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Despite vital in conserving biodiversity, most natural wetlands were degraded and declined in numbers due to anthropogenic factors, thereby human‐made wetlands have been established in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to analyze plant diversity, wetland indicators, characteristic species, and ecosystem conditions of Ethiopian highland human‐made wetlands. A systematic sampling design was employed for laying 20 quadrats (2 m2 each) in each wetland at a 50‐m interval, where plant specimen sampling and cover estimation were made. A survey identified 74 plant species. These species belong to 26 families and 57 genera. Notably, 92% of the identified plants were herbs. Asteraceae and Poaceae were the most dominant families. The richness of Washa and Borale sites was 51 and 64, respectively, showed a significance difference at p < 0.05. The Shannon diversity and evenness of Washa and Borale sites were 2.32 and 0.93, and 2.53 and 0.96, respectively, also displayed significant differences at p < 0.05. Yet, 71% plant species similarity was observed between the two wetlands. In each wetland, > 52% and < 30% species were upland and wetland indicators with many annual species, respectively, indicating the ecosystem disturbance of the two wetlands and their being invaded by upland species. The ecological condition of Washa and Borale were also directly rated as mid‐and high‐impaired sites, respectively. Briefly, despite both Washa and Borale wetlands rich in plant diversity, they differed significantly in average richness, diversity, and evenness, besides in the richness of their upland and annual species, due to likely variations in their ecological and hydrological modifications. Hence, urgent in situ and ex situ community‐based participatory restoring strategies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares natural and artificial wetlands in Türkiye's Van sub-basin, exploring human impacts on landscape connectivity and species diversity. It examines how habitat fragmentation affects species isolation and long-term viability, involving 14 natural and 9 artificial wetlands to improve conservation strategies. A four-stage methodology was used to analyze wetland connectivity. First, focal nodes and resistance surfaces were defined using Corine 2018 data and topographic wetness index (TWI). Second, resistance maps were created. Third, habitat fragmentation was assessed using Fragstats software, analysing metrics like PLAND, and CONNECT. Finally, connectivity was modeled using Circuitscape software. The study revealed that natural wetlands, despite their dominance (PLAND = 89.89% for lakes), did not ensure effective connectivity. Artificial wetlands often served as crucial connectivity points, with a cumulative current value of 0.99. Land cover characteristics significantly impacted connectivity, with agricultural and forest areas promoting better connectivity. The combined analysis showed a slight increase in connectivity value (4.01687) compared to natural wetlands alone (4.01654) but a substantial increase (305%) compared to artificial wetlands alone. Artificial wetlands significantly contribute to landscape connectivity, particularly in areas with heterogeneous agricultural landscapes. Effective conservation should consider both wetland types and focus on enhancing connectivity across landscapes to mitigate habitat fragmentation and support resilient ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of integrated approaches, as the combined natural and artificial wetland network improved overall landscape connectivity by 0.0082% compared to natural wetlands alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on optimizing carbon sequestration in urban artificial wetlands, using the Shanghai Fish and Dishui Lake as case studies. As cities like Shanghai experienced rapid urbanization, natural wetland areas diminished, making artificial wetlands essential for carbon storage and ecosystem preservation. The study investigated how various factors—such as plant species, wetland size, and landscape patterns—influenced carbon sequestration. Through field surveys and remote sensing, carbon density changes from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed using grid-based landscape pattern metrics. Results showed significant spatial variation in carbon sequestration, with larger, more fragmented wetland patches contributing more to carbon storage. Emergent plants, particularly Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia, demonstrated the highest carbon sequestration potential. The research proposed three optimization models (point, linear, and planar) tailored for different wetland areas, focusing on expanding plant diversity, enhancing landscape complexity, and improving patch distribution. After optimization, carbon storage in the Shanghai Fish wetland was projected to increase by 2.6 times, while Dishui Lake's carbon storage was expected to grow by 3.5 times. The study concluded that carefully planned wetland management, emphasizing plant species selection and spatial design, could significantly enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to Shanghai's carbon neutrality goals. The research provided valuable insights for urban ecological planning, highlighting the role of artificial wetlands in climate regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictive modelling is very important for water pollution management. In this study, based on an electromagnetic field-enhanced vertical flow artificial wetland and using the actual measured data as inputs to the model, the ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) effluent concentration of this wetland system was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis to be related to six key factors, which were the NH+-N raw water concentration, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) raw water concentration, the treatment time, the magnetic field strength, the aeration time, and the electric field strength. Then, different artificial neural network models were constructed for comparison and the constructed models were evaluated based on statistical parameters. The results show that the PSO algorithm can improve the prediction effect of the BP neural network, but the prediction accuracy of the CNN model is better compared to the others. The prediction accuracy of the RF model is the highest compared to the others, and the evaluation parameters of R2, RMSE, and MAE of the test set are (0.9446, 2.4328, and 3.0943), respectively. The prediction error of this model is the smallest, and the model can predict the concentration of electric and magnetic fields in a wetland system with high accuracy compared to other models. This model can more accurately predict the NH4+-N effluent concentration of the magnetic field-enhanced wetland system, which can provide a certain basis for the study of the management of water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfactants get discharged indiscriminately in wastewater which increased several fold during COVID-19, raising environmental concerns. In this study, two locally available plant species Canna indica and Acorus calamus were compared for the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, − a chemical surfactant) removal in vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) augmented with biochar. The dose-response relationship was studied for 144 days in four phases by varying the SDS concentration at 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm in wastewater. The mean SDS removal efficiencies varied from 85 % - 98 % during the different phases. The results suggested that planted artificial wetlands acted more stable than unplanted ones, although the removal efficiencies of the planted and unplanted were found similar (97.9 % - 98.4 %) in phase 4. Further, GC–MS analysis confirmed C2 products formed during SDS degradation indicating mineralization of SDS. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) studies revealed no accumulation of SDS in the roots of both plants as BCF (root) 1 in the case of both plants, among which translocation of SDS in C. indica with biochar amendment (TF = 17.8) was found to be highest. TF values indicated that biochar may have supported the uptake and translocation of SDS in C. indica whereas biochar has not supported the pollutant transfer in A. calamus. In terms of plant health, C. indica showed better growth and higher biomass increase than the A. calamus. The results implicate that C. indica with biochar-amended CW systems has great potential and can be recommended for efficient removal and uptake of SDS.

