Note: Front Cover -- Advanced Modelling Techniques Studying Global Changes in Environmental Sciences -- Copyright -- Contents -- Contributors -- Preface -- Chapter 1: Introduction: Global changes and sustainable ecosystem management -- 1.1. Effects of Global Changes -- 1.2. Sustainable Ecosystem Management -- 1.3. Outline of This Book -- 1.3.1. Review of ecological models -- 1.3.2. Ecological network analysis and structurally dynamic models -- 1.3.3. Behavioral monitoring and species distribution models -- 1.3.4. Ecological risk assessment -- 1.3.5. Agriculture and forest ecosystems -- 1.3.6. Urban ecosystems -- 1.3.7. Estuary and marine ecosystems -- References -- Chapter 2: Toward a new generation of ecological modelling techniques: Review and bibliometrics -- 2.1. Introduction -- 2.2. Historical Development of Ecological Modelling -- 2.3. Bibliometric Analysis of Modelling Approaches -- 2.3.1. Data Sources and Analysis -- 2.3.2. Publication Output -- 2.3.3. Journal Distribution -- 2.3.4. Country/Territory Distribution and International Collaboration -- 2.3.5. Keyword Analysis -- 2.4. Brief Review of Modelling Techniques -- 2.4.1. Structurally Dynamic Model -- 2.4.2. Individual-Based Models -- 2.4.3. Support Vector Machine -- 2.4.4. Artificial Neural Networks -- 2.4.5. Tree-Based Model -- 2.4.6. Evolutionary Computation -- 2.4.7. Ordination and Classification Models -- 2.4.8. k-Nearest Neighbors -- 2.5. Future Perspectives of Ecological Modelling -- 2.5.1. Big Data Age: Data-Intensive Modelling -- 2.5.2. Hybrid Models -- 2.5.3. Model Sensitivities and Uncertainties -- References -- Chapter 3: System-wide measures in ecological network analysis -- 3.1. Introduction -- 3.2. Description of system-wide Measures -- 3.3. Ecosystem Models Used for Comparison -- 3.4. Methods -- 3.5. Observations and Discussion -- 3.5.1. Clusters of Structure-Based Measures. , 3.5.2. Clusters of Flow-Based Measures -- 3.5.3. Clusters of Storage-Based Measures -- References -- Chapter 4: Application of structurally dynamic models (SDMs) to determine impacts of climate changes -- 4.1. Introduction -- 4.2. Development of SDM -- 4.2.1. The Number of Feedbacks and Regulations Is Extremely High and Makes It Possible for the Living Organisms and Populatio -- 4.2.2. Ecosystems Show a High Degree of Heterogeneity in Space and in Time -- 4.2.3. Ecosystems and Their Biological Components, the Species, Evolve Steadily and over the Long-Term Toward Higher Complexi -- 4.3. Application of SDMs for the Assessment of Ecological Changes due to Climate Changes -- 4.4. Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 5: Modelling animal behavior to monitor effects of stressors -- 5.1. Introduction -- 5.2. Behavior Modelling: Dealing with Instantaneous or Whole Data Sets -- 5.2.1. Parameter Extraction and State Identification -- 5.2.2. Filtering and Intermittency -- 5.2.3. Statistics and Informatics -- 5.3. Higher Moments in Position Distribution -- 5.4. Identifying Behavioral States -- 5.5. Data Transformation and Filtering by Integration -- 5.6. Intermittency -- 5.7. Discussion and Conclusion -- Acknowledgment -- References -- Chapter 6: Species distribution models for sustainable ecosystem management -- 6.1. Introduction -- 6.2. Model Development Procedure -- 6.3. Selected Models: Characteristics and Examples -- 6.3.1. Decision Trees -- 6.3.1.1. General characteristics -- 6.3.1.2. Examples -- 6.3.1.3. Additional remarks -- 6.3.2. Generalised Linear Models -- 6.3.2.1. General characteristics -- 6.3.2.2. Examples -- 6.3.2.3. Additional remarks -- 6.3.3. Artificial Neural Networks -- 6.3.3.1. General characteristics -- 6.3.3.2. Examples -- 6.3.3.3. Additional remarks -- 6.3.4. Fuzzy Logic -- 6.3.4.1. General characteristics -- 6.3.4.2. Examples. , 6.3.4.3. Additional remarks -- 6.3.5. Bayesian Belief Networks -- 6.3.5.1. General characteristics -- 6.3.5.2. Examples -- 6.3.5.3. Additional remarks -- 6.3.6. Summary of Advantages and Drawbacks -- 6.4. Future Perspectives -- References -- Chapter 7: Ecosystem risk assessment modelling method for emerging pollutants -- 7.1. Review of Ecological Risk Assessment Model Methods -- 7.2. The Selected Model Method -- 7.3. Case Study: Application of AQUATOX Models for Ecosystem Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Lake Ecos -- 7.3.1. Application of Models -- 7.3.2. Models -- 7.3.2.1. AQUATOX model -- 7.3.2.2. Parameterization -- 7.3.2.2.1. Biomass and physiological parameters of organisms -- 7.3.2.2.2. Characteristics of Baiyangdian Lake -- 7.3.2.2.3. PAHs model parameters -- 7.3.2.2.4. Determining PAHs water contamination -- 7.3.2.2.5. Sensitivity analysis -- 7.3.3. Results of Model Application -- 7.3.3.1. Model calibration -- 7.3.3.2. Sensitivity analysis -- 7.3.3.3. PAHs risk estimation -- 7.3.4. Discussion on the Model Application -- 7.3.4.1. Compare experiment-derived NOEC with model NOEC for PAHs -- 7.3.4.2. Compare traditional method with model method for ecological risk assessment for PAHs -- 7.4. Perspectives -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 8: Development of species sensitivity distribution (SSD) models for setting up the management priority with water qua -- 8.1. Introduction -- 8.2. Methods -- 8.2.1. BMC Platform Development for SSD Models -- 8.2.1.1. BMC structure -- 8.2.1.2. BMC functions -- 8.2.1.2.1. Fitting SSD models -- 8.2.1.2.2. Determining the best fitting model based on DIC -- 8.2.1.2.3. Uncertainty analysis -- 8.2.1.2.4. Calculating the eco-risk indicator: PAF and msPAF -- 8.2.2. Framework for Determination of WQC and Screening of PCCs -- 8.2.2.1. WQCs calculation -- 8.2.2.2. PCCs screening. , 8.2.3. Overview of BTB Areas, Occurrence of PTSs, and Ecotoxicity Data Preprocessing -- 8.3. Results and Discussion -- 8.3.1. Evaluation of the BMC Platform -- 8.3.1.1. Selection of the best SSD models -- 8.3.1.2. Priority and posterior distribution of SSDs parameters -- 8.3.1.3. CI for uncertainty analysis -- 8.3.1.4. Validation of SSD models -- 8.3.2. Eco-risks with Uncertainty -- 8.3.2.1. Generic eco-risks for a specific substance -- 8.3.2.2. Joint eco-risk for multiple substances based on response addition -- 8.3.3. Evaluation of Various WQC Strategies -- 8.3.3.1. Abundance of toxicity data -- 8.3.3.2. Limitation of toxicity data -- 8.3.3.3. Lack of toxicity data -- 8.3.3.4. Implication for improvement of the local WQC in BTB -- 8.3.4. Ranking and Screening Using Various PCC Strategies -- 8.3.4.1. PNEC -- 8.3.4.2. Eco-risk calculated by BMC -- 8.3.4.3. EEC/PNEC -- 8.3.4.4. PCC list in BTB area -- 8.3.4.5. Implication for update of the local PCC list in BTB -- 8.4. Conclusion -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 9: Modelling mixed forest stands: Methodological challenges and approaches -- 9.1. Introduction -- 9.2. Review Methodology -- 9.2.1. Literature Review on Modelling Mixed Forest Stands -- 9.2.2. Ranking of Forest Models -- 9.3. Results and Discussion -- 9.3.1. Patterns of Ecological Model Use in Mixed Forests -- 9.3.2. Model Ranking -- 9.3.2.1. FORMIX -- 9.3.2.2. FORMIND -- 9.3.2.3. SILVA -- 9.3.2.4. FORECAST -- 9.3.3. Comparison of the Top-Ranked Models -- 9.4. Conclusions -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 10: Decision in agroecosystems advanced modelling techniques studying global changes in environmental sciences -- 10.1. Introduction -- 10.2. Approaches Based on Management Strategy Simulation -- 10.2.1. Simulation of Discrete Events in Agroecosystem Dynamics -- 10.2.2. Simulation of Agroecosystem Control. , 10.3. Design of Agroecosystem Management Strategy -- 10.3.1. Hierarchical Planning -- 10.3.1.1. HTN planning concepts -- 10.3.1.2. Planning approach in HTNs -- 10.3.1.3. Illustration based on the problem of selecting an operating mode in agriculture -- 10.3.2. Planning as Weighted Constraint Satisfaction -- 10.3.2.1. Constraint satisfaction problem -- 10.3.2.2. Networks of weighted constraints -- 10.3.2.3. Illustration based on crop allocation -- 10.3.3. Planning Under Uncertainty with Markov Decision Processes -- 10.3.3.1. Markov decision processes -- 10.3.3.2. Illustration using a forest management problem -- 10.4. Strategy Design by Simulation and Learning -- 10.5. Illustrations -- 10.5.1. SAFIHR: Modelling a Farming Agent -- 10.5.1.1. Decision problem -- 10.5.1.2. SAFIHR: Continuous planning -- 10.5.1.3. Overview of the overall operation -- 10.6. Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 11: Ecosystem services in relation to carbon cycle of Asansol-Durgapur urban system, India -- 11.1. Introduction -- 11.2. Methods -- 11.2.1. Study Area -- 11.2.2. Urban Forest -- 11.2.3. Agriculture -- 11.2.4. Anthropogenic Activities -- 11.2.5. Cattle Production -- 11.3. Analysis and Discussion -- 11.3.1. Ecosystem Services and Disservices of Urban Forest -- 11.3.2. Ecosystem Services and Disservices of Agricultural Field -- 11.3.3. Ecosystem Services and Disservices Through Anthropogenic Activities -- 11.3.4. Ecosystem Services and Disservices Through Cattle Production -- 11.3.5. Impact on Biodiversity -- 11.3.6. Cultural Services and Disservices -- 11.3.7. Future Perspective of Ecosystem Services -- 11.4. Conclusions -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 12: Modelling the effects of climate change in estuarine ecosystems with coupled hydrodynamic and biogeochemical mode -- 12.1. Introduction -- 12.2. Coupled Hydrodynamic and Biogeochemical Models. , 12.3. Models as Effective Tools to Support Estuarine Climate Change Impacts Assessment.

Note: Intro -- Adaptation and Evolution in Marine Environments,Volume 2 -- Preface -- Letter from the Editorial Team -- Editorial Introduction -- Contents -- Contributors -- Part I Biodiversity Evolution and DataManagement -- 1 The Census of Antarctic Marine Life: The First Available Baseline for Antarctic Marine Biodiversity -- 1.1…History of the Project -- 1.1.1 The IPY Proposal -- 1.1.2 CAML Organization -- 1.1.3 CAML Scientific Targets -- 1.2…CAML Coordination Effort -- 1.2.1 CAML Main Expeditions -- 1.3…CAML Main Results -- 1.3.1 Distributional Records -- 1.3.2 Coordination with SCAR-MarBIN -- 1.3.3 DNA Barcoding -- 1.3.4 Published Results and Journal Special Issues -- 1.3.5 Workshop Organisation -- 1.4…The CAML Legacy -- 1.5…Concluding Remarks -- Acknowledgments -- 2 Connecting Biodiversity Data During the IPY: The Path Towards e-Polar Science -- 2.1…IPY and the Need for Data Sharing -- 2.2…The Antarctic Biodiversity Data Ecosystem -- 2.3…Findings and Motivations -- 2.4…The Biodiversity Data Paper Concept -- 2.5…The Future: Towards True Integration -- 2.6…Summary -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Part II Evolution: A Molecular Perspective -- 3 Southern Ocean Evolution in a Global Context: A Molecular Viewpoint -- 3.1…A Brief Climatic, Oceanographic and Tectonic History of the Southern Ocean -- 3.2…The Antarctic Circumpolar Current as a Barrier -- 3.3…Connectivity with Other Oceans -- 3.3.1 Southern Ocean: Source and Sink? -- 3.3.2 Difficulties in Dating Evolutionary Events to Relate Them to Climate Change -- 3.3.3 Cosmopolitan Species -- 3.3.4 Bipolar Species -- 3.4…Connectivity within the Southern Ocean -- 3.4.1 The Southern Ocean as a Biodiversity Hotspot -- 3.4.2 Cryptic Species -- 3.4.3 Eurybathy and Circumpolarity -- 3.5…Summary and Future Directions for Molecular Work -- Acknowledgments -- References. , 4 Pole-to-Pole Gene Flow in Protozoan Ciliates -- 4.1…Backgrounds -- 4.2…Ciliate Biodiversity at the Poles -- 4.3…Ciliate Mating Systems -- 4.4…Collection Sites and Polar Euplotes Species -- 4.5…Phylogenetic Relationships -- 4.6…Mating and Breeding Interactions -- 4.7…Preliminary Evidence of Pole-to-Pole Gene Flow in Nature -- 4.8…Concluding Remarks -- Acknowledgments -- References -- 5 Excess Oxygen in Polar Evolution: A Whole Organism Perspective -- 5.1…Living Conditions in Antarctic Marine Waters -- 5.2…A Unifying Concept: Oxygen and Capacity Limitation of Thermal Tolerance -- 5.3…Antarctic Challenges: Physiological Pathways of Adapting to Cold -- 5.3.1 Marine Crustaceans -- 5.3.2 At the Doorstep to Antarctica: Sub-Antarctic Stone Crabs -- 5.4…Perspectives -- Acknowledgments -- References -- 6 Catalysis and Protein Folding in Extreme Temperature Environments -- 6.1…Introduction -- 6.2…The Thermophiles -- 6.2.1 The Stability Problem -- 6.2.2 Activity and Stability -- 6.2.3 Folding at High Temperature -- 6.2.3.1 GroEL/GroES -- 6.2.3.2 DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE -- 6.2.3.3 The Trigger Factor -- 6.2.4 Partial Conclusion -- 6.3…The Psychrophiles -- 6.3.1 Enzyme Activity at Low Temperatures -- 6.3.2 Folding at Low Temperatures -- 6.4…Conclusions -- References -- Part III Monitoring and Management -- 7 Changing the Look on Seals from Pole to Pole with Satellite Technology -- 7.1…Satellites in Seal Research -- 7.2…Antarctic Seals -- 7.2.1 Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) -- 7.2.2 Ross Seal (Ommatophoca rossii) -- 7.2.3 Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) -- 7.2.4 Spatial Segregation of Antarctic Phocid Seals -- 7.3…Arctic Seals -- 7.3.1 Harp Seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) -- 7.3.1.1 Greenland Sea -- 7.3.1.2 White Sea -- 7.3.2 Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata) -- 7.4…Adaptations to Diving -- References. , 8 Environmental Processes, Biodiversity and Changes in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica -- 8.1…Introduction -- 8.2…Environmental Processes -- 8.2.1 Atmosphere -- 8.2.2 Terrestrial Environment -- 8.2.3 Marine Environment -- 8.2.3.1 Physical Setting -- 8.2.3.2 Hydrochemistry -- 8.2.3.3 Geophysics and Geochemistry -- 8.2.3.4 Marine Life -- 8.3…Concluding Remarks -- Acknowledgments -- References -- 9 Environmental Assessment of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica -- 9.1…Introduction -- 9.2…Study Area -- 9.3…Environmental Assessment -- 9.3.1 Atmospheric Environment -- 9.3.2 Terrestrial Environment -- 9.3.3 Marine Environment -- 9.4…Monitoring Strategy Proposal -- 9.4.1 Terrestrial Environment Indicators -- 9.4.2 Marine Environment Indicators -- 9.5…Final Considerations -- Acknowledgments -- References -- 10 Anthropogenic Impacts on Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Islands and the Adjacent Marine Environments -- 10.1…Introduction -- 10.2…Southern Ocean: Anthropogenic Pressures -- 10.2.1 Climate Change -- 10.2.2 Human Activity in Antarctica -- 10.2.3 Sealing, Whaling and Fisheries -- 10.2.4 Tourism -- 10.2.5 Invasive Species -- 10.2.6 Offshore Exploration, Military and Scientific Activities -- 10.3…Marine Environmental Management -- 10.4…Concluding Remarks -- Acknowledgments -- References -- 11 Polar Monitoring: Seabirds as Sentinels of Marine Ecosystems -- 11.1…The Global Importance of Polar Monitoring -- 11.2…Seabirds as Bio-Indicators -- 11.2.1 High Trophic Level Position -- 11.2.2 Diversity of Species and Food Web Interactions -- 11.2.3 Wide Sampling Range -- 11.2.4 Autonomous Environmental Samplers -- 11.3…Understanding Seabird Responses to Environmental Patterns Can Help Us Gauge the Adaptive Capacities to Future Climate Changes -- 11.3.1 Phenotypic Flexibility and Plasticity -- 11.3.1.1 Phenology -- 11.3.1.2 Foraging Strategies. , 11.3.1.3 Dispersal -- 11.3.2 Microevolutionary Processes -- 11.3.2.1 Selection -- 11.3.2.2 Genetic Drift -- 11.3.2.3 Genetic Flow -- 11.3.3 Integrating Phenotypic and Microevolutionary Approaches -- 11.4…Polar Life Observatories to Track Changes of Polar Ecosystems -- 11.4.1 What are Life Observatories? -- 11.4.1.1 Demographic Monitoring -- 11.4.1.2 Genetic Assessment and Monitoring -- 11.4.1.3 Bio-Monitoring Pollution -- 11.4.1.4 Foraging Monitoring -- 11.4.2 Innovative Technology Development and Ethics -- 11.5…Concluding Remarks -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Conclusions -- Perspectives and Implications.

Note: Intro -- Preface -- Contents -- Contributors -- Part I : Global Problems and Mountain Regions -- Chapter 1: Scientific Research Basis for Sustainable Development of the Mountain Regions: Main Concepts and Basic Theories -- 1.1 Introduction -- 1.2 Research Base for Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions -- 1.3 "Pressure, State, Response" (PSR) and DPSIR Models Require Trans-Disciplinarity -- 1.4 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 2: Solar Activity, Climate Change, and Natural Disasters in Mountain Regions -- 2.1 Background -- 2.2 Heliocentric Hypothesis on Forest Fires -- 2.3 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 3: Mass Movement Processes Under Changing Climatic and Socioeconomic Conditions -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 The Matrix of Mass Movement Processes and Triggering Parameters -- 3.2.1 Basics -- 3.2.2 The Event of 2005 (Communities of Gasen and Haslau, Austria) -- 3.3 Climate Change: Facts and Assumptions -- 3.4 Socioeconomic Development and Rising Disadvantages -- 3.5 Working with Scenarios: An Approach -- 3.6 Conclusions -- References -- Part II : Nature Resources and Land Use in Mountain Regions -- Chapter 4: Mountains and Mountain Regions in Bulgaria -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Arguments -- 4.3 Criteria -- 4.4 Results -- 4.5 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 5: The Nature Potential of Mountains in Bulgaria and Its Sustainable Use -- 5.1 Former Studies on the Natural Potential of the Mountains in Bulgaria -- 5.2 Assessment of Nature Potential by Components for Various Economic Purposes -- 5.2.1 Assessment of Relief -- 5.2.2 Climate Assessment -- 5.2.3 Assessment of Water -- 5.2.4 Assessment of