Restoration Strategies Research Articles

Restoration success limited by poor long‐term survival after 9 years of Acropora cervicornis outplanting in the upper Florida Keys, United States

The degradation of coral reefs has resulted in the expansion of coral reef restoration projects worldwide. In the tropical western Atlantic, most restoration efforts focus on outplanting Acropora cervicornis, once a dominant reef‐building branching coral, now found predominantly in spatially isolated populations. Hundreds of thousands of A. cervicornis colonies are outplanted onto degraded reefs every year; however, long‐term growth and survival data of outplanted corals is limited. In this study, we assessed the long‐term restoration of A. cervicornis by determining the relationship between surviving outplant populations and restoration effort. We surveyed coral populations at 11 sites in the upper Florida Keys that represented a gradient of restoration effort, defined by the total number of outplants, number of outplanting years, and time since last outplanting. We found a negative relationship between the amount of A. cervicornis live tissue and time since last outplanting, suggesting that outplants are not surviving longer than 2 years. In addition to restoration effort, we investigated how past and present benthic community metrics such as coral density and diversity may influence long‐term outplant survival. We found a positive relationship between the amount of live A. cervicornis tissue and pre‐restoration coral density, suggesting that areas that previously supported dense populations of corals may facilitate restoration success. Ultimately, this study finds that restored A. cervicornis populations decline over time, and continued outplanting effort is needed for the persistence of the species in certain areas. This study also highlights the need for more long‐term monitoring to inform adaptive management and restoration strategies.

Enriched rhizospheric functional microbiome may enhance adaptability of Artemisia lavandulaefolia and Betula luminifera in antimony mining areas.

Dominant native plants are crucial for vegetation reconstruction and ecological restoration of mining areas, though their adaptation mechanisms in stressful environments are unclear. This study focuses on the interactions between dominant indigenous species in antimony (Sb) mining area, Artemisia lavandulaefolia and Betula luminifera, and the microbes in their rhizosphere. The rhizosphere microbial diversity and potential functions of both plants were analyzed through the utilization of 16S, ITS sequencing, and metabarcoding analysis. The results revealed that soil environmental factors, rather than plant species, had a more significant impact on the composition of the rhizosphere microbial community. Soil pH and moisture significantly affected microbial biomarkers and keystone species. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, exhibited high resistance to Sb and As, and played a crucial role in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). The genes participating in N, P, and S cycling exhibited metabolic coupling with those genes associated with Sb and As resistance, which might have enhanced the rhizosphere microbes' capacity to endure environmental stressors. The enrichment of these rhizosphere functional microbes is the combined result of dispersal limitations and deterministic assembly processes. Notably, the genes related to quorum sensing, the type III secretion system, and chemotaxis systems were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere of plants, especially in B. luminifera, in the mining area. The phylogenetic tree derived from the evolutionary relationships among rhizosphere microbial and chloroplast whole-genome resequencing results, infers both species especially B. luminifera, may have undergone co-evolution with rhizosphere microorganisms in mining areas. These findings offer valuable insights into the dominant native rhizosphere microorganisms that facilitate plant adaptation to environmental stress in mining areas, thereby shedding light on potential strategies for ecological restoration in such environments.

How do national marine parks contribute to tourism eco-efficiency in coastal cities? The case of China.

This research investigates how establishing national marine parks in China enhances marine tourism ecology. Analyzing data from 52 coastal cities between 2006 and 2019, it uses a multi-period difference-in-differences method to evaluate the parks' impact on tourism eco-efficiency. The results show that national marine parks significantly improve coastal cities' tourism eco-efficiency, especially in the Bohai Rim and seaside cities. The study attributes this improvement to the reduction of fixed asset investments, which controls the scale of tourism development. These findings provide vital insights for countries seeking to revitalize their marine tourism sectors through similar ecological restoration strategies.

