Environmental Monitoring and Assessment最新文献

{"title":"Trace element levels and soil quality assessment in pineapple-cultivated soils of Awae, Central Cameroon","authors":"Christelle Aimée Kamguem Fotso,&nbsp;Natanael Tehna,&nbsp;Armel Zacharie Ekoa Bessa,&nbsp;Rose Yongue Fouateu","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14536-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14536-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Modern agricultural practices, especially the intensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, significantly contribute to the accumulation of trace metal elements (TMEs) in soils. While some are essential for plant metabolism, others are toxic to living organisms. This study aims to assess the concentrations of TMEs and evaluate soil quality in the Awae area (Center, Cameroon). Soil samples were collected from cultivated plots, fallow lands, and forested areas and analyzed for their physicochemical properties, TME concentrations, and pollution levels using geochemical indices, including the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). The soils are predominantly clayey (44.33 to 55.29%), strongly acidic (pH 3.97 to 4.68), and rich in organic matter (5.25 to 6.27%). Mean TME concentrations (ppm) across the different land uses decrease in the following order: Al &gt; V &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt; Sc &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Mo &gt; Cd. Cadmium, scandium, vanadium, and arsenic are the most concerning elements, with concentrations exceeding the upper continental crust (UCC) background values. The Igeo index reveals high contamination levels for Cd (3.92–4.08), while the CF indicates moderate contamination for other elements (1.27–1.80). Correlation matrix analysis highlights associations among certain metals, suggesting common sources and mobility influenced by soil acidity. Overall, agriculture significantly influences TME concentrations and dynamics in soils. Promoting organic fertilizers and implementing regular monitoring of trace metal levels are essential to ensure sustainable agriculture and protect soil quality against environmental and health risks.\u0000</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating potentially toxic element accumulation in crops near abandoned mine tailings in northwestern Mexico: a One Health perspective","authors":"Martha Camacho-Alcantar,&nbsp;Blanca González-Méndez,&nbsp;René Loredo-Portales,&nbsp;Jose Raul Romo-Leon,&nbsp;Francisco Molina-Freaner","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14587-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14587-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigated the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in crops cultivated near abandoned mine tailings (MTs) in San Felipe de Jesús, northwestern Mexico, with the aim of evaluating their compliance with food safety regulations. A total of 26 soil and crop samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In soils, concentrations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) reached 367 mg kg⁻¹, 781 mg kg⁻¹, and 6.19 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, and declined exponentially with distance from the MTs, consistent with wind-driven dispersion. Soils exhibited moderate to poor resilience, with 34.6% classified as poor based on pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, iron oxides, and calcium oxides. In crops, several forage samples exceeded maximum tolerable levels (MTLs) for livestock: all barley and alfalfa samples surpassed the MTL for potassium (2.5% for cows and horses) and sulfur (0.4% for cows); some also exceeded the MTLs for calcium (1.5% for horses) and iron (500 mg kg⁻¹ for horses). Among food crops, cadmium concentrations exceeded Codex Alimentarius limits in one peanut sample (0.15 mg kg⁻¹; Limit: 0.1 mg kg⁻¹), both pepper samples (0.08–0.09 mg kg⁻¹; Limit: 0.05 mg kg⁻¹), and chiltepin (0.10 mg kg⁻¹; Limit: 0.05 mg kg⁻¹). Lead concentrations in one pepper (0.09 mg kg⁻¹) and chiltepin (0.10 mg kg⁻¹) also surpassed the Codex Limit of 0.05 mg kg⁻¹, whereas all maize samples remained below safety thresholds. These results highlight the health and environmental risks of legacy mining and support the need for phytostabilization and amendment-based remediation to reduce PTE mobility and crop uptake.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10661-025-14587-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of increased water hardness on pollutant toxicity in freshwater aquatic organisms","authors":"Guangchao Shi,&nbsp;Jiawei Wang,&nbsp;Jianwei Yu,&nbsp;Sida Qin,&nbsp;Ruolin Liu,&nbsp;Dan Wu","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14625-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14625-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Water hardness plays a critical role in regulating pollutant toxicity to freshwater aquatic organisms. It can significantly influence the bioavailability and toxicity intensity of pollutants. Water hardness varies regionally and optimal levels for freshwater aquatic organisms are often species specific. This study employed a meta-analysis approach to systematically evaluate the regulatory effects of water hardness on pollutant toxicity to freshwater aquatic organisms, supplemented by qualitative analysis to provide additional evidence. We systematically searched the Web of Science database to screen and integrate data from 32 eligible studies. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessed through I² statistics. Qualitative analysis revealed that 20 out of the 23 studies demonstrated significant inverse correlations between water hardness and pollutant toxicity. High-hardness water reduces the bioavailability of pollutants through competitive mechanisms involving calcium and magnesium ions, which mitigates the toxic effects on freshwater aquatic organisms. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that high water hardness exerted a statistically significant protective effect against pollutant toxicity. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among studies, with developmental stages of species, chemical forms of pollutants, and differences in hardness gradient design identified as major confounding factors. This study integrated the effect relationship between water hardness and pollutant toxicity in multiple regions around the world by meta-analysis, confirming that hardness is a key moderating factor for pollutant toxicity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Camera trapping for density estimation: comparing the TIFC model to aerial surveys for multiple ungulate populations","authors":"Jennifer M. Foca,&nbsp;Darcy R. Visscher,&nbsp;Marcus Becker,&nbsp;Mark S. Boyce","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14581-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14581-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Population density estimates are invaluable to wildlife managers, but difficult to attain. Several methods have been developed to estimate density using camera traps, many of which require further testing. The time-in-front-of-the-camera (TIFC) approach allows for density estimation when “unmarked” individuals are monitored using camera traps. We applied the TIFC model to populations of bison (<i>Bison bison</i>, <i>B. bison athabascae</i>), elk (<i>Cervus elaphus canadensis</i>), and moose (<i>Alces alces</i>) in Elk Island National Park (EINP) and to populations of elk and moose in Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area (BPRA). EINP and BPRA are fully fenced natural areas in the Beaverhills Region of central Alberta, Canada. Our objectives were to (i) use the TIFC model to estimate ungulate densities in EINP and BPRA, and (ii) compare the performance of TIFC density estimates against aerial ungulate survey estimates. Camera trap data were collected from 43 cameras in EINP between December 2016 and October 2020, and 23 cameras in BPRA from April 2019 to August 2020. Annual densities were estimated in EINP north and south (2017–2019) and in BPRA (2019). Moose density estimates had the lowest discrepancy between approaches. Bison TIFC density estimates were lower than AUS densities, and elk TIFC density estimates were higher than AUS densities. In addition to the density estimates evaluated for the three focal species, the TIFC approach also was applied to white-tailed deer (<i>Odocoileus virginianus</i>) and mule deer (<i>O. hemionus</i>) in EINP and BPRA, in the absence of aerial survey data. We conclude that the TIFC model and AUS were complementary, with pros and cons of the two approaches varying based on focal species ecology. Careful consideration is required for several factors related to camera study design for TIFC density estimation that can affect the accuracy and precision of estimates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10661-025-14581-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breathing inequality: unmasking Liverpool’s air pollution burden on deprived youth","authors":"Jonathan E. Higham,&nbsp;Ian Sinha,&nbsp;Alice Lee,&nbsp;David Taylor Robinson,&nbsp;Olu Olajide,&nbsp;Sepeedeh Saleh","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14594-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14594-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Liverpool, a city with an industrial legacy and among the most socioeconomically deprived local authorities in the UK, faces a significant health challenge: the combined impact of air pollution and deprivation on children’s respiratory health. This study deploys a dense network of 52 air quality sensors, one of the most comprehensive in the UK, to monitor particulate matter in 2023. PM2.5 levels ranged from 4.78 to 18.15 µg/m³ (median 7.15 µg/m³), and PM10 from 11.21 to 43.14 µg/m³ (median 17.30 µg/m³), frequently exceeding WHO thresholds. High concentrations were found in northern wards with high deprivation. Hospital admission rates for under-18 s ranged from 0.2 to 2%, exceeding national averages. Linear regression showed Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores explained 16.1% of the variance in hospital admissions (<i>R</i>² = 0.1608, <i>β</i> = 0.023 to 0.025, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.02), more than PM2.5 (6.6%) or PM10 (4.7%). Interaction terms suggested amplified pollution effects in deprived areas. Liverpool offers a valuable case study for understanding the intersection of environmental and social determinants of health as seen in many urban UK settings. Socioeconomic deprivation emerged as both a mediator, through factors like healthcare access, and a confounder in the pollution–health relationship. These findings underscore the need for targeted emission reductions and investment in disadvantaged communities. Future research with extended data could confirm these patterns and support broader policy action.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10661-025-14594-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review on climate change-induced flood susceptibility, vulnerability and risk: future research perspective","authors":"Rayees Ali,&nbsp;Haroon Sajjad,&nbsp;Md Hibjur Rahaman,&nbsp;Tamal Kanti Saha,&nbsp;Md Masroor,&nbsp; Roshani,&nbsp;Aastha Sharma","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14541-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14541-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of the twenty-first century. Its induced disasters have posed significant threats to social, economic and environmental systems on the planet earth. Thus, the understanding of implications of climate change is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Climate change-induced flood has caused significant economic and environmental losses. This review paper synthesises the