Ecological problems and ecological restoration zoning of the Aral Sea

The Aral Sea was the fourth largest lake in the world but it has shrunk dramatically as a result of irrational human activities, triggering the "Aral Sea ecological crisis". The ecological problems of the Aral Sea have attracted widespread attention, and the alleviation of the Aral Sea ecological crisis has reached a consensus among the five Central Asian countries(Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan). In the past decades, many ecological management measures have been implemented for the ecological restoration of the Aral Sea. However, due to the lack of regional planning and zoning, the results are not ideal. In this study, we mapped the ecological zoning of the Aral Sea from the perspective of ecological restoration based on soil type, soil salinity, surface water, groundwater table, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI), land cover, and aerosol optical depth(AOD) data. Soil salinization and salt dust are the most prominent ecological problems in the Aral Sea. We divided the Aral Sea into 7 first-level ecological restoration subregions(North Aral Sea catchment area in the downstream of the Syr Darya River(Subregion Ⅰ);artificial flood overflow area in the downstream of the Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅱ);physical/chemical remediation area of the salt dust source area in the eastern part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅲ);physical/chemical remediation area of severe salinization in the central part of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅳ);existing water surface and potential restoration area of the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅴ);Aral Sea vegetation natural recovery area(Subregion Ⅵ);and vegetation planting area with slight salinization in the South Aral Sea(Subregion Ⅶ)) and 14 second-level ecological restoration subregions according to the ecological zoning principles. Implementable measures are proposed for each ecological restoration subregion. For Subregion Ⅰ and Subregion Ⅱ with lower elevations, artificial flooding should be carried out to restore the surface of the Aral Sea. Subregion Ⅲ and Subregion Ⅳ have severe salinization, making it difficult for vegetation to grow. In these subregions, it is recommended to cover and pave the areas with green biomatrix coverings and environmentally sustainable bonding materials. In Subregion Ⅴ located in the central and western parts of the South Aral Sea, surface water recharge should be increased to ensure that this subregion can maintain normal water levels. In Subregion Ⅵ and Subregion Ⅶ where natural conditions are suitable for vegetation growth, measures such as afforestation and buffer zones should be implemented to protect vegetation. This study could provide a reference basis for future comprehensive ecological management and restoration of the Aral Sea.

Feature extraction and analysis of reclaimed vegetation in ecological restoration area of abandoned mines based on hyperspectral remote sensing images

The vegetation growth status largely represents the ecosystem function and environmental quality.Hyperspectral remote sensing data can effectively eliminate the effects of surface spectral reflectance and atmospheric scattering and directly reflect the vegetation parameter information.In this study,the abandoned mining area in the Helan Mountains,China was taken as the study area.Based on hyperspectral remote sensing images of Zhuhai No.1 hyperspectral satellite,we used the pixel dichotomy model,which was constructed using the normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI),to estimate the vegetation coverage of the study area,and evaluated the vegetation growth status by five vegetation indices(NDVI,ratio vegetation index(RVI),photochemical vegetation index(PVI),red-green ratio index(RGI),and anthocyanin reflectance index 1(ARI1)).According to the results,the reclaimed vegetation growth status in the study area can be divided into four levels(unhealthy,low healthy,healthy,and very healthy).The overall vegetation growth status in the study area was generally at low healthy level,indicating that the vegetation growth status in the study area was not good due to short-time period restoration and harsh damaged environment such as high and steep rock slopes.Furthermore,the unhealthy areas were mainly located in Dawukougou where abandoned mines were concentrated,indicating that the original mining activities have had a large effect on vegetation ecology.After ecological restoration of abandoned mines,the vegetation coverage in the study area has increased to a certain extent,but the amplitude was not large.The situation of vegetation coverage in the northern part of the study area was worse than that in the southern part,due to abandoned mines mainly concentrating in the northern part of the Helan Mountains.The combination of hyperspectral remote sensing data and vegetation indices can comprehensively extract the characteristics of vegetation,accurately analyze the plant growth status,and provide technical support for vegetation health evaluation.

