Content and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediment in Weishan Lake

[Objective] The aim was to analyze the content of heavy metals in surface sediment in Weishan Lake and further assess its ecological risk.[Method] Heavy metal pollution in surface sediment in Weishan Lake was studied,and the pollution indices and potential ecological risk indices of Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd and Cr were calculated to assess the potential ecological risk of heavy metal pollution.[Result] In surface sediment in Weishan Lake,the average contents of Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd,Cr and Ni were 64.78,185.05,78.76,0.17,37.76 and 46.84mg/kg respectively.Cr and Cd weren't beyond standards in all stations,while Cu and Pb exceeded standards in all stations,with average super-standard multiple of 0.85 and 0.31,respectively,and Zn content wasn't beyond standard in S2 station,with average super-standard multiple of 0.24.The average pollution indices of Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd and Cr were 1.85,1.23,1.31,0.34 and 0.47 respectively,with average comprehensive pollution index of 5.21,which showed that heavy metal pollution was light.In addition,heavy metal pollution in entryway portion and sea-route portion were more serious than that of breeding portion.Potential ecological risk assessment showed that the average potential ecological risk indices of Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd and Cr were 9.25,1.23,6.56,10.34 and 0.94 respectively,with average comprehensive potential ecological risk index of 28.33,and it revealed that potential ecological risk of heavy metals was slight.Besides,the potential ecological risk order of heavy metal pollution was sea-route portion>entryway portion>breeding portion.[Conclusion] The study could provide references for the regulation and improvement of ecological environment in Weishan Lake in the east route of south-to-north water transfer project.

Ecological impact assessment method of highways in Tibetan Plateau:A Case study of Gonghe-Yushu Expressway

In recent years,the ecological environment along highways in Tibetan Plateau has been severely affected due to the rapid construction of highways.In order to solve the problems of multiple indicators and inconsistent criteria in the ecological impact assessment of highways,and to scientifically screen assessment indicators,the paper proposes a multi-round indicator screening method,which combines literature analysis,expert rating,and statistical analysis.Based on this screening method,normalized difference vegetation index,land surface temperature,elevation,and normalized difference soil index are screened out.Combined with multiple linear regression,an ecological impact assessment model is established and applied to ecological impact assessment of Gonghe-Yushu Expressway.The results show that the expressway construction is the first driving force for the deterioration of the ecological environment along the roadside,and its interference range on the desert grassland ecosystem is greater than that on the agroforestry system.The ecological environment within 150 m on both sides of the expressway should be protected.

Ecological Risk Assessment of World Heritage Sites Using RS and GIS:A Case Study of Huangshan Mountain, China

Ecological risk assessment(ERA) is an indispensable method for systematic monitoring of World Heritage Sites(WHSs) exposed to various anthropogenic factors and natural disasters. Remote sensing(RS) and geographical information systems(GIS) can eliminate many limitations in traditional ERA methods. In this study, changes in ecological risk at Huangshan Mountain, the first mixed WHS in China, over the period of 1984–2019 were explored using remote sensing images and products by considering both natural disasters and human disturbance. Results show that of the four land cover types in Huangshan Mountain, namely water, forest, building and farmland, the main land cover type is forest. During the 35 yr, lands categorised at low or relatively low ecological risk levels are dominant in Huangshan Mountain, with the lowest and highest ERIs(ecological risk index) in 1990 and 2010, respectively. The areas at the five ecological risk levels have declined as follows: relatively low > low > medium > relatively high > high. Changes in ecological risks are closely related to changes in land cover and natural disasters. Even though major natural disasters may affect the ecological risk level in the whole region, changes in land cover caused by human activities will shift the ecological risk level in some areas. Our attempts can be modified and applied to other sites, and offer policy implications for protection and preservation of WHSs.

Spatial Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediment of Songhua River,Northeast China

