Ecological Conditions Research Articles

Evaluation of yield potential and agronomic traits of new wheat varieties under agro- ecological conditions of Bannu Division (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Evaluation of yield potential and agronomic traits of new wheat varieties under agro- ecological conditions of Bannu Division (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Evaluation and ranking of solutions to mitigate Industry 4.0 adoption risks in manufacturing: a hybrid spherical fuzzy FUCOM- MABAC approach

ABSTRACT Manufacturing industries are under increased pressure to implement more sustainable practices to safeguard the environment and advance the welfare of humanity due to evolving ecological conditions. Industry 4.0 technologies are essential for transforming conventional manufacturing into sustainable practices by integrating Cyber-Physical Systems. Nevertheless, the manufacturing sector in developing countries has been notably slow to implement Industry 4.0, primarily due to the numerous associated risks. Specifically in the context of developing nations, the existing literature demonstrates a substantial gap in research that addresses these Industry 4.0 risks. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the potential risks linked with the adoption of Industry 4.0 and to examine viable alternatives or solutions. This paper attempts to identify and prioritize the most effective solutions for mitigating the risks associated with adopting Industry 4.0 in manufacturing industries in developing countries. Thirty-seven risks and eighteen solutions related to Industry 4.0 adoption have been considered for proposing the framework based on the Spherical fuzzy full consistency method (SF-FUCOM) and Spherical fuzzy multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (SF-MABAC) methods. The results emphasized several critical risks, including economic, social, environmental, technological, operational, and strategic, that are associated with adopting Industry 4.0. The proposed framework is a valuable reference aid for researchers, policymakers, and decision-makers, as it eases the implementation of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing. The present study also provides a clear path for developing nations to implement Industry 4.0 and assists them in prioritizing critical factors that are pertinent to their manufacturing industries.

Trophic-transferred hierarchical fragmentation of microplastics inducing distinct bio-adaptations via a microalgae-mussel-crab food chain.

Trophic-transferred hierarchical fragmentation of microplastics inducing distinct bio-adaptations via a microalgae-mussel-crab food chain.

Trophic status index discrepancies as a tool for improving lake management: insights from 160 Polish lakes.

Trophic status index discrepancies as a tool for improving lake management: insights from 160 Polish lakes.

Response of ecological condition in ecologically fragile areas to disturbance from extreme precipitation event: An empirical analysis from the loess plateau

Response of ecological condition in ecologically fragile areas to disturbance from extreme precipitation event: An empirical analysis from the loess plateau

Heavy metal contamination in fish and human health risks from lakes of a mega inter-basin water diversion.

Heavy metal contamination in fish and human health risks from lakes of a mega inter-basin water diversion.

Climate change promotes harmful algal blooms in China's lakes and reservoirs despite significant nutrient control efforts.

Climate change promotes harmful algal blooms in China's lakes and reservoirs despite significant nutrient control efforts.

Economic and ecological constraints of hybrid systems with Bayesian networks

To confront climate change and the shortage of fossil fuels, countries are turning to renewable energies, particularly solar energy, which is an abundant, inexhaustible energy with a low environmental impact. In Mali, hydraulic and thermal energy sources are insufficient, and the country has been facing a huge energy crisis in recent years. For this reason, the production of solar energy is a major solution. This work proposes a photovoltaic system coupled to the national distribution network to reduce this energy crisis or even resolve it definitively. A preliminary analysis was carried out to define the technical, economic, and ecological conditions for the construction of a 30 MW solar power plant at three interconnection points of the national distribution network of Mali. The objective of this analysis is to determine the economic and ecological constraints of the proposed hybrid system. For modeling, we used the Bayesian network, and for simulation, the BayesienLab simulation tool was used. The simulation results showed a considerable contribution of these three solar power plants in terms of energy deficits, economic deficits, and climate change.

Diversity and Ecological Status of Bryophytes in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat

Bryophytes are nonvascular plants that comprise mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. The current study evaluates the diversity and ecological state of bryophytes in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat. Three sampling sites were established based on the vegetation type of the area. Assessment of the bryophytes was done through opportunistic sampling. A total of twenty-one (21) species of bryophytes were identified, seven (7) mosses and twelve (12) liverworts belonging to twelve (12) genera and seventeen (17) families in the entire sampling area. Decayed logs, three trunks, wet rocks, rocks, and moist soil were observed as microhabitats. A high diversity index of 2.4959 with evenness of 0.8198 was observed in site 2. Site 2 is located at the highest elevation (664.72 m asl) recorded during the sampling. Bryophytes diversity increased with altitude. Although the site 1 elevation (610.78 m asl) is recorded as the lowest. The area is near the river, which can be the reason for the findings. Another factor that affects diversity is the disturbance level. Where the increasing diversity pattern of bryophytes was associated with an increasing level of disturbance. One (1) species (Breutelia arundinifolia [Dudy] Fleish) was found endangered, while others are widespread based on IUCN status.

