scholarly journals Validating anthropogenic threat maps as a tool for assessing river ecological integrity in Andean–Amazon basins

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janeth Lessmann ◽  
Maria J. Troya ◽  
Alexander S. Flecker ◽  
W. Chris Funk ◽  
Juan M. Guayasamin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Integrity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Environmental Predictors ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Validation Procedure ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Limited Power ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats

Anthropogenic threat maps are commonly used as a surrogate for the ecological integrity of rivers in freshwater conservation, but a clearer understanding of their relationships is required to develop proper management plans at large scales. Here, we developed and validated empirical models that link the ecological integrity of rivers to threat maps in a large, heterogeneous and biodiverse Andean–Amazon watershed. Through fieldwork, we recorded data on aquatic invertebrate community composition, habitat quality, and physical-chemical parameters to calculate the ecological integrity of 140 streams/rivers across the basin. Simultaneously, we generated maps that describe the location, extent, and magnitude of impact of nine anthropogenic threats to freshwater systems in the basin. Through seven-fold cross-validation procedure, we found that regression models based on anthropogenic threats alone have limited power for predicting the ecological integrity of rivers. However, the prediction accuracy improved when environmental predictors (slope and elevation) were included, and more so when the predictions were carried out at a coarser scale, such as microbasins. Moreover, anthropogenic threats that amplify the incidence of other pressures (roads, human settlements and oil activities) are the most relevant predictors of ecological integrity. We concluded that threat maps can offer an overall picture of the ecological integrity pattern of the basin, becoming a useful tool for broad-scale conservation planning for freshwater ecosystems. While it is always advisable to have finer scale in situ measurements of ecological integrity, our study shows that threat maps provide fast and cost-effective results, which so often are needed for pressing management and conservation actions.

scholarly journals CONSERVAÇÃO DE PEIXES DE RIACHO: PLANEJAMENTO E POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (02) ◽  
pp. 546-564
Author(s):  
Renata Guimarães Frederico ◽  
◽  
Vanessa Cristine e Souza Reis ◽  
Carla Natacha Marcolino Polaz ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Forest Protection ◽  
Spatial Prioritization ◽  
Impact Reduction ◽  
Conservation Actions

Conservation biology has historically been based on principles to protect terrestrial ecosystems, with marine and freshwater ecosystems left behind. As a result, often, protected areas are defined with bases in forest cover and terrestrial characteristics overseeing important components of connectivity of riverine landscapes, such as the connectivity between rivers, lakes, and streams. It is important to emphasize that forest protection is extremely important, but that alone cannot safeguard the protection of freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, our discussion should lead, not to the disregard of terrestrial efforts but to the complementation of existing efforts for forest protection with the addition of areas that can also protect freshwater ecosystems. Fluvial ecosystems are hierarchical and nested systems, with multidimensional connectivity including longitudinal (upstream-downstream), lateral (floodplains and lakes), temporal (seasons) and vertical (groundwaters) connections. Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) is the most well accepted and used method for designing conservation plans based on cost-effective scenarios that include ecological and socio-economic values resulting in thematic maps of priority areas for conservation. Recently, methods to consider the connectivity of freshwater ecosystems were incorporated into spatial prioritization tools. Maps produced using spatial prioritization tools can help decision making on species management and conservation actions, such as plans for species’ impact reduction (PRIM) and action plans for threatened species (PAN). PRIM and PAN use information about species ecology to focus conservation actions onto target species. These conservation action plans must be viable not only ecologically but also economically. In this context, using SCP to guide designs of PRIM and PAN can help stakeholders to achieve better conservation actions in Brazil. Thus, the SCP can improve the conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems, through the integration of science, society and stakeholder.

scholarly journals Current and Future Pathotyping Platforms for Plasmodiophora brassicae in Canada

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1446
Author(s):  
Heather H. Tso ◽  
Leonardo Galindo-González ◽  
Stephen E. Strelkov
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Plasmodiophora Brassicae ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Differential Set ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Phenotypic Methods ◽  
Important Disease

