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26 pages, 1533 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Agricultural and Urban BMPs to Meet Phosphorus and Sediment Loading Targets in the Upper Soldier Creek, Kansas, USA
by Naomi E. Detenbeck, Christopher P. Weaver, Alyssa M. Le, Philip E. Morefield, Samuel Ennett and Marilyn R. ten Brink
Water 2025, 17(15), 2265; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152265 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
This study was developed to identify the optimal (most cost-effective) strategies to reduce sediment and phosphorus loadings in the Upper Soldier Creek, Kansas, USA, watershed using the Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) suite of programs. Under average precipitation, loading targets for upland [...] Read more.
This study was developed to identify the optimal (most cost-effective) strategies to reduce sediment and phosphorus loadings in the Upper Soldier Creek, Kansas, USA, watershed using the Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) suite of programs. Under average precipitation, loading targets for upland total phosphorus (TP) could be met with use of grassed swales for treating urban area runoff and of contouring for agricultural runoff. For a wet year, the same target could be met, but with use of a sand filter with underdrain for the urban runoff. Both annual and daily TP loading targets from Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) were exceeded in simulations of best management practice (BMP) solutions for 14 alternative future climate scenarios. We expanded the set of BMPs to include stream bank stabilization (physical plus riparian restoration) and two-stage channel designs, but upland loading targets could not be met for either TP or total suspended solids (TSS) under any precipitation conditions. An optimization scenario that simulated the routing of flows in excess of those treated by the upland BMPs to an off-channel treatment wetland allowed TMDLs to be met for an average precipitation year. WMOST can optimize cost-effectiveness of BMPs across multiple scales and climate scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)
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24 pages, 5725 KiB  
Article
Modeling of Hydrological Processes in a Coal Mining Subsidence Area with High Groundwater Levels Based on Scenario Simulations
by Shiyuan Zhou, Hao Chen, Qinghe Hou, Haodong Liu and Pingjia Luo
Hydrology 2025, 12(7), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12070193 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
The Eastern Huang–Huai region of China is a representative mining area with a high groundwater level. High-intensity underground mining activities have not only induced land cover and land use changes (LUCC) but also significantly changed the watershed hydrological behavior. This study integrated the [...] Read more.
The Eastern Huang–Huai region of China is a representative mining area with a high groundwater level. High-intensity underground mining activities have not only induced land cover and land use changes (LUCC) but also significantly changed the watershed hydrological behavior. This study integrated the land use prediction model PLUS and the hydrological simulation model MIKE 21. Taking the Bahe River Watershed in Huaibei City, China, as an example, it simulated the hydrological response trends of the watershed in 2037 under different land use scenarios. The results demonstrate the following: (1) The land use predictions for each scenario exhibit significant variation. In the maximum subsidence scenario, the expansion of water areas is most pronounced. In the planning scenario, the increase in construction land is notable. Across all scenarios, the area of cultivated land decreases. (2) In the maximum subsidence scenario, the area of high-intensity waterlogging is the greatest, accounting for 31.35% of the total area of the watershed; in the planning scenario, the proportion of high-intensity waterlogged is the least, at 19.10%. (3) In the maximum subsidence scenario, owing to the water storage effect of the subsidence depression, the flood peak is conspicuously delayed and attains the maximum value of 192.3 m3/s. In the planning scenario, the land reclamation rate and ecological restoration rate of subsidence area are the highest, while the regional water storage capacity is the lowest. As a result, the total cumulative runoff is the greatest, and the peak flood value is reduced. The influence of different degrees of subsidence on the watershed hydrological behavior varies, and the coal mining subsidence area has the potential to regulate and store runoff and perform hydrological regulation. The results reveal the mechanism through which different land use scenarios influence hydrological processes, which provides a scientific basis for the territorial space planning and sustainable development of coal mining subsidence areas. Full article
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18 pages, 5708 KiB  
Article
Monitoring the Permeability and Evaluating the Impact of Cleaning on Two Permeable Pavement Systems
by Oscar Perez, Lu-Ming Chen, Jui-Wen Chen, Timothy J. Lecher, Lane A. Simpson, Ting-Hao Chen and Paul C. Davidson
Water 2025, 17(14), 2140; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142140 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Permeable pavement is an alternative to conventional impermeable pavement for various applications. However, a common issue with permeable pavement is clogging over time. Permeability is a parameter that reflects the capacity of the pavement to reduce surface runoff; a decline in permeability implies [...] Read more.
