Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 18444

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Junwei Ma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Interests: effects of climate change on soil and water environment; remediation of soil pollution; solid waste treatment and disposal

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Earth is undergoing a host of climate changes, such as rising atmospheric CO₂ concentration, global warming, altered precipitation patterns, and increased acid deposition. According to the IPCC, these climate changes have dramatic effects on water and soil resources, which cause ecosystem imbalances and threaten the life-supporting services of water and soil for humans. For instance, the environmental biogeochemical cycles of bioactive contaminants (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) and their sources, transports and fatess (trace metals, organic pollutants and emerging contaminants) are closely related to climate change. Likewise, understanding the mechanisms of the ecosystem responses and feedbacks to climate change is a cornerstone of enriching the future in terms of sustainable development.

The Special Issue aims to showcase and summarize state-of-the-art studies on the effects of climate change on water and soil environments. We welcome papers that address the environmental biogeochemistry of nutrients and trace element cycling, contaminant behaviors and ecological risks, microbiome, gene networks in water and soil systems under climate change. The changes of soil ecosystem functional services, soil and water resources carrying capacity, related management or policies to cope with climate change, and contributions discussing related topics still of interest in the field of environment and public health research, are also welcome.

Dr. Junwei Ma
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

climate change
ecosystems
water environment quality
soil quality
contaminant behaviors
microorganisms
carbon, nitrogen, and nutrient cycling
biogeochemical process
soil pollution
soil remediation

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

18 pages, 6286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncertainty in Determination of Meteorological Drought Zones Based on Standardized Precipitation Index in the Territory of Poland

by Joanna Wicher-Dysarz, Tomasz Dysarz and Joanna Jaskuła

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15797; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315797 - 27 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6386

Abstract

The primary aim of this work is to assess the accuracy of the methods for spatial interpolation applied for the reconstruction of the spatial distribution of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The one-month version called SPI-1 is chosen for this purpose due to the known greatest variability of this index in comparison with its other versions. The analysis has been made for the territory of the entire country of Poland. At the same time the uncertainty related to the application of such computational procedures is determined based on qualitative and quantitative measures. The public data of two kinds are applied: (1) measurements of precipitation and (2) the locations of the meteorological stations in Poland. The analysis has been made for the period 1990–2020. However, all available observations since 1950 have been implemented. The number of available meteorological stations has decreased over the analyzed period. In January 1990 there were over one thousand stations making observations. In the end of the period of the study, the number of stations was below six hundred. Obviously, the temporal scarcity of data had an impact on the obtained results. The main tools applied were ArcGIS supported with Python scripting, including generally used modules and procedures dedicated to geoprocessing. Such an approach appeared crucial for the effective processing of the large number of data available. It also guaranteed the accuracy of the produced results and brought about drought maps based on SPI-1. The methods tested included: Inverse Distance Weighted, Natural Neighbor, Linear, Kriging, and Spline. The presented results prove that all the procedures are inaccurate and uncertain, but some of them provide satisfactory results. The worst method seems to be the interpolation based on Spline functions. The practical aspects related to the implementation of the methods led to removal of the Linear and Kriging interpolations from further use. Hence, Inverse Distance Weighted, as well as Natural Neighbor, seem to be well suited for this problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Multiple Global Change Factors on Soil Nutrients across China: A Meta-Analysis

by Xinyi Shen, Junwei Ma, Yuqian Li, Yijia Li and Xinghui Xia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192215230 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1494

Abstract

The quantification of the effects of global changes on soil nutrients is crucial for the prediction of future terrestrial ecosystem changes. Combined with 100 articles and 1129 observations from all over China, the meta-analysis method was applied to explore the effects of various global change factors on soil nutrients, including precipitation change, nitrogen addition, warming, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration rise. Results indicated that among all the individual drivers, soil nutrients are most sensitive to N addition. Significant positive effects of N addition on carbon concentration (+4.6%), nitrogen concentration (+6.1%), organic carbon (+5.0%), and available nitrogen (+74.6%) were observed considering all the land-use types. The results highlighted that the combined and interactive effects of multiple global change factors on soil nutrients were of great significance. The interaction of the two drivers is usually additive, followed by antagonism and synergy. Our findings contribute to better understanding of how soil nutrients will change under future global change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Projection of Surface PM_2.5 and Its Exposure on Population in Asia Based on the CMIP6 GCMs

by Ying Xu, Jie Wu and Zhenyu Han

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12092; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912092 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1559

