Estimating cultural benefits from surface water status improvements in freshwater wetland ecosystems

The effect of culture on domestic water saving

Saving domestic water has become one of the most important policy targets in addressing the increasing shortage of fresh water worldwide. Culture plays a significant role in people's behaviors including how they tend to use water at home. This study aims to explore the effect of culture on domestic water saving. To capture the multi-dimensional roles of culture in individuals' decision-making process, we model their water-saving behaviors by incorporating both local cultural values and cultural ecosystem services that is, both the moral and benefit aspects of culture, into a hypothetical framework combining the theory of planned behavior and Value-Belief-Norm theory. Local cultural values and the value of cultural ecosystem services are quantified by a questionnaire survey conducted in Jinan City, China, and then performing the contingent valuation method on its results. By estimating the partial least squares structural equation model, we found: introducing cultural ecosystem services improves the explanatory power of culture in domestic water saving; local cultural values and cultural ecosystem services promote domestic water saving through perceived behavioral control; local cultural values have a stronger influence on domestic water saving than cultural ecosystem services.

Balanced hydropower and ecological benefits in reservoir-river-lake system: An integrated framework with machine learning and game theory

The negative impacts of large hydroelectric reservoirs on downstream ecosystems have attracted worldwide attention. Few attempts have been made to dynamically predict ecological benefits and rationally negotiation in the reservoir-river-lake (RRL) system. This study addresses these gaps by developing an integrated framework with machine learning and game theory to balanced hydropower and ecological benefits. The proposed framework integrated the RRL system simulation with a bargaining model, utilizing a machine learning model to forecast lake levels and the equivalent factor method to assess downstream ecosystem service values (ESV). The study evaluated the framework's generalizability and accuracy by applying random and actual runoff series within the Three Gorges Reservoir to the Dongting Lake region. The 2022 mega-drought case study revealed that the Nash equilibrium operation could simultaneously enhance hydropower generation (7.55%) and ecological benefits (20.00%). Notably, ESV improvements of 61.58% during the post-flood season and 36.07% during the dry season underscored the framework's effectiveness in elevating the ecological benefits. The comparison with traditional multi-objective optimization showed that the proposed framework provided reliable and acceptable solutions for decision-makers. The dynamic weight change elucidates the intricate interactions between economic and ecological benefits, enabling a nuanced adjustment of the single weights in the traditional framework. In addition to enhancing the theoretical framework, the Nash equilibrium solutions also showed positive effects on the carbon cycle, plant growth, and animal habitats in Dongting Lake, further highlighting the practical significance. This research offers a practical management tool for reconciling the conflict in an RRL integrated system, providing theoretical and practical insights into sustainable environment and ecosystem management.

Essential and toxic elements in juvenile migratory commercial fish species in the Paraná River alluvial valley (South America): an approach for aquatic environmental monitoring

The Paraná River is the sixth largest in the world, and the lower section of the river is one of the largest and most productive floodplain wetlands in South America. The alluvial plain is an important habitat for nursery and feeding areas for commercial fish; however, it has been heavily anthropized due to industries, agricultural activities, and the growth and expansion of metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to determine element accumulation (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in young-of-the-year fish muscle from a floodplain lagoon of the lower Paraná River (Argentina) during summer and winter seasons, in relation with abiotic matrices (water and sediment). Four commercial fish species were assessed: sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus), boga (Megaleporinus obtusidens), dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), and pirapitá (Brycon orbignyanus). The concentrations of eight elements were detected by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In water samples, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Zn levels were under the permissible limits for aquatic biota protection in both seasons, except for Pb (> 1 μg L-1) and Cu (> 2 μg L-1). In sediment, the average concentrations of all elements were under the limits set by national and international regulatory authorities. Differences in elemental concentrations between species and seasons were found. In general, the levels of elements in water were higher in summer than in winter, while in sediment, the lowest concentrations of elements were detected during the summer. The order of element concentration in fish muscle was Cd (0.01-0.04 μg g-1) < As (0.02-0.16 μg g-1) < Pb (0.03-0.23 μg g-1) < Mn (0.77-4.32 μg g-1) < Cu (1.01-4.07 μg g-1) < Cr (1.09-4.30 μg g-1) < Zn (15.8-31.7 μg g -1) < Fe (12.6-49.7 μg g-1). The accumulation assessment showed that the four fish species significantly accumulate Cr, Cu and Zn, and As and Zn from water and sediment, respectively. The correlation analysis showed a relationship between fish size and As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Similarly, the highest values of element concentrations in muscle were detected during the summer when the fishes are early juveniles. The level of As, Cd, and Pb detected in B. orbignyanus, M. obtusidens, and P. lineatus juveniles suggested that these species had the potential to be used as biomarkers for assessing accumulation of toxic elements in the environment. Also, this study reveals that the accumulation patterns differ between size and fish species, which should be a considered insight at the moment of selecting a bioindicator to monitor pollution in the ecosystem.