Permeable pavement is an alternative to conventional impermeable pavement for various applications. However, a common issue with permeable pavement is clogging over time. Permeability is a parameter that reflects the capacity of the pavement to reduce surface runoff; a decline in permeability implies the occurrence of clogging. In this study, permeability data collected on pervious concrete (PC) and JW Eco-Technology (JW) revealed that JW maintained consistent permeability over time. However, PC displayed reduced values, and several locations along the edges had zero permeability, despite no regular vehicular and pedestrian use. Therefore, a portable pressure washer was used to clean the pavements. The cleaning procedure was able to recover the permeability of the areas that showed signs of clogging (0 to 2.69 cm/s) and restore the permeability of PC up to 4.60–5.58 cm/s for corner and center areas, respectively. Moreover, visual inspection using a borescope further revealed the full function of the JW pores (aqueducts), regardless of cleaning. Regardless, it is recommended that periodic cleaning maintenance be performed for both PC and JW using a pressure washer due to its convenience and efficacy, which will be discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Management: Challenges and Prospects)
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31 pages, 7541 KiB  
Article
Harnessing Bacillus subtilis–Moss Synergy: Carbon–Structure Optimization for Erosion-Resistant Barrier Formation in Cold Mollisols
by Tianxiao Li, Shunli Zheng, Zhaoxing Xiao, Qiang Fu, Fanxiang Meng, Mo Li, Dong Liu and Qingyuan Liu
Agriculture 2025, 15(14), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141465 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Soil degradation exerts profound impacts on soil ecological functions, global food security, and human development, making the development of effective technologies to mitigate degradation a critical research focus. Microorganisms play a leading role in rehabilitating degraded land, improving soil hydraulic properties, and enhancing [...] Read more.
Soil degradation exerts profound impacts on soil ecological functions, global food security, and human development, making the development of effective technologies to mitigate degradation a critical research focus. Microorganisms play a leading role in rehabilitating degraded land, improving soil hydraulic properties, and enhancing soil structural stability. Mosses contribute to soil particle fixation through their unique rhizoid structures; however, the mechanisms underlying their interactions in mixed inoculation remain unclear. Therefore, this study addresses soil and water loss caused by rainfall erosion in the cold black soil region. We conducted controlled laboratory experiments cultivating Bacillus subtilis and cold-adapted moss species, evaluating the erosion mitigation effects of different biological treatments under gradient slopes (3°, 6°, 9°) and rainfall intensities (70 mm h−1, 120 mm h−1), and elucidating their carbon-based structural reinforcement mechanism. The results indicated that compared to the control group, Treatment C significantly increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of soil aggregates by 121.6% and 76.75%, respectively. In separate simulated rainfall events at 70 mm h−1 and 120 mm h−1, Treatment C reduced soil loss by 95.70% and 96.75% and decreased runoff by 38.31% and 67.21%, respectively. Crucially, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loss rate in Treatment C was only 21.98%, significantly lower than that in Treatment A (32.32%), Treatment B (22.22%), and the control group (51.07%)—representing a 59.41% reduction compared to the control. This demonstrates the following: (1) Bacillus subtilis enhances microbial metabolism, driving carbon conversion into stable pools, while mosses reduce carbon leaching via physical