Abstract

This paper evaluates the historical simulated surface concentrations of particulate matter small than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM_2.5) and its components (black carbon (BC), dust, SO₄, and organic aerosol (OA)) in Asia, which come from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). In addition, future projected changes of surface PM_2.5 and its components, as well as their exposure to population, under the different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios are also provided. Results show that the simulated spatial distribution of surface PM_2.5 concentrations is consistent with the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) and Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). The model spreads are small/large over the regions with low/high climatic mean surface PM_2.5 concentrations, i.e., Northern Asia/Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Xinjiang Province of China. The multi-model ensemble of CMIP6 reproduces the main features of annual cycles and seasonal variations in Asia and its sub-regions. Under the scenarios of SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, compared to the present-day period of 1995–2014, annual mean surface PM_2.5 concentrations are projected to decrease in Asia, with obvious differences among the scenarios. Meanwhile, the magnitudes and timings of changes at the regional scale are quite different, with the largest decreases in South Asia (SAS). Under SSP3-7.0, the increase of surface PM_2.5 concentrations in SAS is the largest, with the increase value of 8 μg/m³ in 2050; while under SSP370-lowNTCF, which assumes stronger levels of air quality control measures relative to the SSP3-7.0, the decreases of surface PM_2.5 concentrations in SAS, East Asia (EAS) and Southeast Asia (SEAS) are the largest. The characteristics of seasonal trends are consistent with that of the annual trend. The trends in the concentrations of surface PM_2.5 and its components are similar. The population-weighted average values of surface PM_2.5 concentrations are projected to decrease in Central Asia (CAS), EAS, North Asia (NAS), and SEAS, and it indicates that the surface PM_2.5 concentrations over the most populated area of Asia will decrease. In SAS, because of its large population, the impact of air pollutants on human health is still disastrous in the future. In summary, the surface PM_2.5 concentrations over the most area of Asia will decrease, which is beneficial to air quality and human health; under SSP370-lowNTCF, the reduction of short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) will further improve air quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 100573 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of a Cold Front and Topography on the Initiation and Maintenance of a Precipitation Convective System in North China: A Case Study

by Yan Li, Yu Wang and Xianyan Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9484; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159484 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1501

Abstract

By using the convection-resolving weather research and forecasting simulation, a convective rainfall event over the middle portions of the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains in North China is investigated in this study. The influences of the cold front and complex topography on the initiation and maintenance of the convective system are analyzed. Results show two reasons why the convective clusters are initiated near noon on the hillsides at an elevation of 800 m. First, a local topographic convergence zone usually appears on the eastern slope of the Taihang Mountains near noon in May. Second, such a topographic convergence zone is enhanced by a cold front system and then triggers the convective clusters. Subsequently, the convective cells strengthen when moving downslope and weaken when moving eastward on the plain. When moving downslope, the atmospheric stratification is convectively unstable, and the mountain–plains solenoid (MPS) is strong near the foot of the mountain. The large amount of water vapor carried by the MPS-induced easterly wind is forced to ascend by topographic obstructions, and therefore the convective cells develop. As a result, heavy rainfall occurs on the hillsides with an elevation of 200–600 m. When the convective cells move eastward on the plain, the atmospheric stratification is stable, and the MPS is weak. Thus, convective activities weaken. Moreover, the results reveal that the mesoscale convergence line, slope gradient and slope aspect of the local terrain, local atmospheric instability, and the MPS play different roles in maintaining the convective system at elevations of 200–600 m along the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Soil Salinity Changes under the Climate Change in the Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan

by Mukhamadkhan Khamidov, Javlonbek Ishchanov, Ahmad Hamidov, Cenk Donmez and Kakhramon Djumaboev

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8794; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148794 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

