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Sun Q, Ma K. Context dependence masks the long-term harm of Spartina alterniflora invasion on macrobenthos in China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 380:124884. [PMID: 40088829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2025] [Accepted: 03/04/2025] [Indexed: 03/17/2025]
Abstract
The invasion of Spartina alterniflora poses a significant threat to the biodiversity of tidal wetlands, including mangroves, native saltmarshes, and mudflats. However, its impact on macrobenthos, a key group within these ecosystems, remains a subject of debate. In a meta-analysis of 2411 data points from 105 studies on macrobenthos in China's tidal wetlands, we found that at the coastal scale of mainland China, S. alterniflora invasion did not significantly affect the abundance or diversity of macrobenthos. However, single-factor analysis showed strong spatiotemporal variation in the invasion's effects on macrobenthos, which obscured the negative effects of S. alterniflora in specific local areas. Key factors such as habitat type, temperature, tidal strength, seawater chemistry, and invasion duration play a critical role in shaping the extent of the invasion's impact. Our predictive model, which integrates these factors, suggests that 19.63% of China's tidal wetlands could experience dual losses in macrobenthos abundance and diversity within just one year of S. alterniflora invasion. This proportion increases to 34.03% after 10 years, and rises to as high as 61.85% after 20 years. These findings suggest that the negative effects of S. alterniflora on macrobenthos are often masked by context dependence. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and prioritize the protection of tidal wetlands at higher risk of invasion to safeguard macrobenthos communities and maintain their essential ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Security of Regions and Cities, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Keming Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Security of Regions and Cities, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Jin L, Yu P, Liu C, Liu Q, Liu Q, Zhang R, Tang Y, Shou L, Zeng J, Chen Q, Liao Y. Photovoltaic Power Station Impacts on the Benthic Ecosystem and Sediment Carbon Storage in Tidal Flats in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:20954-20967. [PMID: 39527479 PMCID: PMC11603782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 11/01/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Photovoltaic power is a rapidly growing component of the renewable energy sector. Photovoltaic power stations (PVPSs) on coastal tidal flats offer benefits, but the lack of information on the effects of PVPSs on benthic ecosystems and sediment carbon storage can hamper the development of eco-friendly renewable energy. We sampled the macrobenthos and sediment cores at a PVPS on a coastal tidal flat in eastern China. The biodiversity indicators and benthic ecological quality based on macrobenthos were mostly higher under the photovoltaic panels than elsewhere. These variations were primarily driven by pH, sediment grain size, and chlorophyll-a content. However, the PVPS had exerted a considerable influence on the macrobenthic community structure. Furthermore, the carbon stocks in the sediment cores from under the photovoltaic panels were similar to those in the reference sites. These results suggest that this PVPS has not had discernible short-term adverse effects on the benthic ecosystems or sediment carbon storage of the tidal flat. Nevertheless, the potentially long-term and cascading risks throughout the ecosystem warrant caution. Therefore, we recommend that policymakers adopt a cautious development strategy and implement long-term, high-frequency monitoring to ensure the sustainability of renewable energy production on coastal tidal flats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiang Jin
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Peisong Yu
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Chenggang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Key
Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Qinghe Liu
- East
China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Science, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Rongliang Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yanbin Tang
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Lu Shou
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jiangning Zeng
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Key
Laboratory of Nearshore Engineering Environment and Ecological Security
of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Quanzhen Chen
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Key
Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yibo Liao
- Key
Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Key
Laboratory of Ocean Space Resource Management Technology, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
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Uddin MM, Mei K, Xie B, Cunlu L, Long S, Xu F. How Does Mangrove Restoration or Reforestation Change Trace Metal Pollution in Mangrove Ecosystems? A Review of Current Knowledge. TOXICS 2024; 12:812. [PMID: 39590992 PMCID: PMC11598050 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12110812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2024] [Revised: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, mangrove restoration has gained significant attention due to its carbon storage capacity, role as a pollution sink, and ecological and economic benefits. Moreover, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals' strategies include mangrove restoration. This review investigates the status of mangrove restoration research and the influence of restoration on trace metal accumulation, speciation, and associated risks in mangrove sediments. Our analysis reveals that research on mangrove restoration is increasing globally, with a notable surge in publications after 2017. However, fewer than 25 articles published between 2007 and 2024 address trace metals in restored mangroves, indicating limited focus from researchers on this topic. Research shows that mangrove restoration can quickly alter sediment properties, such as texture, salinity, and pH. As a result, restored sediments tend to accumulate higher organic carbon content than barren areas. Most studies also suggest that trace metal accumulation is higher in restored sites than in non-restored areas. However, metal speciation varies considerably between sites due to local environmental factors. Furthermore, many studies suggest that restoration may increase the risks posed by trace metals to aquatic biota. The challenges of mangrove restoration research include short study timeframes, low success rates, poorly defined targets, small-scale efforts, conflicts with local communities over resources and benefits, insufficient government funding, and a lack of historical data on community health and pollution status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mazbah Uddin
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban & Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100089, China; (M.M.U.); (L.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Kang Mei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China;
| | - Bin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China;
| | - Li Cunlu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban & Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100089, China; (M.M.U.); (L.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Shengxing Long
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban & Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100089, China; (M.M.U.); (L.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Fuliu Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban & Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100089, China; (M.M.U.); (L.C.); (S.L.)
