Regional Environmental Management Research Articles

공공환경 관점에서의 통학로 주변 공사안전 가설시설물 공공디자인 적용에 관한 탐색적 연구

This study aims to empirically explore the necessity of expanding the application of public design to facilities affected by social changes, and to explore operational and management directions accordingly. Through this research, it identifies the target facilities around schools where public design should be applied in construction sites, proposes directions for applying public design, and provides foundational data for future local governments and regional education offices to implement. The study aims to propose practical plans for the concrete realization of public design while diagnosing issues and suggesting improvements, drawing from domestic discussions on the social role of public design and related legislation and manuals. It proposes operational directions for the application of public design to hypothetical facilities around school construction sites in three dimensions: expanding types of public design applications and developing standard designs, establishing operational management systems, and advancing basic and operational plans for promoting public design. Through these efforts, it is expected that public sentiment regarding the impact on educational facilities due to construction will expand in terms of the right to education, thereby fostering community interest and achieving social prescriptions through regional environmental management.

New perspective on the recent challenges of regional environmental management plans under the background of deep-sea mining: from Northwest Pacific to global

New perspective on the recent challenges of regional environmental management plans under the background of deep-sea mining: from Northwest Pacific to global

Spatio-temporal analysis land use land cover changes in South Kashmir region of North-western Himalayas using Landsat data

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of land use and land cover changes in South Kashmir from 2000 to 2022 leveraging remote sensing technologies revealing significant transformations in various land cover classes. The study used maximum likelihood classification, a supervised classification method, to analyze Landsat satellite imagery and identify ten major land use categories. The findings demonstrate notable increases in, barren land by 18.78 km2 (0.35%), built-up areas by 72.28 km2 (1.33%), forests by 274.76 km2 (5.05%), grasslands by 68.06 km2 (1.25%), scrubland by 307.82 km2 (5.66%). horticulture experienced a significant rise of 419.17 km2 (7.70%), Conversely, several land use classes reported decline, agriculture by 757.21 km2 (13.91%), exposed rockmass by 258.58 km2 (4.75%), glaciers and snow by 136.83 km2 (2.51%), and water bodies contracted by 8.23 km2 (0.15%). The primary drivers of land use change in the region are identified as climate change, population growth, and economic factors. Climate change has altered precipitation patterns affecting agricultural productivity and leading to the retreat of glaciers. Population growth and economic reasons, including the rise of horticulture and changes in land use policies, have also played a significant role in shaping the landscape dynamics of South Kashmir. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of land use in South Kashmir, with significant implications for regional planning and environmental management. The study underscores the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of geospatial technologies in conducting spatiotemporal analyses and formulating evidence-based policies for the sustainable management of natural resources.

Assessing the effectiveness of regional environmental quality management

Purpose: is to present the author's modification of the methodology for assessing the effectiveness of regional environmental quality management, created on the basis of the approved regulatory, legal and methodological framework in the field of assessing the effectiveness of the activities of regional authorities.Methods: along with general scientific methods of information processing, comparative analogies and scientific generalization, analysis and synthesis, methods of content analysis of the regulatory framework, economic and statistical analysis, mathematical processing and visualization of data, as well as clustering techniques were used to unite regions into homogeneous groups that have common environmental quality characteristics.Results: the authors have performed the critical analysis of the methodology for calculating the indicator “Environmental Quality” within the framework of the approved regulatory and methodological framework in the field of assessing the effectiveness of the activities of regional authorities and identified its shortcomings; have developed proposals to eliminate them and modify the methodology. Based on publicly available information, a method for clustering regions by environmental quality was proposed and tested in the context of accepted determinants of environmental quality. The proposed modification of the methodology for assessing the effectiveness of regional management in terms of improving the calculation of the integral indicator “Environmental Quality” will improve the objectivity of assessing the quality of regional management of natural resources.Conclusions and Relevance: using the actual values of environmental quality indicators instead of indices of their dynamics and plan implementation will make it possible to cluster regions according to the proposed determinants of environmental quality. Comparison within a cluster of regions with similar natural and economic conditions will provide authorities with the opportunity to develop the natural resource management strategy and develop effective measures in the field of environmental management, taking into account the dynamics of the state of techno-natural systems.