barriers, synergistically forming a dual “carbon protection–structural reinforcement” barrier. (2) The combined inoculation optimizes soil structure by increasing the proportion of large soil particles and enhancing aggregate stability, effectively suppressing soil loss even under extreme rainfall erosion. This study elucidates, for the first time, the biological pathway through which microbe–moss interactions achieve synergistic carbon sequestration and erosion resistance by regulating aggregate formation and pore water dynamics. It provides a scalable “carbon–structure”-optimized biotechnology system (co-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and moss) for the ecological restoration of the cold black soil region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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22 pages, 2022 KiB  
Article
Impact of Slow-Forming Terraces on Erosion Control and Landscape Restoration in Central Africa’s Steep Slopes
by Jean Marie Vianney Nsabiyumva, Ciro Apollonio, Giulio Castelli, Elena Bresci, Andrea Petroselli, Mohamed Sabir, Cyrille Hicintuka and Federico Preti
Land 2025, 14(7), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071419 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 594
Abstract
Large-scale land restoration projects require on-the-ground monitoring and evidence-based evaluation. This study, part of the World Bank Burundi Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project (in French: Projet de Restauration et de Résilience du Paysage du Burundi-PRRPB), examines the impact of slow-forming terraces on surface [...] Read more.
Large-scale land restoration projects require on-the-ground monitoring and evidence-based evaluation. This study, part of the World Bank Burundi Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project (in French: Projet de Restauration et de Résilience du Paysage du Burundi-PRRPB), examines the impact of slow-forming terraces on surface conditions and erosion in Isare (Mumirwa) and Buhinyuza (Eastern Depressions), Burundi. Slow-forming, or progressive, terraces were installed on 16 December 2022 (Isare) and 30 December 2022 (Buhinyuza), featuring ditches and soil bunds to enhance soil and water conservation. Twelve plots were established, with 132 measurement pins, of which 72 were in non-terraced plots (n_PT) and 60 were in terraced plots (PT). Monthly measurements, conducted until May 2023, assessed erosion reduction, surface conditions, roughness, and soil thickness. Terracing reduced soil loss by 54% in Isare and 9% in Buhinyuza, though sediment accumulation in ditches was excessive, especially in n_PT. Anti-erosion ditches improved surface stability by reducing slope length, lowering erosion and runoff. Covered Surface (CoS%) exceeded 95%, while Opened Surface (OS%) and Bare Surface (BS%) declined significantly. At Isare, OS% dropped from 97% to 80%, and BS% from 96% to 3% in PT. Similar trends appeared in Buhinyuza. Findings highlight PRRPB effectiveness in this short-term timeframe, and provide insights for soil conservation in steep-slope regions of Central Africa. Full article
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23 pages, 5365 KiB  
Article
Impact of Post-Fire Rehabilitation Treatments on Forest Soil Infiltration in Mediterranean Landscapes: A Two-Year Study
by Nikolaos D. Proutsos, Stefanos P. Stefanidis, Alexandra D. Solomou, Panagiotis Michopoulos, Athanasios Bourletsikas and Panagiotis Lattas
Fire 2025, 8(7), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8070269 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 654
Abstract
In the Mediterranean region, the high frequency of fire events is combined with climatic conditions that hinder vegetation recovery. This underscores the urgent need for a post-fire restoration of natural ecosystems and implementation of emergency rehabilitation measures to prevent further degradation. In this [...] Read more.