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Yang L, Chi Y, Lu H, Sun G, Lu Y, Li H, Luo Y. Effects of the comprehensive elimination of Spartina alterniflora along China's coast on blue carbon and scenario prediction after ecological restoration. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 369:122283. [PMID: 39208745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Salt marshes cover the largest area among the three types of traditional blue carbon ecosystems in China's coastal zone, with the introduced smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora Loisel.) being dominant in these marshes. The effects of eradicating S. alterniflora nationwide and the subsequent ecological restoration on blue carbon are unclear. This paper evaluates the variation in blue carbon during the national S. alterniflora eradication campaign, which involves mechanical tillage from 2022 to 2025, and proposes three scenarios for blue carbon changes after native vegetation is reestablished by 2050. The results show that, in 2025, plant carbon stock and soil carbon stock will decrease by 1.38 Tg C and 1.21 Tg C, respectively, in the areas where S. alterniflora has been removed and managed. Although blue carbon is reduced in coastal wetlands in 2025, carbon stock is expected to increase in restored native vegetated wetlands by 2050. S. alterniflora is resilient and competitive, posing a high risk in secondary invasion. Scenario Ⅰ suggests that S. alterniflora marshes could almost recover to their original state from 2022, with 7.70 Tg C stored in plant and soil carbon stocks. Scenario Ⅱ involves native vegetated wetlands coexisting with invasive S. alterniflora marshlands, with a total carbon stock estimated at 7.15 Tg C, reflecting a decrease of 0.39 Tg C in soil carbon stock and by 0.16 Tg C in plant carbon stock. In Scenario Ⅲ, mudflats dominant and native vegetated habitats are reestablished only in suitable sites, with the total carbon stock estimated at 5.63 Tg C, a 26.9% decrease compared to 2022 levels. While eradicating invasive S. alterniflora and restoring native vegetation in China's coast enhance the ecosystem services, it reduces blue carbon stocks. Therefore, developing additional strategies to increase carbon storage in coastal wetlands is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Key Laboratory for Technology in Rural Water Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yanbing Chi
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Key Laboratory for Technology in Rural Water Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
| | - Hao Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Key Laboratory for Technology in Rural Water Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Guojin Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Key Laboratory for Technology in Rural Water Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Yan Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Key Laboratory for Technology in Rural Water Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Hepeng Li
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Yongjun Luo
- Zhejiang Guangchuan Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310020, China
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Liu T, Chen X, Du M, Sanders CJ, Li C, Tang J, Yang H. Replacing Spartina alterniflora with northward-afforested mangroves has the potential to acquire extra blue carbon. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:170952. [PMID: 38360327 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Climate change provides an opportunity for the northward expansion of mangroves, and thus, the afforestation of mangroves at higher latitude areas presents an achievable way for coastal restoration, especially where invasive species S. alterniflora needs to be clipped. However, it is unclear whether replacing S. alterniflora with northward-afforested mangroves would benefit carbon sequestration. In the study, we examined the key CO2 and CH4 exchange processes in a young (3 yr) northward-afforested wetland dominated by K. obovata. We also collected soil cores from various ages (3, 15, 30, and 60 years) to analyze the carbon storage characteristics of mangrove stands using a space-for-time substitution approach. Our findings revealed that the young northward mangroves exhibited obvious seasonal variations in net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) and functioned as a moderate carbon sink, with an average annual NEE of -107.9 g C m-2 yr-1. Additionally, the CH4 emissions from the northward mangroves were lower in comparison to natural mangroves, with the primary source being the soil. Furthermore, when comparing the vertical distribution of soil carbon, it became evident that both S. alterniflora and mangroves contributed to organic carbon accumulation in the upper soil layers. Our study also identified a clear correlation that the biomass and carbon stocks of mangroves increased logarithmically with age (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.001). Notably, both vegetation and soil carbon stocks (especially in the deeper layers) of the 15 yr northward mangroves, were markedly higher than those of S. alterniflora. This suggests that replacing S. alterniflora with northward-afforested mangroves is an effective long-term strategy for future coasts to enhance blue carbon sequestration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Xuechu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200241, PR China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai 202162, PR China
| | - Minghui Du
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Christian J Sanders
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Changda Li
- Marine and Fisheries Development Research Center, Dongtou District, Wenzhou 325000, PR China
| | - Jianwu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai 202162, PR China
| | - Hualei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 3663 N. Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai 202162, PR China.
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Song L, Wang Q, Di Y, Wu J. Bacterial communities and interactions between macrobenthos and microorganisms after Spartina alterniflora invasion and Kandelia obovata plantation in Yueqing Bay, China. ECOHYDROLOGY & HYDROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:154-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecohyd.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
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