Impact of drought on vegetation over inner Mongolia autonomous region

Abstract In recent years, remote sensing technology has become an important tool for monitoring vegetation changes in semi-arid regions. By using data collected by satellites to calculate vegetation indices, researchers can track changes in vegetation density and productivity over time. This can help identify areas of potential desertification or degraded land degradation and develop management strategies to restore degraded ecosystems. The objectives of this paper are to use multi-temporal MODIS data to extract vegetation distribution characteristics and dynamics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This study summarized the rainfall data of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2000 to 2019, and found the driest year 2001 and the wettest year 2012. The NDVI data of 4 districts of Xingan League in 2001 and 2012 were selected for analysis, and the average NDVI value and standard deviation of the 4 districts were obtained. NDVI data was combined with elevation data and vegetation data for analysis. The relationship between precipitation and NDVI is helpful to understand the impact of drought on vegetation in Inner Mongolia and provide reference for regional environmental management.

A comparative assessment of the capabilities and success of the wood construction industry in Slovakia and Ukraine based on life cycle assessment certification standards

This study assessed the possibility of using wood as a building material for the construction of houses. A comprehensive method was used, which consisted of analysing environmental management regulations, applying the life cycle assessment method to minimise the carbon footprint; using software to calculate the carbon footprint of a wooden house at different stages of the life cycle. The object of study is the carbon footprint of a house built of wood. The Life Cycle Assessment method was used as a methodology for assessing the life cycle. Using the One Click Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost software, the carbon footprint of a log house was calculated for the product life cycle stage mentioned above (A1-A3). When calculating the carbon footprint of wood-based building materials, carbon emissions were taken into account not only from the finished products, but also from all other products obtained as a result of logging. When calculating the carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions from all activities are estimated. We have obtained data on the life cycle cost of a wooden house in terms of electricity use. Accordingly, we obtained a value of global warming potential (A1-A3) of 0.51 kg CO2 e/kWh. We also obtained data on the life cycle cost of a wooden house in terms of diesel consumption. According to the results of the LCA, the value of the global warming potential due to meeting the water supply/sewage needs is (A1-A3) 0.69 kg CO2 e/m3. The value of the global warming potential due to meeting the heat supply needs of production needs is (A1- A3) 0.13 kg CO2 e/kWh. Based on the information obtained, we can conclude that it is advisable to use a wooden log house as a building material, as the carbon footprint is smaller than that of a brick building. The final section presents the results of calculating the life cycle cost of a wooden house by discount factor and inflation, the results of the life cycle cost of a wooden house by percentage of energy costs, and the results of assessing the life cycle cost of a wooden house (displaying parameters according to the European energy certification scale). Based on the carbon footprint assessment (using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology), economic comparison (Life Cycle Cost and total construction costs), and expert assessment (based on technical and ergonomic parameters) of the two construction technologies, the feasibility and possibility of using wood as a building material was established. The study proves the feasibility of applying the LCA method in the construction industry.

Society and the State: The Movement to Protect the Living Space of Indigenous People on Bengkalis Island

This research aims to analyze community movements and efforts made by the state to protect the living space (territory) of indigenous peoples on Bengkalis Island. For generations, indigenous people have used the mangrove forest area as a living space. On the way, the indigenous people found that their living space was damaged and narrowed, which they understood but were unable to control. This research is qualitative, obtaining data through observation, interviews, and aggregate data. The research data is then analyzed following a logical flow built and adjusted to the flow of field research data. The resource mobilization theory was used as a guide. This research found that facing the rate of mangrove destruction as a living space, indigenous tribes can only adapt slowly by utilizing the remaining open resources and opportunities. The community movement to protect mangrove forests as a living space for indigenous people on Bengkalis Island is still limited to being carried out by the indigenous people. The new movement is only in the form of building relationships with officials who have power in the region, hoping that indigenous people can carry out their traditional activities, namely utilizing mangrove forests as their living space. This movement is far from successful. In the form of the Regional Environmental Protection and Management Policy, local government policy keeps indigenous people away from mangrove forests as their living space.

Assessment on the Environmental Concern Level and Driving Mechanism of Beach Recreationists Based on the New Ecological Paradigm Scale

This study uses the new ecological paradigm (NEP) scale to measure the level of environmental concern among beach recreationists, innovatively constructs a model based on the measurement results to depict a group portrait, and analyzes the driving mechanism of beach recreation pro-environmental behavior. The level of environmental concern of beach tourists is 66.2%, which is slightly higher than the average level of Chinese urban residents, and is significantly correlated with age, occupation, education level, and income level. The newly constructed environmental behavior group portrait index indicates that the group that actively participates in recreational environmental behavior at Haichow Bay Beach includes college students, primary and secondary school students, retirees, and surrounding residents. Key factors in the generation of environmentally friendly behavior for beach enthusiasts include individual self-control constraints, regional ecological environment management, the improvement in environmental literacy, overcoming individualism, external environmental impacts, and environmental education.

