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Keywords = water quality evolution trend

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15 pages, 1457 KiB  
Article
The Hydrochemical Characteristics Evolution and Driving Factors of Shallow Groundwater in Luxi Plain
by Na Yu, Yingjie Han, Guang Liu, Fulei Zhuang and Qian Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6432; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146432 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 273
Abstract
As China’s primary grain-producing area, the Luxi Plain is rich in groundwater resources, which serves as the main water supply source in this region. Investigating the evolution of hydrochemical characteristics and influencing factors of groundwater in this region is crucial for maintaining the [...] Read more.
As China’s primary grain-producing area, the Luxi Plain is rich in groundwater resources, which serves as the main water supply source in this region. Investigating the evolution of hydrochemical characteristics and influencing factors of groundwater in this region is crucial for maintaining the safety of groundwater quality and ensuring the high-quality development of the water supply. This study took Liaocheng City in the hinterland of the Luxi Plain as the study area. To clarify the hydrochemical characteristics evolution trend of groundwater in the area, the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater in recent years were systematically analyzed. The methods of ion ratio, correlation analysis, Gibbs and Gaillardet endmember diagrams, as well as the application of the absolute principal component scores–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to determine the contribution rates of different ion sources to groundwater and to elucidate the driving factors behind the evolution of groundwater chemistry. Results showed significant spatiotemporal variations in the concentrations of major ions such as Na+, SO42−, and Cl in groundwater in the study area, and these variations demonstrated an overall increasing trend. Notably, the increases in total hardness (THRD), SO4, and Cl concentrations were particularly pronounced, while the variations in Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and other ions were relatively gradual. APCS-MLR receptor model analysis revealed that the ions such as Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, Cl, HCO3 and NO3 all have a significant influence on the hydrochemical composition of groundwater due to the high absolute principal component scores of them. The hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area were controlled by multiple processes, including evaporites, silicates and carbonates weathering, evaporation-concentration, cation alternating adsorption and human activities. Among the natural driving factors, rock weathering had a greater influence on the evolution of groundwater hydrochemical characteristics. Moreover, mining activities were the most important anthropogenic factor, followed by agricultural activities and living activities. Full article
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22 pages, 5036 KiB  
Article
The Coupling and Spatial-Temporal Evolution of High-Quality Development and Ecological Security in the Middle Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project
by Ken Sun, Enhui Shi, Zhenzhen Yang, Jiacheng Liu, Yuanbiao Wang, Jingmin Han and Weisheng Xie
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146331 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
The South-to-North Water Diversion Project constitutes a fundamental initiative designed to enhance water resource distribution and foster regional coordinated development. To investigate the coupling coordination and its spatiotemporal evolution between high-quality development and ecological security (HQD-ES) within the project’s water source areas, this [...] Read more.
The South-to-North Water Diversion Project constitutes a fundamental initiative designed to enhance water resource distribution and foster regional coordinated development. To investigate the coupling coordination and its spatiotemporal evolution between high-quality development and ecological security (HQD-ES) within the project’s water source areas, this research established a dedicated evaluation index system. Employing coupling coordination, spatial autocorrelation, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models, the study analyzed the coupled coordination state and its spatiotemporal characteristics across these water source areas for the period 2010–2023. The findings demonstrated that (1) the high-quality development trend remained generally positive, rising from 0.253 to 0.377; ecological safety level showed sustained improvement, increasing from 0.365 to 0.731. (2) The coupling degree (CD) was in a high coupling stage on the whole; the coupling coordination degree (CCD) increased significantly, from imminent imbalance to good coordination state, and the space pattern showed “prominent in the middle and stable in the north and south”. (3) There was no obvious spatial correlation existing between the CCD of HQD-ES in Nanyang City. Tongba, Fangcheng, and Xinye displayed spatial correlation characteristics of low-high aggregation and high-low aggregation. GWR results showed that industrial structure, urbanization, and greening level promoted CCD, while economic level, population density, and environmental regulation inhibited it. Full article
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27 pages, 18307 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Changes in Supply and Demand of Ecosystem Services in the Sanjiangyuan Region and the Main Driving Factors from 2000 to 2020
by Wenming Gao, Qian Song, Haoxiang Zhang, Shiru Wang and Jiarui Du
Land 2025, 14(7), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071427 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 313
Abstract
Research on the supply–demand relationships of ecosystem services (ESs) in alpine pastoral regions remains relatively scarce, yet it is crucial for regional ecological management and sustainable development. This study focuses on the Sanjiangyuan Region, a typical alpine pastoral area and significant ecological barrier, [...] Read more.