The Songhua River,one of the seven major rivers in China,locates in Northeast China with 1897 km long.This study aims to investigate the concentrations,distribution,source apportionment and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals including copper(Cu),zinc(Zn),cadmium(Cd),lead(Pb),nickel(Ni)and chromium(Cr)in main stream and tributaries of the Songhua River in Jilin Province,Northeast China.Surface sediment samples(0–15 cm)were collected from 39 sampling sites in the Songhua River in July 2012.Concentrations of Cu,Zn,Cd,Pb,Ni and Cr were analyzed.The mean concentrations of heavy metals were(24.0±9.2)mg/kg,(59.3±18.0)mg/kg,(4.0±2.1)mg/kg,(39.0±27.9)mg/kg,(18.5±8.6)mg/kg and(56.1±17.6)mg/kg for Cu,Zn,Cd,Pb,Cr and Ni,respectively.The average contents of Cu,Cd,Pb,Cr and Ni were higher than their background values.Higher concentrations of heavy metals were found in the lower reaches with industrial enterprises and cities along the Songhua River.Zn,Pb and Ni might come from industrial sewage and mineral processing,while Cu and Cd were derived from electroplating wastewater and agricultural non-point source sewage.Cr originated from lithogenic sources.The concentrations of Cu,Zn and Cr were below the effect range low(ERL)at all sites,while Cd,Pb and Ni concentrations were detected ranging from ERL to the effect range median(ERM)at more than 15%of samples.Concentrations of Ni exceeded ERM in more than 50%of samples.The mean toxic units of heavy metals in the Songhua River decreased following the order:Cd(6.7)>Pb(2.2)>Ni(1.6)>Cu(0.7)>Cr(0.5)=Zn(0.5).Potential ecological risk index was found to be higher in middle and lower reaches of the Songhua River,where Cd could impose an extremely high ecological risk.

Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of coastal mudflats on Leizhou Peninsula,China

Mudflats play a vital role in maintaining the dynamic balance between sea and land.To understand the characteristics,sources,and pollution risks of six heavy metals(As,Cd,Cr,Cu,Hg,and Pb)in the coastal mudflats on the Leizhou Peninsula,257 surface sediment samples were studied using mathematical statistics,correlation analysis,and factor analysis.The results show that the overall concentrations of these heavy metals are low although there are several high abnormal points in the local areas.The strong correlation between these heavy metals indicates that the sources of some of the metals are similar,yet their elemental combinations in different cities(counties)varied.According to the calculated enrichment factor(EF),anthropogenic activity-induced heavy metals were determined in order of decreasing influence:As,Cd,Pb,Cr,Cu,and Hg.The low EF values of Hg indicate that it does not present as a contaminant in the study area,while low values of Cr and Cu from the Lianjiang City suggest that these two metals were also attributed to natural sources.The presence of As,Cd,Cr,Cu,and Pb from the remaining cities(counties)should be influenced by anthropogenic activities.The overall potential ecological risk index indicates that the ecological risks posed by the six analyzed heavy metals to the Leizhou Peninsula mudflats,in order of decreasing risk,are Cd,As,Hg,Pb,Cu,and Cr.It is noteworthy that only Cd in Lianjiang City demonstrated substantial ecological risk.Other examined heavy metals in other cities of the study area showed slight ecological risk.

Assessment of ecological importance of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau based on ecosystem service flows

Assessments of ecological importance based on static indexes that do not consider service flows frequently underestimate the importance of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as a "source".On the basis of natural environmental characteristics,this study selected six type of ecosystem services for evaluation,including water retention,soil retention,carbon sequestration,biodiversity conservation,sandstorm prevention,and tourism.According to the attributes of each ecosystem service flow,we calculated the flow length and traffic accessibility indexes,using Arc GIS hydrological module and kernel functions separately,to comprehensively analyse the ecological importance levels of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Results showed that after considering the service flows,the ecologically important zone shifted to the core area of the Three River Source Region,such as Zadoi County located in the Tanggula Mountains.The area of extreme importance is mainly distributed in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin,Tanggula Mountains,Hengduan Mountains,and Qilian Mountains,which accounts for 31.7% of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,providing approximately 60% of the ecosystem services and having extremely high protection efficiency and protection value.By introducing ecosystem service flow indexes,this study confirmed the ecological importance of core source areas such as the Tanggula Mountains,weakened the space bias caused by not considering the spatial transfer of ecosystem services,and provided technical support for optimizing ecological protection strategies and coordinating regional development.

Ecological Security Assessment of Red River Basin in Guangxi

[Objective] The study aimed at assessing the ecological security of Red River basin in Guangxi. [Method] Firstly, the ecological security assessment index system of Red River basin was established based on the framework of "pressure-state-response" model, and index information of ecological security assessment was extracted by using RS and GIS technology; afterwards, the ecological security of Red River basin was divided into five grades according to ecological security index, and the distribution and characteristics of ecological security at various levels were analyzed; finally, the measures to maintain the ecological security of Red River basin were put forward on the basis of problems in ecological security. [Result] Most areas of Red River basin in Guangxi were in generally safe state, especially Lingyun County, Fengshan County, Du'an County, Dahua County, Shanglin County, Binyang County, Guiping City, etc., and the area accounted for 74.25% of total area; next came safer state (12.74%), the regions in the two states above were the most important environmental areas of Red River basin. The ecological security problems of Red River basin were mainly related to fragile ecological environment, lagging economic development, rapid population growth, excessive development and utilization of natural resources and so forth. [Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for the rational development and utilization of land resources, protection and construction of ecological environment in Red River basin.