Changes in Vegetation NDVI and Its Response to Climate Change and Human Activities in the Ferghana Basin from 1982 to 2015

Exploring the evolution of vegetation cover and its drivers in the Ferghana Basin helps to understand the current ecological status of the Ferghana Basin and to analyze the vegetation changes and drivers, with a view to providing a scientific basis for regional ecological and environmental management and planning. Based on GIMMS NDVI3g and meteorological data, the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of NDVI were analyzed from multiple perspectives with the help of linear trend and Mann–Kendall (MK) test methods using arcgis and the R language spatial analysis module, combined with partial correlation coefficients and residual analysis methods to analyze the impacts of climate change and human activities on the regional vegetation cover of the Ferghana Basin from 1982 to 2015. NDVI driving forces. The results showed the following: (1) The growing season of vegetation NDVI in the Ferghana Basin showed an increasing trend in the 34-year period, with an increase rate of 0.0044/10a, and the spatial distribution was significantly different, which was high in the central part of the country and low in the northern and southern parts of the country. (2) Temperature and precipitation simultaneously co-influenced the vegetation NDVI growth season, with most of the temperature and precipitation contributing in the spring, most of the temperature in the summer being negatively phased and the precipitation positively correlated, and most of the temperature and precipitation in the fall inhibiting vegetation NDVI growth. (3) The combined effect of climate change and human activities was the main reason for the overall rapid increase and great spatial variations in vegetation NDVI in China, and the spatial distribution of drivers, namely human activities and climate change, contributed 44.6% to vegetation NDVI in the growing season. The contribution of climate change and human activities to vegetation NDVI in the Ferghana Basin was 62.32% and 93.29%, respectively. The study suggests that more attention should be paid to the role of human activities and climate change in vegetation restoration to inform ecosystem management and green development.

Analysis of the chemical characteristics and causes of high total hardness of groundwater in Jianghan Plain, China.

Familiarity with the chemical characteristics of regional groundwater can provide important guidance and reference for the development of regional groundwater exploitation. Jianghan Plain has been reported to have high groundwater total hardness (TH), resulting in the inability of local groundwater to be directly used as drinking water. In order to explore the causes of high TH, the paper analyzed the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater in Jianghan Plain combined with software of SPSS, JMP, and PHEEQC. The results showed that the cations in the groundwater in the area were mainly Ca2+, while the anions were mainly HCO3-. 20% of groundwater exceed the China national guideline for TH (i.e., 450mg/L). The groundwater chemistry in the study area was controlled by three main factors of dissolution of carbonate rocks, human activities, and redox conditions, among which the interaction between water and rock had the greatest impact. The water carbonate rock interaction within Jianghan Plain was affected by various factors such as water flow and aquifers and showed a gradually weakening trend from west to east. This work not only strengthened the understanding of the causes of the high TH of groundwater in the region, but also provided reference value for regional groundwater environmental management.

Calculating the Amount of Plastic Waste Based on Type at the Supit Urang Malang Final Processing Site (TPA)

Waste is one of the crucial environmental problems in Indonesia. Malang City produces around 485 tons of waste every day. This research aims to identify what types of plastic waste are selected at the Supit Urang Final Processing Site and to find out the mass of each type of plastic waste that is sorted, to analyze the volume of plastic waste differentiated based on the types at the Supit Urang Landfill, Malang City. Plastic waste is non-organic waste that is difficult to decompose naturally. In 2019, the Regional Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD) stated that plastic waste in Jakarta reached 13% of 6,000 tons per day and annual calculations reached 5.4 tons. Determining the number of samples in this study used the SNI 19-3964-1994 approach, the waste sampling method, sampling method, and analysis of plastic waste samples were chosen in the research methodology. The research results showed that the types of plastic waste at the Supit Urang landfill include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and others (O), with a mass of each type, namely Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 27.7 kg, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) 27.5 kg, Polypropylene (PP) 23.2 kg and Others (O) 21.7 kg. It is hoped that sorting plastic waste according to type through further processing can reduce waste generation in general, especially in Malang City.