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Egø Engsø is an artificial Danish suburban lake created in 2006, primarily for nutrient retention and flood control. Expanding submerged macrophyte cover (dominated by Stoneworts Chara spp. and Pondweeds Potamogeton spp.) attracted moulting concentrations of 600 mute swans Cygnus olor, 1100 greylag geese Anser anser and 280 Canada geese Branta canadensis. These unexpected additions to the avifauna benefit from reliable food supplies and effective protection from recreational disturbance on and near the water surface. Egø Engsø is a model of enabling intense human activity at a waterbird moulting site, and confirming appropriate planning can accommodate multiple functional objectives following wetland creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on optimizing carbon sequestration in urban artificial wetlands, using the Shanghai Fish and Dishui Lake as case studies. As cities like Shanghai experienced rapid urbanization, natural wetland areas diminished, making artificial wetlands essential for carbon storage and ecosystem preservation. The study investigated how various factors—such as plant species, wetland size, and landscape patterns—influenced carbon sequestration. Through field surveys and remote sensing, carbon density changes from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed using grid-based landscape pattern metrics. Results showed significant spatial variation in carbon sequestration, with larger, more fragmented wetland patches contributing more to carbon storage. Emergent plants, particularly Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia, demonstrated the highest carbon sequestration potential. The research proposed three optimization models (point, linear, and planar) tailored for different wetland areas, focusing on expanding plant diversity, enhancing landscape complexity, and improving patch distribution. After optimization, carbon storage in the Shanghai Fish wetland was projected to increase by 2.6 times, while Dishui Lake’s carbon storage was expected to grow by 3.5 times. The study concluded that carefully planned wetland management, emphasizing plant species selection and spatial design, could significantly enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to Shanghai’s carbon neutrality goals. The research provided valuable insights for urban ecological planning, highlighting the role of artificial wetlands in climate regulation.

Copyright of Railway Construction Technology is the property of Railway Construction Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to examine the differences in bird community structure between artificial wetlands and natural wetlands in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, and to analyze the key factors affecting bird distribution, a sampling point method was used to investigate the birds of the two types of wetlands. The results showed that total bird species (90 species) and Shannon-Weiner index (3. 28) in the artificial wetlands were higher than those in the natural wetlands (83 species and 2. 97), respectively. However, the diversity index of families and genera (0. 681) was lower than that of natural wetlands (0. 686). There were more songbirds in the artificial wetlands(60 species)than in the natural wetlands (39 species),but more raptors(4 species),wading birds(25 species)and swimming birds(8 species)in the natural wetlands than in the artificial wetlands(1 species,19 species and 2 species). The Shannon-Weiner indexes of songbirds (2. 915) and climbers (1. 088) in the artificial wetlands were higher than those in natural wetlands (2. 171 and 0. 861), but the Shannon-Weiner indexes of land birds (0. 614), raptors (1. 330), wading birds (1. 825) and swimming birds (1. 672) in the natural wetlands were higher than those in artificial wetlands (0. 530, 0, 1. 819, 0. 300), respectively. The forest bird species (69 species) and Shannon Weiner Index (3. 030) in artificial wetlands were higher than those in natural wetlands (50 species, 2. 347), the waterbird species (33 species) and Shannon Weiner Index (2. 429) in natural wetlands were higher than those in artificial wetlands (21 species, 1. 911). The national key protected bird species (7 species) and Shannon Weiner index (1. 482) in natural wetlands were higher than those in artificial wetlands (2 species, 0. 562). Negative binomial regression analysis showed that hard ground was negatively correlated with bird species and number,respectively. Tree species was positively correlated with bird species,and water area was positively correlated with bird number. Suggest reducing the hard ground,increasing the area of natural wetland trees and shrubs, and controlling the expansion of artificial wetland reeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and land pollution is a major environmental problem. One treatment system that is suitable for use in many parts of the world is wastewater treatment from artificial wetlands. The sample source came from the Aur River, Palembang City. The vegetation used consists of water spinach, water hyacinth and lotus. This research aims to determine the influence of constracted wetlands (CW); know the differences in length of treatment; determine the differences in the effectiveness of kale, water hyacinth and lotus vegetation, and calculate the percentage reduction in concentration after treatment. The results of the research showed that the results of the analysis of the influence before and after the CW intervention on three vegetation on the parameters BOD, COD, DO, oil and fat, detergent, ammonia, and total coliform obtained the same P value, namely 0.000, meaning there was a significant influence on concentration before and after CW intervention was carried out. The results of the analysis of differences in concentration in the three vegetation groups in week -1, week -2, week -3 and week -4 on the parameters BOD, COD, DO, oil and fat, detergent and ammonia obtained the same P value, namely 0.000 (< 0.05) means that there is a significant difference in concentration after the CW intervention, while the total coliform in the three vegetation groups was found to be kale vegetation 0.979 (> 0.05), water hyacinth vegetation 0.972 (> 0.05) and lotus vegetation 0.971 (> 0, 05) means there is no significant difference in concentration. The results of the analysis of kale, water hyacinth and lotus vegetation of the horizontal CW type showed that the P value of BOD, COD and DO was the same, namely 0.000, (< 0.05) meaning there was a difference, while the parameters oil and fat = 0.888, detergent = 0.945, ammonia = 0.902 and total coliform = 0.977 (> 0.05) meaning there is no difference. Apart from that, there was also a decrease in concentration before and after the constracted wetlands intervention. Each vegetation group. In water spinach vegetation, it is between 86.36-562.50%, water hyacinth is between 91.30-737.50%, and lotus is between 91.30-737.50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands are among the most modified habitats because of the loss and degradation of tidal flats, resulting in a rapid decline in waterbirds migrating along flyways. Understanding the relative importance of multiple types of wetlands as habitats for waterbirds and the factors influencing their utilization could improve management effectiveness. During the wintering seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, we documented the distribution of Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), a wetland specialist, in the Yancheng National Nature Reserve (YNNR) and quantified the surrounding environments as influencing factors to assess the relationship between their habitat use patterns and environmental characteristics. Our results showed that spoonbills inhabit common seepweed (Suaeda glauca) marshes, reed (Phragmites australis) ponds, aquaculture ponds, and agricultural channels. Although natural wetlands supported a greater number of spoonbills in the YNNR, spoonbills were able to forage in artificial wetlands. The environmental features where the spoonbills were distributed were found to influence their habitat use, and the most important factor was water depth, followed by species