Two genomes of the white perch (Morone americana), an ecologically important teleost

Abstract The white perch, Morone americana, is a widely distributed and ecologically important teleost, native to the east coast of North America. Due to its ease of capture and high abundance across a range of ecological conditions, the white perch has been used, and continues to be developed, as a bioindicator of contaminant exposure. Outside of its native range, the white perch is invasive, negatively impacting local ecology and hybridizing with congeneric species. Using PacBio HiFi data, we present two (female and male) highly contiguous genome assemblies. The female assembly spans 694 Mb (264 contigs, N50: 24.9 Mb), with 85% of the total assembly size captured in the largest 24 contigs (the karyotype for the species is 2n = 48). The male assembly spans 688 Mb (265 contigs, N50: 26.4 Mb), with 89% of the total assembly size captured in the largest 24 contigs. Both assemblies have high BUSCO completeness scores of 98.7% (female) and 98.8% (male), and a high k-mer completeness (>98% for both genomes). Combining evidence derived from transcriptomic data and a large protein database, we constructed a high-quality annotation (99% BUSCO completeness, 87% OMArk completeness) including 20,699 predicted protein-coding genes, of which 20,406 have a functional annotation, and 16,187 have an associated gene name. These reference genomes will support the development of the white perch as a bioindicator and serve as an important resource for studying the species’ invasiveness and monitoring intraspecific hybridization using genomic tools.

A synopsis of the lichen genus Ramalina (Ramalinaceae) in Iran

The presence of the genus Ramalina in Iran is revised and 18 species are accepted for the country. Among these, R. arsenii, R. cf. conduplicans, R. implectens and R. lacera are new to Iran. Ramalina siliquosa and R. thrausta are excluded. Descriptions and notes on habitat, ecology, distribution, and conservation status are provided and an identification key for the species found or expected in Iran is given.

Dynamics of carbon fluxes after natural disturbances in the Tatra Mts., Slovakia

An increase in natural disturbances (windthrow, bark beetle, and fire) in mountain spruce forests throughout Central Europe can have a significant negative impact on forest ecosystem services especially carbon sequestration. Forest disturbances alter carbon fluxes by affecting the balance between carbon uptake through gross primary production (GPP) and loss via ecosystem respiration (Reco), determining whether an ecosystem acts as a carbon sink or source. Initially, disturbances typically shift ecosystems to carbon emission, with recovery leading to increased sequestration, depending on disturbance type and intensity. While climate change impacts on carbon sequestration are well studied, the role of post-disturbance forest management in regulating carbon fluxes remains less explored, despite the recognized importance of reforestation. The study analyzes carbon fluxes in Tatra National Park (TANAP), a member of the international Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) network. In 2004, a large area of forest was heavily disturbed by wind. And subsequently, by fire and bark beetle outbreaks. The study was realized on sites representing different disturbance agents, fire (FIR), bark beetle (IPS) as well as different post-disturbance management - traditional salvage logging (EXT), natural processes (NEX), and intact reference conditions (REF). Study sites, each covering 100 ha, were situated in areas with comparable windthrow impact, ecological conditions, and climate. They were located on south and southeast-facing slopes with inclinations up to 15° at an altitude of 1050–1100 m a.s.l. The sites featured a larch-spruce forest (Lariceto-Piceetum community) growing on shallow, rocky dystric/podzolic cambisols. Carbon flux measurements were conducted using two methods during different periods. Chamber transparent custom-built Vaisala probe (Vaisala, CarboCap 343) for micro ecosystem scale and Li-6400XT (LI-COR, Lincoln, NE, USA) for leaf scale were used from 2010 to 2015. Since 2018, eddy covariance methods (EC, model 7500-DS) have been used at the ecosystem-wide scale. Chamber gas-exchange measurements revealed that herbaceous species such as Calamagrostis villosa and Rubus idaeus exhibited photosynthetic rates up to 19 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1, significantly exceeding those of tree seedlings like Picea abies (8–13 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1). Chamber-based soil respiration measurements also indicated substantial variability across ecosystem types, with fluxes of 953 gC m-2 y-1 in mature spruce forests, 905 gC m-2 y-1 in unmanaged windthrow, 617 gC m-2 y-1 in burnt windthrow areas, and 596 gC m-2 y-1 in managed windthrow sites. Additionally, chamber-based net ecosystem exchange (NEE) data highlighted variations in carbon balance across land cover types, with burnt windthrow acting as the strongest carbon sink (-463 ± 178 gC m-2 y-1), followed by managed windthrow (-352 ± 81 gC m-2 y-1) and unmanaged windthrow (-341 ± 92 gC m-2 y-1), whereas bark beetle-infested stands remained a net carbon source (+495 ± 176 gC m-2 y-1). EC data showed that gross primary production (GPP) in unmanaged stands was 25% higher than in managed stands due to increased vegetation diversity and greater leaf area index (LAI). The maximum GPP recorded by EC was 14 gC m-2 y-1 in unmanaged sites and 12 gC m-2 y-1 in managed sites. However, total ecosystem respiration (Reco) was 104% higher in unmanaged sites compared to managed sites, with annual Reco values of 846 gC m-2 y-1 in managed stands and 1725 gC m-2 y-1 in unmanaged stands. EC-based NEE values indicated that managed stands transitioned to a carbon sink by 2019, while unmanaged stands remained a carbon source until 2020 and only became a net sink by 2021. Annual NEE values were -206 ± 115 gC m-2 y-1 in unmanaged stands and -136 ± 84 gC m-2 y-1 in managed stands. These findings indicate that managed sites sequestered carbon more efficiently in the short term, while unmanaged stands exhibited higher long-term assimilation potential due to increased vegetation diversity. The study highlights the trade-offs in post-disturbance forest management, where salvage logging accelerates carbon sequestration but may reduce future stand diversity and resilience.