Research on the supply–demand relationships of ecosystem services (ESs) in alpine pastoral regions remains relatively scarce, yet it is crucial for regional ecological management and sustainable development. This study focuses on the Sanjiangyuan Region, a typical alpine pastoral area and significant ecological barrier, to quantitatively assess the supply–demand dynamics of key ESs and their spatial heterogeneity from 2000 to 2020. It further aims to elucidate the underlying driving mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing regional ecological management. Four key ES indicators were selected: water yield (WY), grass yield (GY), soil conservation (SC), and habitat quality (HQ). ES supply and demand were quantified using an integrated approach incorporating the InVEST model, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and spatial analysis techniques. Building on this, the spatial patterns and temporal evolution characteristics of ES supply–demand relationships were analyzed. Subsequently, the Geographic Detector Model (GDM) and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were employed to identify key drivers influencing changes in the comprehensive ES supply–demand ratio. The results revealed the following: (1) Spatial Patterns: Overall ES supply capacity exhibited a spatial differentiation characterized by “higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest.” Areas of high ES demand were primarily concentrated in the densely populated eastern region. WY, SC, and HQ generally exhibited a surplus state, whereas GY showed supply falling short of demand in the densely populated eastern areas. (2) Temporal Dynamics: Between 2000 and 2020, the supply–demand ratios of WY and SC displayed a fluctuating downward trend. The HQ ratio remained relatively stable, while the GY ratio showed a significant and continuous upward trend, indicating positive outcomes from regional grass–livestock balance policies. (3) Driving Mechanisms: Climate and natural factors were the dominant drivers of changes in the ES supply–demand ratio. Analysis using the Geographical Detector’s q-statistic identified fractional vegetation cover (FVC, q = 0.72), annual precipitation (PR, q = 0.63), and human disturbance intensity (HD, q = 0.38) as the top three most influential factors. This study systematically reveals the spatial heterogeneity characteristics, dynamic evolution patterns, and core driving mechanisms of ES supply and demand in an alpine pastoral region, addressing a significant research gap. The findings not only provide a reference for ES supply–demand assessment in similar regions regarding indicator selection and methodology but also offer direct scientific support for precisely identifying priority areas for ecological conservation and restoration, optimizing grass–livestock balance management, and enhancing ecosystem sustainability within the Sanjiangyuan Region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Energy, Land, and Food (WELF) Nexus: An Ecosystems Perspective)
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26 pages, 7342 KiB  
Article
Habitat Quality Evolution and Multi-Scenario Simulation Based on Land Use Change in the Tacheng Region
by Zhenyu Zhang, Shuangshang Qi, Abudukeyimu Abulizi and Yongfu Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6113; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136113 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
Habitat quality functions as a critical metric for evaluating regional ecological health and the capacity of ecosystem services. Understanding its temporal dynamics is critical for advancing ecological civilization sustainability. Focusing on the Tacheng region, this study analyzes the evolution characteristics of land use [...] Read more.
