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Ecohydrological Engineering for the Sustainable Management of Water-Biota Interactions
  • Saverio Perri,
  • Simon Levin,
  • Amilcare Porporato
Saverio Perri
Santa Fe Institute

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Simon Levin
Princeton University High Meadows Environmental Institute
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Amilcare Porporato
Princeton University High Meadows Environmental Institute
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Abstract

Ecohydrology engineering provides a valuable framework for addressing emerging environmental challenges by integrating ecological and environmental engineering principles. In this study, we discuss the potential of parsimonious, physically-based ecohydrological models through the lens of three case studies: sustainable irrigation, urban heat island mitigation via green roofs, and mangrove restoration for climate change mitigation. First, we investigate sustainable irrigation strategies, illustrating the trade-offs between water conservation and soil salinization. This highlights the delicate balance required to optimize crop yield while mitigating soil degradation. Second, we explore the role of green roofs in urban heat island mitigation, showing how vegetation and water dynamics on rooftops can enhance latent heat flux, thereby potentially reducing urban temperatures and improving building energy efficiency. Lastly, we assess the climate mitigation potential of mangrove restoration, accounting for the impacts of salinization and sea-level rise. We demonstrate that carbon sequestration in mangrove ecosystems may be strongly limited by productivity reduction due to salinity and reduced area availability under sea-level rise. These examples highlight the value of simple ecohydrological models in providing critical insights into sustainable environmental management. Ecohydrological engineering, therefore, offers promising avenues for developing innovative solutions that leverage the intricate connections between water and biota to address emerging challenges.
11 Sep 2024Submitted to Ecohydrology
12 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
12 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
15 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major