Urban streams are increasingly threatened by eutrophication driven by anthropogenic pressures, particularly nutrient inputs from diffuse and point pollution sources. This study assessed the effectiveness of macrophyte-based phytoremediation as a Nature-based Solution for improving water quality in urban aquatic systems. Three native species – Typha latifolia L., Juncus effusus L., and Iris pseudacorus L. – were evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions for their capacity to remove nitrate (NO₃⁻), ammonium (NH₄⁺), phosphorus (P) and and phosphates (PO₄³⁻), followed by in situ application in the Costa/Couros Stream (Guimarães, Portugal), an urban stream historically affected by industrial and urban discharges.

During 8-week laboratory assays, all species achieved complete nitrate removal (100%), whereas the control achieved only 33.4%. Phosphorus removal efficiencies reached 100% for J. effusus, 98.5% for I. pseudacorus, and 96.0% for T. latifolia, outperforming the control (71.1%). Similar trends were observed for phosphate removal – 100%, 98.5%, and 96.1%, respectively – significantly exceeding the 65.7% recorded in the control. Significant differences were confirmed for I. pseudacorus and J. effusus. Ammonium removal ranged 85–88%, with no significant statistical differences. Plants exhibited normal growth, particularly for T. latifolia and I. pseudacorus.

Field implementation demonstrated the feasibility of phytoremediation in an urban context, though invasive species and human disturbances locally constrained plant establishment. Monitoring general physico-chemical parameters indicated stable water quality, with no deterioration trends. Overall, the results indicate that macrophyte-based phytoremediation holds strong potential to mitigate eutrophication in urban streams, provided that proper management and long-term monitoring are ensured.

Under the background of urban intensification, the moderating role of green space patterns on urban heat island (UHI) effects has become a significant topic in urban planning and ecological management. This study uses Nanjing as a case study. It analyzes data from the Urban Density Index (UDI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), Green Space Index (GSI), and Landscape Pattern Index for 2012, 2016, and 2020. We employ Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation analysis and a coupling coordination degree model to systematically explore the moderating mechanisms of green space patterns on the UHI effect and their temporal-spatial evolution. The findings demonstrate that urban intensification significantly exacerbates the UHI effect, with a positive correlation between UDI and LST. Meanwhile, GSI shows cooling potential through spatial optimization. Green spaces mitigate UHI effects mainly through evapotranspiration, shading, and continuous distribution, with areas like Zijin Mountain showing low LST and high GSI distributions, which validate their cooling effect. Landscape pattern analysis indicates that the negative correlation between the Largest Patch Index (LPI) and LST has strengthened, while fragmented green spaces limit cooling effects. The coupling coordination degree increased from 0.5 in 2012 to 0.6 in 2020, indicating a gradual improvement in the coordination between green spaces and the thermal environment. However, the coordination in the central urban area remains low. To optimize green space layout and enhance its cooling effectiveness, this study suggests improving green connectivity, expanding contiguous green areas, and promoting green roofs, providing a scientific basis for UHI mitigation in Nanjing and similar cities.

Tropical dry deciduous forests are among the most climate-sensitive ecosystems globally, yet their phenological responses to environmental change remain poorly documented, particularly in South Asia. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by providing the first comprehensive phenological assessment of India's Gir Forest National Park, a globally significant tropical dry deciduous ecosystem, using high-temporal resolution PhenoCam technology. We deployed systematic near-surface remote sensing over 19 months (October 2022–May 2024), extracting green chromatic coordinates (GCC) from strategically defined regions of interest to quantify canopy-level phenological transitions with unprecedented precision. Our analysis revealed distinct asymmetric phenological patterns: an extended green-up period of 164 days contrasted with a rapid senescence phase of only 39 days. Median GCC values ranged from 0.332 to 0.368, demonstrating remarkable seasonal stability and providing robust phenological metrics for leaf emergence, peak greenness, and senescence timing. These findings establish critical baseline data for a previously unmonitored ecosystem and reveal phenological characteristics that may indicate adaptive responses to patterns in moisture availability in water-limited tropical environments. The pronounced asymmetry in green-up versus senescence periods suggests complex interactions between monsoon dynamics and vegetation physiology, with significant implications for carbon cycling, water balance, and ecosystem resilience under climate change scenarios. Our methodological framework offers a replicable, cost-effective approach for long-term phenological monitoring in data-sparse tropical regions. As climate change accelerates phenological shifts globally, this research provides essential reference data for predictive ecosystem modeling, biodiversity conservation planning, and climate adaptation strategies in tropical dry forests. The insights generated are particularly timely given the vulnerability of tropical deciduous ecosystems to altered precipitation regimes and projected temperature extremes in South Asia. This study advances our understanding of tropical forest phenology and establishes a foundation for examining climate-vegetation interactions in understudied ecosystems facing unprecedented environmental pressures.