richness and vegetation cover. These results demonstrated that spoonbills rely on both natural and artificial wetlands in the core and buffer zones of the YNNR. Our research thus underlined that conservation interventions of natural and artificial wetlands, such as controlling the water depth and diminishing human activities, might maximize the effects of total conservation outcomes for the Eurasian spoonbills, as well as for various coastal waterbirds with similar ecological requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of constructed wetlands (CWs) created to improve water quality has been demonstrated. However, their role in enhancing biodiversity, such as in plankton communities, is still understudied. To assess this, we analysed, over two years, the plankton of three structurally different CWs which are intermediaries between low-quality waters and a protected Mediterranean wetland (Albufera de València Natural Park). We estimated the alpha-diversity of each CW and the beta-diversity among their different sectors. In two CWs, the diversity decreased as water flowed from the Inlet (a species mix from anthropically disturbed environments) to the Outlet, due to natural assembly processes. In the other CW, as it received water dominated by a few species, the emerging assemblages increased the diversity. Moreover, comparing the three CWs, the most divergent communities were those in the outlets (due to the emergence of exclusive species, biovolume differences, etc.). Therefore, they contributed to beta-diversity as they acted as generators of communities, which were characterized by the loss of cyanobacteria and chlorophytes, the dominance of large copepods or cladocerans and the presence of unshared species. We emphasize the importance of having structurally and functionally different CWs to enhance biodiversity and improve biological water quality in natural parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat fragmentation and degradation in natural wetlands has resulted in declines in the populations of shorebirds in the Indian subcontinent. Shorebirds rely on these wetlands as wintering or stop-over sites along the southern extent of the Central Asian Flyway. Shorebirds are known to utilize agroecosystems as alternate foraging habitats. The suitability of agroecosystems as foraging areas for overwintering migratory shorebirds has not been well studied in the Indian subcontinent. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of published literature and compiled field observations to investigate the importance of inland and coastal agroecosystems for shorebirds in India. We assessed the shorebird populations at natural wetlands: mudflats and mangroves of Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) and Puthuvypu sand beach, as well as adjacent agroecosystems on the west coast of India, including Sanketham Wetlands, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Elamaram, Kodinhi, and Kooriyad. On the east coast, we assessed the natural wetland habitats of Valinokkam, Point Calimere, and Pichavaram and evaluated inland agroecosystems in regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Fifty-three shorebird species utilize diverse agroecosystems from various parts of India. While studies on the use of agroecosystems by shorebirds are limited on the east coast, evidence suggests that major wintering sites are adjacent to paddy fields, fostering substantial shorebird diversity. In Pichavaram, Point Calimere, and Gulf of Mannar regions, 22 shorebird species utilize agroecosystems, including the notable near-threatened Eurasian Curlew. Seventeen of these species are winter arrivals, highlighting the crucial role agroecosystems play as stopover areas. On the west coast, 19 shorebird species appear to utilize agroecosystems in Kooriyad, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Sanketham Wetlands, Elamaram, and Kodinhi. Few species use agricultural fields in the north (Jammu and Kashmir). Paddy fields, that are flooded as part of the cropping cycle, support diverse prey species, such as macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and small fish, that could attract and support migratory shorebirds. Agricultural practices like fallowing, flooding, and ploughing could further increase the abundance and accessibility of prey for shorebirds, drawing them in greater numbers. It is crucial to recognize that unsustainable and unethical agricultural methods could detrimentally affect shorebird numbers. The accumulation of pesticide residues and the contamination from heavy metals could also threaten shorebirds. As a result, there is an urgent need for detailed research to better evaluate the importance of agroecosystems in supporting resident or migratory shorebirds. Systematic studies that explain the population dynamics, habitat selection trends, habitat utilization, and the over-summering behavior of the migratory birds at agroecosystems are needed. Implementing sustainable conservation strategies and adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices are essential to support the rich biodiversity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of domestic, agricultural and industrial activities result in addon toxicants in the nature proving hazardous. In the recent years, numerous low-carbon and advanced electrochemical oxidation technologies have been used extensively for remediating micropollutants, notably in waterbodies, and reducing environmental contamination. These technologies electrochemically produce strong oxidizing agents like hydroxyl radicals, which break down organic micropollutants until they become mineralized. Due to their upper trophic position within the food web of aquatics and their great sensitivity to contaminants, fish serve as an efficient bioindicator of aquatic quality. Pisces are used to illustrate the effects of aquatic pollution on human health because they are a key source of protein for humans worldwide. We go through the effects of micropollutants on fish physiology in this paper, as well as the cutting-edge wastewater treatment strategies employed to quickly remove these pollutants from aquatic ecosystems. In order to choose the technology that would best meet a person's unique requirements without doing much damage to the environment, it is helpful to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of various prevalent wastewater management strategies. This is a step closer to a green and sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal wetlands are among the most modified habitats because of the loss and degradation of tidal flats, resulting in a rapid decline in waterbirds migrating along flyways. Understanding the relative importance of multiple types of wetlands as habitats for waterbirds and the factors influencing their utilization could improve management effectiveness. During the wintering seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, we documented the distribution of Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), a wetland specialist, in the Yancheng National Nature Reserve (YNNR) and quantified the surrounding environments as influencing factors to assess the relationship between their habitat use patterns and environmental characteristics. Our results showed that spoonbills inhabit common seepweed (Suaeda glauca) marshes, reed (Phragmites australis) ponds, aquaculture ponds, and agricultural channels. Although natural wetlands supported a greater number of spoonbills in the YNNR, spoonbills were able to forage in artificial wetlands. The environmental features where the spoonbills were distributed were found to influence their habitat use, and the most important factor was water depth, followed by species richness and vegetation cover. These results demonstrated that spoonbills rely on both natural and artificial wetlands in the core and buffer zones of the YNNR. Our research thus underlined that conservation interventions of natural and artificial wetlands, such as controlling the water depth and diminishing human activities, might maximize the effects of total conservation outcomes for the Eurasian spoonbills, as well as for various coastal waterbirds with similar ecological requirements.