Stepwise Ecological Restoration:A framework for improving restoration outcomes

Ecosystem degradation is one of the critical constraints for the sustainable development of our planet.However,recovering an ecosystem to a pre-impairment condition is often not practical.The International Restoration Standards provide the first framework for practical guidance on what constitutes the process of ecological repair and how this repair process can be influenced to improve net ecological benefits.In these Standards,Restorative Continuum is highlighted and it recognises that many do not,yet there is still value in aspiring to improvements to the highest extent possible,with some sites potentially being able to be improved in a stepwise manner.Here we elaborate on these Standards by providing a cross-ecosystem theoretical framework of Stepwise Ecological Restoration(STERE)for promoting higher environmental benefits.STERE allows the selection of suitable restorative modes by considering the degree of degradation while encouraging a transition to a higher state.These models include environmental remediation for completely modified and degraded ecosystems,ecological rehabilitation for highly modified and degraded ecosystems,and ecological restoration for degraded native ecosystems.STERE requires selecting tailored restorative modes,setting clear restorative targets and reference ecosystems,applying a systematic-thinking approach,and implementing a continuous monitoring program at all process stages to achieve a resilient trajectory.STERE allows adaptive management in the context of climate change,and when the evidence is available,to“adapt to the future”to ensure climate resilience.The STERE framework could assist in initiating and implementing restoration projects worldwide,especially in developing countries.

Ecological Restoration Technologies of Urban Artificial Landscape Lakes

Aiming at the problems of water pollution and ecological environment degradation in urban artificial landscape lakes,the ecological restoration technologies of artificial landscape lakes at home and abroad were studied to provide some reference for the ecological restoration of urban artificial landscape lakes in China.

Optimization of Wetland Plant Selection and Configuration in Urban Water Environment Ecological Restoration Projects

In urban water ecological restoration projects,the selection and configuration of wetland plants are crucial for water quality improvement,ecological diversity enhancement,and landscape beautification.Different plants have different characteristics,and a scientific and rational selection and optimization of plant species is needed.This paper proposes an optimized plant selection and configuration scheme for urban water ecological restoration based on the ecological characteristics and pollutant removal performance of wetland plants.It analyzes the diversity,removal mechanisms,and configuration modes of wetland plants,taking into account ecology,aesthetics,and cost-effectiveness,to provide scientific evidence for wetland plant configuration and support water environment management decision-making.

Landscape Design of Educational Research Base Based on Mine Ecological Restoration:Taking the Restoration of Datu Mine in Xinhe Village,Dadukou District as an Example

With the continuous development of the mining industry,the number of abandoned mines is increasing,which brings many impacts on the geology and ecological environment around the mines.It is urgent to attach great importance to the ecological management and environmental restoration of abandoned mines.The long-term traditional development path of rural areas,following the model of“pollution first,treatment later,”fails to meet the needs of sustainable development.The contradiction between mine economic development and ecological environment degradation is becoming increasingly prominent,which urgently needs to be solved.Under the guidance of the Party and the state,in order to implement the relevant policies of“green mountains and clear waters are gold and silver mountains,”we emphasize rural green development,and the transformation of rural green development path is imperative.This paper takes Datu Mine in Xinhe Village,Dadukou District,Chongqing as the research object,combines rural ecological development as the research basis,and innovatively integrates the“educational research”model,aiming to provide practical strategies for the sustainable development of rural landscapes in abandoned mines.

Riverine Ecology Restoration through Ecological Engineering and Naturalization

[Objective] The aim was to improve and restore destroyed riverine and water ecosystem and to prevent bio-diversity from deteriorating in Jari demonstration plot in Ethiopia. [Method] Biological engineering and naturalization were made use of to protect nature and restore wetland as per Succession Theory. [Result] Both of eco- environment and eco-functions of Mille River were restored through reconstruction of biocenosis in wetlands. [Conclusion] It is feasible to implement matched ecological projects in semiarid regions in East Africa, providing references for restoration and protection of local water resources.

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.

Ecological Restoration Technology and Carbon Reduction Paths of Abandoned Mines in Zoige Alpine Grassland Area

At first,the ecological restoration technology of abandoned mines is summarized,and the paths and models of mine ecological restoration in Zoige grassland area under the background of carbon neutrality are analyzed.Moreover,the problems and deficiencies in the current research on mine ecological restoration in Zoige grassland area are initially identified,and the future research trend is prospected to provide a reference for the path of carbon reduction by mine ecological restoration in Zoige grassland area and other alpine grassland areas in the future.