state of knowledge on flood susceptibility, vulnerability and risk for identifying research gaps and recommending future research. We collected the articles on the research domains through Web of Science and Scopus search engines to create a coherent database for analysis. A total of 156 research articles were Analysed after the exclusion criteria for the state of research. A bibliometric and systematic analyses were carried out for examining the trend in the publication, frequency of keywords, scale and distribution of studies during 1990–2023. The major emphasis of the review was on conceptualisation, approaches and methods used for analysing flood susceptibility, vulnerability and risk. The findings of this study revealed that most of the reviewed research papers were focused on flood susceptibility, risk and vulnerability while less attempts have been made on flood perception, flood resilience and flood management. The effectiveness of flood resilience, community-based initiatives and policy frameworks for sustainable flood management has been explored for the holistic and interdisciplinary approach. This paper emphasises the necessity of collaboration between policymakers, scientists and local communities to develop adaptive and resilient flood management strategies for future research direction. The insights of this study may help to build more resilient communities in the face of increasing flood-related challenges.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of air pollution tolerance and heavy metal bioaccumulation in plants from areas surrounding Raniganj, India: implications for environmental monitoring","authors":"Pintu Ghosh,&nbsp;Sudipta Saha,&nbsp;Tamalendu Das,&nbsp;Angana Ghoshal","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14591-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14591-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Green vegetation plays a crucial role in monitoring air pollution in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. The present study evaluated the tolerance of ten plant species to air pollution in the Raniganj coalfield area by calculating their Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). Four adjoining sites, including polluted and reference areas, were selected for comparison. <i>Calotropis procera</i>, with a higher APTI, was reported as a resistant species in all the study areas and considered an excellent performer. In contrast, <i>Cassia tora</i> had the lowest APTI, marking it as sensitive and a potential bio-indicator. Physiological parameters such as pH, relative water content (RWC), and ascorbic acid were higher in tolerant species, whereas total chlorophyll was stable under pollution stress. The concentration of heavy metals in plant leaves followed the trend Manganese (Mn) &gt; Iron (Fe) &gt; Lead (Pb) &gt; Cadmium (Cd) and was higher in polluted sites than in the reference area. The Metal Accumulation Index (MAI) also varied significantly among species. Plants like <i>Calotropis procera</i> and <i>Ficus religiosa</i>, with high APTI and MAI, showed minimal leaf area reduction, indicating greater resilience. Elevated ascorbic acid levels at polluted sites suggest an adaptive antioxidant response to oxidative stress. The findings of the present study highlight the utility of APTI and MAI as effective tools in identifying plant species suitable for monitoring environmental pollution. The results support the integration of tolerant species in greenbelt design and warrant further exploration of their genetic and molecular responses for long-term environmental sustainability. Future research should emphasize on detailed investigations into defense mechanisms, large-scale field validation, seasonal monitoring and the exploration of plant-based phytoremediation strategies to strengthen their role in urban and industrial landscape planning.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geospatial analysis of elephant mortalities by electrocution from northern districts landscape of West Bengal, India","authors":"Saumyajit Ghosh,&nbsp;Mrinmay Mandal,&nbsp;Vikas Vijayaprakash,&nbsp;Devesh Pandey,&nbsp;Shasanka Kumar Gayen","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14492-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14492-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Human-induced mortality poses a significant threat to many species worldwide, with Asian elephants in India being notably impacted. In recent years, electrocution-related elephant deaths have increased, particularly in the Northern District Landscape of West Bengal. A major contributor is the proliferation of illegal and hazardous electric fencing near protected forest areas. In many cases, farmers install electrified fences—often unauthorized—to prevent crop damage from elephant incursions. Unfortunately, these measures frequently result in fatal outcomes, escalating tensions and provoking retaliatory actions. This study assesses the spatio-temporal extent of elephant electrocution incidents across a forested region of approximately 12,000 km². A total of 63 elephant deaths were documented using official records from the Forest and Wildlife Directorate. Each location was assessed for temporal factors such as year, month, and time of occurrence. Advanced geospatial techniques—including remote sensing and GIS—were utilized, with kernel density estimation applied to generate a detailed risk map. The analysis reveals critical high-risk zones in Bagdogra, Apalchand, Moraghat, and Dalgaon, while Ramsai, Rajabhatkhawa, Kartika, and Kumargram exhibit lower risk levels. The study identifies key drivers of these fatalities and highlights the pressing need for intervention. The study highlights key contributing factors to electrocution deaths and emphasizes the urgency of targeted interventions. This research aims to support conservation efforts for the endangered Asian elephant and offers valuable insights into mitigating human-elephant conflict. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts involving forest officials, Gram Panchayat bodies, NGOs, and Joint Forest Management Committees to implement effective preventive measures in identified high-risk areas.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing ATMO-Street model accuracy through emission source analysis using a dense sensor network: a Warsaw case study","authors":"Anahita Sattari,&nbsp;Hans Hooyberghs,&nbsp;Stijn Janssen,&nbsp;Aleksander Norowski,&nbsp;Lisa Blyth,&nbsp;Iwo Augustynski","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14603-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14603-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Urban air quality models are essential for managing particulate matter (PM) pollution, yet their accuracy is often limited by sparse monitoring networks and outdated emission inventories. This study presents a scalable framework for improving PM10 and PM2.5 modelling through the use of high-resolution emissions inventories and enhanced validation based on calibrated low-cost sensor networks. Using Warsaw city in Poland as a representative case study, we demonstrate that incorporating high-resolution residential heating emissions from the Central Register of Emissions from Buildings (CEEB) and calibrating road dust resuspension parameters led to concentration reductions of up to 20% in urban hotspots and reduced the prediction bias for PM2.5 by 57% at key locations. Notably, the Revised scenario resolved substantial overestimations in districts where incorrect fuel classifications had previously caused overestimations. However, persistent winter overestimations and the inability to fully capture extreme PM10 peaks in dry months highlight ongoing challenges, particularly in modelling resuspension dynamics under dry conditions. Our findings reveal that low-cost sensors, when rigorously calibrated, can extend spatial coverage and improve model validation, though they may underestimate extreme pollution events. The methodological advances presented here are broadly applicable to cities worldwide, particularly those facing similar challenges of diverse emission sources and limited regulatory monitoring. This integrated approach supports more accurate forecasting and targeted mitigation strategies, offering a scalable solution for urban environments seeking to achieve international air quality standards.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10661-025-14603-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145078826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seed dispersal by vertebrates promotes invasion risk in the southern African grassland biome","authors":"L. R. Vukeya,&nbsp;T. M. Mokotjomela,&nbsp;N. Pillay","doi":"10.1007/s10661-025-14569-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10661-025-14569-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal plays a crucial role in enabling the spread of invasive alien plants that threaten biodiversity in ecosystems such as the southern African grassland biome. Understanding the dynamics of the seed dispersal process by animals is important for assessing invasion risk and designing management interventions. This study investigated whether the southern African grassland biome is vulnerable to future plant invasions facilitated by frugivorous vertebrates in two known plant invasion hotspots in the Free State province: Boshof, dominated by <i>Opuntia engelmannii</i> (Cactaceae), and Fouriesburg, invaded by <i>Pyracantha angustifolia</i> (Rosaceae). We (1) monitored, documented, and compared the diversity of dispersal vector species in sites invaded by non-native woody and cactus species with non-invaded sites; (2) quantified the seed rain from vertebrates’ faecal samples and classified seeds and disperser species into functional groups to identify drivers of plant invasion of the grassland biome; and (3) assessed the effectiveness of vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal by measuring their post-ingestion viability. We predicted that frugivorous vertebrates are key drivers of fleshy-fruited plant invasions in this biome. We found taxonomically diverse dispersers (i.e. 27 families), with Bovidae and Numididae being dominant. Overall vector species diversity was high (<i>H</i> &gt; 3.0), assuring effective population recruitment, although moderate in invaded sites (<i>H</i> &gt; 2.5), and lower in non-invaded sites (<i>H</i> &lt; 2.5). Over 9 months (March–November 2024), mammals dominated dispersal services (74%; <i>N</i> = 328 visits), followed by birds (26%), supporting our study prediction. We noted a high seed rain (i.e. 107,031 seeds) collected from 11,295 faecal samples associated with 43 vertebrate species. Invaded sites experienced significantly higher seed rain than non-invaded sites (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001) and were dominantly comprised of non-native species. Many seeds were medium-sized (1–5 mm), typical for successful invaders, and had a hard seed coat. Germination trials showed that ingested <i>P. angustifolia</i> seeds retained viability (46.7 ± 8.61%), similar to de-pulped controls (<i>P</i> = 0.53), while <i>O. engelmannii</i> seeds significantly lost viability (<i>P</i> = 0.002). The predicted seed dispersal distances were greater than 15.7 km for birds and ranged between 1.7 km and 8.6 km for mammals. We concluded that the grassland biome is vulnerable to further invasion by non-native plants dispersed by vertebrates, coupled with their long dispersal distances, and that integrating management of dispersal pathways into control plans is essential to optimise control efforts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":544,"journal":{"name":"Environmental Monitoring and Assessment","volume":"197 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10661-025-14569-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}