In the present study, three artificial batch-type wetlands are set-up by planting Chrysopogon zizanioides (as a phytoremediator) to assess domestic wastewater post-treatment of a septic tank located in the municipality of Floridablanca (Colombia). Physicochemical properties (BOD5, COD, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) and biological variables (total coliforms) are assessed. The results show a BOD5 (Biological Oxygen Demand) removal of 75.93%, a COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) of 58.76%, and nitrogen of 46.10%. Removal of wetland BOD5 and COD achieved optimum levels after 11 days of sampling, decontaminating a large portion of wastewater and avoiding the contamination of water sources. It is concluded that C. zizanioides is an effective wastewater phytoremediation agent, making it an efficient alternative for rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along the water route, man and nature interact intimately. The flow and occupation of the water route led to a relationship that emerged naturally within its logic. However, based on a deep understanding of complex and dynamic ecological processes, the relationship between man and natural processes has changed. Control and centralization buried these processes through a system of invisible infrastructures, causing a disconnection between the water path and the landscape's ecological processes. Providing clean water and an adequate sanitation system does not represent great complexity. While essential technologies and engineering principles have been mastered, it is striking that more than one billion people in the world still lack access to clean water, and almost two billion struggle with inadequate wastewater treatment. Furthermore, water-related diseases are the leading cause of premature death in developing countries. In searching for a solution to water sources and soil pollution, we propose exploring Artificial Wetlands (AW) as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). These solutions provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. The research focuses on a hydraulic sanitation system disconnected from the central network. This system includes designing a system of artificial wetlands to treat wastewater produced by direct discharges to streams and rivers and proposes an AW in Sinincay (peripheral parish), where 42% of their territory does not have a wastewater treatment system. The results show that this phytoremediation technique is a passive and aesthetically pleasing cleaning practice that utilizes plants and solar energy to treat polluted waters. Thus, it is imperative to rethink sanitation concepts in order to integrate constructing infrastructures, ecological functions, and accessible spaces for people as a new alternative to a sustainable urban system.

The use of unconventional water sources, such as the reuse of treated wastewater in accordance with environmental principles, is of great importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of artificial wetland treatment of Qasr-e-shirin in Kermanshah province on water quality, growth performance and biochemical composition of fish body for optimal use in the aquaculture industry. In this study, water quality parameters including turbidity, DO, COD, MPN total coliform, nitrate, phosphate, and experiments in sections of bioassay, monitoring of aquatic tissue due to the presence of pathogens were satisfactory.The results show that the COD, turbidity and MPN values of the total effluent from the treatment plant are 33 mg/L, 13.4 NTU and 230,000, respectively. Effluent analysis took place after passing through the UV pool and complete dewatering of the pool with treated and disinfected effluent; COD, turbidity and MPN values of total coliform were 25 mg/L, 13 NTU and 8000, respectively. The microbial load of the effluent is dramatically reduced by passing through the UV pool. The bioassays performed confirmed the proper growth of aquatic animals during the growth process and had a high and appropriate index; also, according to microbiological tests, no traces of human-borne microbes were observed in fish tissue. According to the national standards and the results of the analysis of the output of the treatment and disinfection unit, it is observed that in the current conditions and treatment system, it is not possible to use this treated wastewater for fish farming in the region and more treatment is needed.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the mining industry worldwide. For this reason, many methods for AMD treatment are developed, being wetlands a good option for metal elements removal from these mining effluents. The efficiency of Peruvian native plants such as Schoenoplectus californicus (S. californicus) to remove metal elements in effluents through artificial wetlands is studied. Batch removal tests are carried out with different effluents containing copper, zinc, lead, and iron. For iron‐metal binary effluents, copper, zinc, and lead are removed by 82%, 75%, and 88%; while in the effluent containing all metals, the removal rate is 90% and 92% for copper and lead, respectively. According to the preliminary results, it is concluded that iron interferes more in the removal of zinc and lead than in copper from binary effluents. The use of S. californicus turns out to be an efficient, attractive, and economical alternative for the treatment of effluents contaminated with copper, zinc, lead, and iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletin SAO is the property of Sociedad Antioquena de Ornitologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the context of global degradation and loss of natural wetlands, waterbirds have been increasingly using artificial wetlands as alternative habitats. However, waterbirds are facing various threats in these artificial wetlands, due to dramatic environmental changes induced by anthropogenic activities. Exploring the effects of these changes on the temporal dynamics of the waterbird communities can help understand how waterbirds adapt to environmental changes and thus formulate effective management and conservation plans. In this study, we carried out field surveys on waterbirds and environmental factors across 20 subsidence wetlands created by underground coal mining in the Huainan coal mining area in the breeding seasons of 2016 and 2021. We predicted that the waterbird assemblages (i.e., number of individuals, species richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity, Pielou evenness and species composition) differed between the two years, and that these differences were correlated with the temporal changes in environmental factors. Across the surveyed wetlands, we recorded 26 waterbird species in 2016 and 23 in 2021. For individual wetlands, the number of waterbird individuals and species richness increased by 71.6% and 20.1%, respectively, over the five years, with no changes in Shannon–Wiener diversity and Pielou evenness. The overall increase in the number of bird individuals was mainly caused by an increase in vegetation gleaners and gulls that adapt well to anthropogenic activities. The species composition was significantly different between the two years, which was mainly caused by changes in the number of individuals of dominant species under influence of changes in human activities. For most wetlands, the temporal pairwise β-diversities could be explained by species turnover rather than nestedness, probably due to high mobility of waterbird species and dramatic changes in local environments. Our study suggests that waterbird communities could respond to environmental changes in subsidence wetlands, providing important implications for waterbird conservation in human-dominated artificial wetlands.