Ecological Investigation and Ecological Security Assessment of Xizhijiang River Basin in Huizhou City of Guangdong Province

In addition to such ecological problems as the pollution of the water system,the unreasonable structure of the upstream Basin and the insufficient water conservation forests,the Xizhi River Basin also faces human decision-making problems such as imperfect ecological compensation mechanism.In view of the above problems,using the DPSIR model(Drivers,Pressures,States,Impacts,Responses),this paper analyzed eucalyptus forest in Xizhi River Basin to assess the security of the Xizhi River ecological Basin,and finally concluded that the ecological status of Xizhi River Basin remains safe.

Identifying Distinct Quitting Trajectories after an Unassisted Smoking Cessation Attempt: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Objectives: This study aimed at identifying distinct quitting trajectories over 29 days after an unassisted smoking ces- sation attempt by ecological momentary assessment (EMA). In order to validate these trajectories we tested if they predict smoking frequency up to six months later. Methods: EMA via mobile phones was used to collect real time data on smoking (yes/no) after an unassisted quit attempt over 29 days. Smoking frequency one, three and six months after the quit attempt was assessed with online questionnaires. Latent class growth modeling was used to analyze the data of 230 self-quitters. Results: Four different quitting trajectories emerged: quitter (43.9%), late quitter (11.3%), returner (17%) and persistent smoker (27.8%). The quitting trajectories predicted smoking frequency one, three and six months after the quit attempt (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Outcome after a smoking cessation attempt is better described by four distinct trajectories instead of a binary variable for abstinence or relapse. In line with the relapse model by Marlatt and Gordon, late quitter may have learned how to cope with lapses during one month after the quitting attempt. This group would have been allocated to the relapse group in traditional outcome studies.

Research and Analysis of Regional Ecological Positioning in Planning Environmental Impact Assessment

The regional ecological positioning of one area is based on the region’s ecological orientation by the country or a larger region.Combined with the region’s natural geographical features,ecological background,main ecological problems,regional ecological structure,pattern,process,function and service,etc.,the position of a certain area in ecological space,structure,process,function and service,etc.is determined through the analysis and research.Regional ecological positioning is an important prerequisite and core basis for regional ecological impact assessment.However,in the current regional ecological impact assessment,most of them have not analyzed and studied the regional ecological positioning.Due to the lack of research on regional ecological positioning,it is rare to apply the research results of regional ecological positioning to the establishment of regional ecological objectives and the construction of index system.Regional ecological positioning does not guide the direction of regional ecological protection and construction well,and there is a general tendency of regional ecological positioning being one-sided and slogan-based.This paper analyzes the necessity and importance of research of regional ecological positioning,puts forward the technology framework of study on regional ecological positioning.With regional ecological positioning research in planning ecological impact assessment of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone as an example,how to carry out the study on the regional ecological positioning and how to apply the results of the study on the regional ecological positioning in regional ecological impact assessment are explained and illustrated.

Climate Changes and Sustainability

Climate change is the phrase used to describe long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. Changes in the atmosphere and their interactions with diverse geologic, chemical, biological, and geographic variables are the main contributors to this cyclical adjustment of the Earth’s climate. Such changes may be induced purposefully, because of burning fossil fuels, clearing forests, and raising animals, or they may be natural, brought on by significant volcanic eruptions or variations in the sun’s activity. By significantly increasing the amount of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere, this heightens the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming. This work includes several additional theoretical and practical explanations of sustainable development. The theoretical work encompasses hundreds of researches that identify requirements for how development routes might satisfy sustainable development (SD) criteria using economic theory, complex systems approach, ecological science, and other techniques. The agreements made by the Parties in various nations across the world will consider a wide range of perspectives about what would be considered undesirable effects on the environment, the climate system, sustainability, economic growth, or food production.

