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Ecosystem Services and Tropical Soils of India
by D.K. PalThis book highlights ecosystem services of Indian tropical soils driven by soil properties. Soils are complex and important biomaterials and have an outstanding role in providing ecosystem services to mankind. The tropical soils have been traditionally and generally considered as either agriculturally poor or virtually useless by many. This book will discuss the difficulties encountered in managing Indian tropical soils in order to sustain their productivity. Some unique soil properties are yet to be linked explicitly to soil ecosystem services and soil care needs to be a constant research endeavour in the Indian tropical environment. This book highlights the new and unique soil knowledge base necessary to close the gap between food production and future population growth.
Ecosystem Services, Biodiversity and Environmental Change in a Tropical Mountain Ecosystem of South Ecuador
by Achim Bräuning Erwin Beck Franz Makeschin Jörg Bendix Reinhard Mosandl Stefan Scheu Wolfgang WilckeAn interdisciplinary research unit consisting of 30 teams in the natural, economic and social sciences analyzed biodiversity and ecosystem services of a mountain rainforest ecosystem in the hotspot of the tropical Andes, with special reference to past, current and future environmental changes. The group assessed ecosystem services using data from ecological field and scenario-driven model experiments, and with the help of comparative field surveys of the natural forest and its anthropogenic replacement system for agriculture. The book offers insights into the impacts of environmental change on various service categories mentioned in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005): cultural, regulating, supporting and provisioning ecosystem services. Examples focus on biodiversity of plants and animals including trophic networks, and abiotic/biotic parameters such as soils, regional climate, water, nutrient and sediment cycles. The types of threats considered include land use and climate changes, as well as atmospheric fertilization. In terms of regulating and provisioning services, the emphasis is primarily on water regulation and supply as well as climate regulation and carbon sequestration. With regard to provisioning services, the synthesis of the book provides science-based recommendations for a sustainable land use portfolio including several options such as forestry, pasture management and the practices of indigenous peoples. In closing, the authors show how they integrated the local society by pursuing capacity building in compliance with the CBD-ABS (Convention on Biological Diversity - Access and Benefit Sharing), in the form of education and knowledge transfer for application.
Ecosystem Services for Urban Water Security: Concepts and Applications in Sub-Saharan Africa (SpringerBriefs in Geography)
by Blal Adem Esmail Davide GenelettiThe book addresses the challenges of urban water security and adaptive management in Sub-Saharan Africa, exploring and interlinking novel concepts of ecosystems services, watershed investments, and boundary work. Specifically, the book’s goals are to (i) present a conceptual framework for the urban water sector from an ecosystem services perspective, highlighting the specificities of the Sub-Saharan context; (ii) develop an operational approach to designing and assessing the impacts of watershed investments, based on ecosystem services and boundary work; and (iii) test the approach through a case study in Asmara, Eritrea, and discuss the findings and lessons learned that can be applied in other contexts. Through a fully worked out case study, from identification of water challenges and opportunities to spatially explicit modelling, the book offers a sound and accessible, coverage of issues and proposed solutions to better operationalize ecosystem services, watershed investments and boundary work, to promote adaptive management, and achieve water security in the context of rapidly developing cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The book is an effective tool for capacity building of diverse stakeholders on the urban water sector, including water managers, local and national policy-makers as well as a suitable resource for both undergraduate and post-graduate courses in planning and geography.
Ecosystem Services from Agriculture and Agroforestry: Measurement and Payment (Routledge Studies in Ecosystem Services)
by Fabrice DeClerk Jean Francois Le Coq Bruno Rapidel John BeerAgricultural systems are no longer evaluated solely on the basis of the food they provide, but also on their capacity to limit impacts on the environment, such as soil conservation, water quality and biodiversity conservation, as well as their contribution to mitigating and adapting to climate change. In order to cope with these multiple service functions, they must internalize the costs and benefits of their environmental impact. Payments for ecosystem services are hoped to encourage and promote sustainable practices via financial incentives. The authors show that while the principle is straightforward, the practice is much more complicated. Whereas scenic beauty and protection of water sources provide benefits to the local population, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation can be considered international public goods, rendering potential payment schemes more complex. Few examples exist where national or international bodies have been able to set up viable mechanisms that compensate agricultural systems for the environmental services they provide. However this book provides several examples of successful programs, and aims to transfer them to other regions of the world. The authors show that a product can be sold if it is clearly quantified, there exists a means to determine the service's values, and there is a willing buyer. The first two sections of the book present methodological issues related to the quantification and marketing of ecosystem services from agriculture, including agroforestry. The third and final section presents case studies of practical payments for ecosystem services and experiences in Central and South America, and draws some lessons learnt for effective and sustainable development of ecosystem services compensation mechanisms.