Abstract Many artificial wetland constructions are currently underway worldwide to compensate for the degradation of natural wetland systems. Researchers face the responsibility of proposing wetland management and species protection strategies to ensure that constructed wetlands positively impact waterbird diversity. Nestedness is a commonly occurring pattern for biotas in fragmented habitats with important implications for conservation; however, only a few studies have focused on seasonal waterbird communities in current artificial wetlands. In this study, we used the nestedness theory for analyzing the annual and seasonal community structures of waterbirds in artificial wetlands at Lake Dianchi (China) to suggest artificial wetland management and waterbird conservation strategies. We carried out three waterbird surveys per month for one year to observe the annual, spring, summer, autumn, and winter waterbird assemblages in 27 lakeside artificial wetland fragments. We used the NeD program to quantify nestedness patterns of waterbirds at the annual and seasonal levels. We also determined Spearman partial correlations to examine the associations of nestedness rank and habitat variables to explore the factors underlying nestedness patterns. We found that annual and all four seasonal waterbird compositions were nested, and selective extinction and habitat nestedness were the main factors governing nestedness. Further, selective colonization was the key driver of nestedness in autumn and winter waterbirds. We suggest that the area of wetland fragments should be as large as possible and that habitat heterogeneity should be maximized to fulfill the conservation needs of different seasonal waterbirds. Furthermore, we suggest that future studies should focus on the least area criterion and that vegetation management of artificial wetland construction should be based on the notion of sustainable development for humans and wildlife.

Reuse of treated wastewater in irrigation is an alternative to achieve greater water availability and benefits to the soil due to its nutrient content. It represents a solution to challenges in water management, climate change and water scarcity in dry seasons. In Panama's Dry Arch, the lack of water is critical during dry season months, which makes it essential to look for sustainable alternatives as water source. This paper describes the use of artificial wetlands with horizontal subsurface flow, and we are going to use partially treated domestic wastewater. The aquatic plant types employed were Echinochloa polystachya (German grass) and Brachiaria arrecta (Tanner grass) with the objective of improve the quality of the effluent from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Chitre for the irrigation of forages. This study was carried out from August to December 2019. Fine Gravel was used in this study as a substrate. The parameters analyzed were pH, Total dissolved solids, Electrical Conductivity, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Turbidity, Chlorides, Sulfates, Iron, Chromium+6, Copper; nutrients such as Total nitrogen and Total phosphorus. Fecal coliforms were also analyzed. Results showed that treated wastewater is a viable alternative for irrigation due to its high nutrient content, but it must be managed safely so as not to generate risks to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N2O)-reducing microorganisms with the capacity to reduce the greenhouse gas N2O to harmless dinitrogen gas are affected by environmental conditions. We applied pyrosequencing of the nosZ clade I gene to investigate denitrifying communities in a restoring constructed wetland ecosystem in China. We collected sediments from an ecological retention pond (0) and a five-stage (I, II, III, IV, and V) surface-flow constructed wetland. Content of ammonium-nitrogen (N), nitrate-N, available phosphorus, total N, organic matter, and available potassium as well as pH value in the sediment decreased in the last stage (i.e., V). Richness and diversity of nosZ clade I communities in stage V were slightly higher than those of other stages. The nosZ clade I communities in stage IV and V samples were clearly distinguished from the other four samples. The proportion of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi was lower in wetlands than in the ecological retention pond. Bradyrhizobium was significantly lower in all five stages (17.9–37.8%) than in the ecological retention pond (44.7%). Of 32 abundant operational taxonomic units, 22 were significantly correlated with more than at least one of the measured physicochemical properties. Our results are essential for understanding the interrelationship between N-related microbial distribution and the pollution status of wetlands for the evaluation of constructed wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural wetlands are at the cutting edge of protection concerns, as they harbor a greater range of waterbird assemblages than artificial wetlands. However, more than 50.0% of natural wetland areas and more than 17.0% of waterbird species have become imperiled due to human activities over the last two decades. Thus, it is important to understand whether artificial wetlands play significant roles as alternative habitats for wetland birds. The distance sampling point count method was employed to ascertain the difference in waterbird assemblages inhabiting Lungh natural wetland and Raja artificial wetland in Sindh Province, Pakistan from September 2017 to February 2019. Natural wetlands harbored 39,282 individuals representing 40 waterbird species and 14 families, while artificial wetlands hosted 23,122 individuals representing 39 species and 13 families. In total, 37 species were identified as least concern, 3 were near threatened, and one species was endangered, one vulnerable, and one data deficient. Anas crecca (4.95%) and A. platyrhynchos (4.72%) were the foremost abundant species in natural wetlands. A. crecca (4.57%) and A. clypeata (3.95%) were the foremost prevailing species of artificial wetlands. Alcedo atthis, Charadrius leschenaultia, and Vanellus leucurus did not utilize natural wetlands, while Bubulcus ibis, Larus genei, Tringa brevipes, and Plegadis falcinellus avoided artificial wetlands. The relative abundance of waterbirds between natural and artificial wetlands varied considerably (F1, 85 = 6.26, p