Investigation of the concentration, origin and health effects of PAHs in the Anzali wetland: The most important coastal freshwater wetland of Iran

This study investigated the concentration of PAHs in 19 water samples, 34 sediment samples and 22 fish samples of Anzali Wetland, located in north of Iran. The average concentration of ∑PAHs in the wetland sediment was 89.19 μg/kg (8.28-806.64) and 78.31 ng/L (5.14-253.37) in the wetland water. Also, the average concentration of ∑PAHS in the muscle of the investigated fish in the wetland was 23 μg/kg (56.1 to 7.6). The source apportionment of PAHs in water and sediment considering isomeric ratios and statistical methods reveals the predominance of petrogenic origin of the compounds in water and pyrogenic origin in sediment. Overall, the level of contamination in fish is relatively low to moderate, considering ∑PAHs. The findings present clear evidence of low to moderate level of contamination in the wetland, the PAHs contamination however could cross their ecological thresholds in future unless control measures are taken to protect the wetland.

Using physicochemical and biological parameters for the evaluation of water quality and environmental conditions in international wetlands on the southern part of Lake Urmia, Iran

The Kani Barazan and Yadegarlou wetlands in the southern part of Lake Urmia (Iran) have been substantially modified due to human activities and anthropogenic use. In recent years, freshwater-based eco-biological studies to recognize the quality of water resources have been greatly expanded. Microalgae and Cyanophyta are considered important bioindicators for the evaluation of water quality and wetland health worldwide. Herein, 22 microalgae and 5 Cyanophyta genera were identified in both wetlands, in which Cyanophyta has mainly caused blooms. Principal components analysis (PCA) was carried out based on links between the distribution of microalgae and Cyanophyta with physical and chemical parameters. The data showed that depth, turbidity, and the temperature had a significant influence on the microalga and Cyanophyta communities in both wetlands. Based on the biological properties, it seems that the Kani Barazan and Yadegarlou international wetlands experience meso-eutrophic conditions. The integration of the physical, chemical and biological parameters with the water quality index (WQI) revealed that both wetlands were polluted as a consequence of human activities. Moreover, a close relationship between WQI and the biological parameters was documented. Thus, we concluded that microalgae and Cyanophyta communities, their abundance patterns, and water quality changes could provide valuable data for the conservation of the Kani Barazan and Yadegarlou international wetlands.

A Global Meta-Analysis for Estimating Local Ecosystem Service Value Functions

The Meta-analysis has increasingly been used to synthesize the ecosystem services literature, with some testing of the use of such analyses to transfer benefits. These are typically based on local primary studies. However, meta-analyses associated with ecosystem services are a potentially powerful tool for transferring benefits, especially for environmental assets for which no primary studies are available. In this study we use the Ecosystem Service Valuation Database (ESVD), which brings together 1350 value estimates from more than 320 studies around the world, to estimate meta-regression functions for Provisioning, Regulating and maintenance, and Cultural ecosystem services across 12 biomes. We tested the reliability of these meta-regression functions and found that even using variables with high explanatory power, transfer errors could still be large. We show that meta-analytic transfer performs better than simple value transfer and, in addition, that local meta-analytical transfer (i.e., based on local explanatory variable values) provides more reliable estimates than global meta-analytical transfer (i.e., based on mean global explanatory variable values). Thus, we conclude that when taking into account the characteristics of the study area under analysis, including explanatory variables such as income, population density, and protection status, we can determine the value of ecosystem services with greater accuracy.