In the Mediterranean region, the high frequency of fire events is combined with climatic conditions that hinder vegetation recovery. This underscores the urgent need for a post-fire restoration of natural ecosystems and implementation of emergency rehabilitation measures to prevent further degradation. In this study, we investigated the performance of three types of erosion control structures (log dams, log barriers, and wattles), two years after fire, in three Mediterranean areas that were burnt by severe forest fires in 2021. The wooden structures’ ability to infiltrate precipitation was evaluated by 100 infiltration experiments in 25 plots, one and two years after the wildfires. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity K was determined at two zones formed between consecutive wooden structures, i.e., the erosion zone (EZ) where soil erosion occurs, and the deposition zone (DZ) where the soil sediment is accumulated. These zones showed significant differences concerning their hydraulic behavior, with DZ presenting enhanced infiltration ability by 130 to 300% higher compared to EZ, during both years of measurements. The findings suggest that the implementation of emergency restoration actions after a wildfire can highly affect the burned forest soils’ ability to infiltrate water, preventing surface runoff and erosion, whereas specific structures such as the log dams can be even more effective. Full article
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17 pages, 5070 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Coastal Evolution and Critical Sediment Load Estimation in the Yellow River Delta
by Lishan Rong, Yanyi Zhou, He Li and Chong Huang
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5943; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135943 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 350
Abstract
The coastline of the Yellow River Delta in China has experienced significant dynamic changes due to both natural and human activities. Investigating its coastal dynamics and understanding the equilibrium with riverine runoff and sediment discharge is crucial for ecological balance and sustainable development [...] Read more.
The coastline of the Yellow River Delta in China has experienced significant dynamic changes due to both natural and human activities. Investigating its coastal dynamics and understanding the equilibrium with riverine runoff and sediment discharge is crucial for ecological balance and sustainable development in the region. In this study, a coastline extraction algorithm was developed by integrating water index and dynamic frequency thresholds based on the Google Earth Engine platform. Long-term optical remote sensing datasets from Landsat (1988–2016) and Sentinel-2 (2017–2023) were utilized. The End Point Rate (EPR) and Linear Regression Rate (LRR) methods were employed to quantify coastline changes, and the relationship between coastal evolution and runoff–sediment dynamics was investigated. The results revealed the following: (1) The coastline of the Yellow River Delta exhibits pronounced spatiotemporal variability. From 1988 to 2023, the Diaokou estuary recorded the lowest EPR and LRR values (−206.05 m/a and −248.33 m/a, respectively), whereas the Beicha estuary recorded the highest values (317.54 m/a and 374.14 m/a, respectively). (2) The cumulative land area change displayed a fluctuating pattern, characterized by a general trend of increase–decrease–increase, indicating a gradual progression toward dynamic equilibrium. The Diaokou estuary has been predominantly erosional, while the Qingshuigou estuary experienced deposition prior to 1996, followed by subsequent erosion. In contrast, the land area of the Beicha estuary has continued to increase since 1997. (3) Deltaic progradation has been primarily governed by runoff–sediment dynamics. Coastline advancement has occurred along active river channels as a result of sediment deposition, whereas former river mouths have retreated landward due to insufficient fluvial sediment input. In the Beicha estuary, increased land area has exhibited a strong positive correlation with annual sedimentary influx. The critical sediment discharge required to maintain equilibrium has been estimated at 79 million t/a for the Beicha estuary and 107 million t/a for the entire deltaic region. These findings provide a scientific foundation for sustainable sediment management, coastal restoration, and integrated land–water planning. This study supports sustainable coastal management, informs policymaking, and enhances ecosystem resilience. Full article
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19 pages, 15701 KiB  
Article
The Response of NDVI to Climate Change in the Lowest and Hottest Basin in China
by Chunlan Li, Yang Yu, Lingxiao Sun, Jing He, Haiyan Zhang, Yuanbo Lu, Zengkun Guo, Lingyun Zhang, Ireneusz Malik, Malgorzata Wistuba and Ruide Yu
Atmosphere 2025, 16(7), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16070778 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 290
Abstract
The response mechanisms of vegetation dynamics to climate change in arid regions, particularly under extreme low-altitude and high-temperature environments, remain unclear. Focusing on China’s lowest and hottest Turpan-Hami Basin, this study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of vegetation cover (using MODIS NDVI) and its [...] Read more.