the Soils, Vegetation, and Animal World -- 5.2.5 Complex Assessment of Mountain Landscapes -- 5.3 Assessment of the Possibilities for Sustainable Utilization of the Natural Potential of Mountains -- 5.4 Conclusion -- References. , Chapter 6: Morphometry and Land Use on High Mountains in the Republic of Macedonia -- 6.1 Introduction -- 6.2 Methodology -- 6.3 Basic Morphometric Characteristics -- 6.4 Basic Land Use Characteristics -- 6.4.1 Hypsometry and Land Use -- 6.4.2 Slopes and Land Use -- 6.4.3 Aspects and Land Use -- 6.5 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 7: Usage of the Mountain Areas in the Republic of Macedonia -- 7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Methodology of Work and Data Sources -- 7.3 Population as a Precondition for Area Usage -- 7.4 Size of Villages According to Population Number -- 7.5 Usage of the Areas of Mountain Villages -- 7.6 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 8: Physical Geographic Characteristics and Sustainable Development of the Mountain Area in Montenegro -- 8.1 Introduction -- 8.2 Borders and Division of the Mountain Terrain -- 8.3 Geologic Background -- 8.4 Climate Conditions -- 8.5 Hydrologic Characteristics -- 8.6 Geomorphological Characteristics -- 8.7 Geoheritage and Environmental Protection -- 8.8 Potentials and Limitations for the Application of the Concept of Sustainable Development -- 8.9 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 9: Climate Variability, Soil, and Forest Ecosystem Diversity of the Dinaric Mountains -- 9.1 Introduction -- 9.2 Climate Characteristics and Observed Climate Change in Dinarides -- 9.3 Main Soil-Forming Factors -- 9.4 Characteristic Soil Types -- 9.5 Forest Vegetation of Dinarides -- 9.6 Climate Modeling and Future Climate Changes in Croatia -- 9.7 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 10: Assessment of Greek Forests Protection and Management -- 10.1 Introduction: Forest Ecosystems in Greece -- 10.1.1 The General Context -- 10.1.2 Greek Diversity -- 10.2 Forests in Mountain Regions of Greece -- 10.2.1 Morphology and Diversity -- 10.2.2 Species and Formations of Forests in Mountainous Regions of Greece. , 10.3 Direct and Indirect Benefits of Forests -- 10.3.1 Direct Benefits -- 10.3.2 Indirect Benefits -- 10.4 Sustainable Forest Management -- 10.4.1 A Definition -- 10.4.2 The Global View -- 10.4.3 The European View -- 10.4.4 Greek Management -- 10.4.5 Regional Issues -- 10.4.6 The Future Approach -- 10.5 Threats and Risks of the Greek Forests -- 10.6 Restoration of Greek Forest Ecosystems -- References -- Chapter 11: Mapping Forest Fragmentation Based on Morphological Image Analysis of Mountain Regions in Bulgaria and Slovakia -- 11.1 Introduction -- 11.2 Materials and Methods -- 11.2.1 Study Areas -- 11.2.2 Data -- 11.2.3 Morphological Image Analysis -- 11.3 Results and Discussion -- 11.4 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 12: Evaluation of the Avalanche Danger in Northwest Rila Mountain -- 12.1 Introduction -- 12.2 Avalanche and Avalanche Danger -- 12.3 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 13: Management of Snow Avalanche Risk in the Ski Areas of the Southern Carpathians-Romanian Carpathians -- 13.1 Introduction -- 13.2 General Facts of the Studied Area -- 13.3 Terrain Factors and Climatic Variables Analysis as Favorable for Ski Activities -- 13.3.1 Terrain Factors -- 13.3.2 Climatic Variables -- 13.4 Management of Snow Avalanche Risk -- 13.5 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 14: Landscape Structure and Ecosystem Services of Etropole Municipality -- 14.1 Introduction -- 14.2 Study Area -- 14.3 Materials and Methods -- 14.4 Results -- 14.5 Conclusion -- References -- Part III : Social, Economic and Regional Problems of Mountain Regions -- Chapter 15: Demographic Potential and Problems of the Settlements Network in the Mountains of Bulgaria -- References -- Chapter 16: Demographic Limits to Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions in Serbia -- 16.1 Introduction -- 16.2 The Analysis -- 16.3 The Future -- References. , Chapter 17: Changes in the Ethnic and Demographic Profile of the Population in Eastern Stara Planina Region -- 17.1 General Notes -- 17.2 The Turkish Ethnic Group -- 17.3 The Bulgarian and the Roma Ethnic Groups -- 17.4 Classification and Grouping -- References -- Chapter 18: Small Urban Centers in the Alps