Understanding species habitat use and factors affecting changes in their distributions are necessary to promote the conservation of any biological community. We evaluated the changes in wetland use of the non‐breeding waterbird community. Based on long‐term citizen‐science data (1988–2020), we tested the hypotheses that wetland use is associated with species diet and potential range‐shift drivers (the tendency to occupy the same sites in consecutive years—site affinity—and the species' average temperature across its wintering range—species temperature index).We analysed species‐specific wetland use of 25 species of waterbirds wintering in Czechia over a period of 33 years. The analyses explained variability in trends in numbers of the studied waterbird species across four inland wetland types: reservoirs; fishponds; industrial waters created by flooding of former mining sites; and running waters.Trends in waterbird abundance positively correlated with species' diet on fishponds, industrial and running waters. Among the diet groups, invertivores showed the largest increase in abundances on industrial waters, closely followed by herbivores. Herbivores showed the largest increase in abundances in fishponds, and piscivores did so in running waters. Regarding range‐shift drivers, species with higher site affinity showed higher abundances on running waters, while species with low species temperature index (i.e. wintering on average in sites with lower temperature) were more abundant on reservoirs. The abundance of both warm‐dwelling and species with low site affinity increased on fishponds and industrial waters.Our findings suggest that the increased importance of the wetland types considered here for wintering waterbirds is likely to be linked to diet related changes in habitat use and changes in species distributions; and highlight that wintering waterbirds are expected to select sites with higher availability of food, higher energy content, and lower foraging cost.Recent and rapid changes in species distributions may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of national and international conservation efforts. When planning conservation measures, it should be kept in mind that climate change does not only imply large‐scale north/north‐eastwards shifts of entire waterbird distributions, but can also modify the use of the habitats by waterbird species inside their traditional wintering range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the dairy wastewater treatment using laboratory scale vertical flow (VF) constructed wetlands with the Canna indica plantation over wetland beds due to phytoremediation capabilities. Three laboratory scale VF CWs (CW-A, CW-B and CW-C) each with an area of 0.135 m2 filled with gravel (CW-A: 20 mm; CW-B:10 mm gravel) and sand (CW-C) receiving 0.04 m³ d-1 dairy wastewater were operated for the wastewater purification. Each unit was operated at three hydraulic retention times (HRTs) i.e. 12 h, 24 h and 48 h for assessing its effect on wastewater purification. Among all units, removal rates fluctuated as: total suspended solids (TSS): 64.2-74.5%; biochemical oxygen demand (BOD): 45.3 - 63.1%; ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N): 29.6 - 56.5% and phosphate phosphorous (PO4-P): 20.5 - 57.8% at different HRTs. Increase in HRT showed better removal of pollutants in all CWs. Moreover, maximum removal of pollutants excluding TSS and NH4-N was achieved in CW-B at 48 h HRT. CW-B with similar HRT provided maximum removal of PO4-P (57.8%), BOD (63.1%) and chemical oxygen demand (COD): 67.4%. Increase in the size of filter media, from sand (0.25 mm) to 20 mm gravel resulted in higher removal of NH4 -N from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of the flora of 95 small wetlands (pools, ponds and springs) of the hills of Reggio Emilia province was carried out in 2020 and 2021. The scenario outlined is considerably rich biologically: 361 taxa are observed, including vascular plants, mosses and aquatic algae. Among them, 33 vascular species are protected at a regional or international level. In addition, 2 vascular species new for the province of Reggio Emilia and 1 subspecies new for the Emilia-Romagna flora were also recorded. Finally, 2 bryophytes were confirmed for Reggio Emilia province after more than one century. In 6 sites, some priority habitats were detected: first of all habitat 7220* “Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)” and, in one of them, a probable presence of habitat 91E0* “Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae)”. In 13 other sites habitat 3140 “Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp.” was observed, a fairly rare and declining habitat all over Europe. In another site, habitat 9260 “Castanea sativa woods”, which is important for the conservation of many plants and lichens endangered at a European level, were recorded. The life form spectrum is dominated by perennial species, a clear indication of little human disturbance. Annual and biennial species are limited to 16.5% and some of them are indicators of grazing areas in a recent past. Half of the chorological spectrum is composed of species typical of a continental climate, whereas the Mediterranean and northern species are secondary. The thermochorotype spectrum notably differs from the one of Reggio Emilia hills, also because of the analysis of sites with particular environmental and microclimate characteristics, unlike those of the surrounding landscape. This study confirms the fundamental role of the small wetlands in the hills in preserving species that have disappeared elsewhere or are endangered with extinction: they are often man-made micro-environments, but they contribute in maintaining a biological diversity of paramount relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reuse of treated wastewater in irrigation is an alternative to achieve greater water availability and benefits to the soil due to its nutrient content. It represents a solution to challenges in water management, climate change and water scarcity in dry seasons. In Panama's Dry Arch, the lack of water is critical during dry season months, which makes it essential to look for sustainable alternatives as water source. This paper describes the use of artificial wetlands with horizontal subsurface flow, and we are going to use partially treated domestic wastewater. The aquatic plant types employed were Echinochloa polystachya (German grass) and Brachiaria arrecta (Tanner grass) with the objective of improve the quality of the effluent from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Chitre for the irrigation of forages. This study was carried out from August to December 2019. Fine Gravel was used in this study as a substrate. The parameters analyzed were pH, Total dissolved solids, Electrical Conductivity, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Turbidity, Chlorides, Sulfates, Iron, Chromium+6, Copper; nutrients such as Total nitrogen and Total phosphorus. Fecal coliforms were also analyzed. Results showed that treated wastewater is a viable alternative for irrigation due to its high nutrient content, but it must be managed safely so as not to generate risks to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensification and expansion of agriculture is one of the most pressing concerns for biodiversity conservation. Amphibian and reptile communities can be particularly sensitive to land-use change; therefore, understanding how land use and agricultural practices influence these communities in areas under increasing agricultural pressure is prudent. Over 10 yr, we sampled amphibian and reptile communities in and around 18 man-made ponds set within an agricultural/forest matrix on a military installation in western Tennessee. Ponds had either cattle access or were cattle restricted and had different surrounding land uses (forest, pasture, row crops, and industrial development). We used Akaike information criterion, corrected (AICc), model selection and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to assess how land-cover and