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is one of the most detrimental threats to crucifers worldwide and has emerged as an important disease of canola (Brassica napus) in Canada. At present, pathotypes are distinguished phenotypically by their virulence patterns on host differential sets, including the systems of Williams, Somé et al., the European Clubroot Differential set, and most recently the Canadian Clubroot Differential set and the Sinitic Clubroot Differential set. Although these are frequently used because of their simplicity of application, they are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and can lack sensitivity. Early, preventative pathotype detection is imperative to maximize productivity and promote sustainable crop production. The decreased turnaround time and increased sensitivity and specificity of genotypic pathotyping will be valuable for the development of integrated clubroot management plans, and interest in molecular techniques to complement phenotypic methods is increasing. This review provides a synopsis of current and future molecular pathotyping platforms for P. brassicae and aims to provide information on techniques that may be most suitable for the development of rapid, reliable, and cost-effective pathotyping assays.

scholarly journals A Simple Device for the On-Site Photodegradation of Pesticide Mixes Remnants to Avoid Environmental Point Pollution

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3593
Author(s):  
Biagio Esposito ◽  
Francesco Riminucci ◽  
Stefano Di Marco ◽  
Elisa Giorgia Metruccio ◽  
Fabio Osti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vibrio Fischeri ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Point Sources ◽  
Pseudokirchneriella Subcapitata ◽  
Parent Molecule ◽  
Oxidation Processes ◽  
Sources Of Pollution ◽  
Pesticides In Water

The worldwide increase in the number and use of agrochemicals impacts nearby soil and freshwater ecosystems. Beyond the excess in applications and dosages, the inadequate management of remnants and the rinsing water of containers and application equipment worsen this problem, creating point sources of pollution. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalytic and photo-oxidation processes have been successfully applied in degrading organic pollutants. We developed a simple prototype to be used at farms for quickly degrading pesticides in water solutions by exploiting a UV–H2O2-mediated AOP. As representative compounds, we selected the insecticide imidacloprid, the herbicide terbuthylazine, and the fungicide azoxystrobin, all in their commercial formulation. The device efficiency was investigated through the disappearance of the parent molecule and the degree of mineralization. The toxicity of the pesticide solutions, before and during the treatment, was assessed by Vibrio fischeri and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata inhibition assays. The results obtained have demonstrated a cost-effective, viable alternative for detoxifying the pesticide solutions before their disposal into the environment, even though the compounds, or their photoproducts, showed different sensitivities to physicochemical degradation. The bioassays revealed changes in the inhibitory effects on the organisms in agreement with the analytical data.

scholarly journals Assessing Riparian Areas of Greece—An Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 309
Author(s):  
George N. Zaimes ◽  
Valasia Iakovoglou
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Stream Flow ◽  
Vegetation Indices ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Riparian Areas ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Of Greece

Riparian areas, especially in the Mediterranean, offer many ecosystem services for the welfare of society benefits from their sustainable management. This study presents different tools used to assess riparian areas of Greece and their results. Riparian areas with different land-uses/vegetation covers along streams or torrents were assessed. The assessment tools were visual protocols, bioindicators, geographic information systems (GIS), vegetation indices, and a model. These tools differ in scale, accuracy, and difficulty of implementation. The riparian areas had Low and Moderate quality in Greece because of agricultural activities and hydrologic alterations. Vegetation appeared more important for the integrity of riparian areas than stream flow (perennial or intermittent). In addition, territorial variables (distance from dam and sea) were more influential compared to climatic variables. Visual protocols and GIS were effective for preliminary assessments. GIS can be applied at a greater scale but was less accurate than the protocols. Bioindicators can provide more cost-effective monitoring than physicochemical water variables. Finally, vegetation indices and models can be used for larger spatial and temporal scales, but require specialized personnel. Overall, riparian areas of Greece seem to be degraded, and monitoring would contribute to the development of a database on riparian areas that should form the basis for sustainable management plans in Greece.

scholarly journals The genetic legacy of fragmentation and overexploitation in the threatened medicinal African pepper-bark tree, Warburgia salutaris

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annae M. Senkoro ◽  
Pedro Talhinhas ◽  
Fernanda Simões ◽  
Paula Batista-Santos ◽  
Charlie M. Shackleton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Random Mating ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Genetic Diversity Management ◽  
High Level