Quantitative analysis of fractional vegetation cover in southern Sichuan urban agglomeration using optimal parameter geographic detector model, China

Vegetation is a main part of ecosystems and an essential indicator for monitoring changes in terrestrial ecosystems. It is crucial for us to discover the temporal and spatial features and potential drivers of vegetation change to promote regional ecological environment protection and management. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the causes of vegetation change when considering both human activity and climate change. We used trend and stability method to study the temporal and spatial patterns of vegetation evolution in the South Sichuan Urban Agglomeration (SSUA) from 2001 to 2021 with the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. An optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) model was applied to optimize the spatial scale and zoning effect of geographic data, effectively solving the problem of spatial data heterogeneity. It compensates for the inadequacies of conventional approaches that neglect the modifiable areal units problem (MAUP), and improving the science and accuracy of quantitative analysis and identification of vegetation drivers. We studied demonstrate that (1) During the last 21 years, Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC) has generally been in good condition, with a multi-year average FVC greater than 0.4 of 71.74 %, and the vegetation is significantly characterized by a low fluctuation of 78.16 %. However, there is a significant trend of vegetation degradation, accounting for 8.89 %, mainly in the main urban areas of Neijiang and Zizhong County, Lu County of Luzhou City, Gao County of Yibin City, and other areas with rapid urbanization. In general, FVC is low in the built-up areas of towns and along transportation roads, while the mountainous and agricultural areas have a high level of vegetation cover. (2) The OPGD model detection showed the optimal spatial scale of vegetation cover in this study region was 2 km. Optimal discrete parameter combinations for slope, elevation, temperature and GDP are quantile breaks with 9 intervals, which contribute to improved scientific accuracy and precision in studies of vegetation change and its drivers. (3) The explanatory power of urbanization rate, land use type, slope, GDP, population density, and average annual precipitation were all above 20 % and were the main drivers of vegetation change. Moreover, any two factors interacted in a nonlinear enhancement and a bi-variable enhancement, increasing the impact on vegetation spatial variation. When the slope is 26.9°∼87.4°, the elevation is 967 m ∼ 4207 m, the average annual temperature is 0.18 °C ∼ 13.6 °C, the average annual precipitation is 328 mm ∼ 439 mm, the GDP is 4.07 ∼ 5.23 million yuan km−2, the population density is 12.7 ∼ 21.1 people/km2, the urbanization rate is 33.4 %∼37.7 %, and the land-use type is forest land, the FVC value is the highest and suitable for vegetation growth. The study showed that using the OPGD model to detect the zoning effects and spatial scale of the explanatory variables solves for the shortcomings of the previous methods for variable regional units and discrete methods, may more precisely explore the features of temporal and spatial changes in the vegetation and the driving mechanisms, offers scientific references for environmental conservation and long-term economic growth in the region.

Retracted: Research on the Effect Evaluation of Urban Regional Environmental Management and Control Based on Data Depth Mining

Retracted: Research on the Effect Evaluation of Urban Regional Environmental Management and Control Based on Data Depth Mining

КОНТУРЫ ИНТЕНСИФИКАЦИИ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ АРКТИЧЕСКИХ РЕГИОНОВ В КОНТЕКСТЕ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ НЕФТЕГАЗОВЫХ ПРОЕКТОВ

Oil and gas projects implemented in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are a strategic priority and their implementation should have important socio-economic significance in the development of regions. The article studies problems related to the impact of the implementation of oil and gas projects of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation on the socio-economic development of regions, taking into account the transition to the domination of resource-innovative model of management, with priority given to social values. SWOT-analysis of implementation of arctic oil and gas projects is presented, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats are identified and systematized, key criteria are analyzed, conditions of functioning and factors of influence on social and economic development of the arctic regions. Conclusions have been summarized and presented, measures have been proposed in the implementation of oil and gas projects in the interests of realization of priorities of socio-economic development. In order to solve these problems, the author substantiates the necessity of active state policy. The national interests of the Russian Federation in the arctic region require a systematic approach to the implementation of projects based on the principles: coherence of industrial and regional economy and environmental management, adaptive management, based on the integration of economic, innovative, social and environmental factors, taking into account well-defined and structured benchmarks.

