results highlight the importance of considering both taxonomic and functional dimensions, as well as indirect ecological pathways, when designing habitat management strategies aimed at sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes. Full article

LIFE REVIVE aims to restore ecological status and ecosystem services in the Lima and Vouga river basins (NW Iberian Peninsula), where hydromorphological alteration and hydropower-driven flow regulation are major causes of water bodies failing to reach Good Ecological Status under the EU WFD. The project targets key pressures such as longitudinal fragmentation by weirs and dams, artificial flow regimes, degradation of spawning substrates, and the spread of invasive aquatic plants, which strongly affect fish communities, including sea lamprey, salmonids, and other diadromous species. Technically, the project combines barrier removal or eco-adaptation, nature-like fish passes, and spawning-habitat renaturalisation with optimized environmental flow regimes (EFR) downstream of important hydropower systems, explicitly accounting for present and future hydroclimatic scenarios. Multi-scale ecohydrological modelling (species distribution models, habitat suitability models, GLM/GAM approaches) will quantify fish–flow–habitat relationships and support the definition of operational EFR guidelines that balance ecological requirements with hydropower and agricultural constraints through joint work with the main Portuguese hydropower operator, EDP. Impact evaluation is structured around a rigorous BACI monitoring design in intervention and control tributaries, using standard WFD biological indices for fish and aquatic/riparian vegetation, hydromorphological indices (HQA, HMS, RHS), and project-specific Key Performance Indicators for water quality, biodiversity, and habitat. Expected outcomes include the restoration of at least 51 km of rivers towards free-flowing conditions, reduced hydromorphological pressure in more than 20 km of heavily modified river stretches, and measurable increases in the distribution and abundance of fish species and native vegetation. A strong communication and capacity-building programme underpins public engagement, while a decision matrix for barrier prioritization, technical workshops, and pilot replications in additional basins (e.g., Alva, Mouro, Deva, and Tea in Galicia) are designed to maximize transferability, policy uptake, and long-term sustainability of the solutions beyond the project lifetime. Full article

Tropical wetlands are highly sensitive to climatic and anthropogenic disturbances, and their macrophyte communities provide valuable information about environmental conditions and habitat structure. This study evaluated the relationship between aquatic macrophyte richness, community composition, and habitat vulnerability to climate change in aquatic ecosystems of the San Luis rural district, Barrancabermeja municipality (Santander, Colombia). Macrophyte communities were characterized at 47 monitoring sites distributed across six mesohabitats: floodplain depressions, swamp, wetland, artificial ponds, naturalized ponds, and stream riparian zones. A total of 63 species belonging to 30 families and 51 genera were recorded. Contrary to theoretical expectations, correlation analyses showed no significant relationship between macrophyte species richness and habitat vulnerability indices (Spearman ρ = −0.118, p = 0.428; Pearson r = −0.069, p = 0.646). However, species richness differed significantly among mesohabitats (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.05), indicating strong spatial heterogeneity in aquatic plant distribution. In addition, multivariate analyses using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that macrophyte community composition was strongly structured by local anthropogenic activities, including livestock farming, oil palm cultivation, and wastewater inputs. Floodplain depressions and artificial ponds were dominated by disturbance-tolerant and eutrophication-resistant species such as Urochloa plantaginea and Salvinia minima, reflecting higher levels of environmental pressure. These results demonstrate that macrophyte community composition, rather than species richness alone, is a more reliable indicator of habitat conditions and anthropogenic disturbance in tropical wetland systems. Overall, this study highlights that taxonomic richness is not a robust predictor of climate-related vulnerability in highly disturbed wetlands and emphasizes the importance of considering species composition and environmental context when assessing ecosystem conditions. Full article

This study presents the revision of the Rabaçal River Recreational Fishing Area Management Plan (ZPL), implemented in 2020, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness and identify the need for adjustments after five years. The study area includes part of Montesinho Natural Park, covering water bodies upstream of the Vale de Armeiro Reservoir (RH3—Douro Basin), excluding the Assureira River sub-basin. The methodology followed the initial study design, with electrofishing conducted at ten stations (30 surveys). Hydromorphological and riparian conditions were assessed using the River Habitat Survey (RHS), enabling the calculation of the Riparian Quality Index (RQI), Habitat Modification Score (HMS), and Habitat Quality Assessemt (HQA). Results indicate high habitat diversity and overall good-to-excellent hydromorphological quality, although they are locally affected by human pressures and global change. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) was recorded at all sites, showing wide spatial distribution. Population structure was dominated by young individuals (≤2 years; 70%), indicating high recruitment rates. However, growth patterns and reduced body condition suggest that habitat features, particularly flow regime and riparian quality, are influencing population dynamics, highlighting the need to explicitly integrate habitat–population relationships into management measures. A notable expansion of the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) was also observed (now present at stations T₃, T₄, and T₅), reinforcing the need for targeted monitoring and control actions. Overall, the results support the continuation of the current management model, aligned with the conservation objectives defined in the initial plan and in project POSEUR-03-2215-FC-000096, while emphasizing the importance of habitat conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of trout populations and aquatic ecosystems. Full article