AbstractThe pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) is one of the most highly valued medicinal plant species worldwide. Native to southern Africa, this species has been extensively harvested for the bark, which is widely used in traditional health practices. Illegal harvesting coupled with habitat degradation has contributed to fragmentation of populations and a severe decline in its distribution. Even though the species is included in the IUCN Red List as Endangered, genetic data that would help conservation efforts and future re-introductions are absent. We therefore developed new molecular markers to understand patterns of genetic diversity, structure, and gene flow of W. salutaris in one of its most important areas of occurrence (Mozambique). In this study, we have shown that, despite fragmentation and overexploitation, this species maintains a relatively high level of genetic diversity supporting the existence of random mating. Two genetic groups were found corresponding to the northern and southern locations. Our study suggests that, if local extinctions occurred in Mozambique, the pepper-bark tree persisted in sufficient numbers to retain a large proportion of genetic diversity. Management plans should concentrate on maintaining this high level of genetic variability through both in and ex-situ conservation actions.

Innovative biological treatment for sustainable development in the chemical industries

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 111-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Wesley Eckenfelder ◽  
A. J. Englande
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Biological Treatment ◽  
Ecological Integrity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Effluent Quality ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Conventional Technology ◽  
Receiving Waters ◽  
Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate

This paper presents a perspective of wastewater management in the chemical industries as related to sustainable development. The scope of wastewater management must therefore further be expanded to include the concept of ecological integrity of receiving waters. Ecological integrity of receiving waters is compromised by contaminants which are not effectively removed by Best Conventional Technology (BCT). Biological treatment typically offers the most cost-effective conversion and/or stabilization of wastewaters; however, modifications must be employed in the design and operation to provide satisfactory effluent quality. Enhanced treatment techniques for wastewaters containing high organic concentrations, VOCs, elevated TDS levels, toxics and priority pollutants are discussed. The importance of design and operational procedures including pretreatment technologies, two stage vs. single stage activated sludge, selector design and maximum specific oxygen uptake rate determinations are also presented.

scholarly journals High-Mountain Lakes, Indicators of Global Change: Ecological Characterization and Environmental Pressures

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Paolo Pastorino ◽  
Marino Prearo
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Atmospheric Transport ◽  
Morphological Characterization ◽  
Mountain Lakes ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Species Introduction ◽  
Environmental Pressures ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats ◽  
Global And Local

Though mountain lakes are generally much less influenced by human activities than other habitats, global and local anthropogenic threats can alter their natural condition. The most alarming threats are climate change, water exploitation and abstraction, alien species introduction, and the medium-long range atmospheric transport of contaminates. Moreover, tourism and mountain farming are two other major sources of organic pollutants that can pose a threat to local aquatic biodiversity. Papers submitted to this Special Issue should be original contributions, with a focus on ecological and morphological characterization, environmental pressures (i.e., alien species introduction, environmental contaminates), and the use of bioindicators/tracers to inform adequate management plans.

scholarly journals Land-Based Impact of Nutrient Loads and Eutrophication on an Ancient Mediterranean Natural Lake

Hydrology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Bachisio Mario Padedda ◽  
Antonella Lugliè ◽  
Giuseppina Grazia Lai ◽  
Filippo Giadrossich ◽  
Cecilia Teodora Satta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Impacts ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Nutrient Loads ◽  
Trophic Conditions ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Natural Lake ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Water Management Plans ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

In water management plans, all human impacts on the aquatic environment are quantified and evaluated. For this purpose, lake-related assessment methods of watersheds are needed. The aim of this study is to present the environmental condition along the watershed–lake continuum of Lake Baratz, located in the northeastern part of Sardinia. We provide a method to evaluate the impact of a small watershed area on the trophic state of this ancient Mediterranean natural lake. This study demonstrates the potentialities of coupling simple land structure-based models with empirical ones, allowing one to hierarchize, interpret, and predict the relationships among the watershed ecological unity and lake trophic conditions at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It also demonstrates how the impact of single and interacting nutrient stressors can have a different impact on the trophic status which, in particular, applies to autotrophs, constituting a key response in the ecosystem. We suggest that the stressor hierarchy should be considered as a way of prioritizing actions in the cost-effective implementation of conservation and management plans.