pond characteristics influence amphibian and reptile richness, diversity, and community structure. Our results indicate that, despite reduced water quality, amphibian diversity was higher in ponds with cattle access, though this is likely influenced by surrounding forest, pasture, and row-crop cover. Pond permanence was important in shaping amphibian community structure and is a key factor in determining amphibian richness. We did not find any link between land cover and cattle access on reptile richness or diversity, though reptile community structure was influenced by cattle access, pasture, and row-crop cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice fields have traditionally been considered key feeding grounds for many waterbird species, including herons. Studies show that field management and flooding cycles influence the reproductive parameters of these birds. L'Albufera de València, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, has large areas of rice fields and is home to the third largest breeding colony of herons in Spain. Changes in water and rice field management that have occurred since the colony was last assessed (1990) may have affected the colony's reproductive performance. Clutch and brood size, and hatching, nesting and breeding success were estimated for Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (Ardeidae) and Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Threskiornithidae) in 2015–2017. The extent of flooding and cultivation of rice fields was assessed from February 2016 to June 2017. Reproductive parameters were related to the state of the rice fields. All reproductive output parameters were lower than those reported in the literature. In 2016, laying started earlier (at the end of April), when the fields were still dry and hatching started from May, after flooding. In 2017, peak hatching occurred in June, when the fields were sown. A significant relationship was found between breeding success and the area of sown fields, except for the Squacco Heron. We found that birds that initiated egg laying closer to the date of flooding had a relatively higher breeding success for the Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron. The success of nesting populations in this type of artificial wetland requires water management plans that synchronize flooding regimes and maintenance of flooded areas with the biological requirements of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many artificial wetland constructions are currently underway worldwide to compensate for the degradation of natural wetland systems. Researchers face the responsibility of proposing wetland management and species protection strategies to ensure that constructed wetlands positively impact waterbird diversity. Nestedness is a commonly occurring pattern for biotas in fragmented habitats with important implications for conservation; however, only a few studies have focused on seasonal waterbird communities in current artificial wetlands. In this study, we used the nestedness theory for analyzing the annual and seasonal community structures of waterbirds in artificial wetlands at Lake Dianchi (China) to suggest artificial wetland management and waterbird conservation strategies. We carried out three waterbird surveys per month for one year to observe the annual, spring, summer, autumn, and winter waterbird assemblages in 27 lakeside artificial wetland fragments. We used the NeD program to quantify nestedness patterns of waterbirds at the annual and seasonal levels. We also determined Spearman partial correlations to examine the associations of nestedness rank and habitat variables to explore the factors underlying nestedness patterns. We found that annual and all four seasonal waterbird compositions were nested, and selective extinction and habitat nestedness were the main factors governing nestedness. Further, selective colonization was the key driver of nestedness in autumn and winter waterbirds. We suggest that the area of wetland fragments should be as large as possible and that habitat heterogeneity should be maximized to fulfill the conservation needs of different seasonal waterbirds. Furthermore, we suggest that future studies should focus on the least area criterion and that vegetation management of artificial wetland construction should be based on the notion of sustainable development for humans and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural wetlands along the coasts of the Yellow and Bohai Seas provide key stopover sites for migratory waterbirds. However, these wetlands are facing land loss. Understanding how natural wetland loss influences habitat is important for habitat management. We used species distribution models to report changes in area of suitable habitat and analysed the effects of natural wetland loss on habitat for 80 waterbird species of four functional categories (shorebirds, ducks, herons, gulls) between 2000 and 2015 beside the Yellow and Bohai Seas. Between 2000 and 2015, 1794.8 km2 (29.27%) of coastal wetland was lost to development, most of which were tidal flats that were lost by conversion into aquaculture and salt pan habitat or land for construction. Consequently, habitat for 73 of these 80 species has decreased in area over this time period. Generally, the proportional decline in habitat suitable for duck species was less than that for shorebirds, and the proportional decline in suitable habitat was not significantly different between National Protected Species and Non‐National Protected Species. The proportional loss of tidal flats that formerly represented suitable habitat was also significantly higher for shorebirds, herons and gulls than for ducks. Because more duck species exploit aquaculture and salt pan habitat that was converted from tidal flats habitats, such conversion of tidal flats poses a greater threat to shorebirds, herons and gulls than to ducks. Preventing further reclamation of tidal flats and managing artificial wetlands are priorities for waterbird conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of pool water, whether for recreational or sporting purposes, by phytoremediation is widely applied. This work evaluates two artificial vertical flow wetlands, one on a real scale and the other on a laboratory scale, which have been planted with Typha domingensis, for the treatment of pool water in the climatic conditions of the city of Santiago de Cuba. When the hydraulic load applied to the real scale wetland was less than 0.25 m3∙m–2∙d–1, the levels of organic and microbiological contamination in the pool were below the maximum limits allowed by Cuban standards. At a laboratory scale, the presence of vegetation favoured the elimination of nitrogen compounds (nitrates and ammonium) and organic materials (BOD and COD). This behaviour is explained by the presence of processes of assimilation of organic compounds, or by the action of microorganisms associated with the rhizome of plants, which establish a symbiotic mechanism favourable to phytodepuration. The minimum concentration of ammonium obtained in outflow from the laboratory-scale reactor without vegetation reached a value of 2.15 mg∙m–3, which is within the limits allowed by the sanitary regulations.