Soil salinity negatively affects plant growth and leads to soil degradation. Saline lands result in low agricultural productivity, affecting the well-being of farmers and the economic situation in the region. The prediction of soil salinization dynamics plays a crucial role in sustainable development of agricultural regions, in preserving the ecosystems, and in improving irrigation management practices. Accurate information through monitoring and evaluating the changes in soil salinity is essential for the development of strategies for agriculture productivity and efficient soil management. As part of an ex-ante analysis, we presented a comprehensive statistical framework for predicting soil salinity dynamics using the Homogeneity test and linear regression model. The framework was operationalized in the context of the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan, which suffers from high levels of soil salinity. The soil salinity trends and levels were projected under the impact of climate change from 2021 to 2050 and 2051 to 2100. The results show that the slightly saline soils would generally decrease (from 55.4% in 2050 to 52.4% by 2100 based on the homogeneity test; from 55.9% in 2050 to 54.5% by 2100 according to the linear regression model), but moderately saline soils would increase (from 31.2% in 2050 to 32.5% by 2100 based on the homogeneity test; from 31.2% in 2050 to 32.4% by 2100 according to the linear regression model). Moreover, highly saline soils would increase (from 13.4% in 2050 to 15.1% by 2100 based on the homogeneity test; from 12.9% in 2050 to 13.1% by 2100 according to the linear regression model). The results of this study provide an understanding that soil salinity depends on climate change and help the government to better plan future management strategies for the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study of Refined Building Climate Zoning under Complicated Terrain Conditions in China

by Tianyu Zhang, Xianyan Chen, Fen Zhang, Zhi Yang, Yong Wang, Yonghua Li and Linxiao Wei

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8530; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148530 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1523

Abstract

In this study, we first found that the few and sparse meteorological stations used in earlier comprehensive studies of building climate zoning in a complicated terrain area like Chongqing, China, may lead to the inapplicability of building energy efficiency standards in some areas. To address this issue, the study used daily data from 1908 extremely dense surface meteorological stations from 2011 to 2020 in Chongqing, China. In order to conduct fine zoning of building climate in Chongqing, China, GB50176-2016 and ASHRAE standard 169-2021 were employed, respectively. The findings indicated that by using the ASHRAE standard, the entire Chongqing region was classified into five climate zones. The Chongqing region was categorized into three different climate zones using China GB50176-2016: cold zone (CZ), hot summer and cold winter zone (HSCWZ), and mild zone (MZ). Not to be overlooked is the MZ (China’s GB50176-2016)/mixed-humid zone (ASHRAE standard), which is primarily situated at higher elevations in the southeast and northeast of Chongqing. In comparison to the HSCWZ/warm-humid zone, these zones have drastically different building energy efficiency regulations and approaches. According to preliminary projections, improved building climate zoning will to some extent increase building energy efficiency and reduce emissions in Chongqing. Finally, this study case can be replicated in different regions with complicated terrain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Projection of Climate Extremes in China by a Set of Statistical Downscaled Data

by Linxiao Wei, Lyuliu Liu, Cheng Jing, Yao Wu, Xiaoge Xin, Baogang Yang, Hongyu Tang, Yonghua Li, Yong Wang, Tianyu Zhang and Fen Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6398; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116398 - 24 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1867

Abstract

This study assesses present-day extreme climate changes over China by using a set of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) statistical downscaled data and raw models outputs. The downscaled data is produced by the adapted spatial disaggregation and equal distance cumulative distribution function (EDCDF) method at the resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° for the present day (1961–2014) and the future period (2015–2100) under the Shared Socioeconomic Path-way (SSP) 2-4.5 than SSP5-8.5 emission scenario. The results show that the downscaling method improves the spatial distributions of extreme climate events in China with higher spatial pattern correlations, Taylor Skill Scores and closer magnitudes no matter single model or multi model ensemble (MME). In the future projections, large inter-model variability between the downscaled models still exists, particular for maximum consecutive 5-day precipitation (RX5). The downscaled MME projects that total precipitation (PTOT) and RX5, will increase with time, especially for the northwest China. The projected heavy precipitation days (R20) also increase in the future. The region of significant increase in R20 locates in the south of river Yangtze. Maxi-mum annual temperature (TXX) and percentage of warm days (TX90p) are projected to increase across the whole country with larger magnitude over the west China. Projected changes of minimum annual temperature (TNN) over the northeastern China is the most significant area. The higher of the emission scenario, the more significant of extreme climates. This reveals that the spatial distribution of extreme climate events will become more uneven in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Effects of Climate Change on Soil and Water Environment

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI