Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2022-07-12"
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- A meta-analysis of the carbon ecosystem service in human-managed coastal environmentsPublication . Ramjattan, Kady; Muñoz Arroyo, Gonzalo; Haro Paez, SaroCoastal wetlands sequester and bury substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) via photosynthesis. These blue carbon (BC) ecosystems play an essential role in climate change mitigation. Despite the key role that BC ecosystems play, they are increasingly threatened by land use changes (LUC). This may impact their carbon storage and sequestration ecosystem services. We used meta-analysis in ecology to study carbon storage and sequestration within natural and transformed salt marshes and mangroves, across a global scale. Articles published since 2000 on the Web of Science Core Collection, that contained experimental data on carbon storage and sequestration for natural and modified ecosystems, were selected. Case studies were integrated into a database, and standardised. Research on mangroves concentrated on Asia and Oceania, whilst salt marshes concentrated on North America, eastern Asia and Oceania. We found that LUC in BC coastal ecosystems decreased carbon storage and carbon sequestration rates at a global scale. Carbon storage in mangrove sediments significantly decreased from 520.49 ± 388.99 Mg C ha-1 (mean ± SD) in natural systems to 186.81 ± 234.02 Mg C ha-1 in modified settings. Carbon storage in salt marsh sediments also decreased from 97.80 ± 107.69 Mg C ha-1 in natural ecosystems, to 31.42 ± 33.47 Mg C ha-1 in human-managed environments. Biomass carbon storage (aboveground and belowground biomass) averaged 103.07 ± 198.86 Mg C ha-1 in natural mangroves, whereas carbon storage in modified mangroves yielded an average of 29.01 ± 47.40 Mg C ha-1. Within natural salt marshes, biomass carbon stocks had an average value of 3.66 ± 5.24 Mg C ha-1. Carbon sequestration rates, significantly decreased in modified in mangroves, but not in salt marshes, due to inter-site variability. We found that sampling depth may affect the measurement of organic carbon stocks. Conversion of natural coastal ecosystems may decrease their carbon storage capacity.
- Remediation strategies and management of oil spill hazard along the Emilia-Romagna coast (Italy)Publication . Menezes, Renan Gonçalves; Giambastiani, Beatrice; Valentini, AndreaIn the Adriatic Sea, large vessel traffic is dense, and accordingly there is a great deal of operational pollution along with the constant threat of accidents and incidents. The Emilia-Romagna region does not have any planning documents for managing the oil spill risk. The aim of the thesis is to propose strategies for a management plan (not currently available) and intervention strategies of coastal protection from oil spill events utilizing models (simulations) of potential scenarios which could happen near the Emiglia-Romagna coast, and how it should be the proper reaction due to this possible accidents, in a way to build preparedness and improve the efficiency regarding to the response, raising the level of safety and marine security security towards those events that can impact not only environmental units, but also other society development pillars as economy and health.
- Carpooling systems for commuting among teachers: an expert panel analysis of their barriers and incentivesPublication . Rey-Merchán, María del Carmen; López-Arquillos, Antonio; Pires Rosa, ManuelaSustainable mobility is a current challenge in our society. Research shows that carpooling systems are potential solutions that could mitigate environmental pollution and urban congestion and provide cost savings for their users. Despite their potential benefits, the levels of carpooling practices among some occupations could be improved. Teachers are suitable for carpooling experiences due to their specific working conditions (e.g., timetables, destinations changes, path matches); however, there is no research solely focused on teachers. Thus, the current research aimed to analyze the barriers and incentives for teachers using carpooling systems for commuting. A panel member was selected following the staticized group technique. Panelists were surveyed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of carpooling. Results showed that fuel savings were considered by the expert panel as the most important incentive for carpooling. For short distances, carpooling was not considered the best commuting option. Additionally, the increase in travel time and loss of personal independence were identified as relevant barriers. Based on the opinions of experts, it can be concluded that carpooling barriers outweigh the incentives for the commuting of teachers. To promote carpooling practices, institutional mobility plans with advantages for carpoolers could improve the teachers’ perceptions about carpooling. Future carpooling strategies should consider these results to promote incentives and address the identified barriers.