and Their Development Issues -- 18.1 Introduction -- 18.2 Basic Features of Small Urban Centers in the Alps -- 18.2.1 Population Growth -- 18.2.2 Aging of the Population -- 18.2.3 Working Population -- 18.2.4 Jobs -- 18.2.5 Tourism -- 18.2.6 Transport Accessibility and Mobility -- 18.3 Survey on Contemporary Development Issues -- 18.4 Discussion -- 18.5 Conclusion -- References -- Chapter 19: Impact of Macroeconomic Changes and Property Rights on Forest Degradation, Land Use, and Environmental Situation in Albania -- 19.1 Historical Land Tenure in Albania -- 19.1.1 Privatization of Agricultural Land -- 19.2 Main Land Tenure Issues -- 19.2.1 Land Fragmentation -- 19.3 Effects of Land Reforms on Land Use in Albania After 1991 -- 19.3.1 Land Cover -- 19.3.2 Forest Degradation -- 19.3.3 Pasture Degradation -- 19.4 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 20: Sustainable Development in the Eastern Black Sea Mountains: Present State and Perspectives -- 20.1 Introduction -- 20.2 The Eastern Black Sea Region -- 20.2.1 Settlement System -- 20.2.2 The Economy -- 20.3 The Eastern Black Sea Regional Development Plan (DOKAP) and Sustainable Mountain Development -- 20.3.1 Legislative Basis -- 20.3.2 Design -- 20.3.3 Objectives, Rationale, and General Description -- 20.3.4 Financing -- 20.3.5 Administration of the Plan -- 20.4 The Project Achievements -- 20.4.1 Accessibility and Mountain Development -- 20.4.2 Tourism and Mountain Development -- 20.4.3 The Kaçkar Mountains National Park: A Model for Sustainable Mountain Development -- 20.5 Conclusion -- References. , Chapter 21: Regional Differences and Regional Planning of Economic Activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina -- 21.1 Introduction -- 21.2 Methodology of Research -- 21.3 Socioeconomic Transformation and Regional Development of Bosnia and Herzegovina Since the Mid-­Twentieth Century -- 21.4 Modern Regional Development of Bosnia and Herzgovina -- 21.5 Conclusion -- References -- Journal Article -- Book -- Part IV : Nature Protection, Conservation and Monitoring -- Chapter 22: Applying Integrated Nature Conservation Management: Using Visitor Management and Monitoring to Handle Conflicts Between Winter Recreation and Grouse Species in Berchtesgaden National Park -- 22.1 Introduction and Background -- 22.2 Study Area and Study Objects -- 22.2.1 Berchtesgaden National Park -- 22.2.2 Winter Recreation: Ski-Touring and Snowshoeing -- 22.2.3 Wildlife: Grouse Species -- 22.3 Temporal and Spatial Use Characteristics of Ski-­Touring and Snowshoeing -- 22.3.1 Visitor Numbers and Temporal Use Characteristics -- 22.3.2 Spatial Use -- 22.4 Conflicts and Integrated Management Measures -- 22.4.1 Winter Season -- 22.4.2 Spring Season -- 22.5 Outlook -- References -- Chapter 23: Environmental Changes in the Maramureş Mountains Natural Park -- 23.1 Introduction -- 23.2 Environmental Changes in  Maramureş Mountains Natural Park -- Settlement Expansion -- Overgrazing -- Deforestation -- Mining Activities -- Touristic Activities -- 23.3 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 24: BEO Moussala: Complex for Environmental Studies -- 24.1 Introduction -- 24.1.1 Climate Notes -- 24.1.2 The Station Chronology -- 24.2 Environmental Measurements at BEO Moussala -- 24.2.1 Vaisala Automatic Weather Station (AWS) -- 24.2.2 POPs Passive Air Sampling -- 24.2.3 Atmospheric Gas Analysis System -- 24.2.4 BEO Moussala Aerosol Measurement and Devices -- 24.2.4.1 Scanning Mobility Particles Sizer. , 24.2.4.2 Nephelometer TSI 3563.

Note: Cover -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- List of Contributors -- Preface -- Section I Single Use Plastics -- Chapter 1 Scientometric Analysis of Microplastics across the Globe -- 1.1 Introduction -- 1.2 Materials and Methods -- 1.3 Results and Discussion -- 1.3.1 Trends in Scientific Production and Citations -- 1.3.2 Top Funding Agencies -- 1.3.3 Top 10 Global Affiliations -- 1.3.4 Top Countries -- 1.3.5 Top 10 Databases and Journals -- 1.3.6 Top 10 Published Articles -- 1.3.7 Top 10 Author Keywords and Research Areas -- 1.4 Conclusion -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 2 Microplastic Pollution in the Polar Oceans - A Review -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.1.1 Plastics -- 2.1.2 Plastic Pollution -- 2.1.3 Microplastics -- 2.1.4 Importance of Microplastic Pollution in the Polar Oceans -- 2.2 