Restoration of former peat extraction areas is a key measure to enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change.

The restoration of former peat extraction areas offers an opportunity to integrate nature-based solutions (NbS) into post-extraction land use, enhancing carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and water retention. By rewetting degraded peatlands and implementing NbS-based land-use strategies such as wetland creation and Sphagnum moss re-establishment, these areas can regain essential ecosystem functions while contributing to the EU Green Deal’s climate objectives. However, obtaining sciece-based evidence for the long-term success of these measures requires continuous monitoring to assess their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving ecosystem resilience. This study examines how different post-extraction land-use options affect water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity in the former Komppasuo peat extraction area. Baseline measurements were conducted before restoration, and ongoing monitoring tracks the site's recovery into a carbon sink. Key methods include hydrological monitoring, greenhouse gas flux measurements, and standardized vegetation and bird surveys. Active and passive vegetation reintroduction and optimized water level management have been tested to reduce peat decomposition. Drone imagery has been used to monitor spatial changes, providing valuable insights into vegetation development and wetland formation dynamics. Results show that vegetation recovery has progressed rapidly, especially in ash-treated areas, where the pre-treatment has enhanced plant establishment. Wetland habitats have developed diverse ecological conditions, supporting increased species diversity and altering bird community composition. The introduction of water level management structures has facilitated hydrological stabilization, but further adjustments may be needed to optimize conditions for peat-forming vegetation. Initial greenhouse gas data indicate that CO₂ emissions have decreased, but methane fluxes remain variable and require further long-term monitoring to determine net climate effects. Water quality results show that restoration has increased nutrient loading to downstream waters, and after removing peat extraction-related water protection structures, runoff is more nutrient-rich than during peat extraction. These findings underline the importance of site-specific management strategies to minimize unintended environmental impacts while maximizing restoration benefits. Peatland restoration requires balancing multiple, sometimes conflicting, objectives. Hydrological restoration can improve carbon sequestration potential but may temporarily increase methane emissions and nutrient leaching. Long-term monitoring is essential to determine whether degraded peatlands can become carbon sinks and how different land-use strategies influence this process. A critical zone approach is needed in the monitoring framework to fully understand complex interactions between hydrology, soil processes, vegetation dynamics, and greenhouse gas fluxes. Restoring hydrological connectivity is particularly important for ensuring long-term ecosystem recovery and stability.

Assessment of the Structure and Activity of Bacterial Communities as a Tandem Tool for Estimating the Ecological Condition of Lakes in Poland

The assessment of the qualitative and quantitative structure of microbial communities is vital for recognizing the role that microorganisms play in aquatic ecosystems. We investigated microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and the population activity, using fluorescent markers. Three lakes (oligotrophic, eutrophic, and hypertrophic) were studied in spring, summer, and autumn 2021 in the Zaborski Landscape Park, northern Poland. The results showed that dead bacterial cells dominated in the tested water samples. Their distribution was mainly related to the trophic status of the studied lakes. Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Actinobacteria predominated in bacterioplankton. At lower taxonomic levels, certain groups were associated specifically with the eutrophic Lake Niedźwiedzie, mainly bacteria of the Flavobacterium and Rheinheimera genera, which in spring accounted for 14.4% and 11.95% of the population, respectively. Our analyses demonstrated that the structure of bacterial communities (β-diversity) was strongly correlated with the trophic status of the studied lakes. This study indicates that the environmental gradient has a strong influence on the functional and taxonomic structure of bacterioplankton. Our study demonstrates that the assessment of the activity and spatial structure of bacterial communities can be a useful tool for determining differences in the ecological state of waterbodies. Moreover, knowledge about the factors shaping the structure of microbial communities can be helpful in responding to any disturbances in the functioning of lake ecosystems.

