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There has been a limited number of studies on the effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on natural rocky intertidal ecosystems. From mid-September to early November 2021, an unprecedented HAB caused by Karenia selliformis hit the Pacific coast of southeast Hokkaido, Japan, for the first time, causing massive mortalities among marine organisms. To clarify the immediate impacts of the HAB on the abundance of 10 rocky intertidal species in four functional groups (macroalgae, sessile invertebrates, molluscan grazers, and molluscan carnivores), we focused on two questions: (1) How did the HAB affect the abundance of each species differently at the regional scale? and (2) How did the impacts of the HAB on the abundance of each functional groups vary spatially, and was the spatial variation of the HAB impacts related to the spatial distribution of the cell density of HAB species? To study these issues, we compared census data for 17 years before the HAB and within one month after it for five shores on the southeast coast of Hokkaido. The results showed that two macroalgae species and all three molluscan grazer species declined significantly after the HAB. Moreover, the decrease in molluscan grazers was significantly correlated with cell density. These results suggest that the impacts of the HAB in southeast Hokkaido on the abundance of rocky intertidal organisms are highly variable depending on species and locality, presumably because of differences in species-specific tolerances to HAB toxins and the spatial variation in the density of the HAB organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization has heightened the urgency of the necessity for sustainable water management in agriculture. This review focuses on the impacts of using reused wastewater in agricultural practices, specifically highlighting the nutrient benefits and consequences of pollutants on important environmental elements. It investigates the impact of contaminants on agricultural ecosystems by assessing the soil composition and nutrient equilibrium. This research also examines the impact of pollution exposure on plants and insects, elucidating the behavioural adaptations and their broader ecological consequences in agricultural environments. Eventually, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to consolidate these findings, emphasizing the challenges and significance of implementing sustainable practices. This study highlights the necessity of addressing the health and environmental concerns associated with the agricultural reuse of wastewater, while also giving valuable information to guide future regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seabirds create fluxes of nutrients from marine to terrestrial ecosystems that influence the food webs of small islands. We investigated how guano inputs shape terrestrial food webs by comparing species of selected plant and animal species in a red-footed booby colony in Mona Island (Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea), to sites of the island lacking guano inputs. We quantified guano deposition and its relationship to plant biomass production, fecundity and density, as well as the activity of native and introduced animal species. In general, guano inputs increased the gross primary plant productivity, size, and fecundity by twofold. Guano inputs were also associated with twofold increases in density of Anole lizards, but also to increases in the activity of introduced pigs (> 500%), goats (> 30%), and cats (> 500%), which negatively impact native species. In particular, elevated pig and cat activity within the booby colony was correlated with lower activity of endemic ground lizards and of introduced rats. Our results also suggest that severe droughts associated with climate change exacerbate the negative effects that introduced species have on vegetation and reduce the positive effects of seabird guano inputs. Our findings underscore the importance of allochthonous guano inputs in subsidizing plant productivity and native and endemic species in small oceanic islands, but also in increasing the negative impacts of introduced mammals. Management and conservation efforts should focus on the exclusion (or eradication) of introduced mammals, particularly pigs and goats, from remnant seabird colonies in Mona Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous studies assessing the effects of microplastics (MPs) on soils and plants and their potential implications for human consumption and agriculture, there remains a lack of exploration on the role of vegetated ecosystems as natural filters of MPs pollution. The MPs stemming from anthropogenic continental activities may undergo retention within these ecosystems, preventing their dispersion into aquatic environments. However, questions are raised about their potential impact on plant health and soil quality. This review aims to address these gaps by examining studies analyzing the role of vegetated ecosystems in MPs retention, the sources and effects of these contaminants on soils, and their absorption/translocation into plants analyzing their direct effects on plant physiology and growth. Finally, future perspectives and knowledge gaps in these crucial research areas were explored.The main findings demonstrate that plants effectively play a crucial role in retaining MPs, with studies mainly focused on vegetated wetlands with halophytes, and that MPs could affect various soil properties, including bulk density, water retention, and microbiota, inducing oxidative stress on plants and disturbing their growth. However, research gaps persist, such as quantifying MPs in natural settings and investigating the complex relationship between MPs, plants, and ecosystems. Experiments often employed high concentrations of MPs, potentially deviating from natural environmental levels and thus requiring assessment of whether observed concentrations can elicit comparable effects. Additionally, the predominant focus on primary MPs in experiments overlooked other types derived from degradation of larger plastic items, warranting attention and inclusion in research efforts.In conclusion, vegetated ecosystems can naturally filter MPs from land-based activities before they reach aquatic environments. Nevertheless, these particles exhibit significant impacts on soil properties and plant growth, posing an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems that requires further study.