Conversion of metal-enriched magnetite mine tailings into suitable soil for vegetation by phytoremediation process with Bougainvillaea glabra under the influence of Thiobacillus ferroxidance

Magnetite mining is a significant contributor to land deterioration as well as HM-based soil contamination. The characteristics of magnetite mine tailing were examined in the present study, in addition to the positive and sustainable restoration strategy with Bougainvillaea glabra under the influence of Thiobacillus ferroxidance. The traits of test soil analysis findings demonstrated that the majority of the parameters exceeded the allowable limits (For instance: HMs such as Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Co were found to be 208 ± 2.3, 131.43 ± 1.6, 185.41 ± 3.3, 312 ± 5.11, 956 ± 5.3, and 26.89 ± 2.43 mg kg−1 respectively). T. ferroxidance exhibited impressive HMs tolerance for as much as 800 g mL−1 concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Co. To prevent HMs toxic effects, the HMs contents in test soil were decreased by diluting with normal soil in the ratios of Ex-3 and Ex-2. A typical greenhouse study was carried out to assess the phytoremediation ability of B. glabra across six setups for experiments (Ex-1 to Ex-6). According to the findings of this research, the HMs tolerant T. ferroxidance from Ex-3 and Ex-2 had an outstanding impact on the growth, biomolecules level (such as chlorophylls: 65.84 & 41.1 mg g−1, proteins: 165.1 & 151.1 mg g−1, as well as carbohydrates: 227.4 & 159.3 mg g−1) as well as phytoremediation potential of B. glabra on magnetite mine soil. These findings indicated that a mixture of B. glabra as well as T. ferroxidance might serve as a valuable sustainable agent for removing HMs from contaminated soil.

Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China.

The suitable habitat of endangered Ephedra species has been severely threatened and affected by climate change and anthropogenic activities; however, their migration trends and restoration strategies are still relatively understudied. In this study, we utilized the MaxEnt model to simulate the suitable habitats of five endangered Ephedra species in China under current and future climate scenarios. Additionally, we identified significant ecological corridors by incorporating the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Under the current climate scenario, the suitable area of Ephedra equisetina Bunge, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk ex Mey, Ephedra sinica Stapf, and Ephedra monosperma Gmel ex Mey comprised 16% of the area in China, while Ephedra rhytidosperma Pachom comprised only 0.05%. The distribution patterns of these five Ephedra species were primarily influenced by altitude, salinity, temperature, and precipitation. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable areas of E. equisetina, E. intermedia, and E. sinica are projected to expand, while that of E. monosperma is expected to contract. Notably, E. rhytidosperma will lose its suitable area in the future. Our identified ecological corridors showed that the first-level corridors encompassed a wider geographical expanse, incorporating E. equisetina, E. intermedia, E. sinica, and E. monosperma, while that of E. rhytidosperma exhibited a shorter length and covered fewer geographical areas. Overall, our study provides novel insights into identifying priority protected areas and protection strategies targeting endangered Ephedra species.

Natural regeneration or tree planting in a tropical forest‐to‐pasture damaged area: which is more efficacious for soil ecosystem recovery?

This study assessed whether a natural regeneration or active tree‐planting reforestation strategy better restored the C and N‐cycle processes and associated microbiota within soils after 18 years in a Premontane Wet Life zone site in Monteverde, Costa Rica, compared to adjacent old secondary forest and pasture soils (both >60 years). Our findings apply to small‐scale restoration sites (<0.5 ha plots) commonly used in Monteverde. Both restoration strategies showed recovering soil C and N‐cycle processes with similar levels of TN, NH4+, NO3−, Biomass‐C, and efficiency of organic C use. Both strategies appeared to positively influence the recovery of the levels and community compositional stability of the Actinobacterial, Acidobacterial, N‐fixing (N‐Fixer) bacterial, ammonium‐oxidizing bacterial, and complex organic C‐degrading fungal communities. The main differences between the two strategies were that the tree‐planted and pasture soils had similar compositions of the Actinobacterial, N‐Fixer, and Fungal complex organic C degrader, while the natural regeneration and pasture soils had similar compositions of these groups and the Acidobacteria. However, the community compositions of all five microbial groups were different between restored forest and the old secondary forest soils. These results suggest that while the soil ecosystems from both reforestation strategies are recovering, after 18 years, there is still more recovery to occur. Lastly, possible indicators of post‐restoration soil ecosystem enhancement included increasing constancy of critical microbial group composition, efficiency of organic C conversion to biomass, Biomass‐C, NH4+, NO3−, and levels of Acidothermus, Acidobacteria subgroups 2, 3, and 5, Archaeorhizomyces, Anaeromyxobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Nitrosomonas, Flavobacterium, and Nitrospira.

Restoration of herbivory on Caribbean coral reefs: are fishes, urchins, or crabs the solution?