Effects of Ecological Restoration of Mangrove Wetlands Using Native Mangrove Species to Replace Spartina alterniflora: A Case Study in Southern China

Within the expanse of China’s coastline, the invasive alien cordgrass species Spartina alterniflora has caused profound nationwide damage and has emerged as a critical factor contributing to the degradation of mangrove wetlands, especially in the study area in Beihai, Guangxi. However, current treatments for S. alterniflora remain less effective and limited research focuses on the preliminary changes after artificial plantation. A comprehensive approach combining physical interventions with biological control measures has been employed to eradicate smooth cordgrass and facilitate the restoration of native mangrove wetlands. The study involved the periodic monitoring of the growth conditions of mangroves and the biodiversity of avian and benthic organisms, conducted at three to four-month intervals following the artificial plantation with one-year-old seedlings and propagules of native mangrove species Rhizophora stylosa. Results indicated that through the allometric equation, the above-ground biomass of planted seedlings had a ~20 g increase in average but the growth conditions were not significant over an eight-month period. High percentage of important avian species underlined the potential of the study site to serve as a worthwhile habitat and notable seasonal variations were observed in the biodiversity of bird species. Biodiversity indices of bird and benthos species also followed a similar fluctuation and reached a peak in April 2023. This research underscores the initial lack of distinct improvements during the early stages of the ecological restoration project, thorough maintenance, long-term monitoring, holistic considerations on a larger scale would be imperative for ongoing projects in the future.

Progress and Prospects of the Natural Restoration of Damaged Vegetation after the Earthquake

Vegetation plays an important role in soil and water conservation, water conservation and carbon sequestration of an ecosystem. The restoration of damaged vegetation is of great significance to the maintenance of species diversity and the restoration of the regional ecological environment. It is also one of the most effective measures to improve the fragile ecosystem. This paper summarizes the research results from decades of damaged vegetation recovery in the process of vegetation recovery, the main driving factor and the restoration mode.

Problems and countermeasures on restoration of forest ecological environment of Jilin Province

Jilin Province is one of major forest regions of China. This paper analyzed the existing conditions and tendency in forest ecological restoration of the province and revealed the confronting problems in ecology and economy. The authors divided Jilin Province into three ecological economic zones, including nid-west farming and stockbreeding area, east hilly diversified-operation area, and Changbai Mountain national forest area, and discussed the direction and tasks of forest ecological restoration of each zone. Some Countermeasures and suggestions were put forward for restoration of forest ecology of the province.

Seed movement of bare alkali-saline patches and their potential role in the ecological restoration in Songnen grassland, China

The dynamics of soil seed banks and seed movement was investigated in three bare alkali-saline patches in Songnen grassland, Northeast China, for exploring their potential role in the vegetation restoration of bare alkali-saline patches. The results showed that the seed banks and the seed movement in these patches were very similar to each other, and to some extent the seed movement was related to patch-side vegetation there. Seed movement across the soil surface of these bare alkali-saline patches was abundant and dominated by the seeds of pioneer species, such as Chloris virgata and Suaeda corniculata, which accounted for over 96% of these trapped seeds. In the contrast, soil seed banks of bare patches were extremely small, in different seasons, especially in May and June, even no any seed have been found, mainly due to lowest retaining capacity of surface soil to those abundant seed movement. Both soil seed banks and seed movement showed seasonal variation, and usually reached the maximum in October. Soil seed banks of bare alkali-saline patches, which were extremely small and difficult to recruit naturally, may inhibit speed of vegetation restoration. It is suggested that seed movement would be the potential seed source and play a potentially important role in the process of vegetation restoration of bare alkali-saline patches by enhancing the soft retaining capacity to seed movement.

Exotic and invasive species compromise the seed bank and seed rain dynamics in forests undergoing restoration at urban regions