Assessment of Long-Term Land Cover Changes and Urban Expansion in Cities of the Hungarian Great Plain Using CORINE Data and Historical Maps

Increasing anthropogenic disturbance in urban areas and the expansion of built-up zones into surrounding rural landscapes represent one of the most significant spatial and ecological challenges of recent decades. Urban expansion influences not only land use patterns but also the ecological integrity and naturalness of the landscape. In the present study, anthropogenic landscape change trends and changes in land cover categories were investigated within the current administrative boundaries of Nyíregyháza, a county seat located in northeastern Hungary. Using data from the CORINE Land Cover program (1990, 2000, 2012, 2018) and historical military surveys (1819–1869), landscape development trends within the municipality were examined over the past one and a half centuries. Particular attention was focused on examining changes in the extent of built-up areas, which are among the most concerning from a landscape ecological perspective. By comparing the results with data from other Hungarian cities (Debrecen and Szeged), a significant increase—nearly 20%—in built-up areas was identified. The proportion of built-up areas in relation to the total municipal administrative area increased in all the periods studied, even in those where the population was decreasing. This indicates that even in municipalities experiencing demographic decline, internal population redistribution may lead to the spatial growth of certain neighborhoods, which are the primary contributors to the expansion of built-up urban areas. Finally, based on CORINE Land Cover data, the ecological conditions of Nyíregyháza were assessed, and a hemeroby map of the municipality was created, reflecting landscape changes that occurred between 1990 and 2018. It was found that over a 28-year period, the total area of the most ecologically problematic meta- and polyhemerobic categories increased by 6%, in parallel with the growth of built-up areas.

A Floristic Analysis of Vascular Plants by the Disturbance Type and Application of Ecological Restoration Strategies in the Baekdudaegan Protected Area of South Korea

This study evaluated the floristic characteristics and ecological conditions of disturbed sites within the Baekdudaegan Protected Area by analyzing species occurrence and ecological indices according to the region and disturbance type. A total of 515 vascular plant species were recorded, including rare species, alien species, and Korean endemic plants. To assess ecological patterns, the Naturalization Index (NI), Urbanization Index (UI), and Sørensen similarity index were applied. The results showed that Mt. Seoraksan, Mt. Deogyusan, and Mt. Taebaeksan had relatively high NI and UI values, while Mt. Jirisan showed a comparatively low UI value. Among disturbance types, the hiking trail (HT) type, located in a high-altitude area with limited accessibility, also recorded lower values. Floristic similarity with reference ecosystems was higher in Mt. Jirisan, Mt. Deogyusan, and Mt. Taebaeksan, whereas Mt. Seoraksan exhibited the lowest similarity. The overall similarity between disturbance types was low, and the composition of plant species varied across disturbance types. These results suggest that differences in disturbance intensity, driven by the disturbance type and topographic conditions, influences the floristic composition. The findings of this study can serve as baseline data for developing site-specific restoration strategies for disturbed sites in the future.

Study on the Correlation Mechanism Between the Spatial Distribution and Ecological Environmental Suitability of Traditional Villages in the Xiangjiang River Basin