Polar Regions -- 2.2.1 General -- 2.2.2 Sea Ice -- 2.2.3 Water -- 2.2.4 Sediments -- 2.2.5 Biota -- 2.3 Future Perspectives -- 2.4 Conclusions -- References -- Chapter 3 Microplastics - Global Scenario -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 Environmental Issues of Plastic Waste -- 3.3 Coprocessing of Plastic Waste in Cement Kilns -- 3.3.1 Cost of Plants to Convert Plastic Waste to Refused-Derived Fuel (RDF) -- 3.4 Disposal of Plastic Waste Through Plasma Pyrolysis Technology (PPT) -- 3.4.1 Merits of PPT -- 3.5 Constraints on the Use of Plastic Waste Disposal Technologies -- 3.6 Alternate to Conventional Petro-based Plastic Carry Bags and Films -- 3.7 Improving Waste Management -- 3.7.1 Phasing Out Microplastics -- 3.7.2 Promoting Research into Alternatives -- 3.7.3 Actions and Resolutions -- References -- Chapter 4 The Single-Use Plastic Pandemic in the COVID-19 Era -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Materials and Methods -- 4.2.1 Data Sources -- 4.2.2 Estimation of the General population's Daily Use of Face Masks. , 4.2.3 Estimation of the Daily Amount of Medical Waste in Hospitals -- 4.3 Trends in Production and Consumption of SUPs during the Pandemic -- 4.3.1 Personal Protective Equipment -- 4.3.2 Packaging SUPs -- 4.3.2.1 Trends in Plastic Waste Generation, Management, and Environmental Fate during the COVID-19 Era -- 4.4 SUP Waste from the Pandemic -- 4.4.1 Environmental Impacts from SUP Waste -- 4.4.2 Management of SUP Waste -- 4.5 Conclusions and Future Prospects -- References -- Section II Microplastics in the Aerosphere -- Chapter 5 Atmospheric Microplastic Transport -- 5.1 The Phenomenon of Microplastic Transport -- 5.2 Factors Affecting Microplastic Transport -- 5.2.1 Types of MPs -- 5.2.2 Characteristics and Sources of Microplastics Emitters -- 5.2.3 Meteorological Conditions -- 5.2.4 Altitude and Surface Roughness -- 5.2.5 Microplastic Deposition Processes in the Ocean -- 5.2.6 Microplastics Deposition Processes in the Air -- 5.3 Microplastic Transport Modelling -- 5.3.1 Eulerian Method -- 5.3.2 Lagrangian Method -- References -- Chapter 6 Microplastics in the Atmosphere and Their Human and Eco Risks -- 6.1 Introduction -- 6.2 Microplastics in the Atmosphere -- 6.2.1 Size, Shapes, and Colours -- 6.2.2 Chemical Composition -- 6.2.3 Sources of Microplastics -- 6.2.4 Spatial Distribution and Rate of Deposition -- 6.2.5 Effects of Climatic Conditions on MP Distribution -- 6.2.6 Transport Pathways -- 6.2.7 Pollutants Associated with MPs -- 6.3 Impact of Microplastics on Human Health and the Eco Risk -- 6.3.1 Impact on Human Health -- 6.3.2 Eco Risk -- 6.4 Strategies to Minimise Atmospheric MPs through Future Research -- 6.5 Conclusion -- Acknowledgements -- References -- Chapter 7 Sampling and Detection of Microplastics in the Atmosphere -- 7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Classification -- 7.3 Sampling Microplastics -- 7.3.1 Sampling Airborne Microplastics. , 7.3.2 Sediment -- 7.3.3 Water -- 7.3.4 Biota -- 7.4 Sample Preparation -- 7.5 Detection and Characterisation of MPs in the Atmosphere -- 7.5.1 Microscopic Techniques for Detecting MPs -- 7.5.1.1 Stereomicroscopy -- 7.5.1.2 Fluorescence Microscopy -- 7.5.1.3 Polarised Optical Microscopy (POM) -- 7.5.1.4 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) -- 7.5.1.5 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) -- 7.5.1.6 Hot Needle Technique -- 7.5.1.7 Digital Holography -- 7.5.2 Spectroscopic Techniques for Analysing MPs -- 7.5.2.1 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy -- 7.5.2.2 Raman Spectroscopy -- 7.5.3 Thermal Analysis -- 7.5.3.1 Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) -- 7.5.3.2 Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) -- 7.5.3.3 Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Pyr-GC-MS) -- 7.6 Conclusion -- Funding -- References -- Chapter 8 Sources and Circulation of Microplastics in the Aerosphere - Atmospheric Transport of Microplastics -- 8.1 Introduction -- 8.1.1 Occurrence and Abundance of Atmospheric MP -- 8.1.2 Plastic Polymers and Their Properties -- 8.1.3 Sources and Pathways of MPs in the Atmosphere -- 8.2 Temporal and Spatial Trends in MP Accumulation -- 8.2.1 Roadside MPs -- 8.2.2 Agricultural Fields and Soil -- 8.2.3 Wastewater and Sludge -- 8.2.4 Ocean/Marine Debris -- 8.3 Formation of MPs -- 8.3.1 Physical Weathering -- 8.3.2 Chemical