That coral reefs are in decline worldwide, particularly in the Caribbean, will come as no surprise. This decades-long decline has reached a potential tipping point as the weight of the effects of climate change have come decidedly to bear on the planet’s most diverse marine ecosystem. Whether coral reefs can persist without restorative intervention is debatable, which has prompted a surge in coral reef restoration projects focusing primarily on the cultivation and transplantation of coral fragments onto degraded reefs. But that widespread approach does little to address the underlying causes of coral loss, one of which is the proliferation of macroalgae that are deleterious to corals. An emerging solution to this problem is the enhancement of herbivory on coral reefs through improved management of herbivores, artificial enhancement of herbivore settlement, or their mariculture and subsequent stocking. This review explores the nuances of the biology of well-studied Caribbean coral reef herbivores (fishes, sea urchins, and crabs) as it relates to their mariculture and investigates the promise of herbivore stocking onto coral reefs as a restoration strategy. Fish, urchin, and crab herbivores differ appreciably in life histories, which confers advantages and disadvantages with respect to their mariculture and effectiveness as grazers. Mariculture of herbivorous marine fish for reef restoration is essentially non-existent so the reestablishment of grazing fish abundance on coral reefs focuses primarily on their protection through fishery regulations, but only at a few locations in the Caribbean. Mariculture of herbivorous urchins and crabs for restoration purposes is in its infancy, but promising especially for crabs whose larval rearing is less difficult. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the mariculture of either taxon is “scaling-up” from research settings to large-scale mariculture needed for stocking. Numerous studies extol the benefits of functional redundancy and complementarity for coral reef ecosystem stability, but whether this principal applies to the restoration of grazing function is untested. We identify gaps in our knowledge of best practices for the restoration of grazing function on coral reefs and conclude with some practical guidance on the establishment of targets for macroalgal reduction, along with strategic advice on grazer stocking in a given reef habitat.

Soil microbial diversity and composition response to degradation of the alpine meadow in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

With the interaction between global climate change and unreasonable human utilization, the alpine meadows on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have suffered various weathering degrees. Uncovering the degradation mechanism and restoration strategies can be facilitated by gaining insights into the diversity of soil microflora during meadow degradation. Therefore, we used Illumina sequencing technology to investigate the patterns of soil microbial diversity, microbial community composition, and the driving factors of microbial change in all non-degraded (ND), lightly degraded (LD), moderately degraded (MD), and severely degraded (SD) alpine meadows in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our results pointed out that with the intensification of degradation, vegetation characteristics were significantly reduced, and soil parameters significantly varied among all degraded meadows. The contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AN), and total phosphorous (AK) in soils decreased with the increase of degradation. The dominant bacterial phyla were the same regardless of the meadow degradation level with Actinobacteria (37.67%) and Proteobacteria (20.62%) having the highest relative abundance. Meanwhile, the dominant fungi were Ascomycota (49.9%). Based on the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and effect size (LEfSe) method, 38 bacterial and 49 fungal species were found to be affected in the degraded alpine meadow, most of which belonged to Actinobacteria and Ascomycota, respectively. Mantel test analysis illustrated that the bacterial community was mainly significantly dependent on below-ground biomass, pH, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen, while the fungal community was significantly dependent on soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available potassium. These results suggest that the degeneration of alpine meadows contributes to the variability of the diversity and composition of microflora on the Tibetan plateau. Yet this effect is mainly dependent on soil factors.

Unraveling microbial processes involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in rewetted peatlands by molecular biology

Restoration of drained peatlands through rewetting has recently emerged as a prevailing strategy to mitigate excessive greenhouse gas emissions and re-establish the vital carbon sequestration capacity of peatlands. Rewetting can help to restore vegetation communities and biodiversity, while still allowing for extensive agricultural management such as paludiculture. Belowground processes governing carbon fluxes and greenhouse gas dynamics are mediated by a complex network of microbial communities and processes. Our understanding of this complexity and its multi-factorial controls in rewetted peatlands is limited. Here, we summarize the research regarding the role of soil microbial communities and functions in driving carbon and nutrient cycling in rewetted peatlands including the use of molecular biology techniques in understanding biogeochemical processes linked to greenhouse gas fluxes. We emphasize that rapidly advancing molecular biology approaches, such as high-throughput sequencing, are powerful tools helping to elucidate the dynamics of key biogeochemical processes when combined with isotope tracing and greenhouse gas measuring techniques. Insights gained from the gathered studies can help inform efficient monitoring practices for rewetted peatlands and the development of climate-smart restoration and management strategies.