- Integrated assessment of the Magdalena River Delta and estuary socio-ecological systemPublication . Gallo Velez, David; Newton, Alice; Restrepo López, Juan Camilo; Restrepo Ángel, Juan DarioRiver-mouth systems and deltas are hotspots where many of the coastal symptoms can be found, moreover, these systems provide essential ecosystem services (e.g., recreation, food provisioning, protection against natural hazards). The present study focuses on the socio-ecological system (SES) that is present in the estuary formed in the central Caribbean Region in Colombia at the main river-mouth of the Magdalena River. This research seeks to assess the multidimensional sustainability of the Magdalena river-mouth system in order to improve the knowledge basis for its integrated management. To do so, an assessment tool named ‘Circles of Coastal Sustainability’ was used to evaluate the system splitting it into four domains (environmental, social, economic and governance) that were divided into 5 categories each. These domains were evaluated through a total of 52 indicators distributed like this: 16 for the Environmental domain, 16 for the Economic domain, 12 for the Social domain and, 8 for the Governance domain. The results show that the overall sustainability of the Magdalena River-mouth SES is classified as ‘Satisfactory’. None of the domains is in ‘Excellent’ or ‘Bad’ conditions. However, the evaluation of the categories shows that four (4) of them have ‘Poor’ conditions (i.e., Social Benefits, Demographics, Economic Security, and Resources Management). Hence, it is recommended to put those categories at the centre of the discussion to define management strategies (e.g., Preserving and restoring habitats; tackling sources of pollution and excessive sediment; local reduction of net GHG and adaptation to climate change; participation of local communities in the management design and implementation) without disregarding the interrelation with the other categories and dimensions. Finally, it is argued that despite all the improvement opportunities, the CCS is a valuable tool to evaluate the sustainability of coastal systems in Colombia and the world.
- Characterization of vegetation patterns in a Venice lagoon saltmarsh from drone-based hyperspectral remote sensingPublication . Rufo, Olinda; Silvestri, Sonia; Blount, TeganCoastal wetlands are unique and complex geomorphological systems that respond to a wide range of changing influences, and their responses remain poorly understood, emphasizing the need for and importance of this study. These ecosystems provide useful feedbacks to coastal systems, such as soil stabilization and coastal protection. They are very important carbon sinks. For carbon to be stored in the soils there must be biomass that is produced. This study focuses on the above ground biomass and the below ground biomass in the saltmarsh in order to evaluate the amount of organic matter that is stored in the soils. To obtain this, field campaigns were conducted to sample the above ground vegetation and core samples to analyse the amount of vegetation biomass and carbon stock in the soil. The marsh selected for this study is characterized by three different levels of elevation, high mid and low. We found that the middle marsh is the area that stores the highest amount of organic matter in the soil as compared to the lower and the higher marsh. In addition, we found that there is a linear positive correlation between the AGB and the BGB. Furthermore, the study concludes that it is possible to use vegetation indices retrieved from remote sensing to characterize the biomass. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation index) demonstrated to be a good proxy for the AGB only for low and mid-marsh vegetation species, while it saturates for high-marsh high-biomass vegetation. Studying the distribution of the NDVI ranges across the studied marsh, we found that it is mainly covered by dense vegetation, with AGB biomass larger than 400 g/m2.
- Characterizing saltmarsh vegetation using in situ observations and UAV data: a case study in the Venice lagoonPublication . Cuenca Portillo, Ruth Pamela; Silvestri, Sonia; Assiri, MarcoThe geomorphological system, dynamics and spatial distribution of plant species of coastal salt marshes are poorly understood. They are unique systems, which must always grow in height in order to be at peace with the sea level rise. For this reason, the vegetation present as well as the accumulation of organic matter in the marsh accretion process is of utmost importance. There is a lack of information on the spatial distribution with which it is possible to gather information on the existing dynamics in this ecosystem, especially because it has a great variety of species and species associations. By using the spatial distribution of species, vegetation biomass and in situ observations in a study area, much of these dynamics and functioning can be understood. The present work presents results of data obtained by in situ sampling and data collected by UAVs in the San Felice marsh (Venice lagoon, Italy). The study area hosts at least twelve species of halophytes grouped in six main associations. Samples were collected in September 2021, providing spatially georeferenced data and samples on the distribution of vegetation associations, above- and below-ground biomass, vegetation height, bulk density and soil organic carbon content. The results suggest (i) the importance of the spatial distribution of the different plant associations as a function of elevation above mean sea level, (ii) the importance of studying the carbon stock capacities in relation to the soil elevation, (iii) a positive correlation between soil elevation and bulk density values. In addition, the results show the importance of studying salt marshes using different sources of information obtained by remote sensing.
- Coast assessment of the chesapeake bay watershed in the United States of America, using the circles of coastal sustainability frameworkPublication . Leyva Ollivier, María Esther; Newton, Alice; Kelsey, HeathThe Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States of America, with watershed drainage covering parts of six states and a Federal District. The system was the first estuary in the nation targeted by Congress after the rapid loss of wildlife and aquatic life. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed’s (CBW) main socio-ecologic issues are eutrophication, overexploitation of resources, and industrial and urban development. This thesis aims to improve CBW management knowledge using holistic frameworks. The objectives are to contribute and assess the management, evaluate the sustainability of the socio-ecologic system, develop a normalized score for sustainability, and present these results using science communication techniques. The holistic frameworks used were DAPSI(W)R(M) and Circles of Coastal Sustainability (CCS). The DASPI(W)R(M) identified the CBW's structure, function, dynamics, and management. Meanwhile, CCS assessed its socio-ecologic sustainability in four domains: Environmental, Social, Economic, and Governance. To evaluate each domain, recognizable and comprehensive indicators were needed. Therefore, an independent literature review of each domain was developed to represent each score classification. The results of the DAPSI(W)R(M) framework indicate that the CBW is a complex system with conflicts between ecosystem health and social well-being. Overall, the score system gave a "Satisfactory" result in the CCS framework assessment. The grade was given because the socio-ecologic system is not healthy but is working towards sustainability. The results for each domain were "Satisfactory" in environmental, economic, and governmental and "Poor" in Social. The graphic design for the results was developed by a collaboration of experts, which aims to communicate sustainability to a broad audience with different specialties. The main discussion of the thesis was about the management recommendation for the CBW using the holistic framework results.