Introduction
The growth of productive and commercial establishments in urban areas affects the type and quantity of wastewater they generate and discharge into wetlands, which affects the water quality depending on whether the discharged water is treated or untreated.
Methods
The methodological design used was mixed, exploratory and descriptive, and involved the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, which was carried out via primary and secondary sources through field trips and review and analysis of documents, records, and cartography. Therefore, this study analyzed the growth of industrial, mining, construction, commercial, electricity generation, water, natural gas, agriculture, livestock, fishing, and aquaculture establishments from 2010 to 2025. The analysis was based on the records of economic units registered in the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (DENUE) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) of Mexico and the water quality in the wetlands where wastewater from the urban area of Mazatlán is discharged, based on information from the reports of the National Water Quality Monitoring Network (RENAMECA) of the National Water Commission (CONAGUA).
Results
It was found that there are a total of 26,949 operating economic units, with only 8 Wastewater Treatment Plants currently discharging into the urban wetlands.
Conclusions
It is concluded that the current wastewater treatment capacity is insufficient for the growth of the economic units that have been operating over the past 15 years.

Due to rapid urbanization and industrial growth, Chattogram has become a major industrial and maritime hub in Bangladesh, with a dynamic new urban ecosystem. The rise in vehicle numbers and manufacturing industries has made particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) the primary pollutants of concern. This study evaluates Department of Environment (DoE) records from 2013 to 2024, analyzing monthly extremes and decadal trends. The results revealed that the winter months (December–February) consistently recorded the highest hazard levels, with mean PM₂.₅ of 122.77 µg/m³, PM₁₀ of 216.15 µg/m³, and AQI near 188. In contrast, the monsoon months showed the lowest concentrations (PM₂.₅: 17–25 µg/m³; PM₁₀: 43–51 µg/m³; AQI: 43–55). Annual means remain well above WHO guidelines, with PM_2.5 at 44.08–76.4 µg/m³ and PM₁₀ at 106.78–162.83 µg/m³, respectively. NO₂ exhibited episodic peaks, with a maximum of 280 µg/m³, and a minimum of 0.2 µg/m³. The highest seasonal mean for NO₂ occurred in autumn (35.13 µg/m³), while the decadal peak appeared in 2018 (34.4 µg/m³) before declining to 6.3 µg/m³ by 2024. The monthly maxima occurred in November at 38.94 µg/m³. It peaked in 2018 at 34.40 µg/m³, dropping to 6.28 µg/m³ in 2024. These trends show how urban structure, meteorology, and industrial activity jointly shape ecological functions. These findings highlight the need for ecosystem-based management that incorporates green buffer zones, emission zoning, and seasonal control strategies to maintain air quality. This study provides a case model of sustainable air quality management in rapidly developing coastal ecosystems.

Explosive residues, such as 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), are pervasive xenobiotic pollutants that accumulate in soils during the manufacturing, transportation, and testing of explosives, posing significant threats to the ecosystem and agricultural yield. The persistent nature of nitroaromatic compounds leads to destruction of microbial communities, and detrimental effects on plant physiology, including inadequate germination, decreased photosynthetic efficiency, and elevated oxidative stress, have all been reported in various experiments. The present study aims to summarize the current understanding of the environmental fate of DNT, its physiological and biochemical effects on crop plants, and forthcoming bioremediation strategies intended to reduce contamination. Furthermore, this review offers evidence of alterations in detoxification-related gene expression, oxidative damage pathways, and the deficits of traditional remediation techniques. Phytoremediation and plant–microbe interactions, which have been proven to be environmentally acceptable alternatives for chemical or physical treatments, garnered special attention. The creation of DNT-scavenger plants and engineered microbial consortia is an example of a recent biotechnology advancement that shows promise for restoring soil health. This review addresses essential knowledge gaps and futuristic research priorities by applying outcomes of various disciplines, particularly concerning field-based applications and prospective ecological impacts. The summary provided in this case is intended to deliver a unified framework for researchers and practitioners seeking sustainable solutions to nitroaromatic pollution.