Land degradation neutrality assessment and factors influencing it in China's arid and semiarid regions

The ecosystems in China's arid and semiarid regions are notably fragile and experiencing dramatic land degradation. At the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in October 2015, a definition for land degradation neutrality (LDN) was proposed and subsequently integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research on LDN has developed in terms of conceptual framework constructions, quantitative assessments, and empirical studies. However, LDN and its drivers must be clarified in China's arid and semiarid regions since some representative processes have yet to be fully considered in the assessment. Here, we develop an LDN indicator system specialised for the area, assess their LDN status, and determine the impacts of human activities and climate change on LDN. Our research aims to refine the LDN indicator system tailored for China's arid and semiarid regions by incorporating the trends of wind and water erosion. We also identify the influence of human activity and climate change on LDN, which provides insightful strategies for ecological restoration and sustainable development in drylands with climate-sensitive ecosystems. The results show that: (1) In 2020, more than half of areas of China's arid and semiarid regions achieved LDN, with more pronounced success in the southeastern areas compared to the central regions. (2) For LDN drivers, elevation shows negligible influence on LDN, whereas increased temperature promotes LDN achievement. Conversely, factors like vapour pressure deficit and v-direction wind speed hinder it. In conclusion, China's arid and semiarid regions achieved LDN, and the dominant factor that substantially influences LDN varies across geographical zones, with higher wind speeds and elevated GDP levels generally obstructing LDN in most areas.

Taking spontaneous plants as a natural strategy for vegetation restoration in construction and demolition waste landfills: a case study in Suzhou, China.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) landfills around the city have caused serious damage to the ecological environment and menaced the public health. Restoration of closed CDW landfills is critical to compensate for the degraded ecosystem and ensure safety in further development and utilization. Vegetation restoration is an essential part of the restoration of CDW landfills, in which the use of spontaneous plants is the foundation of the nature-based strategy. In this study, Fenghuangshan CDW landfill in Suzhou, China, was selected as the research site, and the species composition and diversity of the spontaneous plants were analyzed. Moreover, the types of habitats and growth indexes of 8 species with high frequency and 18 species with medium frequency in the CDW landfill were investigated, and a comprehensive evaluation of growth rate and expansion capacity of the 26 species was conducted. The results showed that, herbs were the main type of the spontaneous plants in the CDW landfill. The species and quantities of the spontaneous plants in the CDW landfill were obviously fewer than those in the surrounding areas of the CDW landfill, and the Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou index of the spontaneous plants were lower compared with the surrounding areas of the CDW landfill. Meanwhile, the differences of dominant families and the distribution of origins, life forms and growth types between these two fields were insignificant. The heliophilous and drought tolerance species were widely distributed in the CDW landfill while the shade-tolerant or hygrophilous species were few. The relatively large comprehensive evaluation indexes of Elymus dahuricus, Daucus carota, Sonchus asper, Geranium carolinianum, Rumex acetosa, Metaplexis japonica, Carex breviculmis, Erigeron canadensis, Trigonotis peduncularis, Lamium amplexicaule reflected their high growth rates and strong expansion capacity, demonstrating their great potentiality in the vegetation restoration of CDW landfills as indispensable components of the nature-based solution.

Investigation into the Impact of Pika Population Dynamics on Grassland Degradation and the Development of Management Strategies: A Case Study Conducted in Sanjiangyuan National Park

This study focuses on the dynamic changes of pika and rabbit populations in Sanjiangyuan National Park and its impact on grassland degradation. The Sanjiangyuan region, as an important part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has a unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity. As a key species in the area, the pika's activities play an important role in loosening the grassland soil and retaining moisture. However, due to the dual impact of climate change and human activities, the excessive growth of the pika population has led to the severe degradation of the grassland ecosystem and the formation of “black soil beaches”, which not only destroys the natural recovery ability of the grassland but also affects the livelihood of local herders had a negative impact. In the context of global sustainable development, this study proposes a series of scientific and reasonable management measures, including the implementation of dynamic rotational grazing, returning grazing to grassland, forage planting, and green prevention and control of pikas, etc., to achieve the goal of realizing cattle, sheep, and pasture and ecological coordination among pikas. At the same time, the study emphasizes the in-depth understanding of the role of pikas in the ecosystem and their relationship with grassland degradation through scientific research, providing a scientific basis for formulating effective ecological protection and restoration strategies. In addition, the study also puts forward suggestions for establishing a sound legal and regulatory system, strengthening protected area management institutions, and promoting public participation, publicity, and education. These measures aim to ensure that ecological protection work in Sanjiangyuan National Park is effectively implemented and to promote the sustainable development of local communities. The case of Sanjiangyuan National Park has important reference significance at the global level, demonstrating how to achieve a balance between economic development and environmental protection through ecological protection and restoration work. This has a guiding role for other regions around the world facing similar ecological problems and will help promote the implementation of the global sustainable development agenda. In short, the ecological protection and management of Sanjiangyuan National Park requires the joint efforts of the government, scientific research institutions, local communities, and the international community to achieve long-term ecological security and sustainable development.

The phenomenon of Peatmass Change and Its Impact on Water Level in The Regenerated Melaleuca Forest Following a Fire Incident in U Minh Thuong National Park, Vietnam

Purpose: The study was conducted in U Minh Thuong National Park to address forest regeneration. Theoretical framework: After a major forest fire in Vietnam, various measures were taken to promote forest regeneration, including afforestation, silvicultural solutions, and hydrological techniques such as rainwater storage to maintain humidity and prevent future fires. Method: Using a drill hand to collect samples at 15 plots to understand forest growth on three thickness levels of a pea. Each site to collect samples is three; each sample was one kg and coded a member of the site as UTM1, UTM2, UTM3, then gets to the Southern Institute of Forestry Science laboratory for analysis. Results and conclusion: There was a relationship between peat chemical indicators and the evolution of the Melaleuca forest. Peat thickness and flooding regime significantly influenced the growth of the Melaleuca forest, while another identified a relationship between peat chemical indicators and forest growth. Peat water's chemical composition changed considerably during the rainy and dry seasons, with nutrient content and pH affecting forest growth. Peat thickness and flooding regime were essential in regulating forest growth. These studies highlight the importance of considering multiple factors, such as peat thickness and chemical properties, when developing effective forest restoration strategies. Implications of the research: By understanding the relationship between peat thickness, chemical properties, and forest growth, forest managers can develop targeted strategies to promote regeneration while minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity. Originality/value: This study explores the relationship between peat thickness, chemical properties, and forest growth in forest regeneration after major fires. It integrates forestry, ecology, and hydrology to provide a holistic understanding of vegetation dynamics and the importance of peatlands in forest regeneration.

Automated aerial assessment for seamless adaptive adhoc restoration in partially collapsed network

Disasters often result in widespread infrastructure failures, leading to network blackouts that impede critical information dissemination and hamper search-and-rescue operations. This paper presents a novel methodology for expedited assessment and restoration of network connectivity in disaster-affected regions. While existing approaches have made significant contributions, they still face either one or a combination of challenges such as time-consuming procedures, limited coverage, integration complexities, and inaccessibility in certain areas. To address these challenges, we propose two innovative contributions: (1) a novel automated aerial assessment technique for remote identification of network blackouts, offering enhanced accessibility, reduced response times, and heightened reliability; (2) a pioneering automated approach utilizing personal mobile devices (PMDs) to establish alternate multi-hop ad hoc routes from affected regions, enabling auxiliary network formation and seamless integration with surviving networks. The proposed route setup, activated upon detection of network blackouts, facilitates self-managed network maintenance, which adapts to gradual restoration processes, thereby optimizing efficiency, connectivity span, stability, and energy conservation. Both methodologies are rigorously evaluated through simulations and test-bed experiments, demonstrating substantial advancements over existing methodologies. This research contributes to the field by significantly enhancing disaster response capabilities through improved network resilience and rapid connectivity restoration strategies.

Power sector carbon reduction review for South Korea in 2030

This study investigates the cost-effectiveness and decarbonization of four essential carbon reduction strategies to achieve Korea’s recent 2030 NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) goal in the power sector. Examining overseas experiences and identifying potentials and challenges in implementing these strategies in Korea, this study explores the performance of future Korean power systems under fifty-four configurations combining these strategies. The evaluation results indicate that: 1) Thirty-one of the fifty-four tested configurations can achieve the emission target (149.9 MtCO2e) with carbon abatement costs (COA) ranging from -$89 to $105/tCO2e. The optimal configuration with the lowest COA is a combination of nuclear restoration and renewable expansion strategies. 2) Renewable expansion significantly reduces the COA and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). A pure renewable expansion strategy with photovoltaics of 68 GW and wind turbines of 35 GW attains the emission goal at a COA of -$54/tCO2e, in which the generation share of renewables reaches 42%. 3) A carbon tax of $104/tCO2e achieves the target if complemented by nuclear restoration. Otherwise, $120/tCO2e is needed. The COA and LCOE are increases by switching from cheap coal to expensive natural gas in both cases. 4) Twenty percent coal–ammonia co-firing combined with a carbon tax of $32/tCO2e and nuclear restoration can achieve the goal with relatively high costs compared with the optimal strategies. However, a co-firing strategy is limited because the generation shrinks at a minimum level when 40%∼ mixing ratios are applied, or when the fuel price gap between ammonia and natural gas becomes large.

Macroinvertebrate and environmental responses to dredging and submerged macrophytes transplantation

Abstract Eutrophication of freshwater ecosystems is a global problem, but restoration can be difficult due to ongoing problems relating to water pollution, sedimentary nutrient stores and altered aquatic biodiversity. Mitigation of Eutrophication is often conducted alongside transplantation of submerged macrophytes and dredging, but knowledge of ecosystem response to post‐dredging transplantation of submerged macrophytes is limited. We report a long‐term (2008–2018) in situ monitoring study to evaluate the effects of different restoration measures: dredging only (Dredged) and dredged with post‐transplantation of submerged macrophytes (Dredged with macrophytes) conducted in five subtropical eutrophic lakes, Taihu basin. Water and sediment nutrients, bloom‐forming algae Microcystis and macroinvertebrate were monitored every 2 years for each treatment and compared with reference areas (Control) established in unrestored parts of the same lake. Dredging only decreased sediment nutrients (e.g. carbon, phosphorus) significantly; however, this effect diminished about 5 years later. Dredged with macrophytes had a stronger, longer lasting positive effect on water quality than dredged alone. Disturbance caused by dredging (without macrophytes transplantation) decreased the biomass of Microcystis, while transplantation of macrophytes shortly after dredging did not contribute to the decreasing of Microcystis biomass. The biomass of Microcystis in Dredged with macrophytes areas was always similar to Control over the period of our monitoring. A positive effect of submerged macrophytes transplantation post‐dredging was found for macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity: Dredged with macrophytes areas had significantly higher macroinvertebrate biomass and richness than Dredged areas after 9 years' recovery. Macroinvertebrate richness in Dredged with macrophytes areas nearly doubled compared to Control, while Dredged areas were just restored to Control levels. Synthesis and applications: Our study provides an long‐term field monitoring with new findings about the benefits and caution of submerged macrophytes transplantation post‐dredging and the effect of partial restoration, which could inform eutrophic waterbody restoration schemes.

Effect of Vegetation Restoration on Soil Organic Carbon Storage in Coal Mining Areas Based on Meta-analysis

Coal mining is the world's primary means of coping with an increasing energy demand. However, with the mining of coal, the regional ecosystem has been damaged to varying degrees, resulting in a decrease in the "carbon sink" capacity. Vegetation restoration is the basis for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and carbon sequestration functions in mining areas. However, no systematic studies have been conducted on the effects of vegetation restoration on soil organic carbon in coal mining areas on a global scale. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately predict the response of the global SOC pool to vegetation restoration. In this study, soil physicochemical properties of vegetation restoration were collected from 112 peer-reviewed articles to assess the effects of vegetation restoration type, soil depth, restoration year, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, and elevation on soil organic carbon in coal mining areas and to identify relevant key drivers. The results showed that the damaged coal mine area could significantly improve the physicochemical properties of the soil through vegetation restoration. The restored soils had 39.02% higher SOC reserves compared to that in unrestored or naturally restored soils. When environmental factors were not considered, the vegetation restoration types that were favorable for SOC stock accumulation were cropland > woodland > grassland > shrubland. All four types of vegetation restoration significantly increased the SOC storage in the surface layer (0-20 cm). Grassland and shrubs significantly increased SOC storage at depth (>40 cm), whereas SOC storage at depth under woodland and farmland types was not significantly different from SOC storage after unrestored or natural restoration. The increasing trend of SOC storage after vegetation restoration decreased with increasing soil depth. The specific vegetation restoration strategy should select the appropriate vegetation type according to the climatic conditions. The types of vegetation restoration with higher carbon sequestration effects in damaged coal mining areas with mean annual temperature <0℃ and mean annual precipitation <500 mm were grassland or shrubland. In contrast, woodland and cropland restoration types could better increase SOC storage in environments with mean annual temperature >15℃ and annual precipitation >800 mm. TN, BD, AN, and AK were the main factors influencing the ability to affect soil carbon sequestration. This study can provide a theoretical reference for quantifying the carbon sequestration effects of different vegetation restoration measures in damaged coal mining areas and the restoration and reconstruction of degraded ecosystems.