Habitat quality functions as a critical metric for evaluating regional ecological health and the capacity of ecosystem services. Understanding its temporal dynamics is critical for advancing ecological civilization sustainability. Focusing on the Tacheng region, this study analyzes the evolution characteristics of land use based on long-term sequential land use data from 2003 to 2023. By coupling the PLUS and InVEST models, it predicts land use change trends under three distinct scenarios for the year 2033 and assesses the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of habitat quality in the Tacheng region from 2003 to 2033. Findings reveal: (1) The land use types in the Tacheng region are dominated by grassland and unutilized land. During 2003–2023, the area of grassland and water showed a decreasing trend, while the areas of cultivated land and unutilized land significantly increased. Among them, NDVI was identified as the primary driver influencing the expansion of cultivated land, grassland, and unutilized land in the Tacheng region, addressing the gap in quantitative contribution analysis of specific drivers in arid region studies. (2) Overall, habitat quality in the Tacheng region significantly deteriorated during 2003–2023, with areas of high habitat quality continuously decreasing and transitioning to medium and relatively low habitat quality zones. This degradation is primarily attributed to the unidirectional conversion of grassland and water into cultivated land and unutilized land. (3) Under different scenario simulations, land use and habitat quality in the Tacheng region exhibit marked differences, with habitat quality showing significant improvement, particularly under the ecological protection scenario. Compared to existing research, this study pioneers the coupling of PLUS and InVEST models in the typical arid region of the Tacheng region, implements localization of model parameters, quantifies future evolution trends of land use and habitat quality under multiple scenarios, and reveals core drivers of land use change in arid regions. This work addresses the research gap regarding habitat quality simulation and driving mechanisms in the Central Asian arid-semiarid transition zone. Full article
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24 pages, 4005 KiB  
Article
Trade-Offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in Terminal Lake Basins of Arid Regions Under Environmental Change: A Case Study of the Ebinur Lake Basin
by Guoqing Lv, Yonghui Wang, Xiaofei Ma, Yonglong Han, Chun Luo, Wei Yu, Jian Liu and Zhiyang Du
Land 2025, 14(6), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061240 - 9 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 461
Abstract
As essential components of arid region ecosystems, terminal lakes play a critical role in enhancing the functions of ecosystem services (ESs) and improving ecological structure. Despite the increasing degradation of ESs and landscape stability due to climate and human pressures, comprehensive assessments of [...] Read more.
As essential components of arid region ecosystems, terminal lakes play a critical role in enhancing the functions of ecosystem services (ESs) and improving ecological structure. Despite the increasing degradation of ESs and landscape stability due to climate and human pressures, comprehensive assessments of water provision, carbon storage, soil conservation, and habitat integrity in arid terminal lake regions are still lacking. Focusing on the Ebinur Lake Basin (ELB), this study employed the InVEST model to quantify ES changes from 2000 to 2020, combined with univariate regression, Pearson, and Spearman correlation analyses to explore their dynamic evolution. Landscape pattern indices calculated via Fragstats 4.2 further revealed trends in fragmentation, boundary complexity, and diversity. Results show that most ESs exhibited synergistic relationships, particularly between carbon sequestration and habitat quality (r = 0.45), observed clear trade-offs, such as between water yield and carbon sequestration (r = −0.47), underscoring the complexity of ecosystem interactions. Enhanced ES functions were associated with increased patch number, density, and shape complexity, while landscape diversity fluctuated. NDVI growth improved ES performance and reduced fragmentation, though changes in landscape metrics were largely driven by climate variability and socio-economic pressures, exacerbating fragmentation and weakening ecological stability. Overall, understanding the trade-offs and synergies among ESs in the ELB is crucial for informing sustainable development strategies. Full article
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20 pages, 9562 KiB  
Article
Study on the Surface Water Chemical Composition and Water Quality Pollution Characteristics of the Shiyang River Basin, China
by Haifeng Wang, Shaoqing Wu, Jihai Xu, Lixia Zhang, Kuijing Li, Jisheng Li, Heping Shu and Jihua Chu
Hydrology 2025, 12(6), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12060132 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 753
Abstract
The surface water quality issue in arid regions is becoming increasingly severe and has become a significant challenge for global environmental protection and water resource management. By continuously collecting surface water samples (2000~2024) and utilizing hydrochemical and principal component analysis, the changes in [...] Read more.