Comprehensive Investigation and Assessment of Nutrient and Heavy Metal Contamination in the Surface Water of Coastal Bohai Sea in China

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization of coastal regions,eutrophication and metal pollution have caused serious environmental problems in China.To better understand the potential environmental risks associated with nutrients and heavy metals,the surface water was comprehensively investigated in the coastal Bohai Sea.A total of 150 sites were sampled from seven coastal regions,and the concentrations of nutrients(DIN and DIP)and metals(Cd,Pb,Zn,Cu,Cr,As and Hg)in the surface seawater were measured.The results showed that the DIN concentration of about 50%sites exceeded the Grade-I of Seawater Quality Standard of China.Due to high concentrations of DIN,the status of eutrophication was serious in the Bohai Bay and Shuangtaizi Estuary.According to Seawater Quality Standard of China,Pb,Zn,Hg and Cu were the main metal pollutants in the coastal Bohai Sea.There was generally low ecological risk caused by heavy metals,but certain hotspots existed near Shuangtaizi Estuary and Changxingdao Island.

Research hotspots and trends of groundwater and ecology studies:Based on a bibliometric approach

Groundwater,as a critical component of the hydrological cycle,is essential for sustainable ecosystem development.To clarify the current status of domestic and overseas research,and to identify hotspots,frontier and future trends of groundwater and ecology research,this study utilizes bibliometric methods and CiteSpace software to examine relevant published articles in the Web of Science(WOS)and CNKI databases from 1978 to 2022.Specifically,this study analyzes(1)the annual number of published papers;(2)research institutions;(3)keywords;and(4)evolution of research hotspots.The findings reveal that the United States,China,and Germany are the top three countries in groundwater and ecology research.International research hotspots mainly focus on microbial ecology,climate change,groundwater-surface water interactions in the hyporheic zone,biodiversity,and submarine groundwater discharge,while domestic research hotspots mainly focus on ecological water conveyance,ecological flow,groundwater development and utilization,groundwater pollution,and groundwater and ecological protection.Both domestic and international research hotspots exhibit interdisciplinary features with diverse research objects and assessment methods.Future research in this area is expected to focus on topics such as contamination,groundwater quality,framework,mechanism,spatial distribution,and dissolved organic matter.Additionally,the study of ecological recharge,ecological flow,ecological protection,water intake and use will continue to be the hot topics domestically.

Occurrence, partition behavior, source and ecological risk assessment of nitro-PAHs in the sediment and water of Taige Canal, China

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(NPAHs)are widespread organic pollutants that possess carcinogenic and mutagenic properties,so they may pose a risk to the environment and human health.In this study,the concentrations of 15 NPAHs and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)in 30 surface water samples and 26 sediment samples were measured in 2018 from the Taige Canal,one of the main rivers flowing into Taihu Lake,China.The total NPAH concentrations in water and sediment ranged from 14.7 to 235 ng/L and 22.9 to 96.5 ng/g dw,respectively.9-nitrophenanthrene(nd–76.3 ng/L)was the dominant compound in surface water,while 2+3-nitrofluoranthene(1.73–18.1 ng/g dw)dominated in sediment.Among PAHs,concentration ranging from 1,097 to 2,981 ng/L and 1,089 to 4,489 ng/g dw in surface water and sediment,respectively.There was a strong positive correlation between the log octanol-water partition coefficient(Kow)and log sediment-water partition coefficient due to hydrophobic interaction.The fugacity fraction value increased with the decrease of log Kow,and chrysene was transferred from water into sediment.The residual NPAHs in surface water and sediment of the Taige Canal have partial correlation.Diesel engine and coal combustion emissions were probably the principal sources of NPAHs in surface water and sediment.The results of ecological risk assessment showed that some NPAHs inwater(e.g,1-nitropyrene and 6-nitrochrysene)and sediment(e.g.,2-nitrobiphenyl,5-nitroacenaphthene,9-nitrophenanthrene and 2+3-nitrofluoranthene)had moderate ecological risks,which should be of concern.

Wet and dry deposition fluxes of heavy metals in Pearl River Delta Region(China):Characteristics,ecological risk assessment,and source apportionment

The atmospheric deposition of heavy metals poses serious risks to the ecological system and human health. To advance our knowledge of atmospheric dry/wet heavy metal deposition in the PRD region, monthly fluxes were examined based on soluble/insoluble fractions of five heavy metal elements(Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn) in samples collected from January 2014 to December 2015 at Guangzhou(urban) and Dinghushan(suburban) sites. The ratios of wet/dry deposition fluxes indicated that heavy metal deposition was governed by wet deposition rather than dry deposition in the PRD region. Affected by the shifting of the Asian monsoon, wet deposition fluxes exhibited significant seasonal variation between summer monsoon seasons(April to September) and winter monsoon seasons(October to February) in this region. Cd was classified as an extremely strong potential ecological risk based on solubility and the Hakanson ecological risk index. Source contributions to wet deposition were calculated by PMF, suggesting that dust, biomass burning, industries,vehicles, long-range transport and marine aerosol sources in Guangzhou, and Zn fertilizers,marine aerosol sources, agriculture, incense burning, biomass burning, vehicles and the ceramics industry in Dinghushan, were the potential sources of heavy metals.