Ecosystem Services from Forest Landscapes: Broadscale Considerations
by Louis R. Iverson Guillermo Martínez Pastur Urmas Peterson Ajith H. PereraOver the last two decades, the topic of forest ecosystem services has attracted the attention of researchers, land managers, and policy makers around the globe. The services rendered by forest ecosystems range from intrinsic to anthropocentric benefits that are typically grouped as provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural. The research efforts, assessments, and attempts to manage forest ecosystems for their sustained services are now widely published in scientific literature. This volume focuses on broad-scale aspects of forest ecosystem services, beyond individual stands to large landscapes. In doing so, it illustrates the conceptual and practical opportunities as well as challenges involved with planning for forest ecosystem services across landscapes, regions, and nations. The goal here is to broaden the scope of land use planning through the adoption of a landscape-scale approach. Even though this approach is complex and involves multiple ecological, social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions, the landscape perspective appears to offer the best opportunity for a sustained provision of forest ecosystem services.
Ecosystem Services in Azerbaijan: Value and Losses
by Rovshan Abbasov Rovshan Karimov Natavan JafarovaThis book aims to draw readers' attention to the benefits once present nature in Azerbaijan. Over the past hundred years, much of this has been lost because of the neglect of the intrinsic values of nature by both managers and local authorities, and the overuse of natural resources. For example, oil pollution and overfishing in the Caspian Sea have almost destroyed its fish and caviar resources. In this volume, the authors distinguish between the concepts of "gain" and "income" and show readers that short-term benefits based solely on monetary income deprive people and nature itself of long-term, lasting value. The book provides readers with real historical information, discusses the interactions between humans and nature, and shows, with real data and trends, the consequences of anthropogenic activity on natural resources in Azerbaijan. The authors cover fish, water, forest, mountain, and pasture ecosystems, draw attention to the impacts that pollution and other forms of environmental degradation have had on these resources, and the show the impact that resource depletion on people’s livelihoods. The book is intended primarily for managers, policymakers, students, and academics, and will be of interest to natural scientists, historians, and students of culture.
Ecosystems and Human Health: Toxicology and Environmental Hazards, Third Edition
by Richard B. PhilpSince the second edition of this text was published, many new environmental incidents have occurred, including another nuclear disaster, a mine disaster in the United States, and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Updated throughout the text, Ecosystems and Human Health: Toxicology and Environmental Hazards, Third Edition explores the broad range of env
Ecosystems and Integrated Water Resources Management in South Asia
by E. R. N. Gunawardena; Brij Gopal; Hemesiri KotagamaThis book provides an ecosystem perspective in addressing the water resource management issues in the South Asian region. It argues that aspects such as sources of water, its distribution and users; land–water interrelations; drivers of change such as laws, policies and institutions; management of issues and technologies related to water supply; institutional set-up; economic instruments such as pricing, taxes, subsidies; and economics of ecosystem services are crucial. Climate changes, melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, rising sea level and the increased frequency of extreme events, have to be factored into integrated management of water resources. This book addresses some of these major issues related to aquatic ecosystems and focuses on three major aspects: (a) concepts related to ecosystems, ecosystem services and their linkages with water; (b) human impacts on ecosystems, particularly the aquatic ecosystems, and their assessment; and (c) the management, including policy, governance and economics. Comprising new theories, research and case studies, the book will be useful those concerned with water resource management – professionals, students and researchers.
Ecosystems of Extremes: Climate, Soils, and Sustainable Land Use in the Central-Eastern Sahara (Advances in Geographical and Environmental Sciences)
by Fayez AlailyThis book explores the environmental conditions, particularly the climate and soils, of one of the driest regions on earth, the Central-East of the Sahara. These factors control the ecosystems and determine the land's suitability for use. The area receives only 0.5 mm of precipitation annually and contains one of the largest aquifers in the Sahara, with fossil groundwater. The region's lithology includes Cretaceous formations and crystalline rocks, largely covered by quaternary sediments. Exogenous activities have shaped various landscape types, such as ergs with different dunes, deflated depressions with playas, and yardangs. Soils in the region are primarily formed through physical processes and are often shallow, sandy, and enriched with soluble salts. The book provides a detailed analysis of their physical and chemical properties, genesis, and relation to environmental factors and sociological aspects. It also discusses rare ecosystems, including those dependent on food imports and those that arise episodically and last for a few years. Considering all ecological parameters, a land assessment system for irrigated agriculture is developed, along with descriptions of suitable cultivation methods and optimal irrigation systems. The book's contents are based on data from several expeditions and laboratory work funded by the German Research Foundation.