The control of exotic and invasive species in areas undergoing recovery is a challenge for ecological restoration and this problem may be even greater in urbanized areas. This study evaluated the seed bank and seed rain of a 5-year-old riparian forest located at the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte in southeast Brazil, and verified changes over time in the abundance and species richness and whether planted species already were providing propagules to the site. At the forest, fifteen parcels of 100 m2 were distributed randomly and soil samples were collected thrice (October 2011, March 2012 and July 2012) to evaluate the seed bank. Seed traps were installed in nine parcels to collect propagules over 1 year. Propagules were segregated and germinate at greenhouse. Species richness and abundance were estimated, and variance and similarity were quantified. In total, 86 species were recorded in the seed banks, 41.9% natives and 33.7% exotics, with the predominance of herbs (87.2%) and only 7% of trees. Species classified as weeds amounted to 52.3%. In the seed rain 642 seedlings germinated but they belonged to only 10 species, half of them were exotics. Regarding life forms, half of the species were arboreal and dominated the samples, highlighting the exotic species Melia azedarach. The species richness of the seed bank did not differ by season, unlike the seed rain which varied significantly by month. Seed bank and seed rain species had a very low floristic similarity with the list of planted species, suggesting that few planted trees had dispersed or were stocking propagules. Many non-planted species were recorded, mostly exotics and/or invasive that were probably derived from the surrounding urban matrix. These might interrupt the successional dynamics of the restoration forest and compromise the restoration process in the medium and long-terms. Our results highlight: (1) the importance of monitoring areas undergoing restoration; (2) that restoration methods and management actions directed to control exotic and invasive species are particularly important for sites in urban regions; and (3) the relevance of conserving forest fragments as sources of propagules for nearby areas.

Evolution mechanism and treatment timing of penetrating fissures

The Inner Mongolia mining area in western China are characterized by the development of numerous penetrating fissures,resulting in severe land damage.It is significant to reveal the underlying evolution mechanism and identify treatment timing for restoring the ecological environment.The Guanbanwusu mining subsidence area in Inner Mongolia,China was selected as the research case for this study.The evolution mechanism of different penetrating fissures was revealed by field measurement,physical simulation and theoretical analysis.The treatment timing prediction model for the mining subsidence area was established based on the enhanced Weibull time function.The results show that the ground fissures are mainly step-type and collapse-type fissures.The breaking form of overlying strata determines their vertical opening and horizontal dislocation.The high mining intensity in the western mining area results in a shortened period of dynamic fissure expansion and reduced closure degree.The damage extent of the overlying strata exhibits zoning characteristics both vertically and horizontally.The relative standard deviation of the prediction model is only 3.7%.Concurrently,the prediction model is employed to determine the optimal timing for treatment in the study area,estimated to be 259 days.Subsequently,once this threshold is reached,the study area undergoes treatment and restoration of its e cological environment.This study addresses the knowledge gap in this field by highlighting the interconnectedness between rock strata structure and evolution mechanism of penetrating fissures,thereby providing a method for determining the treatment timing in mining subsidence areas.

Floristic composition and edaphic relationships in ferruginous campo rupestre reference ecosystems

Land use change and occupation have led to modifications in the environment causing loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services throughout the planet.Some environments with high economic relevance,such as the ferruginous campo rupestre(rupestrian grassland known as Canga in Brazil),are even more susceptible to severe impacts due to their extreme habitat conditions and low resilience.The determination of reference ecosystems based on the intrinsic characteristics of the ecosystem is essential for conservation as well as to the implementation of ecological restoration.We proposed the reference ecosystem of the three main types of habitats of the ferruginous campo rupestre based on their floristic composition.We described the floristic composition of each habitat and evaluated the physicochemical properties of the soils and the relationship between plants and soils.All three habitats showed high diversity of plant species and many endemic species,such as Chamaecrista choriophylla,Cuphea pseudovaccinium,Lychnophora pinaster,and Vellozia subalata.The distribution of vegetation was strongly related with the edaphic characteristics,with a set of species more adapted to high concentration of base saturation,fine sand,organic carbon,and iron,while another set of species succeeded in more acidic soils with higher S and silt concentration.We provide support for the contention that the ferruginous campo rupestre is a mosaic of different habitats shaped by intrinsic local conditions.Failure to recognize the floristic composition of each particular habitat can lead to inappropriate restoration,increased habitat homogenization and increased loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.This study also advances the knowledge base for building the reference ecosystem for the different types of ferruginous campo rupestre habitats,as well as a key database for highlighting those species contribute most to community assembly in this diverse and threatened tropical mountain ecosystem.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of seed rain and soil seed bank of artificial Caragana korshinskii Kom. forest in the Tengger Desert, China