Analysis of driving forces on wetland ecosystem services value change: A case in Northeast China

Social development and changes in natural conditions have seriously affected the ecosystem services value (ESV) of wetlands. It is important for social sustainable development and human welfare to identify and evaluate the driving factors that lead to changes in ESVs. Based on the land use data of Northeast China (NEC) from 1980 to 2015, the Emergy method and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition analysis (LMDI) was applied to calculate the main ESVs of wetlands and clarify the contributions of different driving factors to ESVs changes. The results showed that the value of provision services (ESV_p) and cultural services (ESV_c) increased significantly, while the value of regulation services (ESV_r) and supporting services (ESV_s) decreased. Overall, the ESV of wetlands increased by 7.31 × 10²² solar emjoules (sej), with a growth rate of 127.73%. The most obvious factors driving ESV changes were the wetland supporting factor (△GA), per capita GDP factor (△PG), and protection investment factor (△T). The combined average contribution weight of the three factors was above 50%. From the perspective of driving force category, social-economic development effect had the greatest impact on ESVs, with average contribution weights ranging from 45.18% to 54.59%, followed by human activity effect, average contribution weights ranging from 33.45% to 40.14%, and the influence of natural factor effect was relatively small. The research results would provide a reference for protecting and improving the ESV of the wetland ecosystem.

Determinants and Values of Willingness to Pay for Water Quality Improvement: Insights from Chia Lagoon, Malawi

Water resources in the Chia lagoon in Malawi experience a possible threat to sustainability. Communities are seeking alternatives to improve water quality in the lagoon. This study quantified the communities’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) and their influencing factors while using contingent valuation (CV) techniques. A wide range of data collection procedures, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observation, and CV survey, were employed. A sample of 300 households was randomly selected. The CV results showed that 57.4% of the households were willing to pay. The monthly individual aggregate WTP amount ranged from MK696.83 (US$0.95) to MK81697 (US$111.38), and on average MK7870.45 (US$10.73), generating aggregate annual values ranging from MK6, 689,568 (US$9126.29) to MK784, 294,080 (US$1,069,978), and on average MK75,556,320 (US$103,078) (ceteris paribus). Logistic regression model demonstrated a significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) relationship between demographic (gender, age, literacy level), social-economic (land ownership, main agriculture water source, and income), and institutional (civic education and social network, extension, institutional trust, household socio trust) factors and WTP. The findings from this study provide significant clues for further research and baseline information for local government and communities in the development of more effective and holistic approaches for improving water quality in natural ecosystems.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment of Hoor Al-Azim wetland, Iran: a focus on source apportionment, environmental risk assessment, and sediment-water partitioning

The concentration, source, and ecological risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment samples in Hoor Al-Azim wetland, a significant freshwater wetland in Lower Mesopotamia, were evaluated. Total PAHs concentrations varied from 15.3 to 160.15 ng/L, and 15.78 to 410.2 μg/Kg in water and sediment, respectively. PAHs pollution levels in sediments compared with sediment quality guidelines (SQG) were found to be moderate in two stations and low in water and the rest of sediment stations. Based on the diagnostic ratio analysis, cluster analysis (CA), and principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR), the mean percentage contributions were 62.62% for mixed pyrogenic and petrogenic sources (e.g., unburned and combusted fossil fuels from fishing boats and vehicle engines, incomplete combustion, oil leakage), 20.68% for auto emission, and 16.7% for pyrogenic sources (fossil fuels and biomass combustion). According to the sediment risk assessment indices such as mean effects range-median quotient (M-ERM-Q), the ecological risk of multiple PAHs was low. Risk quotient (RQ) calculation of water samples suggested high ecological risk level for Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), and low to moderate for other individual PAHs and ΣPAHs. The result of PAHs partitioning between sediment and water phases revealed that most PAHs prefer to accumulate in sediment. Sediments probably act as a secondary source for some PAHs in the oil collection and pumping station.