Water sowing and harvesting (WS&H), a term adopted from Latin America, is an ancestral process that involves gathering and infiltration (sowing) of rainwater, surface runoff, and groundwater to recover it (harvesting) later and/or elsewhere. The WS&H systems follow the approaches of integrated water resource management, nature-based solutions and the recovery of ancestral knowledge for water management. In this paper, we present some representative types of WS&H in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, and then, we focus on the Paltas Catacocha Ecohydrology Demonstration Site in southern Ecuador as a study case. The recovery of such local ecohydrological knowledge in the study case has made enabled the regulation and retention of water in the aquifers through the restoration of artificial wetlands (cochas) and stream dams (tapes or tajamares). Also, this ancestral way of water management has recently supported and reactivated several biological aspects and human activities. The experience of the Paltas Catacocha site shows that there are more appropriate and sustainable alternatives to gray infrastructure projects for water resources management and denotes the need to study ancestral water and soil management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although eco-compensation policies have been used with great success in many aspects of ecological restoration in China, previous policies have not shown strong increases in habitat for biodiversity. At the same time, agricultural expansion and urbanization has contributed to the rapid decline of wetlands in the country, as well as their associated fauna and flora, and specifically shorebird populations. Using capital from a new national eco-compensation plan for wetlands, we rented aquaculture ponds in five villages in southern China, and lowered the water depth during the winter and spring when the ponds were not used. The species richness of shorebirds in the treated ponds was approximately twice that in the control ponds, and abundances were approximately 10 times higher. The birds were not strongly affected by measures of human presence and disturbance. Our results demonstrated that this simple intervention can be useful to increase the potential habitats of shorebirds, including overwintering migrants. Yet despite the success of the project, a delay in funding dramatically downsized its size. This illustrates how flexible funding streams, combined with biological assessments, are necessary for effectively using the government's limited funds for eco-compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill leachate in developing countries is often discharged into the environment without treatment because most treatment technologies have high costs and are highly complex, making their implementation infeasible. This research evaluates the technical feasibility of implementing constructed wetlands with horizontal subsurface flow for the treatment of raw leachate and leachate pretreated with photo-Fenton of the Loma de los Cocos landfill in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. In order to evaluate the vegetation performance, three wetland modules were constructed: one without vegetation (HC), one with Rhizophora mangle (HM), and one with Typha latifolia (HE). Two tests were performed: one with raw leachate and another using pretreated leachate with photo-Fenton, which is considered a suitable treatment for little or moderately biodegradable waters. The modules were operated with a hydraulic retention time of 8 days and an operating time of 16 days. For the photo-Fenton pretreatment, the pH of the leachate was adjusted to values between 2 and 3 using a molar ratio Fe2+/H2O2 of 0.6 at a retention time of 40 minutes. The raw leachate was characterized as having chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations between 3,000 and 4,800 mg L−1 and pH values above 7.5. In general, wetlands had higher efficiencies with pretreated leachate. The effluent COD concentrations obtained in all tests complied with the maximum limit established by current Colombian regulations (2,000 mg L−1). During the pretreated leachate test, the HE constructed wetland had pollutant removals that were slightly higher than the mangrove sown wetland (HM): COD (HE: 77%; HM: 73%), chloride (HE: 58%; HM: 50%), sulfate (HE: 58.6%; HM: 54.5%), nitrite (HE: 54.7%; HM: 67%), nitrate (HE: 98.4%; HM: 90.5%), and TDS (HE: 56%; HM: 54%). Although the HM wetland had removal average efficiencies that were slightly lower than those of the HE wetland, it can be concluded that horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands with both vegetation are a viable alternative for the treatment of leachate from the Loma de los Cocos landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic scenarios for the Mediterranean predict an increase in drought and erratic precipitation, which may affect waterbirds breeding in freshwater habitats. Artificial wetlands may provide an alternative for these species when conditions in natural habitats deteriorate. We studied Little Ringed Plovers Charadrius dubius nesting in natural streams and agricultural ponds in southern Portugal. Based on 24 nests and 31 colour-ringed adults, we describe nest-site characteristics, breeding parameters and site fidelity. In streams, nests (n = 17) were in sites with more abundant and coarser gravel, while in ponds there was more vegetation around the nest (n = 7). In both habitats, nests were close and at similar distances to water, but this was unrelated to nest outcome (success of 30.8% across habitats). Nest failure in natural streams was mostly attributable to flooding after heavy rains, while in agricultural ponds cattle trampling was the main cause of failure. Based on their renesting capacity and relatively high breeding site fidelity (25%-36% return rate to same area), we suggest that Little Ringed Plovers may trade-off the overall better conditions of natural streams (i.e. higher availability of nesting substrate, food resources and lower disturbance from cattle) against the stochastic risk of floods. Nevertheless, under current predictions of climate change, agricultural ponds can provide more stable and reliable nesting conditions for this and other species, as unpredictable changes in Mediterranean streams' flooding regimen may become more frequent. Despite the limitations of our dataset, we provide novel information on the breeding biology of this understudied species and highlight its potential for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors had an academic meeting to face the challenge to provide clean water and to dispose of wastewaters once treated to reduce pollution impacts and to recycle the treated effluent. Chemistry plays a substantial role to the solution of removing pollutants since chemical reactions are crucial to increase the final quality of the treated effluents. A viable option might be the installation of units using the artificial wetlands technology. There microbial consortia carry these chemical reactions. Two case studies were considered, Mexico and Cuba. An example of the use of artificial wetlands to solve the lack of sanitation facilities for Mexico City's Tlalpan section is given using as example two prototype plants located near this neighbourhood so that climate conditions will not interfere in the chemical reactions. The equivalent is given for a zone Havana City considering the Almendares river and the environmental impact on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme heat threatens desert city residents throughout the hot summer months and inhibits outdoor recreation and activity. Ecosystem services provide various benefits for urban environments. For desert cities, few are more critical than microclimate regulation and water treatment and conservation. This study evaluates the degree to which artificial wetlands support cooler microclimates and reduce the local urban heat island effect. The authors use (a) remotely sensed temperature data for Avondale, Arizona, to measure temperature differences between neighborhoods with and without water features and (b) resident surveys to evaluate perceptions of potential cooling effects. Results show substantial differences in the daytime surface temperatures for the wetland neighborhood compared to those without water features. More than a third of residents perceived a cooling effect throughout the year. The authors conclude that artificial wetlands within a desert city increase human comfort by reducing surface and air temperature and should be considered an urban heat island mitigation strategy.