Ecosystem-based Management through the lenses of International Seabed Authority stakeholders: current status, implications, and opportunities for the deep-sea mining regime in the Area

The ocean is threatened by human activities, which undermine the health of its ecosystems. To overcome this scenario, there is a converging understanding that a more encompassing approach, such as Ecosystem-based Management (EBM), is essential to manage human activities. EBM implementation in scenarios of limited knowledge and potentially irreversible impacts, such as deep-sea mining (DSM), is thus highly appropriate, although the translation of this approach into practice is not intuitive and rather challenging. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), the organization with the mandate to award exploration and exploitation contracts for minerals on the international seabed, has recognized the need to incorporate EBM in its instruments but has not specified how to implement it. Through an online survey and in-depth interviews, ISA stakeholders have been inquired about their perception of the understanding, current status, implications, and opportunities of EBM for the deep-sea mining regime. The findings reveal that stakeholders perceive EBM as more related to ecological and impact aspects and less with participation, socio-ecological systems interlinks, and other forms of knowledge that are not scientific. Few respondents recognize EBM within the ISA, reporting its reflection in management instruments such as Regional Environmental Management Plans and Environmental Impact Assessments. No common definition exists, regarded as an obstacle to decision-making and EBM operationalization. According to them, opportunities to improve EBM implementation include collaboration with organizations already familiar with EBM, capacity development activities, workshops, and dedicated side events focusing on the issue. Finally, most of them recognize that a lack of consensus regarding EBM can impact decision-making and EBM operationalization, thus compromising ISA’s mandate. In this context, the clarification on what EBM entails for the seabed mining regime should be a matter of major interest to the ISA and all its stakeholders, as the mineral resources found in the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdictions (the Area) are the common heritage of humankind, and therefore, its maintenance and benefits must be ensured to future generations.

Environmental Justice at the Environmental Regulation in Indonesia and Uzbekistan

Justice theory, which emphasizes the fair and equitable allocation of risks and benefits, has significantly influenced the idea of environmental justice. Indonesia and Uzbekistan have made it mandatory for laws and regulations to implement the concept of environmental justice. Still, in practice, the rules created give birth to social-environmental conflict dimensions that are increasingly prevalent and far removed from environmental justice. This research aims to understand and analyze environmental justice regulation in Indonesia and Uzbekistan. This research uses a normative juridical approach with a literature review involving primary and secondary legal sources. The results show that the provisions of the Job Creation Bill in the forestry and environmental sectors negate access to justice via litigation at the State Administrative Court (PTUN) so that there is no public space to continue an AMDAL decision or environmental approval as part of an environmental licensing instrument in the realm of administrative law. Regulatory problems that co-occur and are followed by implementation problems at a later date relating to the legitimacy and protection of people's constitutional rights will harm the community's sense of justice. At the same time, the issue of environmental injustice in Uzbekistan arises from the ecological crisis beginning with green space, waste management, and the water crisis that has afflicted the nation, as indicated by the preceding explanation. The government must establish national policies, institutional instruments, and central and regional environmental management authorities to facilitate development with an eye toward environmental justice.

Sustainable Seabed Mining—The Phase 1 Environmental Draft Standards and Guidelines

Abstract The oceans are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life and also provide a source of food and marine resources that drive economies. Climate change and pollution are changing ocean dynamics and the ability of the oceans to support life. Seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction will add to the ocean’s stressors and could cause severe environmental damage. The International Seabed Authority (‘ISA’) is mandated to manage access to and benefits from the seabed, its subsoil, and mineral resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction (the ‘Area’). Although the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea sets out the legal framework for developing the Area and its resources, it does so in broad terms and leaves substantial gaps. These gaps include the scope of activities in the Area, the interrelationship of international obligations, the division of responsibilities between the ISA and sponsoring states, and the regulation of the mining system in situ. To partially fill these gaps, the ISA has drafted a set of ‘Phase 1’ Standards and Guidelines under the Draft Regulations on Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area. This paper investigates and critiques five environmental Draft Standards from a precautionary and comparative law perspective. Phase 1 standards and guidelines should adopt a more rigorous interpretation of the precautionary principle. Additional recommendations include creating enhanced governance processes and incorporating an ecosystem-based framework for regional environmental assessments and management plans not present in Draft Standards. This research will assist academics, practitioners, governments and the ISA with policies and strategies to enhance environmental and social protections from seabed mining.