The response mechanisms of vegetation dynamics to climate change in arid regions, particularly under extreme low-altitude and high-temperature environments, remain unclear. Focusing on China’s lowest and hottest Turpan-Hami Basin, this study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of vegetation cover (using MODIS NDVI) and its response to temperature, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration (PET) based on data from 2001 to 2020. Theil–Sen trend analysis, the Mann–Kendall test, and Pearson correlation were employed. Key findings include the following: (1) NDVI exhibited a significant increasing trend, with the largest rise in winter and peak values in summer. Spatially, high NDVI was concentrated in oasis and mountainous forest-grassland zones, while low values prevailed in desert Gobi regions; 34.2% of the area showed significant improvement, though localized degradation occurred. (2) Temperature showed no significant overall correlation with NDVI, except for strong positive correlations in limited high-altitude cold zones (2.9%). Precipitation had minimal influence (no correlation in 75.4% of the area), with localized positive responses in northwestern foothills linked to runoff. PET exhibited positive correlations (weak or strong) with NDVI across nearly half of the region (46.8%), predominantly in oasis-desert and piedmont transition zones. (3) Human activities, notably irrigation and shelterbelt projects, are key drivers of oasis vegetation restoration. Critically, the positive PET-NDVI correlation challenges the conventional paradigm viewing evapotranspiration solely as water stress. This study elucidates the compound responses of vegetation dynamics to climatic and anthropogenic factors in a low-altitude arid region, providing a scientific basis for ecological restoration and water resource management optimization. Full article
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22 pages, 13795 KiB  
Article
The Nucleation and Degradation of Pothole Wetlands by Human-Driven Activities and Climate During the Quaternary in a Semi-Arid Region (Southern Iberian Peninsula)
by A. Jiménez-Bonilla, I. Expósito, F. Gázquez, J. L. Yanes and M. Rodríguez-Rodríguez
Geographies 2025, 5(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies5030027 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
In this study, we selected a series of pothole wetlands to investigate their nucleation, evolution, and recent anthropogenic degradation in the Alcores Depression (AD), southern Iberian Peninsula, where over 100 closed watersheds containing shallow, ephemeral water bodies up to 2 hm2 have [...] Read more.
In this study, we selected a series of pothole wetlands to investigate their nucleation, evolution, and recent anthropogenic degradation in the Alcores Depression (AD), southern Iberian Peninsula, where over 100 closed watersheds containing shallow, ephemeral water bodies up to 2 hm2 have been identified. We surveyed the regional geological framework, utilized digital elevation models (DEMs), orthophotos, and aerial images since 1956. Moreover, we analyzed precipitation and temperature data in Seville from 1900 to 2024, collected hydrometeorological data since 1990 and modelled the water level evolution from 2002 to 2025 in a representative pothole in the area. Our observations indicate a flooded surface reduction by more than 90% from the 1950s to 2025. Climatic data reveal an increase in annual mean temperatures since 1960 and a sharp decline in annual precipitation since 2000. The AD’s inception due to tectonic isolation during the Quaternary favoured the formation of pothole wetlands in the floodplain. The reduction in the hydroperiod and wetland degradation was primarily due to agricultural expansion since 1950, which followed an increase in groundwater extraction and altered the original topography. Recently, decreased precipitation has exponentially accelerated the degradation and even the complete disappearance of many potholes. This study underscores the fragility of small wetlands in the Mediterranean basin and the critical role of human management in their preservation. Restoring these ecosystems could be a highly effective nature-based solution, especially in semi-arid climates like southern Spain. These prairie potholes are crucial for enhancing groundwater recharge, which is vital for maintaining water availability in regions with limited precipitation. By facilitating rainwater infiltration into the aquifer, recharge potholes increase groundwater levels. Additionally, they capture and store run-off during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Beyond their hydrological functions, these wetlands provide habitats that support biodiversity and promote ecological resilience, reinforcing the need for their protection and recovery. Full article
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23 pages, 1892 KiB  
Review
A Review on Carbon-Negative Woody Biomass Biochar System for Sustainable Urban Management in the United States of America
by Gamal El Afandi, Muhammad Irfan, Amira Moustafa, Salem Ibrahim and Santosh Sapkota
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060214 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1799
Abstract
It is essential to emphasize the significant impacts of climate change, which are evident in the form of severe and prolonged droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other climatic disturbances. These challenges are particularly pronounced in urban environments and among human populations. The situation is [...] Read more.
