Significant Loss of Ecosystem Services by Environmental Changes in the Mediterranean Coastal Area
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022
Type
article
Volume
13
Issue
5
Journal
Abstract
Mediterranean coastal areas are among the most threated forest ecosystems in the northern hemisphere due to concurrent biotic and abiotic stresses. These may affect plants functionality and, consequently, their capacity to provide ecosystem services. In this study, we integrated ground‐level and satellite‐level measurements to estimate the capacity of a 46.3 km2 Estate to se-questrate air pollutants from the atmosphere, transported to the study site from the city of Rome. By means of a multi‐layer canopy model, we also evaluated forest capacity to provide regulatory ecosystem services. Due to a significant loss in forest cover, estimated by satellite data as −6.8% between 2014 and 2020, we found that the carbon sink capacity decreased by 34% during the consid-ered period. Furthermore, pollutant deposition on tree crowns has reduced by 39%, 46% and 35% for PM, NO2 and O3, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of developing an integrated approach combining ground measurements, modelling and satellite data to link air quality and plant functionality as key elements to improve the effectiveness of estimate of ecosystem services.
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Significan loss of ecosystem services by environmental changes in the mediterranean coastal area.pdf
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