Weathering -- 8.3.3 Biodegradation -- 8.3.4 Photo-thermal Oxidation -- 8.3.5 Thermal Degradation -- 8.4 Atmospheric Circulation, Transport, Suspension, and Deposition -- 8.4.1 Wet Deposition -- 8.4.2 Dry Deposition -- 8.4.3 Urban Dust -- 8.4.4 Suspended Atmospheric MPs -- 8.5 Atmospheric Chemistry of MPs -- 8.6 Predicting MP Dispersion and Transport -- 8.7 Eco-Environmental Impacts -- 8.7.1 Impacts on Human and Wildlife Health -- 8.7.2 Impacts on the Climate -- 8.8 Future Perspectives -- References. , Section III Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment -- Chapter 9 Interaction of Chemical Contaminants with Microplastics -- 9.1 Introduction -- 9.2 Interactions -- 9.3 Mechanisms -- 9.3.1 Interactions between Organic Contaminants and Microplastics -- 9.3.2 Interactions between Heavy Metals and Microplastics -- 9.3.3 Kinetics of the Sorption Process -- 9.3.4 Pseudo-First-Order Model -- 9.3.5 Pseudo-Second-Order Model -- 9.3.6 Intraparticle Diffusion Model -- 9.3.7 Film Diffusion Model -- 9.3.8 Isotherm Models -- 9.3.9 Langmuir Model -- 9.3.10 Freundlich Model -- 9.4 Environmental Burden of Microplastics -- 9.5 Future Approaches -- References -- Chapter 10 Microplastics in Freshwater Environments -- 10.1 Introduction -- 10.2 Microplastics in Rivers and Tributaries -- 10.3 Microplastics in Lakes -- 10.4 Microplastics in Groundwater Sources -- 10.5 Microplastics in Glaciers and Ice Caps -- 10.6 Microplastics in Deltas -- 10.7 Conclusion -- Acknowledgment -- References -- Chapter 11 Microplastics in Landfill Leachate: Flow and Transport -- 11.1 Plastics and Microplastics -- 11.2 Microplastics in Landfill Leachate -- 11.3 Summary -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 12 Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment - Effects on Ocean Carbon Sequestration and Sustenance of Marine Life -- 12.1 Introduction -- 12.2 Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment -- 12.2.1 Major Sources -- 12.2.2 Chemical Nature and Distribution Processes -- 12.2.2.1 Chemical Nature -- 12.2.2.2 Distribution Processes -- 12.3 Microplastics and Ocean Carbon Sequestration -- 12.3.1 Ocean Carbon Sequestration -- 12.3.2 Effect of Microplastics on Ocean Carbon Sequestration -- 12.3.2.1 Effect on Phytoplankton Photosynthesis and Growth -- 12.3.2.2 Effect on Zooplankton Development and Reproduction -- 12.3.2.3 Effect on the Marine Biological Pump -- 12.4 Microplastics and Marine Fauna. , 12.4.1 Effects on Corals -- 12.4.2 Effects on Fisheries and Aquaculture -- 12.4.2.1 Shrimp -- 12.4.2.2 Oysters and Mussels -- 12.4.2.3 Fish -- 12.4.3 Effects on Sea Turtles and Sea Birds -- 12.4.4 Effects on Marine Mammals -- 12.5 Microplastic Pollution, Climate Change, and Antibiotic Resistance - A Unique Trio -- 12.6 Conclusion and Future Perspectives -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Section IV Microplastics in Soil Systems -- Chapter 13 Entry of Microplastics into Agroecosystems: A Serious Threat to Food Security and Human Health -- 13.1 Introduction -- 13.2 Sources of Microplastics in Agroecosystems -- 13.2.1 Plastic Mulching -- 13.2.2 Plastic Use in Modern Agriculture -- 13.2.3 Application of Sewage Sludge/Biosolids -- 13.2.4 Compost and Fertilizers -- 13.2.5 Wastewater Irrigation -- 13.2.6 Landfill Sites -- 13.2.7 Atmospheric Deposition -- 13.2.8 Miscellaneous Sources -- 13.3 Implications of Microplastic Contamination on Agroecosystems -- 13.3.1 Implications for Soil Character -- 13.3.2 Implications for Crop Plants and Food Security -- 13.4 Human Health Risks -- 13.5 Knowledge Gaps -- 13.6 Conclusion and Future Recommendations -- Acknowledgments -- References -- Chapter 14 Migration of Microplastic-Bound Contaminants to Soil and Their Effects -- 14.1 Introduction -- 14.2 Microplastics as Sorbing Materials for Hazardous Chemicals -- 14.3 Types of Microplastic-Bound Contaminants in Soils -- 14.3.1 Heavy Metals and Metalloids - Inorganic Contaminants Adsorbed to MPs -- 14.3.2 Persistent Organic Pollutants, Pharmaceuticals, Antibiotics, Pesticides, and Other Organic Contaminants Adsorbed to MPs -- 14.4 Effects of Exposure and Co-exposure in Soil - Consequences of Contaminant Sorption for MP Toxicity and Bioaccumulation -- 14.5 Microplastic-Bound Contaminants in Soils as Potential Threats to Human Health -- 14.6 Conclusions -- References. , Chapter 15 Plastic Mulch-Derived Microplastics in Agricultural Soil Systems.