- Coastal sustainability assessment of the sundarbans using the circles of coastal sustainability (CCS) framework: a comparative analysis between India and BangladeshPublication . Deb, Ankur; Newton, Alice; Ramachandran, PurvajaThe Sundarbans, part of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta, comprises one of the largest continuous tracts of mangrove wetland areas in the world and faces an increasing threat from environmental and socio-economic problems like climate change and loss of livelihoods. These issues weigh on the millions of people who depend directly or indirectly on the services provided by the delta. The complications are further magnified by the transboundary nature of governance in the region shared between India and Bangladesh. The Circles of Coastal Sustainability (CCS) framework was utilized to analyze the coastal system using the four interdependent boundary domains of Environment and Ecology, Social and Cultural, Economics, and Governance and Policy. The Indian, as well as Bangladesh side, scored an overall Satisfactory score. But on a country-scale comparison, India looked more vulnerable than Bangladesh due to its poor sustainability scores on environmental grounds. The sustainability statuses and management needs differ for different indicators, but in general, there were more areas of concern as opposed to areas of no concern. The identified pressures on the whole biogeographic system included lack of efficiency and accountability of the government, intensification of cyclones, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, high poverty, lack of dignified and sufficient work, and the lack of basic amenities. But further ground-based due diligence is necessary. On an indicator level, a comparative analysis between the two countries showed that India scored poorly for the Environment and Ecology and Social and Cultural domains as compared to Bangladesh. Whereas the opposite is true for the Economics and Governance and Policy domains. The nature of the ecosystem due to its presence as a single biogeographic entity presents a burning need for joint co-operation through transboundary governance. Building on the elemental sustainability scores and the data repository compilation for Sundarbans, this study can act as an excellent starting point to inform bilateral collaboration and more effective transboundary governance between the two countries in the future.
- Fleur de sel: how does a pinch of suitable choice practices value this sustainable natural resource?Publication . Ramos, JorgeAs mechanized processes developed, small producers of traditional sea salt ceased to be competitive. However, when the valuable salt flower (a.k.a. fleur de sel, flower of salt) market appeared, it gave new breath to the activity of traditional salt pan production. Salt flower sensitivity and delicateness became a part of modern food habits. Its crystals present some grain differentiation and these can fulfill diversified consumer tastes. In cooking art, a regular fine flower of salt can be used to finish dishes, whereas a longer and thin grain known as ‘scale’ (a.k.a. écaille de fleur de sel in French) can be used for a more gourmet-like palate. Here a suitable method is presented to sort and grade flower of salt to satisfy different palates. The method of salt flower selection is based on four main characteristics, which should be considered: cleansing, moisture, color, and size. It is the grain size that contributes most to demand allocation. The results show that what is produced (supply) and the demand from customers do not exactly match. The tiniest types of salt flower are usually completely absorbed by the market, whereas the largest types have no market at all.
- Protein sources alternative to meat: state of the art and involvement of fermentationPublication . Molfetta, Mariagrazia; Morais, Etiele; Barreira, Luísa; Bruno, Giovanni Luigi; Porcelli, Francesco; Dugat-Bony, Eric; Bonnarme, Pascal; Minervini, FabioMeat represents an important protein source, even in developing countries, but its production is scarcely sustainable, and its excessive consumption poses health issues. An increasing number of Western consumers would replace, at least partially, meat with alternative protein sources. This review aims at: (i) depicting nutritional, functional, sensory traits, and critical issues of single-cell proteins (SCP), filamentous fungi, microalgae, vegetables (alone or mixed with milk), and insects and (ii) displaying how fermentation could improve their quality, to facilitate their use as food items/ingredients/supplements. Production of SCP (yeasts, filamentous fungi, microalgae) does not need arable land and potable water and can run continuously, also using wastes and byproducts. Some filamentous fungi are also consumed as edible mushrooms, and others are involved in the fermentation of traditional vegetable-based foods. Cereals, pseudocereals, and legumes may be combined to offer an almost complete amino acid profile. Fermentation of such vegetables, even in combination with milk-based products (e.g., tarhana), could increase nutrient concentrations, including essential amino acids, and improve sensory traits. Different insects could be used, as such or, to increase their acceptability, as ingredient of foods (e.g., pasta). However, insects as a protein source face with safety concerns, cultural constraints, and a lack of international regulatory framework.