Assessing the environmental impact of gold production from double refractory ore in a large-scale facility

Despite the strict environmental management regulations, there is still a considerable adverse impact on the ecosystem and human health when it comes to large-scale gold mining operations. Gold mining is an energy-intensive process that can discharge substantial quantities of chemicals combined with gaseous emissions into the environment. Considering gold mining's significant role in Nevada's economy and the growing concern about climate change, it's necessary to investigate the environmental burdens of this sector. To provide a comprehensive environmental perspective on the large-scale gold mining operations in Nevada, this study used a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the environmental burdens of gold production from double refractory ores in the roasting process. The Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) method was used to evaluate the categories of acidification, ozone depletion, global warming, smog, carcinogenics, non-carcinogenics, respiratory effects, and fossil fuel depletion. Results showed that major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were grinding and off-gas treatment stages being responsible for 34.80 % and 56.10 % of the total global warming, respectively. The carbon footprint for producing one kg of gold was 12,200 kg CO2-eq. Sensitivity analysis was also employed on electricity to observe the influence of electricity on key contributor stages. A 10 % change in electricity reduced the GHG emissions in crushing and grinding by 12.2 % and 7.10 %, respectively, while delivering an insignificant effect on the off-gas treatment. Significantly, this study stands as the first initiative to apply LCA in the North American mining industry, with a unique focus on the off-gas treatment post-roasting and its associated emissions. Our findings can serve as a foundational database, aiding stakeholders in making informed decisions and enhancing sustainable practices in the gold mining industry.

Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Their Driving Forces of Ecological Service Value in Transitional Geospace: A Case Study in the Upper Reaches of the Minjiang River, China

Ecosystem service value (ESV) is a key indicator for evaluating ecosystem services. Thus, a unique quantitative assessment instrument that comprehensively and objectively evaluates ESV is of great significance for protecting regional ecosystems and achieving sustainable development. Based on data for meteorology, hydrology, soil use, and land use, this paper comprehensively employs the InVEST model, spatial autocorrelation, and geographic detectors to study the spatiotemporal characteristics and driving forces of spatial variations in ESV in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River. The results indicate the following: (1) The ecosystem service capacity of the study area has continuously improved, with the ecosystem service value (ESV) increasing by USD 4.078 billion over 20 years. Soil conservation has made the most significant contribution to the growth of ESV, accounting for over 85%. (2) The distribution of ESV exhibits a “lower in the northwest, higher in the southeast” trend. The Moran’s I value for each year exceeds 0.7, indicating characteristics of High–High and Low–Low aggregation. (3) Slope plays a dominant role in causing the spatial differentiation of ESV, contributing 30.9%. Slope is followed by HAI at 19.7% and the urbanization rate at 16.8%. Rainfall has the least impact at 4%. (4) The results from the multi-factorial interactions reveal that all factors experience synergistic enhancement effects when interacting. The spatiotemporal differentiation of ESV is the result of multiple factors acting in conjunction, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in ecological restoration and comprehensive environmental management in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River. The methodology of this research could be applied to assess the impact of natural changes and human activities on ESV. The findings offer theoretical support for regional resource and environmental management, as well as ecological compensation decision making.

Nutrient dynamics in the Bohai and North Yellow seas from seasonal to decadal scales: Unveiling Bohai Sea eutrophication mitigation in the 2010s

The eutrophication status in the central Bohai Sea tends to be mitigated in recent years. To explore the recent nutrient status, seasonal surveys were carried out from 2018 to 2021, covering both the Bohai Sea and the adjacent North Yellow Sea. In recent cold seasons, both dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration (DIN) and the ratio of DIN to soluble reactive phosphorus were lower than those in 2016. In warm seasons, the variations in nutrients and apparent oxygen utilization were correlated with each other, roughly following the traditional Redfield ratio of N:P:O2 of approximately 16:1:(−138). When historical data for N*, which is the excess DIN related to soluble reactive phosphorus, was collated, the Bohai Sea showed a decreasing trend for N* at a rate of −0.64 ± 0.12 μmol N* kg−1 a−1 between 2011 and 2021. During the same period, the North Yellow Sea N* concentrations (i.e., the oceanic end-member of the Bohai Sea N* dynamics) and the local atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition (atmospheric end-member) were estimated to decline at rates of −0.22 ± 0.04 μmol N* kg−1 a−1 and − 0.93 ± 0.34 kg N ha−1 a−2, respectively. Consequently, the oceanic and atmospheric changes accounted for 25.7 % ± 28.4 % and 69.0 % ± 42.6 %, respectively, of the Bohai Sea eutrophication mitigation in 2011–2021. On the long-term changes of the Bohai Sea eutrophication, the terrestrial nutrient source has only minor (likely <10 %) impacts, although it certainly affects the spatial distribution of nutrients. This study has implied that coastal eutrophication is a dynamic process that is subject to sea–land–air interactions, and its mitigation needs both local pollution controls and regional environment management. The latter contains the understanding of oceanic changes and external effects of the air pollution control.