Ecosystem-based management planning across aquatic realms at the Ria de Aveiro Natura 2000 territory

Ria de Aveiro represents a coastal territory, in which its natural capital, mostly classified under a Natura 2000 network of protected areas, is of paramount importance for the regional and national economy, supporting harbour activities and maritime traffic, agriculture, commercial fisheries, aquaculture, manufacturing, tourism, sports and recreational activities. Current and foreseen changes connected to human activities, namely land and water uses and potential conflicts, in frame of environmental policies, sustainable economic development and human well-being require the implementation of ecosystem-based management (EBM) planning processes considering the connectivity across marine, transitional, freshwater, and terrestrial domains. The main objective is to elaborate on the co-development of the EBM planning process across the three water domains, all characterized by high biodiversity and by the wide range of services provided by ecosystems and their abiotic components, for the mitigation of impacts from the management plan under implementation. The approach used follows a stepwise procedure in frame of resilience principles, considering the analysis of the relationship between the social and ecological components and on how these can be connected through risk assessment and a spatial multi-criteria analysis based on the delivery of ecosystem services. Stakeholders' perception matched the ecosystem services provisioning risk assessment and supported the planning EBM response that consist in saltmarshes and seagrasses meadows restoration programs. Compliance of the proposed measures is achievable regarding policies (policy targets and policy instruments) and feasibility (scientific and technological knowledge and financial resources). The EBM response can support the Vouga estuary management plan and regional smart specialization (RIS3 Centro).

Wetland areas' direct contributions to residents' well-being entitle them to high cultural ecosystem values

Wetlands in urban areas will be crucial to counteract the effects of climate change, for example, by improving flood protection and regulating local climate. To gain acceptance for larger-scale creation of wetlands, total values must be identified and revealed. Provisioning and regulating ecosystem services can be described as the quantitative effect, but cultural ecosystem services require other assessments. This study sought to determine whether peri-urban and urban wetland areas contribute to the well-being and quality of life of nearby residents, and to capture their value relative to two other types of green areas (i.e., parks and urban forests). A postal questionnaire survey, based on validated environmental psychology instruments, was distributed to residents in three municipalities with wetland areas of different structures and locations. In these municipalities, respondents (n = 474; response rate = 40%) reported that the wetland area contributed to several quality-of-life aspects, such as encountering nature and experiencing beauty. The areas also facilitated activities that support well-being, were perceived to have high restorative qualities, and evoked positive affective responses. All wetland areas were rated high on most of the measured concepts, but their value relative to other green areas differed possibly depending on the accessibility of the wetland and the availability of other green areas. The location and extent to which the wetland area was integrated in the residential area determined what quality-of-life aspects were most satisfied. Wetland areas can be ascribed cultural ecosystem service values based on how residents perceive their contribution to their quality of life. These values can be added to those of provisioning and regulating ecosystem services, forming the basis for planning urban environments.

Assessing the potential impacts of a revised set of on-farm nutrient and sediment 'basic' control measures for reducing agricultural diffuse pollution across England

The need for improved abatement of agricultural diffuse water pollution represents cause for concern throughout the world. A critical aspect in the design of on-farm intervention programmes concerns the potential technical cost-effectiveness of packages of control measures. The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) calls for Programmes of Measures (PoMs) to protect freshwater environments and these comprise 'basic' (mandatory) and 'supplementary' (incentivised) options. Recent work has used measure review, elicitation of stakeholder attitudes and a process-based modelling framework to identify a new alternative set of 'basic' agricultural sector control measures for nutrient and sediment abatement across England. Following an initial scientific review of 708 measures, 90 were identified for further consideration at an industry workshop and 63 had industry support. Optimisation modelling was undertaken to identify a shortlist of measures using the Demonstration Test Catchments as sentinel agricultural landscapes. Optimisation selected 12 measures relevant to livestock or arable systems. Model simulations of 95% implementation of these 12 candidate 'basic' measures, in addition to business-as-usual, suggested reductions in the national agricultural nitrate load of 2.5%, whilst corresponding reductions in phosphorus and sediment were 11.9% and 5.6%, respectively. The total cost of applying the candidate 'basic' measures across the whole of England was estimated to be £450 million per annum, which is equivalent to £52 per hectare of agricultural land. This work contributed to a public consultation in 2016.