The surface water quality issue in arid regions is becoming increasingly severe and has become a significant challenge for global environmental protection and water resource management. By continuously collecting surface water samples (2000~2024) and utilizing hydrochemical and principal component analysis, the changes in the chemical composition of surface water and its water quality pollution characteristics are examined in the Shiyang River Basin. The surface water anion concentrations are characterized by HCO3 > SO42− > Cl, with average concentrations of 214.11 mg/L, 117.31 mg/L, and 21.61 mg/L, respectively. The cation concentrations follow the trend of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+, with average concentrations of 56.22 mg/L, 33.75 mg/L, 22.91 mg/L, and 5.33 mg/L, respectively. The dominant water types are Ca-HCO3 and Ca (Mg)-HCO3 in the mountainous area and in the plains, respectively. The weathering of carbonates and silicates is the main controlling factor for the evolution process of surface water. Strong evaporation leads to significant differences in ion concentrations, which is manifested as low in mountainous areas and high in plain areas. In addition, the surface water quality in the plains is worse than that of the mountainous areas. The main pollution indicators include DO, CODMn, COD, BOD5, NH4+-N, TP, TN, and fecal coliforms. The surface water quality of Hongyashan Reservoir and Caiqi has improved significantly, reflecting the impact of the water diversion project. The results of this study are of great significance for improving water resource management and ensuring the sustainability of the ecological environment in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrodynamics and Water Quality of Rivers and Lakes)
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29 pages, 13515 KiB  
Article
The Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Surface Urban Heat Islands: A Comparative Study of Beijing and Dalian (2003–2023)
by Yaru Meng, Caixia Gao, Wenping Yu, Enyu Zhao, Wan Li, Renfei Wang, Yongguang Zhao, Hang Zhao and Jian Zeng
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(10), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17101793 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 625
Abstract
The urban heat island (UHI) effect significantly impacts urban environments and quality of life, yet research comparing coastal and inland cities is relatively lacking. This study, using the MYD11A2 dataset, analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution of land surface temperature (LST) and the surface urban [...] Read more.
The urban heat island (UHI) effect significantly impacts urban environments and quality of life, yet research comparing coastal and inland cities is relatively lacking. This study, using the MYD11A2 dataset, analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution of land surface temperature (LST) and the surface urban heat island intensity index (SUHIII) in Beijing (inland) and Dalian (coastal) from 2003 to 2023, exploring the driving factors from 2003 to 2018 and proposing mitigation strategies for similar cities. Key findings: (1) Beijing’s SUHIII is 0.45 °C higher than Dalian’s during summer days, while Dalian’s SUHIII is 0.24 °C stronger than Beijing’s during winter nights, likely due to Dalian’s maritime climate, which raises nighttime LSTs and intensifies the winter SUHIII. (2) Both cities show similar trends in LST and SUHIII, with fluctuations until 2010, an increase after 2011, and a peak in 2023, with the expansion of heat island areas occurring mainly in suburban regions. (3) From 2003 to 2018, TEMP is the primary factor promoting SUHIII, followed by ET and POP, with EVI as the main mitigating factor. Beijing’s PREP weakens SUHI, while Dalian’s PREP promotes it. Coastal cities should focus on water bodies and wetland planning to mitigate heat islands, especially in areas like Dalian which are affected by PREP. Full article
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24 pages, 7188 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Ecological Vulnerability in the Hubei Section of the Yangtze River Economic Belt
by Shuai Wu, Guanzhong Zeng, Jie Sun, Xiaohuang Liu, Xuanhui Li, Qinghua Zeng and Shijie Gu
Land 2025, 14(5), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050996 - 5 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 508
Abstract
The Hubei section of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) has an important strategic position as the core zone of the central part of the YREB, and the advantages and disadvantages of its ecological environment are closely related to the development quality of [...] Read more.
The Hubei section of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) has an important strategic position as the core zone of the central part of the YREB, and the advantages and disadvantages of its ecological environment are closely related to the development quality of the whole YREB. Moreover, the systematic assessment of ecological vulnerability is of great significance to regional ecological environmental protection, the rational exploitation and utilization of resources, and sustainable development. Based on the pressure–state–response–management model, this study analyzes the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of the ecological vulnerability of the Hubei section of the YREB and its influencing factors using G1–CRITIC–game theory combination weighting, the Theil index, and the Ridge regression model. The results show that from 2010 to 2023, the area was characterized by medium ecological vulnerability, with an average area share of 58.2%; the degree of vulnerability rose and then fell; the ecological environment gradually improved; and there was an overall spatial distribution pattern of high in the central part and low in the east and west. On the trend of vulnerability transformation, 62.2% of the area remained unchanged, 21% of the area shifted to low vulnerability, and 16.8% of the area increased in vulnerability level. The Theil index decreased and then rose, the degree of spatial agglomeration was floating in a “V” shape, and the spatial pattern of vulnerability was essentially the same in the hot- and cold-spot areas. Among the six ecological functional protection zones, the soil preservation function zone exhibited the lowest average ecological vulnerability index (EVI) at 0.371. From 2010 to 2023, the water source conservation function zone demonstrated a significant decline in EVI, while the remaining zones showed a gradual upward trend in EVI. The human disturbance index was the main driver affecting the change in ecological vulnerability, and the pressure layer was the key influence criterion layer. This study can provide a reasonable evaluation model and analytical framework for the scientific and objective assessment of ecological vulnerability. Full article
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27 pages, 1843 KiB  
Article
Coupling Coordination Evaluation and Optimization of Water–Energy–Food System in the Yellow River Basin for Sustainable Development
by Pengcheng Zhang, Yaoyao Fu, Boliang Lu, Hongbo Li, Yijie Qu, Haslindar Ibrahim, Jiaxuan Wang, Hao Ding and Shenglin Ma
Systems 2025, 13(4), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13040278 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 650
Abstract
Understanding the coupling mechanisms and coordinated development dynamics of the water–energy–food (WEF) system is crucial for sustainable river basin development. This study focuses on the Yellow River Basin, conducting a comprehensive analysis of the system’s coupling mechanisms and influencing factors. A structured evaluation [...] Read more.
Understanding the coupling mechanisms and coordinated development dynamics of the water–energy–food (WEF) system is crucial for sustainable river basin development. This study focuses on the Yellow River Basin, conducting a comprehensive analysis of the system’s coupling mechanisms and influencing factors. A structured evaluation framework is established, integrating the entropy weight–TOPSIS method, the coupling coordination degree model, and spatial correlation analysis. Empirical analysis is conducted using data from nine provinces (regions) along the Yellow River from 2003 to 2022 to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of the coupling coordination level. The Tobit regression model is employed to quantify the impact of various factors on the system’s coupling coordination degree. Results indicate that the comprehensive evaluation index of the WEF system in the Yellow River Basin exhibits an overall upward trend, with the system coupling degree remaining at a high level for an extended period, up from 0.231 to 0.375. The interdependence among the three major systems is strong (0.881–0.939), and while the coupling coordination degree has increased over time despite fluctuations, a qualitative leap has not yet been achieved. The evaluation index follows a spatial distribution pattern of midstream > downstream > upstream, characterized by a predominantly high coupling degree. However, the coordination degree frequently remains at a forced coordination level or below, with a general trend of midstream > downstream > upstream. From 2003 to 2008, a positive spatial autocorrelation was observed in the coupling and coordinated development of the WEF system across provinces, indicating a strong spatial agglomeration effect. By 2022, most provinces were clustered in “high-high” and “low-low” areas, reflecting a positive spatial correlation with minimal regional differences. Key factors positively influencing coordination include economic development levels, industrial structure upgrading, urbanization, and transportation networks, while technological innovation negatively affects the system’s coordination. Based on these findings, it is recommended to strengthen balanced economic development, optimize the layout of industrial structures, improve the inter-regional resource circulation mechanism, and promote the deep integration of technological innovation and production practices to address the bottlenecks hindering the coordinated development of the water–energy–food system. Policy recommendations are proposed to provide strategic references for the sustainable socioeconomic development of the Yellow River Basin, thereby achieving the high-quality coordinated growth of the water–energy–food system in the region. Full article
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18 pages, 2350 KiB  
Article
Dissolved Oxygen Changes in Wastewater During Sulfamethoxazole Degradation by Photo-Fenton Treatment
by Elisabeth Bilbao-García, Unai Duoandicoechea and Natalia Villota
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083333 - 9 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 581
Abstract
This study examines the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water using the photo-Fenton process, focusing on dissolved oxygen (DO) dynamics, organic matter mineralization, and water quality improvement. The results show that SMX degradation follows a rapid kinetic pattern, achieving complete removal within 30 [...] Read more.