It is essential to emphasize the significant impacts of climate change, which are evident in the form of severe and prolonged droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other climatic disturbances. These challenges are particularly pronounced in urban environments and among human populations. The situation is further aggravated by the increasing utilization of available open spaces for residential and industrial development, leading to heightened energy consumption, elevated pollution levels, and increased carbon emissions, all of which negatively affect public health. The primary objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current research, with a particular focus on the innovative use of residual biomass from urban vegetation for biochar production in the United States. This research entails an exhaustive review of existing literature to assess the implementation of a carbon-negative wood biomass biochar system as a strategic approach to sustainable urban management. By transforming urban wood waste—including tree trimmings, construction debris, and storm-damaged timber—into biochar through pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that sequesters carbon while generating renewable energy, we can leverage this valuable resource. The resulting biochar offers a range of co-benefits: it enhances soil health, improves water retention, reduces stormwater runoff, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions when applied in urban green spaces, agriculture, and land restoration projects. This review highlights the advantages and potential of converting urban wood waste into biochar while exploring how municipalities can strengthen their green ecosystems. Furthermore, it aims to provide a thorough understanding of how the utilization of woody biomass biochar can contribute to mitigating urban carbon emissions across the United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Management and Planning in Urban Areas)
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12 pages, 2188 KiB  
Article
Creating Forested Wetlands for Improving Ecosystem Services and Their Potential Benefits for Rural Residents in Metropolitan Areas
by Zhuhong Huang, Yanwei Sun, Rong Sheng, Kun He, Taoyu Wang, Yingying Huang and Xuechu Chen
Water 2025, 17(11), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17111682 - 2 Jun 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Intensive farming in urban suburbs often causes habitat loss, soil erosion, wastewater discharge, and agricultural productivity decline, threatening long-term benefits for the local community. We developed a nature-based solution for sustainable land restoration by establishing “Green Treasure Island” (GTI). The aim of this [...] Read more.
Intensive farming in urban suburbs often causes habitat loss, soil erosion, wastewater discharge, and agricultural productivity decline, threatening long-term benefits for the local community. We developed a nature-based solution for sustainable land restoration by establishing “Green Treasure Island” (GTI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the ecological restoration effectiveness of GTI and explore its feasibility and replicability for future applications. The core eco-functional zone of GTI—a 7 hm2 forested wetland—embedded a closed-loop framework that integrates land consolidation, ecological restoration, and sustainable land utilization. The forested wetland efficiently removed 65% and 74% of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, raised flood control capacity by 22%, and attracted 48 bird species. Additionally, this biophilic recreational space attracted over 3400 visitors in 2022, created green jobs, and promoted local green agricultural product sales. Through adaptive management and nature education activities, GTI evolved into a landmark that represents local natural–social characteristics and serves as a publicly accessible natural park for both rural and urban residents. This study demonstrates the feasibility of creating GTI for improving ecosystem services, providing a practical, low-cost template that governments and local managers can replicate in metropolitan rural areas worldwide to meet both ecological and development goals. Full article
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26 pages, 8715 KiB  
Article
Climate Resilience and Adaptive Strategies for Flood Mitigation: The Valencia Paradigm
by Nuno D. Cortiços and Carlos C. Duarte
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114980 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 1064
Abstract
The Valencia region exemplifies the intricate interplay of climate, urbanization, and human interventions in managing hydrological systems amidst increasing environmental challenges. This study explores the escalating risks posed by flood events, emphasizing how anthropogenic factors—such as urban expansion, sediment exploitation, and inadequate land [...] Read more.