Circular economy in the construction sector is significantly hindered by the lack of terminological consistency in German waste legislation. In particular, the Waste Catalogue Ordinance (AVV) does not provide consistent definitions for key terms such as “construction debris” or “mixed construction waste.” This leads to inefficient separation processes and unnecessary mixing of uncontaminated and contaminated materials, which undermines efforts to implement closing-the-loop strategies and effective recycling practices. Container services responsible for the disposal of construction debris and mineral construction and demolition waste apply their own operational definitions. As a result, environmental economic challenges arise, especially for private individuals who, due to inconsistent terminology, are unable to separate waste correctly, often incurring additional costs after disposal.
A website-based benchmarking analysis was conducted to examine and compare the terminology used on the websites of German container services. This was complemented by a systematic literature review to identify relevant characteristics of mineral construction and demolition waste and to formulate definition proposals that could be applied within German waste legislation.
The study reveals a clear discrepancy in terminology and its negative impact on circular material flows. The newly developed definitions enable transparent and systematic separation processes.
These definitions form a foundation for more efficient resource use and pollutant reduction in the construction sector. They may serve as a reference for other countries seeking to improve the regulatory basis for a functioning circular economy in the handling of construction and demolition waste. In the long term, terminology in this field could be harmonized across Europe or globally to enhance connectivity, transparency, and the statistical tracking of material flows.

Lake Texcoco, located in the State of Mexico, is one of the most distinctive wetlands in the Basin of Mexico due to its brackish, alkaline sediments, which support a highly specialized aquatic flora uniquely adapted to these conditions. Despite its ecological relevance and historical importance, studies on its plant diversity remain scarce and fragmented. To provide an updated perspective, we conducted a taxonomically curated review of the literature published between 1957 and 2022, compiling a comprehensive checklist of aquatic species for this wetland. The survey revealed a richness of 97 species: 40 obligate aquatics, 24 subaquatics, and 33 tolerant taxa. Within this flora, 24 are halophytes, 46 are freshwater species, and 28 are salinity-tolerant; notably, 81 species are native to Mexico (including eight endemics), while 16 are introduced, six of which are recognized as invasive. These results highlight both the ecological richness and the system's vulnerability to environmental change. The absence of a complete hydrophyte inventory underscores the urgent need for further research, particularly on the physiology of halophytes, the restoration potential of native taxa in degraded habitats, and the ecological interactions shaping aquatic communities. Recognizing Lake Texcoco as an ecological refuge emphasizes not only its conservation value but also its role as a natural laboratory for understanding aquatic biodiversity and as a guide for future restoration strategies in central Mexico.

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are critical pollinators that support biodiversity and agricultural productivity, yet their populations have been declining globally. This paper presents a conceptual review of the main drivers of honeybee decline, focusing on habitat loss and pesticide exposure, and incorporates local observations from an apiary in Botoșani, Romania. Habitat fragmentation, urban expansion, and intensive monoculture farming reduce the availability of floral resources and nesting sites, limiting foraging efficiency and colony health. Exposure to neonicotinoids and other systemic pesticides further impairs honeybee navigation, immunity, and reproduction. Data from the Botoșani apiary indicate local colony losses over recent years, consistent with trends reported in international studies. The review also discusses mitigation strategies, including pollinator-friendly habitats, organic farming, integrated pest management, and community engagement, emphasizing the role of local practices in enhancing bee survival. Challenges such as limited monitoring, financial constraints, and public awareness are considered. Additionally, climate variability may further exacerbate the decline in honeybees by affecting seasonal foraging patterns. Findings suggest that combining global evidence with local observations provides a more comprehensive understanding of honeybee decline and underscores the need for coordinated action. Collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, farmers, and communities are essential to protect honeybee populations, sustain pollination services, and maintain ecosystem stability, both locally and globally.

While prior research suggests that digital platforms can strengthen innovation, the escalation of sustainability challenges indicates that we still do not fully understand what a platform structure should look like to bolster green tech innovations while simultaneously strengthening economic, social, and ecological resilience in an innovation ecosystem in the face of extreme climate events. To address this situation, we propose a framework that focuses on digital platforms as a driver of green technology development. Our research sheds light on innovation intermediaries (such as incubators, technology parks, and accelerators) and deep tech startups in an emerging economy in the Global South—in this case, Brazil. We aim to address the following question: What should the platform structure be to share resources and strengthen green technology solutions while strengthening the economic, social, and ecological resilience of an innovation ecosystem? Our research is structured into four macro-phases: 1—systematic literature review; 2—mapping the demands of deep-tech startups and innovation intermediaries to identify potential solutions; 3—mapping the main innovation intermediaries; and 4—development and validation of the proposal. Our proposal is original, fills a gap in the literature, and makes significant contributions: (a) it presents a digital platform framework to strengthen the development of green tech innovations in an innovation ecosystem; (b) it identifies strategic resources offered by innovation intermediaries for the prosperity of green tech innovations and green technology entrepreneurship; and (c) it serves as a guide for deeptech ventures seeking to strengthen the development of green tech solutions and strengthen economic, social, and ecological resilience in the face of major challenges in the context of an emerging economy in the Global South, Brazil, state of Rio de Janeiro. Acknowledgement to the Rio de Janeiro State Research Support Foundation - FAPERJ, Technological Initiation Scholarship, Notice No. 10/2023.