This study examines the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in water using the photo-Fenton process, focusing on dissolved oxygen (DO) dynamics, organic matter mineralization, and water quality improvement. The results show that SMX degradation follows a rapid kinetic pattern, achieving complete removal within 30 min. However, total organic carbon reduction occurs more gradually, indicating the persistence of organic intermediates before full mineralization into CO2 and H2O. DO evolution follows a biphasic trend: an initial decline due to oxidative consumption, followed by an increase due to H2O2 decomposition into O2. Initially, at [H2O2]0 ≥ 3.0 mM, DO sharply increases, while at [Fe(II)]0 = 5.0 mg/L, DO reaches a minimum of 0.3 mg/L due to higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Water quality parameters such as color, turbidity, and aromaticity were also monitored. Aromaticity significantly decreases within 30 min, confirming SMX ring cleavage. Color and turbidity initially intensify and increase due to intermediate formation but later decrease as mineralization progresses. Optimal conditions (1 mol SMX: 10 mol H2O2: 0.05 mol Fe(II)) ensure efficient degradation with minimal oxygen depletion without excessive scavenging effects. These findings confirm that the photo-Fenton process effectively removes SMX while improving water quality, making it a sustainable alternative for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. Full article
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20 pages, 15244 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Spatial and Temporal Correlation Between Habitat Quality and Habitat Fragmentation in the West Qinling Mountains, China
by Caihong Hui, Xuelu Liu and Xiaoning Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073256 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 564
Abstract
In recent decades, with the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the contradiction between resource development and environmental protection has become more and more prominent. Scientific simulation of the spatial and temporal correlation between habitat quality (HQ) and habitat fragmentation at a suitable scale [...] Read more.
In recent decades, with the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, the contradiction between resource development and environmental protection has become more and more prominent. Scientific simulation of the spatial and temporal correlation between habitat quality (HQ) and habitat fragmentation at a suitable scale is of great significance for maintaining the stability of regional ecosystems and achieving high-quality development. This study took the West Qinling Mountains as an example, where, firstly, the appropriate grid scale was determined based on the spatial stability of HQ, and the evolution characteristics of HQ were analyzed from 2000 to 2020 based on the InVEST model and GeoDa software. Secondly, the habitat fragmentation process was simulated from three characteristic dimensions of habitat area, habitat shape, and habitat distribution. Finally, the GWR model was used to explore the correlation mechanism between habitat fragmentation and HQ. The results showed the following: (1) The 3 km grid scale was a suitable scale for HQ evaluation and analysis in the West Qinling Mountains, and the scale effect was consistent across years. (2) The degree of HQ was at a higher level, where, from 2000 to 2020, it showed a decreasing trend, with a clear phenomenon of bipolar sharpening. The spatial distribution showed a pattern of “high in the west and low in the east, low in the north and high in the south”, and exhibited obvious spatial double clustering characteristics. (3) The degree of habitat fragmentation was at a medium level, where, from 2000 to 2020, it showed a increasing trend, with a clear bipolar contraction state. The spatial distribution showed a pattern of “high in the east and low in the west, high in the north and low in the south”, and the overall spatial distribution was retained with the change in time scale. (4) The effects of habitat fragmentation on HQ showed significant spatial and temporal non-stationary with a non-linear negative correlation. From 2000 to 2020, the degree of negative effect gradually increased, and the staggered distribution of forest, unused land, and water might offset the negative impact of unused land on HQ. The results could provide scientific evidence for the optimization of ecological patterns and ecological prevention and control in the West Qinling Mountains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)
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31 pages, 16566 KiB  
Article
The Role of Fluid Chemistry in the Diagenetic Transformation of Detrital Clay Minerals: Experimental Insights from Modern Estuarine Sediments
by Anas Muhammad Salisu, Abdulwahab Muhammad Bello, Abduljamiu O. Amao and Khalid Al-Ramadan
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030317 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 693
Abstract
The diagenetic transformation of detrital clay minerals significantly influences sandstone reservoir quality, with fluid chemistry and temperature playing key roles in dictating transformation pathways during burial diagenesis. While these processes are well-documented in basinal settings, the diagenetic alterations of sediments in dynamic environments [...] Read more.