The Valencia region exemplifies the intricate interplay of climate, urbanization, and human interventions in managing hydrological systems amidst increasing environmental challenges. This study explores the escalating risks posed by flood events, emphasizing how anthropogenic factors—such as urban expansion, sediment exploitation, and inadequate land use—amplify the vulnerabilities to extreme weather patterns driven by abnormal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) concentration. Nature-based solutions (NBS) like floodplain restoration and dam removal are analyzed for their benefits in enhancing ecosystem resilience and biodiversity but are critiqued for unintended consequences, including accelerated river flow and sedimentation issues. This study further examines the impacts of forest fires, exacerbated by land abandonment and insufficient management practices, on soil erosion and runoff. A critical evaluation of global policies like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reveals the tension between aspirational targets and practical, locally-driven implementations. By advocating historical insights, ecological restoration practices, and community engagement, the findings highlight the importance of adaptive strategies to harmonize global frameworks with local realities through modeling and scaling simulations, offering a replicable model for sustainable flood mitigation and resilience building in Mediterranean contexts and beyond. Full article
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19 pages, 9453 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Vegetation Landscape Pattern Dynamics in Ejina Delta, Northwest China—Before and After Ecological Water Diversion
by Jingru Dong, Chaoyang Du and Jingjie Yu
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(11), 1843; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17111843 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 535
Abstract
As a typical desert oasis ecosystem in the arid region of Northwest China, the Ejina Delta plays a crucial role in regional ecological security through its vegetation dynamics and landscape pattern changes. Based on Landsat remote sensing images (1990–2020), runoff data, and vegetation [...] Read more.
As a typical desert oasis ecosystem in the arid region of Northwest China, the Ejina Delta plays a crucial role in regional ecological security through its vegetation dynamics and landscape pattern changes. Based on Landsat remote sensing images (1990–2020), runoff data, and vegetation landscape surveys, this study investigated the evolutionary patterns and driving mechanisms of vegetation degradation and restoration processes using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), landscape metrics, and Land Use Transition Matrix (LUTM) methods. The following key findings were obtained: (1) Since the implementation of the Ecological Water Diversion Project (EWDP) in the Heihe River Basin (HRB) in 2000, a significant recovery in vegetation coverage has been observed, with an NDVI growth rate of 0.0187/10 yr, which is five times faster than that in the pre-diversion period. The areas of arbor vegetation, shrubland, and grassland increased to 356.8, 689.5, and 2192.6 km2, respectively. However, there is a lag of about five years for the recovery of arbor and shrub compared to grass. (2) The implementation of EWDP has effectively reversed the trend of vegetation degradation, transforming the previously herb-dominated fragmented landscape into a more integrated pattern comprising multiple vegetation types. During the degradation period (1990–2005), the landscape exhibited a high degree of fragmentation, with an average number of patches (NP) reaching 45,875. In the subsequent recovery phase (2005–2010), fragmentation was significantly reduced, with the average NP dropping to 30,628. (3) Stronger vegetation growth and higher NDVI values were observed along the riparian zone, with the West River demonstrating greater restoration effectiveness compared to the East River. This study revealed that EWDP serves as the key factor driving vegetation recovery. To enhance oasis stability, future ecological management strategies should optimize spatiotemporal water allocation while considering differential vegetation responses. Full article
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22 pages, 2748 KiB  
Article
Effects of Green Infrastructure Practices on Runoff and Water Quality in the Arroyo Colorado Watershed, Texas
by Pamela Mugisha and Tushar Sinha
Water 2025, 17(11), 1565; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17111565 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 665
Abstract
Continuous use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, sporadic sewer overflow events, and an increase in urbanization have led to significant nutrient/pollutant loadings into the semi-arid Arroyo Colorado River basin, which is located in South Texas, U.S. Priority nutrients that require reduction include phosphorus [...] Read more.