Vegetation restoration strategies based on plant water use patterns

The study on the water source of plants in alpine mountainous is of great significance to optimize the allocation and management of water resources, and can also provide important reference for ecological restoration and protection. However, the controls of water sources for different plants in alpine mountainous region remain poorly understood. Based on the advantages of stable isotope tracer and Bayesian (MixSIAR) model, the water source of plants in Qilian Mountains was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that the water sources of plants in Qilian Mountain mainly included two parts: direct source and indirect source. The direct source is soil water, which provides most of the water that plants need. The highest contribution of soil water to shrubs was 80 %, followed by trees (73 %) and herbs (72 %). It is worth mentioning that trees mainly use deeper soil water (below 60 cm), shrubs mainly use surface and intermediate soil water (0-60 cm), and herbs mainly use surface soil water (0-40 cm). What is more noteworthy is that indirect sources, such as precipitation, glacier and snow meltwater, and groundwater, are also water sources that cannot be ignored for plant growth in study area. Shrubs and Herbs use more soil water in the range of 40-60 cm, which leads to the possibility of water competition between these two planting types. Therefore, attention should be paid to this phenomenon in the process of vegetation restoration and water resources management. Especially when planting or restoring artificial plants, it is necessary to consider the water use strategy of the two plants to avoid unnecessary water competition and water waste. This is of great significance for ecological stability and sustainable utilization of water resources in the study region.

Microeukaryotic plankton community dynamics under ecological water replenishment: Insights from eDNA metabarcoding

Ecological water replenishment (EWR) is an important strategy for river restoration globally, but timely evaluation of its ecological effects at a large spatiotemporal scale to further adjust the EWR schemes is of great challenge. Here, we examine the impact of EWR on microeukaryotic plankton communities in three distinct river ecosystems through environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. The three ecosystems include a long-term cut-off river, a short-term connected river after EWR, and long-term connected rivers. We analyzed community stability by investigating species composition, stochastic and deterministic dynamics interplay, and ecological network robustness. We found that EWR markedly reduced the diversity and complexity of microeukaryotic plankton, altered their community dynamics, and lessened the variation within the community. Moreover, EWR disrupted the deterministic patterns of community organization, favoring dispersal constraints, and aligning with trends observed in naturally connected rivers. The shift from an isolated to a temporarily connected river appeared to transition community structuring mechanisms from deterministic to stochastic dominance, whereas, in permanently connected rivers, both forces concurrently influenced community assembly. The ecological network in temporarily connected rivers post-EWR demonstrated significantly greater stability and intricacy compared to other river systems. This shift markedly bolstered the resilience of the ecological network. The eDNA metabarcoding insights offer a novel understanding of ecosystem resilience under EWR interventions, which could be critical in assessing the effects of river restoration projects throughout their life cycle.

Police Image Restoration: A Case Study of the Stampede (Crowd Crisis) at Kanjuruhan Malang

On October 1 2022, 131 people died in a "riot" at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java. The riot occurred after Persebaya silenced Arema, the host football group. Arema supporters, who did not accept the defeat, then rushed into the stadium, so that the police (Polri) who were on guard at the location, dispersed the crowd by spraying tear gas, leaving the exit doors tightly closed, thus triggering massive panic. What happened in Kanjuruhan was an example of a stampede or crowd crisis which created chaotic conditions to the point that many were found dead. The aftermath of the tragedy was the erosion of public trust in the National Police institution. This research outlines the image restoration strategy of the National Police in overcoming the Kanjuruhan stampede, using Bennoit's Image Restoration theory. This qualitative research uses descriptive analysis to explain this phenomenon. The research results show that strategies to improve the image of the National Police, including denial, evading responsibility, reducing effectiveness, corrective action, mortification, have in fact proven to be ineffective. Because, this strategy failed to boost the institution's positive image. Thus, public trust in this institution has collapsed to this day.