The diagenetic transformation of detrital clay minerals significantly influences sandstone reservoir quality, with fluid chemistry and temperature playing key roles in dictating transformation pathways during burial diagenesis. While these processes are well-documented in basinal settings, the diagenetic alterations of sediments in dynamic environments like estuaries remain underexplored. This study investigates the impact of fluid composition on the transformation of modern estuarine sediments through hydrothermal experiments using sediments from the Gironde estuary, SW France. A range of natural and synthetic solutions including seawater (SW), 0.1 M KCl (SF1), 0.1 M NaCl, KCl, CaCl2·2H2O, MgCl2·6H2O (SF2), estuarine water (EW), and 0.1 M Na2CO3 (SF3) were used under temperatures from 50 °C to 250 °C for 14 days, with a fixed fluid-to-sediment ratio of 10:1. The results revealed distinct mineralogical transformations driven by fluid composition. Dissolution of detrital feldspars and clay materials began at lower temperatures (<100 °C). The authigenic formation of smectite and its subsequent illitization in K-rich fluids (SW, SF1) occurred between 150 °C and 250 °C, replicating potassium-driven illitization processes observed in natural sandstones. Additionally, chlorite formation occurred through the conversion of smectite in SF2 and EW. Geochemical analysis showed that SF2 produced Mg-rich chlorites, while EW yielded Fe-rich chlorites. This aligns with diagenetic trends in coastal environments, where Fe-rich chlorites are typically associated with estuarine systems. The resulting authigenic illite and chlorite exhibited morphological and chemical characteristics similar to those found in natural sandstones, forming through dissolution-crystallization and solid-state transformation mechanisms. In contrast to illite and chlorite, SF3 produced entirely different mineral phases, including halite and analcime (zeolite), attributed to the high alkalinity and Na-rich composition of the solution. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of fluid chemistry in the diagenetic alteration of modern sediments and their implications for the evolution of sandstone reservoirs, which is critical for energy exploration and transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clays and Engineered Mineral Materials)
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23 pages, 12218 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Scale Effects of Ecosystem Service Bundles in the Xijiang River Basin: Implications for Territorial Spatial Planning and Sustainable Land Management
by Longjiang Zhang, Guoping Chen, Junsan Zhao, Yilin Lin, Haibo Yang and Jianhua He
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051967 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 742
Abstract
In-depth analysis of the evolution of ecosystem services (ESs) in the basin at different spatial scales, scientific identification of ecosystem service clusters, and revelation of their spatial and temporal characteristics as well as coupling mechanisms of interactions are the key prerequisites for effective [...] Read more.
In-depth analysis of the evolution of ecosystem services (ESs) in the basin at different spatial scales, scientific identification of ecosystem service clusters, and revelation of their spatial and temporal characteristics as well as coupling mechanisms of interactions are the key prerequisites for effective implementation of ES management. This paper assessed the spatial and temporal changes of six key ESs covering food provisioning (FP), water yield (WY), soil retention (SR), water conservation (WC), habitat quality (HQ), and carbon sequestration (CS) in the Xijiang River Basin (XRB), China, between 2000 and 2020. Given that the scale effects of ESs and their spatial heterogeneity in the XRB are still subject to large uncertainties, a combination of Spearman correlation analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR) modelling systematically revealed the trade-offs and synergistic relationships between ESs and the scale effects from a grid, watershed, and county perspective. Additionally, we applied the self-organizing mapping (SOM) method to identify multiple ecosystem service bundles (ESBs) and propose corresponding sustainable spatial planning and management strategies for each cluster. The results reveal the following key findings: (1) Spatial distribution and heterogeneity: The six ESs demonstrated pronounced spatial variability across the study area during the two-decade period from 2000 to 2020. The downstream areas had higher levels of ESs, while the upstream regions showed comparatively lower levels. This trend was particularly evident in areas with extensive arable land, higher population density, and more developed economic activity, where ESs levels were lower. (2) Trade-offs/synergies: The analysis highlighted the prevalence of synergistic effects among ESs, with food provisioning-related services exhibiting notable trade-offs. Trade-off/Synergistic effects were weaker at the grid scale but more pronounced at the sub-basin and county scales, with significant spatial heterogeneity. (3) Identification of ESBs: We identified five distinct ESBs: the HQ-CS synergy bundle (HCSB), the integrated ecological bundle (IEB), the agricultural bundle (AB), the key synergetic bundle lacking HQ (KSB), and the supply service bundle (SSB). These clusters suggest that the overall ecological environment of the study area has significantly improved, the supply functions have strengthened, and ecosystem vulnerability has been effectively mitigated. Building upon the identified multi-scale spatiotemporal heterogeneity patterns of ESBs in the XRB, this study proposes an integrated framework for territorial spatial planning and adaptive land management, aiming to optimize regional ecosystem service provisioning and enhance socio-ecological sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)
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28 pages, 14322 KiB  
Article
Identification of Ecological Functional Areas and Scenario Simulation Analysis of the Wanjiang Urban Belt from a Trade-Off/Synergy Perspective
by Yuchun Wang, Yufeng Ang, Yingying Zhang, Yunfeng Ruan and Bingyi Wang
Land 2025, 14(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030444 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 656
Abstract
Identifying ecological functional areas by clarifying the trade-off synergies of multiple ecosystem services to meet the practical needs of coordinating different ecosystem services in a specific region is highly important. Based on InVEST, RUSLE and other models, this study analyzed the tradeoff synergies [...] Read more.