Vegetation restoration and reconstruction are effective approaches to desertification control and achieving social and economic sustainability in desert areas.However,the self-succession ability of native plants during the later periods of vegetation restoration remains unclear.Therefore,this study was conducted to bridge the knowledge gap by investigating the regeneration dynamics of artificial forest under natural conditions.The information of seed rain and soil seed bank was collected and quantified from an artificial Caragana korshinskii Kom.forest in the Tengger Desert,China.The germination tests were conducted in a laboratory setting.The analysis of species quantity and diversity in seed rain and soil seed bank was conducted to assess the impact of different durations of sand fixation(60,40,and 20 a)on the progress of vegetation restoration and ecological conditions in artificial C.korshinskii forest.The results showed that the top three dominant plant species in seed rain were Echinops gmelinii Turcz.,Eragrostis minor Host.,and Agropyron mongolicum Keng.,and the top three dominant plant species in soil seed bank were E.minor,Chloris virgata Sw.,and E.gmelinii.As restoration period increased,the density of seed rain and soil seed bank increased first and then decreased.While for species richness,as restoration period increased,it gradually increased in seed rain but decreased in soil seed bank.There was a positive correlation between seed rain density and soil seed bank density among all the three restoration periods.The species similarity between seed rain or soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation decreased with the extension of restoration period.The shape of the seeds,specifically those with external appendages such as spines and crown hair,clearly had an effect on their dispersal,then resulting in lower seed density in soil seed bank.In addition,precipitation was a crucial factor in promoting rapid germination,also resulting in lower seed density in soil seed bank.Our findings provide valuable insights for guiding future interventions during the later periods of artificial C.korshinskii forest,such as sowing and restoration efforts using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Research of Ecological Restoration of Jari Agricultural Demonstration Site in Ethiopia

In order to resolve the issue of soil erosion in East African plateau, a micro-landscape irrigation region was established in Ethiopia plateau to research status quo of agricultural demonstration site in Jari in Ethiopia and to analyze the relation between structure and function of inner elements in different landscapes of demonstration site. Furthermore, in accordance with ecology, silviculture, agriculture and economics, the ecological landscapes were classified as per landscape functions; lands returning from farming were classified and re-used; ecosystems of grassland, river, agriculture and courtyard were researched; the feasibility of ecological restoration and sustainable development in demonstration site was demonstrated; the model for rational irrigation and water conservation was proposed. The research guarantees sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry and provides references for undeveloped countries with similar problems.

Ecological Remediation Measures for Non-point Source Pollution Based on Source-Sink Landscape Theory: A Case Study of Huanghou Basin

The growth of society and population has led to a range of water pollution issues.Among these,non-point source pollution assessment and treatment pose a particular challenge due to its formation mechanism.This has become a focal point and challenge in water pollution treatment research.The study area for this research was the Huanghou basin in Guizhou Province,southwest China.The land use type of the basin was analyzed using remote sensing technology,and water quality data was collected by distributing points throughout the basin,based on source-sink landscape theory.The distribution map of the basin’s source-sink landscape and the results of water quality data accurately and efficiently identified the areas with high risk of non-point source pollution in the western and southwestern residential and agricultural areas of the upper basin.Hence,a strategy of“increasing sinks and decreasing sources”was proposed.The strategy was implemented at both macro and micro levels to address non-point source pollution in the basin using ecological remediation techniques.The work to control karst rocky desertification should continue at a macro level.The rocky desertification area in the basin should gradually transform into grassland and forested land,while increasing the overall area of the sink landscape.Ecological restoration techniques,such as slope planting,riparian zone vegetation restoration,increasing plant abundance,and restoring aquatic plants,can effectively control non-point source pollution at the micro level.Compared to traditional control methods,this remediation strategy focuses on source and process control.It is more effective and does not require large-scale water pollution control projects,which can save a lot of environmental control funds and management costs.Therefore,it has greater research significance and application value.

Comprehensive Overview of Populus simonii Research in the Recent Years

As an important ecological tree species in northern China, Populus simonii plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting environmental sustainability. The academic community has conducted a series of in-depth studies on this species, covering key areas such as genomics, survival mechanisms, and genetic breeding. Through the analysis of the genomic structure and function of P. simonii, we have not only revealed the molecular basis for its adaptation to harsh environments but also identified key genes that promote its growth and resistance to pests and diseases. Furthermore, exploring the survival mechanisms of P. simonii has deepened our understanding of its stress resistance traits, including how it effectively copes with abiotic stresses such as drought, salinization, and heavy metal pollution. In genetic breeding, significant progress has been made through the application of modern biotechnology, improving the growth rate and wood quality of P. simonii and enhancing its environmental adaptability and disease resistance. These research findings have not only enriched our knowledge of the biological characteristics of P. simonii but also provided a solid scientific foundation for its application in ecological restoration, forestry production, and environmental management.