Ecological risk assessment of Cd and other heavy metals in soil-rice system in the karst areas with high geochemical background of Guangxi,China

Karst areas are widely distributed in China,and the soil derived in these areas is enriched with trace elements and has the typical characteristics of high geochemical background.Therefore,soil ecological risk has gradually attracted extensive attention.In this study,1090 sets of rice grains and paired rhizosphere soils were collected as research objects from the outcropped karst areas of carbonate rocks in Guangxi,and the concentration characteristics and influencing factors of heavy metals,such as Cd and As,in rice grains and the corresponding soils were studied.According to the Chinese Soil Environmental Quality Standard(GB 15618-2018),the proportion of karstic soil samples in Guangxi with heavy metal(As,Cd,Cr,Cu,Hg,Ni,Pb and Zn)concentrations that exceed the standard risk screening values was generally greater than that of surface soils in China or non-karstic soils in Guangxi.Notably,Cd and As were the most prominently enriched heavy metals in soils.According to the Chinese Food Safety Standard(GB 2762-2017),Pb in rice grains from the studied area did not exceed the standard;the exceedance rates of Cr,Hg,and inorganic As were only about 1%;and the exceedance rate of Cd was 12.5%.Soil Cd concentration increased gradually whereas the concentration and exceedance rate of Cd in rice grains decreased gradually with the increase of soil pH.Specifically,the exceedance rate of Cd in rice grains was only 4%when soil pH>6.5.The results indicated that the risk screening values of Cd element in the Chinese Soil Environmental Quality Standard are not satisfactorily applicable to the ecological risk assessment of Cd in karstic soils.Therefore,the recommended threshold values for the safe utilization and risk control of Cd in karstic soils was proposed so as to provide a basis for soil environmental quality hierarchization,pollution risk control and land safety zoning of agricultural land in karst areas in China.

Digital phenotyping in depression diagnostics: Integrating psychiatric and engineering perspectives

Depression is a serious medical condition and is a leading cause of disability worldwide.Current depression diagnostics and assessment has significant limitations due to heterogeneity of clinical presentations,lack of objective assessments,and assessments that rely on patients'perceptions,memory,and recall.Digital phenotyping(DP),especially assessments conducted using mobile health technologies,has the potential to greatly improve accuracy of depression diagnostics by generating objectively measurable endophenotypes.DP includes two primary sources of digital data generated using ecological momentary assessments(EMA),assessments conducted in real-time,in subjects'natural environment.This includes active EMA,data that require active input by the subject,and passive EMA or passive sensing,data passively and automatically collected from subjects'personal digital devices.The raw data is then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify behavioral patterns that correlate with patients'clinical status.Preliminary investigations have also shown that linguistic and behavioral clues from social media data and data extracted from the electronic medical records can be used to predict depression status.These other sources of data and recent advances in telepsychiatry can further enhance DP of the depressed patients.Success of DP endeavors depends on critical contributions from both psychiatric and engineering disciplines.The current review integrates important perspectives from both disciplines and discusses parameters for successful interdisciplinary collaborations.A clinically-relevant model for incorporating DP in clinical setting is presented.This model,based on investigations conducted by our group,delineates development of a depression prediction system and its integration in clinical setting to enhance depression diagnostics and inform the clinical decision making process.Benefits,challenges,and opportunities pertaining to clinical integration of DP of depression diagnostics are discussed from interdisciplinary perspectives.

