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Smart Factory of Microalgae in Environmental Biotechnology
Published in Pau Loke Show, Wai Siong Chai, Tau Chuan Ling, Microalgae for Environmental Biotechnology, 2023
Shazia Ali, Kuan Shiong Khoo, Hooi Ren Lim, Hui Suan Ng, Pau Loke Show
Pathogens and microalgae will coexist. Although algae growing in open ponds can inactivate pathogens, pathogens are likely to be present in harvested biomass or final process effluent if water is derived from waste streams, notably municipal or animal waste (Curtis, Mara, and Silva 1992). This will have an impact on the microalgal product’s final use or at the very least the post-treatment it requires before it can be utilized in any product that could pose a health concern (Systems 2013). Those in charge of the algae farms face occupational health risks as well. Contamination is a risk in open ponds. This risk can be reduced by changing cultural conditions to make them unsuitable for native species. However, releasing non-native species may cause problems, especially if they outcompete native species (Usher et al. 2014).
Post-mineral Excavation Sites as Novel Ecosystems and Examples of Socio-environmental Resilience
Published in Artur Dyczko, Andrzej M. Jagodziński, Gabriela Woźniak, Green Scenarios: Mining Industry Responses to Environmental Challenges of the Anthropocene Epoch, 2022
Gabriela Woźniak, Andrzej M. Jagodziński
The Novel Ecosystem concept approach is present in a growing number of research results. Doley & Audet (2013) have been studying post-mining disturbance sites in altered landscapes. There were no natural reference points. They showed that the spontaneously emerged new ecosystems on these post-industrial landscapes present dynamic balances and functional development of ecosystems that can provide critical environmental goods for the local community. Such unique circumstances should be feasible for managers and satisfy the stakeholder’s expectations. The Novel Ecosystems are always composed of new sets of species (Woźniak 2010). The new species composition of plants, as the primary producers, causes change in vegetation communities, ecosystem structure, and function (Martínez et al. 2010). Novel Ecosystems develop as independent ecological self-sustaining entities. Such a system can take over the ecosystem and environmental functions of the lost ecosystem and support native species establishment. The new environmental systems have not been previously quantified, and the potentially available new services are not identified and understood. Therefore, they are not deliberately enhanced (Fig. 2; Lin & Petersen 2013).
Forests
Published in Yeqiao Wang, Terrestrial Ecosystems and Biodiversity, 2020
Lindsay M. Dreiss, John C. Volin
Other introductions to temperate forests include non-native plant invaders that have, in some cases, taken over large portions of forested land, changing the identity of the landscape [103–105]. Invasive species can potentially reduce biodiversity, extirpate native species, and negatively impact ecosystem structure and services, thereby impacting the economy and human health. Species such as garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), native to Europe and introduced to forests of North America, exude chemicals that may disturb natural plant–plant and plant–soil processes and interactions [106]. Invasive plants may be unpalatable or even poisonous to native fauna. Examples include the Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) [107] in Europe and North America and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) in Australia [108]. Negative effects of invasive plants on human populations include economic losses [109] and even disease as in the case of Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), a shrub that, in its introduced North American environment, creates favorable habitat for vectors of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) [110].
Reversing deforestation in a time of changing climate: implications for water management
Published in Water International, 2023
Gauravjeet Singh, Mihretab G. Tedla, Oscar Alvarado
To maintain the success of afforestation and the healthy growth of forests, the afforestation process must be assessed in depth because the life cycle of forests is long and difficult to change once a region is afforested. Certainly, reforestation and afforestation are key components of climate change mitigation. The practice of afforestation varies in terms of scale, the selection of afforested species and forest site conditions. Selecting species for afforestation is crucial for the success of the plantation process. Native species have received considerable attention in the last two decades due to increasing awareness of species invasion and its threat to biodiversity and the cultivation of most tree species on a large scale (Chazdon et al., 2020). Native species are also suited to local soil characteristics, nutrient and water availability, and climate of the concerned area. Moreover, with a warming climate, suitability is a shifting concept, for example, in Sicily (Italy), lemon farming has given way to avocado farming due to 1.5°C rise in temperature and redefined the island’s agriculture.
Testing a modified environmental flows framework for a Southern Ontario (Canada) river system: assessing hydrological alteration and management recommendations
Published in Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques, 2021
David Lembcke, Lance Aspden, Mason Marchildon, Steven Murray, Brian K. Ginn
More broadly, the application of an environmental flows strategy can be used as a holistic approach (Bradford 2008; Arthington 2012) to evaluate alterations and threats to watershed health. Where flow conditions have large enough deviations from the natural, or reference, condition, the life cycle requirements of many native species may no longer be met, increasing the risk of native species being displaced by non-native invaders, and shortened food webs (Smokorowski et al. 2009). As Lovers Creek is a watershed of special interest, identified by the presence of brook trout and coldwater stream habitats that are targeted for protection and restoration, re-establishing a more natural flow regime would help in managing this watershed for ecological sustainability. While returning to the reference state in this urbanized watershed is not practical; LID techniques, green infrastructure and stream restoration practices such as restoring tree cover may assist in mitigating the increases in flow observed across the flow regime and move the regime to one that more closely resembles reference conditions.
Growth response, uptake and mobilization of metals in native plant species on tailings at a Chilean copper mine
Published in International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2021
Estefanía Milla-Moreno, Robert D. Guy
Chile is a major producer of copper (Cu), rhenium, molybdenum (Mo), natural nitrates, iodine, lithium, and other mining products (Matich 2016; SONAMI 2020). The copper industry alone provides 10% of the gross domestic product and about 50% of exports (Orellana 2019). However, this welfare is linked with Chile’s holding of about 741 tailings (SERNAGEOMIN 2018). A study performed in the Coquimbo region, which borders a biodiversity hotspot, discovered a remarkable 420 plant species (28% of the native regional flora) able to spontaneously colonize mine tailings (Orchard et al. 2009). The Coquimbo flora represents 30% of the total Chilean flora, with 54% of species being endemic to Chile (León-Lobos et al. 2011). The use of native species for restoration efforts can ease problems with seed/seedling supply and acclimation of plants, avoids potential introduction of exotic invasive species, restores ecosystem functionality, and reduces costs due to lower maintenance. Several herbaceous Chilean species, and a sub-shrub, are reported to accumulate Cu (reviewed by Ginocchio and Baker 2004) but work on woody plants is limited. Lam et al. (2017) found that Atriplex nummularia Lindl., pimiento (Schinus molle L.), and Prosopis tamarugo Phil. were able to grow in copper mine tailings in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.