Ecosystems Without Borders: Opportunities and Challenges (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #474)
by Ruslan PolyakovThis book presents selected papers from the II International Conference "Ecosystems without Borders 2021", held at Kaliningrad State Technical University in Kaliningrad, Russia on October 5–7, 2021.Materials of the book "Ecosystems without Borders - Opportunities and Challenges" include theoretical and spatial aspects of ecosystems, features of the formation of a creative class in these conditions, as well as studies reflecting transformation of ecosystems, both in terms of innovations and in science, technology and business.This book will be of interest to a wide range of readers, such as practicing economists, students, graduate students and researchers, as well as government employees and company managers.
Ecosystems Without Borders 2023: Opportunities and Challenges (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #705)
by Ruslan PolyakovThe book in your hands is a collection of papers delivered at the II International Conference "Ecosystems Without Borders: Opportunities and Challenges" held at Kaliningrad State Technical University in February 2023.The materials include studies reflecting the transformation of ecosystems, both in innovative development and in science, technology and business, as well as the spatial aspects of ecosystems and features of the formation of a creative class in ecosystem conditions. In addition, the book includes theoretical articles, which aim to implement the ideas of sustainable development and circular economy. The book is intended for a wide range of readers, including practicing economists, students, graduate students and researchers, as well as government officials and company managers. We are confident that our book serves as an important source of information and knowledge that leads to scientific and innovative progress in the field of sustainable development of society.
Ecosystems Without Borders 2024: Opportunities and Challenges (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1092)
by Ruslan PolyakovThis book is a continuation of a series of presentations given at the III International Conference "Ecosystems Without Borders: Opportunities and Challenges" held at the Kaliningrad State Technical University in September 2023. The book presents research reflecting the transformation of ecosystems in the context of innovative development, science, technology and business. It also considers spatial aspects of ecosystems and the peculiarities of the formation of the creative class in the context of ecosystems. Theoretical articles aimed not only at the realization of the ideas of sustainable development in the economy but also at the realization of the ideas of structural transformation of innovation processes. The book is useful to a wide range of readers: practicing economists, students, graduate students and researchers, as well as government officials and company managers. The authors are confident that this book will serve as an important source of information and knowledge that will contribute to scientific and innovative progress in the field of sustainable development of society.
EcoTech Urbanism: Pioneering Sustainable Technologies for Developing Cities (The Urban Book Series)
by Venkatesh Baskaran S. M. Renuka R. VelkennedyIn a world experiencing unprecedented urbanization and drastic climate change, there is immense demand for creative solutions to the environmental, social, and economic obstacles faced by burgeoning cities in the developing world. This book delves into the potential of innovative urban initiatives to address the challenges of urbanization in countries with limited resources, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive urban development. It explores how cutting-edge technologies can provide efficient functionality for urban residents through information and communications shared among stakeholders. The primary aim is to enhance the efficiency of urban operations, foster economic development, and improve the well-being of residents by leveraging intelligent technologies and analyzing data. Government and policy are recognized as fundamental drivers of urban development, and the book sheds light on initiatives supporting cities that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable, inclusive, and equitable. Contributions provide insight into technological aspects of urbanism, including the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, data analytics, and essential infrastructure for sustainable city development. They also emphasize the importance of community engagement and inclusivity, stressing that urban initiatives should be designed for the benefit of all citizens, leaving no one behind. EcoTech Urbanism makes a compelling case for the imperative of sustainability in the future of urban areas, underscoring the critical role of technology in achieving this goal. The book offers a holistic perspective on the integration of eco-friendly technologies, fostering a balance between urban development and environmental conservation, ultimately paving the way for a future where cities thrive sustainably and inclusively.
Ecotoxicity of Chemicals to Photobacterium Phosphoreum
by K. L. E. Kaiser J. DevillersEach volume in the series focuses on a particular taxon, presenting detailed and reliable ecotoxicological results from both laboratory and field experiments, performed for a comprehensive range of chemicals. A taxonomical guide to the species is given, together with relevant biological and ecological information.In recent times much attention has been focused on the effects of anthropogenic emissions of chemicals. This series is unique in providing a considered estimate of the potential impact of such chemicals on the environment.
Ecotoxicological Characterization of Waste
by Heidrun Moser Jörg RömbkeAccording to the European Waste List, waste must be characterized as ecotoxicologically hazardous or not. This book provides the background, organization, methods, results and recommendations regarding this specific classification and assessment of waste.