The spatial morphology of traditional villages stems from prolonged interactions between socio-economic conditions and the regional natural environment under specific historical contexts. Over time, these settlements have acquired distinct spatial patterns through continuous adaptation to their surrounding ecosystems. Nevertheless, accelerated urbanization now exerts dual pressures—disrupting the spatial order and degrading natural ecosystems. In this context, an integrated analysis of the relationship between village spatial patterns and ecological conditions is essential for elucidating their formative mechanisms. The Xiangjiang River Basin is Hunan’s cultural core, and the spatial distribution of traditional villages is directly related to environmental variables. This study uses bivariate spatial autocorrelation and geographically weighted regression to investigate the relationship between the spatial distribution of traditional villages and ecological environmental appropriateness. The findings indicate the following: (1) The spatial distribution density of traditional villages in the Xiangjiang River Basin exhibits a negative correlation with the Ecological Environment Index (EEI), as evidenced by a Moran’s I value of −0.228. This suggests that traditional villages tend to be less concentrated in areas with a higher ecological suitability. (2) Among natural factors, the Relief Degree of Land Surface (RDLS), the Temperature Humidity Index (THI), and the Land Cover Index (LCI) display positive correlations with village density, with regression coefficients of 0.865, 0.003, and 11.599, respectively. In contrast, the Water Resource Index (WRI) shows a negative correlation, with a coefficient of −6.448, and (3) the impact of ecological suitability factors on village distribution is spatially heterogeneous: microtopographic variation is the primary driver in flat terrains, whereas the ecological carrying capacity exerts a greater influence in mountainous areas. These findings clarify the role of ecological suitability in shaping the spatial characteristics of traditional villages and provide a scientific basis for developing protection strategies that integrate ecological sustainability with cultural–heritage preservation.

Leisure boat harbours, hidden alien species, and pollution: a case study of Hinsholmskilen harbour (Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract. Small leisure boat harbours have important aesthetic and recreational values in any country with a coastline. In Sweden, there are about 860 000 leisure boats, which is one of the world's highest numbers in relation to the country's population. However, small boat harbours also present a wide range of environmental problems, including the introduction of alien species and high pollution. In this study, we investigated the ecological quality status (EcoQS) of the Hinsholmskilen small boat harbour, located southwest of the city of Gothenburg (Sweden). We performed a reconnaissance survey of the harbour's previously unstudied benthic foraminiferal communities and analysed surface sediment (0–2 cm) samples for potentially toxic elements: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). The results show that, based on the total benthic foraminiferal distribution (dead and live specimens), the assemblages in Hinsholmskilen harbour represent a typical European estuarine community with highly abundant Ammonia and Elphidium species. Based on molecular and morphological data, we report the presence of two alien and putatively invasive species likely originating from Asia: Trochammina hadai and Ammonia confertitesta (phylotype T6). Both species have recently been identified elsewhere on the Swedish west coast based on molecular and morphological data but do not have a well-known distribution. The sediment analysis for potentially toxic elements showed that the harbour has good to high EcoQS corresponding to no or little deviation from reference conditions for Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb distribution. Some of the contaminants (Pb, As, Zn, and Cr) showed poor to bad EcoQS in the innermost harbour in proximity to high-pressure cleaning plants, where boats are usually lifted, cleaned, and prepared for winter storage on land. Finally, Cu and Hg showed consistently bad and poor EcoQS all over the harbour, reflecting the use of both metals as biocides in antifouling boat paints.

Weaving Climate: Harris Tweed as a Living Map of Environmental Change

Harris tweed, a heritage fabric woven exclusively in the Outer Hebrides, embodies a deep and evolving relationship between place, craft, and ecology. This article proposes Harris tweed as a “woven climate map”—not a literal representation of environmental data, but an abstract, material archive that encodes shifting ecological and cultural conditions through its patterns, colors, and production processes. Drawing on new materialist theory, textile-based cartographies, and the concept of timescapes, the article explores how the cloth reflects transformations in landscape, climate, and industry. By highlighting how textiles can offer alternative, affective ways of mapping change, the article contributes to ongoing discussions about how materials mediate our understanding of place and time.

The use of MCDA in forest health risk assessment for an effective geoenvironmental management of Divjake Karavasta National Park

Forest health refers to the overall ecological and functional condition of a forest, which affects its ability to support biodiversity, regulate the climate and provide natural resources for people and the surrounding environment. Since healthy forests are essential for maintaining ecosystems and combating climate change, continuing monitoring of their health status is crucial for an effective geo-environmental management process. Therefore, identifying risk factors and providing adequate information on potential problematic areas becomes an important task for protected areas managers at local and national level. This requires finding and obtaining a large amount of data from different sources and methods, a situation that can become complex in terms of spatial decision making because all the contributing factors need to be evaluated simultaneously. Nowadays, with development of geo-information technology these difficulties can be easily overcome by using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques. In this study, the adaptation of GIS/RS-based MCDA techniques in Divjake-Karavasta National Park is examined and explained. A set of satellite images from SN32-Satellite Nusat 32 (Albania 1)/SN33-Satellite Nusat 33 (Albania 2), year 2024 are used as main data source to analyze risk factors in forest health of the park. Important indices namely Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), Land Cover (LC) and Road infrastructure have been calculated in a GIS environment using ArcGIS Desktop 10.8.2/Pro 3.2. The spatial patterns that study reveals indicate that the majority of forest area in Divjake-Karavasta National Park resides in an adequate environment under supportive health factors.