Rapid urbanization has heightened the urgency of the necessity for sustainable water management in agriculture. This review focuses on the impacts of using reused wastewater in agricultural practices, specifically highlighting the nutrient benefits and consequences of pollutants on important environmental elements. It investigates the impact of contaminants on agricultural ecosystems by assessing the soil composition and nutrient equilibrium. This research also examines the impact of pollution exposure on plants and insects, elucidating the behavioural adaptations and their broader ecological consequences in agricultural environments. Eventually, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to consolidate these findings, emphasizing the challenges and significance of implementing sustainable practices. This study highlights the necessity of addressing the health and environmental concerns associated with the agricultural reuse of wastewater, while also giving valuable information to guide future regulations.

This study delves into the Bromo magnitude of the fire incident in Indonesia, a notable tourism destination, uncovering significant gaps in knowledge regarding tourist-induced forest fires. We comprehensively analyze the incident's environmental, economic, social, and tourism impacts. Environmentally, the fire caused severe damage to the region's ecosystems, upsetting ecological balances and diminishing air quality. This has far-reaching effects on flora, fauna, and the sustainability of natural resources. Forest fires release a significant amount of pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other harmful compounds. These pollutants can significantly degrade air quality, leading to health issues for humans and animals. The forest fire in the Bromo region of Indonesia had a profound impact, both economically and environmentally. The closure of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park drastically reduced tourism, leading to an 80 % drop in hotel occupancy and severe losses for local businesses like jeep rentals, eateries, and souvenir shops. Economically, this resulted in a significant decrease in Non-Tax State Revenue. Environmentally, the fire destroyed over 50 hectares of land, severely damaging the national park's ecosystems and affecting biodiversity. The smoke and heat from the fire also led to poor air quality and potential health risks for local residents, as well as adverse effects on nearby agriculture, increasing stress and anxiety in the community.. The study emphasizes the urgent need for stringent regulations, effective community engagement, and educational initiatives in forest conservation areas, particularly those attracting tourists. Our findings offer critical insights for policymakers, local authorities, and stakeholders in the tourism sector, highlighting the necessity of balancing environmental protection with the growth of the global travel industry.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, environmental security under martial law has become a global issue. The possibility of humanitarian catastrophe due to hostilities creates the threat of chemical, biological and nuclear catastrophes. Most of the damaged territories are arable lands and nature reserves of Ukraine. Military action has a negative impact on the environment, but the extent of this impact is difficult to assess while the fighting continues. The undermining of the Kakhovsky Reservoir dam by the occupying forces has been compared to Chernobyl - it is the biggest man-made disaster in recent decades. The war against Ukraine led to serious consequences for the environment: pollution of air, water, land, radiation danger due to attacks on nuclear plants. Russian aggression justifies the term "ecocide", causing systematic and deliberate destruction of natural resources, violating international humanitarian law. The result of military conflict is massive destruction of biodiversity, pollution of water sources and danger to millions of people. The appeal of the international community to protect the environment during military conflicts and to punish those who commit crimes against nature and humanity becomes extremely important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]