Ecotoxicological Testing of Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems: Emerging Techniques, Trends and Strategies
by P.J. den Besten M. MunawarFocusing on state-of-the-art biological testing and methods used for aquatic ecosystem health assessment, Ecotoxicological Testing of Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems evaluates the latest bioassay techniques and different types of water and sediment quality assessments. The book also explores multi-tiered approaches to making recommendations for th
Ecotoxicology: A Comprehensive Treatment
by Michael C. Newman William H. ClementsA unique presentation that unifies the field, this book brings together concepts and information about contaminant effects at all levels of the biological hierarchy. Beginning at the biomolecular level, this book builds progressively toward a discussion of effects to the global biosphere. Emphasizing ecological components and fundamental paradigms, the authors strike a balance between the presentation of details relevant at each level and the integration of phenomena and processes among levels. A milestone in the field, the book is suitable for graduate courses, as well as a reference for professionals in the field.
Ecotoxicology: Perspectives on Key Issues
by Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis Thiago Estevam ParenteThis book presents an integrated discussion on ecotoxicology, containing both general concepts and specific ecotoxicological issues of major biological groups, extending beyond conventional systems. It explores worldwide, regional, and biocompartmentalized topics, bringing forth new points of view on global issues and addressing the increasing diversity and complexity of the ecotoxicological field. It also contains novel information on emerging contaminants, presents bioaccumulation effects on different levels of ecological organization and risk analyses, and discusses novel fields of methodological applications, including key aspects in ecotoxicological and environmental monitoring studies.
Ecotoxicology: Effects of Pollutants on the Natural Environment
by Colin WalkerChemical Warfare in NaturePesticides and other industrial chemicals are at the root of many pollution problems. In view of the toxic effects of industrial chemicals found in the water, soil, and air, Ecotoxicology: Effects of Pollutants on the Natural Environment considers the impact of chemicals on the environment from a wider perspective: the evo
Ecotoxicology and Chemistry Applications in Environmental Management (Applied Ecology and Environmental Management)
by Sven Erik JorgensenEcotoxicology and Chemistry Applications in Environmental Management describes how to set up an integrated, holistic approach to addressing ecotoxicological problems. It provides detailed explanations in answer to questions like "Why is it necessary to apply an integrated approach?" and "How does one apply an integrated environmental management approach?" Highlighted topics of the book include Environmental chemical calculations QSAR estimation methods Toxic substance interference with other environmental problems Using diagnostic ecological subdisciplines for solutions Cleaner production methods and technologies Environmental risk assessment Addressing one of the most difficult tasks today, this book provides a much-needed holistic view for translating scientific knowledge and research results into effective environmental management measures. Rooted in a seven-step method, it integrates examination and quantification of an environmental problem and describes the use of ecological diagnostic tools to develop a diagnosis for ecosystem health. It also presents methods for choosing and using solutions or combinations of solutions to tackle problems.
Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles
by Donald W. Sparling Greg Linder Christine A. Bishop Sherry K. KrestBuilding on the success of its popular predecessor, the second edition of Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles presents newly available findings on the species that are important environmental indicators. This new edition covers nearly twice as many topics as the first, including recent developments in the ecotoxicology of amphibians and reptil
Ecotoxicology of Explosives
by Geoffrey I. Sunahara Guilherme Lotufo Roman G. Kuperman Jalal HawariManaging sites contaminated with munitions constituents is an international challenge. Although the choice of approach and the use of Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) tools may vary from country to country, the assurance of quality and the direction of ecotoxicological research are universally recognized as shared concerns. Drawing on a multidiscip
Ecotoxicology of Marine Organisms
by Bernardo Duarte Maria Isabel Violante CaçadorThis book presents a comprehensive review of the most recent studies on the impact of contaminants on the marine environment. Conventional and new information, as well as the latest techniques, are presented, which can be applied to several types of marine organisms from bacteria and fungi to animals and algae. Specific topics discussed include the impact of different contaminants on different organisms as well as different approaches and their outcomes in terms of impact assessment. The integration of these techniques is also discussed in order to attain sentinel species and biomarkers to be applied for assessing ecological quality and impact assessment programs and studies.
Ecotoxicology of Nanoparticles in Aquatic Systems
by Julián Blasco Ilaria CorsiThe use of nanoparticles in medicine, industrial, and other applications has triggered an interest in their potential. This book explores the use of nanoparticles related to their occurrence in the environment, their impact on biota in aquatic systems, application of new methodologies, and changes associated with new global scenarios. The book also covers the bioaccumulation and internalization of nanoparticles as key aspects to assess their uptake and discusses the methodologies for testing ENPs ecotoxicity at different trophic levels.
Ecotribology
by J. Paulo DavimThis book presents resent research advances in the area of eco-triobology. In the last years, eco-tribology or environmentally friendly tribology has gained increasing importance in sustainable engineering. Environmentally acceptable tribological practices save resources by optimizing product usage and reducing energy. This book covers current developments in all areas covered by the term eco-tribology, including biomimetics surfaces, control of friction and wear, environmental aspects of lubrication and surface modification techniques as well as tribological aspects of green applications, such wind-power turbines or solar panels.