Identifying ecological functional areas by clarifying the trade-off synergies of multiple ecosystem services to meet the practical needs of coordinating different ecosystem services in a specific region is highly important. Based on InVEST, RUSLE and other models, this study analyzed the tradeoff synergies of five typical ecosystem services in the Wanjiang Urban Belt from 1990 to 2020 using Pearson correlation analysis, and self-organizing map (SOM) carried out ecological functional zoning. The PLUS model was used to simulate the evolution of ecological functional zones in 2030. The results revealed that (1) from 1990 to 2020, water yield (WY), soil reservation (SR), and food production (FP) services in Wanjiang Urban Belt increased, whereas carbon storage (CS) and habitat quality (HQ) services decreased. The value of ecosystem services showed a pattern of “high in the south and low in the north”. (2) WY–SR, WY–HQ, HQ–CS, and HQ–SR were synergistic, and the synergistic relationship showed a weakening trend. There were trade-offs in WY–CS, WY–FP, and SR–FP, and the trade-off effects increased with time. (3) The study area was divided into an ecological transition area, an ecological conservation area, an urban development area, an ecological restoration area, an agroecological area, and a water conservation area, and the functions and structures of each cluster significantly differed. (4) Under the natural development scenario, the scales of the ecological transition, ecological conservation, and agroecological areas increased. Under the cropland protection scenario, the urban development and ecological conservation areas began to transform into agroecological areas. Under the urban development scenario, the transfer of areas from ecological conservation, ecological restoration, and agroecological areas to urban development areas increased. In conclusion, the ecosystem services of the Wanjiang Urban Belt are dominated by synergistic effects, but there is a potential risk of shifting to trade-off relationships. In the future, targeted regional ecosystem optimization measures according to the evolution status of each ecological functional zone are urgently needed to provide references for territorial space management and control in this region. Full article
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28 pages, 16929 KiB  
Article
Spatial–Temporal Coupling and Interactive Effects of Reclaimed Water Usage Efficiency and High-Quality Development of the Financial Sector
by Ying Zhou, Fengping Wu, Gen Li and Chen Feng
Systems 2025, 13(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13020137 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 681
Abstract
In China, the current policy of the financial sector on water conservation and management is being vigorously pursued; therefore, efficient synergy between the two systems is of great significance. In this study, the coupling and coordination degree (CCD) between reclaimed water usage efficiency [...] Read more.
In China, the current policy of the financial sector on water conservation and management is being vigorously pursued; therefore, efficient synergy between the two systems is of great significance. In this study, the coupling and coordination degree (CCD) between reclaimed water usage efficiency (RWUE) and high-quality development of the financial sector (HQDFS) was assessed using a coupling coordination model with panel data from 27 provinces in China during 2010–2021, and a more in-depth coupling and coordination relationship (CCR) was carried out using a spatiotemporal evolution methodology and PVAR model. The results of this study show the following: (1) CCD exhibits a continuous upward trajectory. At the end of the study period, the eastern, central, western, and northeastern regions moved to the primary coordination level. (2) The eastern and northeastern regions show an increasing trend in absolute differences and polarization. Meanwhile, the central region experiences a gradual rise in polarization. (3) The elliptical plot of the CCD’s standard deviation tends toward a circular shape with a positive aspect ratio. An expanding trend of absolute differences and polarization is observed in the eastern and northeastern regions. (4) The PVAR results show that the two systems can promote each other in the early stages and have a negative impact in the later stages. This study provides policy recommendations for a balanced development of the two systems and the formulation of regional development strategies based on the state of coupling and coordination between the two. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data Analytics for Social, Economic and Environmental Issues)
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