scholarly journals What evidence exists on conservation actions to conserve insects? A protocol for a systematic map of literature reviews

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal Robert Haddaway ◽  
Eliza Grames ◽  
Douglas H. Boyes ◽  
Manu E. Saunders ◽  
Nigel G Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Evidence Review

BackgroundInsects play a central role in the functioning of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and contribute to a multitude of ecosystem services in managed and unmanaged systems Even local declines of insect abundance and richness can have enormous ecological and economic consequences. Evidence-informed conservation actions are essential to prevent potential cascading consequences of insect declines, and to help declining populations recover. Policy-makers rely on syntheses of primary research, such as reviews and meta-analyses, when making decisions about which conservation actions to implement. These evidence reviews vary in their quality, and do not necessarily synthesise the full range of scientific evidence found in the primary literature, which hampers decision-making.. This evidence review map will identify, catalogue, and describe evidence reviews that investigate actions and policies to conserve insect biodiversity. This will help policy makers identify relevant reviews and researchers to identify synthesis gaps. It will also generate a list of conservation actions which can feed into future synthesis projects. We will produce an interactive database of evidence reviews, acting as a bibliography for policy-makers, curate a list of insect conservation actions that have been reviewed, and identify synthesis gaps for conservation actions that have not been reviewed.MethodsWe will search for evidence reviews across seven large, generic bibliographic databases, a database of environmental reviews, and five grey literature resources using a search string consisting of an insect substring, a biodiversity or population response substring, an evidence synthesis substring, and a conservation substring. The results will be deduplicated and then screened at title and abstract (concurrently) and full text levels against predefined inclusion criteria. We will initially perform consistency checking on a subset of records at each level to ensure the inclusion criteria are sufficiently clear and understood by multiple reviewers. We will extract a suite of descriptive meta-data from relevant reviews, including a description of the action and information on each review’s focal taxa, biomes, and locations. If resources allow, we will apply the CEESAT critical appraisal tool for evidence reviews to assess validity of individual records and the evidence base as a whole. We will summarise our findings in an interactive database of reviews and other visualisations, including evidence atlases and heat maps (cross tabulations of the volume of evidence across two categorical variables). The findings of the evidence review map will support the identification of synthesis gaps and clusters that may warrant further attention through secondary research.

scholarly journals A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Mapping, Automatic Detection and Morphometric Analysis of Ancient Submerged Coastal Installations: The Case Study of the Ancient Aegina Harbour Complex

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 4462
Author(s):  
Nikos Georgiou ◽  
Xenophon Dimas ◽  
Elias Fakiris ◽  
Dimitris Christodoulou ◽  
Maria Geraga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphometric Analysis ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Coastal Zone Management ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Statistical Parameters ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
Acoustic Data ◽  
Zone Management ◽  
Management Plans

The documentation of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) is the basis for sustainable maritime development including its protection, preservation, and incorporation in coastal zone management plans. In this study, we present a multidisciplinary, non-intrusive downscale approach for the documentation of UCH implemented on the coastal area of Aegina Island, Greece, where a unique submerged harbour complex is preserved. This approach succeeded in obtaining information that serves both geomorphological and archaeological purposes in a time- and cost-effective way, while obtaining information of centimeters to millimeters scale. The geomorphology of the area was mapped in detail through marine geophysical means while ancient submerged conical rubble structures and breakwaters were documented using automatic seafloor segmentation techniques, revealing previously unknown sites of archaeological interest. The structures’ parameters were extracted from the acoustic data to analyze their morphometry, while photogrammetry was realized using a Remotely Operated Vehicle to expose their micro-structure. The spatial distribution of the structures revealed the construction of a well-planned harbour complex with multiple passages and different possible functionalities. Finally, through the structures’ morphometric analysis (geometry and terrain statistical parameters) their preservation status was revealed, demonstrating the anthropogenic impact on the submerged ancient structures due to the modern harbor activity.

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