The Impact Of Oil Spill To The Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon(Tph)Concentration In Fishes At North Coastal Of Karawang Regency,West Java Province

The coastal area is one of the areas that is quite vulnerable to the threat of pollution caused by human activities,including pollution caused by oil spills(hydrocarbons)in the sea.The incident can be caused by several factors including the explosion,leakage of petroleum pipelines on the seabed,leakage of tanks or petroleum tankers at sea and disposal of waste petroleum products into the environment.Oil spills continuously can cause environmental contamination and pollution both aquatic and terrestrial.If the petroleum hydrocarbons enter sea waters,some of them will be absorbed by aquatic organisms because the nature of the petroleum hydrocarbons is difficult to decompose in waters.The intentional and unintentional entry of hazardous and toxic substances into marine ecosystems such as petroleum hydrocarbons and chemical solvents resulting from industrial wastes has become a serious problem for human health and the environment.The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon(TPH)contained in fish in coastal waters of Karawang Regency,West Java Province.This research was conducted in September-November 2019 by taking several fish samples at Ciparage Jaya Fish Auction Place,Betok Mati and Sungai Buntu Rive with a total sample of 24 fish,and taking seawater samples in the three study sites.TPH analysis was carried out at the Integrated Chemistry Laboratory,Bogor Agricultural University.TPH values in fish at Ciparage-1,Ciparage-2,Betok Mati and Sungai Buntu stations,in general,have different mean values but are almost uniform,each at 6.82;6.82;7.45 and 5.12 mg/kg.Based on the average TPH concentration in fish,it can be said that the average TPH in fish at Betok Mati station is relatively higher compared to other stations.TPH values in all fish samples exceed the safe threshold,which is a maximum of 0.002 mg/kg.Based on the results of the Bioaccumulation factor(BAF)analysis showed that the average TPH in fish was 6.55 mg/kg and the average TPH in the waters was 11.23 mg/l,so the BAF value was 58.35 which means that the absorption rate of TPH by fish organisms against the concentration of TPH in the waters of 58.35%.The analysis shows that the value of Ecological Hazard Assessment(EHA)is 3743.33 which means that the level of influence of the hazard on ecosystems and organisms is 3743.33.This value exceeds the recommended threshold according to the European Union,which is a maximum of 0.002 mg/l.

Geostatistical modelling and mapping of nematode-based soil ecological quality indices in a polluted nature reserve

Nematodes are indicators of soil quality and soil health.Knowledge of the relationships between nematode-based soil quality indices and environmental properties is beneficial for assessing environmental threats on soil biota.This study evaluated the spatial distribution of nematode-based soil quality indices in a 23-ha heavy metal-polluted nature reserve using geostatistical methods.We expected that a selection of abiotic soil properties(pH and moisture,clay,organic matter,cadmium(Cd),and zinc(Zn)contents)could explain a significant portion of the spatial variation of the indices and that regression kriging could more accurately model their spatial distribution than ordinary kriging.A stratified simple random sampling scheme was used to select 80 locations where soil samples were taken to extract nematodes and derive the indices.The area had a distinct gradient in soil properties with Cd and Zn content ranging from 0.07 to 68.9 and 5.3 to 1329 mg kg^(-1),respectively.Linear regression models were fitted to describe the relationships between the indices and soil properties.By also modelling the spatial correlation structure of regression residuals using spherical semivariograms,regression kriging was used to produce maps of the indices.The regression models explained between 21% and 44% of the total original variance in the indices.Soil pH was a significant explanatory variable in almost all cases,while heavy metal conent had a remarkably low effect.In some cases,the regression residuals had spatial structure.Independent validation indicated that in all cases,regression kriging performed slightly better because of having lower values of the root mean square prediction error and a mean prediction error closer to zero than ordinary kriging.This study showed the importance of soil properties in explaining the spatial distribution of biological soil quality indices in ecological risk assessment.

A new perspective on ecological vulnerability and its transformation mechanisms

Ecological vulnerability refers to the degree of ecosystem disturbance,system damage,and the ability of system restoration.Although case-specific evaluations of ecological vulnerability are progressing rapidly,they have been carried out mainly in areas with intensive human activities or in harsh natural environments.Using the Web of ScienceTM core collection,this review paper summarized studies on ecological vulnerability published from 2000 to 2022 and analyzed in depth major case studies.It was found that traditional ecological vulnerability research has been addressed largely in terms of assessment models,data processing models,and analysis of influencing factors,however there was a lack of research on the process of vulnerability transformation.Because the vulnerability transformation in a hierarchical vulnerability index system is regulated by multiple factors in a heterogeneous region,it is urgent to understand how the ecological vulnerability in a region evolves from one level to another over time.Therefore this paper put forward the new perspective of research,i.e.,applying quantitative analysis to identification of regulating factors and exploring the mechanisms of ecological vulnerability transformation.This new perspective could assist in monitoring the complex spatiotemporal changes in ecological vulnerability and taking necessary measures to prevent from decline of ecological stability.