Continuous use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, sporadic sewer overflow events, and an increase in urbanization have led to significant nutrient/pollutant loadings into the semi-arid Arroyo Colorado River basin, which is located in South Texas, U.S. Priority nutrients that require reduction include phosphorus and nitrogen and to mitigate issues of low dissolved oxygen, in some of its river segments. Consequently, the river’s potential to support aquatic life has been significantly reduced, thus highlighting the need for restoration. To achieve this restoration, a watershed protection plan was developed, comprising several preventive mitigation measures, including installing green infrastructure (GI) practices. However, for effective reduction of excessive nutrient loadings, there is a need to study the effects of different combinations of GI practices under current and future land use scenarios to guide decisions in implementing the cost-effective infrastructure while considering factors such as the existing drainage system, topography, land use, and streamflow. Therefore, this study coupled the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model with the System for Urban Stormwater Treatment and Analysis Integration (SUSTAIN) model to determine the effects of different combinations of GI practices on the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus under changing land use conditions in three selected Arroyo Colorado subwatersheds. Two land use maps from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Forecasting Scenarios of land use (FORE-SCE) model for 2050, namely, A1B and B1, were implemented in the coupled SWAT-SUSTAIN model in this study, where the urban area is projected to increase by 6% and 4%, respectively, with respect to the 2018 land use scenario. As expected, runoff, phosphorus, and nitrogen slightly increased with imperviousness. The modeling results showed that implementing either vegetated swales or wet ponds reduces flow and nutrients to meet the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) targets, which cost about USD 1.5 million under current land use (2018). Under the 2050 future projected land use changes (A1B scenario), the cost-effective GI practice was implemented in vegetated swales at USD 1.5 million. In contrast, bioretention cells occupied the least land area to achieve the TMDL targets at USD 2 million. Under the B1 scenario of 2050 projected land use, porous pavements were most cost effective at USD 1.5 million to meet the TMDL requirements. This research emphasizes the need for collaboration between stakeholders at the watershed and farm levels to achieve TMDL targets. This study informs decision-makers, city planners, watershed managers, and other stakeholders involved in restoration efforts in the Arroyo Colorado basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Stormwater Control, Utilization, and Treatment)
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20 pages, 5081 KiB  
Article
Combining Demand for Ecosystem Services with Ecosystem Conditions of Vacant Lots to Support Land Preservation and Restoration Decisions
by Erica Bruno, Enzo Falco and Davide Geneletti
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4686; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104686 - 20 May 2025
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Abstract
Urban densification threatens vacant lots in cities, potentially affecting biodiversity and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Policymakers require evidence-based tools to balance densification policies and initiatives with the preservation of green spaces. This research proposes a method to assess ecosystem conditions (EC) [...] Read more.
Urban densification threatens vacant lots in cities, potentially affecting biodiversity and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Policymakers require evidence-based tools to balance densification policies and initiatives with the preservation of green spaces. This research proposes a method to assess ecosystem conditions (EC) of vacant lots and combine it with ES demand in order to identify lots that need to be prioritised for preservation and restoration. This method is applied to the Northern Milan intermunicipal area (Italy). By using open-access satellite imagery, indicators for abiotic, biotic, and landscape characteristics were determined for each lot regarding four regulating ES (air purification, runoff mitigation, microclimate regulation, and pollination). The EC assessment provides planners with information on the ecosystems’ qualities and their ability to deliver ecosystem services. Our findings indicate that vacant lots differ in their contribution to ES provision due to variation in abiotic, biotic, and landscape connectivity conditions, underlining the need for a more detailed assessment of the differences between each individual area that composes the green infrastructure. However, challenges related to defining reference levels and the availability of detailed local data need to be addressed to guide planning decisions effectively. Full article
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