Restoration method of coastal wetland ecology

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of ecological restoration, and more particularly to a method for restoring the ecology of a coastal wetland, which comprises the following steps: removing invasive species from the area to be restored; laying an ecological restoration substrate; planting the sea grass in a cluster-strip composite pattern; introducing biological communities in batches every two months; setting up a tidal response system and an intelligent monitoring platform to monitor the condition of the area to be restored; and the ecological restoration substrate comprises 40% oyster shells, 40% coral sand and 20% bentonite. The method for restoring the ecology of a coastal wetland provided by the present application forms an "algae-grass barrier" by planting sea grass and eucheuma alternately, effectively improves the water transparency and promotes photosynthesis; the disturbance behavior of benthic animals such as sea cucumbers enhances the oxygen penetration depth and oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) of the sediments, and improves the bottom environment; and the gradient buoyancy planting device realizes tidal self-adaptation, ensuring the stable growth of the sea grass under different water level conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ecological restoration, and more particularly to methods for restoring coastal wetland ecosystems. Background Technology

[0002] Globally, over 30% of seagrass beds are degraded due to eutrophication, substrate erosion, and human activities (according to UNEP data). Traditional remediation methods (such as monoculture seagrass transplantation) typically have a survival rate of less than 40% and lack systematic food chain support. Existing technologies often neglect the synergistic mechanisms between tidal dynamics and biological communities, resulting in poor ecosystem stability. Technical bottlenecks include: difficulty in establishing seagrass seedlings in flowing water, lack of biological chain-based purification programs for eutrophication, absence of dynamic environmental response mechanisms, and susceptibility to system collapse under extreme climate conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a method for the restoration of coastal wetland ecosystems. The restoration method provided by the present invention forms an "algae-grass barrier" by alternating planting of seagrass beds and Euphorbia milii, effectively improving water transparency and promoting photosynthesis; the disturbance behavior of benthic animals such as sea cucumbers enhances the oxygen permeability depth and redox potential (Eh) of sediments, improving the bottom environment; a gradient buoyancy planting device achieves tidal adaptation, ensuring stable growth of seagrass under different water levels; and an AI intelligent platform is used for algal bloom risk early warning and gate-linked control, significantly improving the stability and management efficiency of the ecosystem. This integrated technology system achieves synergistic effects between ecological restoration and intelligent management, providing a sustainable solution for coastal ecological restoration.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] This invention provides a method for restoring coastal wetland ecosystems, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1: Remove invasive species from the site to be restored;

[0007] S2: Laying ecological restoration substrate;

[0008] S3: Seagrass is planted using a cluster-strip composite planting method;

[0009] S4: Introduce biological communities in batches every two months;

[0010] S5: Establish a tidal response system and intelligent monitoring platform to monitor the condition of the site to be repaired;

[0011] The ecological restoration substrate comprises: 40% (v / v) oyster shells, 40% (v / v) coral sand and 20% (v / v) bentonite;

[0012] The clump-shaped seaweed mentioned in S3 is: Enhalus acoroides; the striped seaweed is: Thalassia hemprichii.

[0013] The biological communities described in S4 are: Eucheuma denticulatum, Ostrea rivularis, and Holothuria leucospilota.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the removal described in S1 of the above-mentioned remediation method includes mechanical removal and ecological inhibition.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical removal time described in S1 of the above-mentioned remediation method is 2 to 4 weeks per hectare.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned repair method, after the mechanical removal described in S1, a shading net with a light transmittance of <10% is immediately laid to cover the ground surface for 30 days.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ecological suppression described in S1 of the above-mentioned remediation method employs the planting of local competing plants.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the above-described repair method, the clusters in S3 are located in the deep water area at 1.8~2.5m; the strips are located in the shallow water area at 0.5~1.8m.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned repair method, the diameter of the clustered seaweed in S3 is 30cm and the spacing is 80cm; the width of the striped seaweed is 1m and the spacing is 2m.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned repair method is implemented such that the introduction time of Eucheuma denticulatum is T+0 month; the introduction time of Ostrea rivularis is T+2 month; and the introduction time of Holothuria leucospilota is T+4 month; where T is the time when the colonization is completed.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned restoration method, T, is generally defined as the day the seagrass colonization is completed. This is because the seagrass bed is the core of the entire ecosystem, and all subsequent biological introductions and system regulation revolve around the recovery of the seagrass.

[0022] T+0 month: This refers to an operation performed simultaneously with or immediately after seagrass colonization (e.g., within one week). For example, immediately introducing Eucheuma can form a preliminary symbiotic system with seagrass, rapidly improving water quality;

[0023] T+2 months: This indicates two months after seagrass colonization. At this time, the seagrass bed has initially stabilized, and the water quality has improved due to the purification effect of seagrass and algae. Introducing filter-feeding oysters at this time is more suitable, as they can further control suspended particulate matter and phytoplankton in the water.

[0024] T+4 months: This indicates four months after seagrass colonization. At this time, the seagrass bed is more lush, and the benthic environment has changed due to structures such as oyster reefs, with organic matter accumulating to a certain level in the sediment. Introducing sea cucumbers at this time can effectively disturb and purify the bottom mud, completing the construction of the food chain.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the density of the Eucheuma denticulatum plant in the above-described repair method is 5 kg / 10m³. 2 The density of the *Ostrea rivularis* species was 20 individuals / m³. 2 The density of the sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is 5 individuals / m³. 2 .

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-described repair method, wherein the tidal response system comprises one or more of the following: a turbidimeter, a chlorophyll a probe, a pressure-type tide gauge, and an ADCP flow meter.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the parameters monitored by the intelligent monitoring platform in the above-mentioned repair method include one or more of the following: water temperature, nitrate, phosphate, light intensity, and chlorophyll a change rate.

[0028] The restoration method provided by this invention forms an "algae-grass barrier" by alternating planting of seagrass beds and Euphorbia milii, effectively improving water transparency and promoting photosynthesis. The disturbance behavior of benthic animals such as sea cucumbers enhances the oxygen permeability and redox potential (Eh) of sediments, improving the bottom environment. A gradient buoyancy planting device enables tidal adaptation, ensuring stable seagrass growth under different water levels. Combined with an AI intelligent platform for algal bloom risk warning and gate-linked control, it significantly improves ecosystem stability and management efficiency. This integrated technology system achieves synergistic effects between ecological restoration and intelligent management, providing a sustainable solution for coastal ecological restoration. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This invention discloses a method for restoring the ecology of coastal wetlands.

[0030] It should be understood that the expression “one or more of…” individually includes each of the objects described after the expression, as well as various different combinations of two or more of the described objects, unless otherwise understood from the context and usage. The expression “and / or” combined with three or more described objects should be understood to have the same meaning, unless otherwise understood from the context.

[0031] The terms “including,” “having,” or “containing,” including the use of their grammatical synonyms, should generally be understood as open-ended and non-restrictive, for example, not excluding other unstated elements or steps, unless otherwise specifically stated or understood from the context.

[0032] It should be understood that the order of the steps or the order in which certain actions are performed is not important as long as the invention remains operational. Furthermore, two or more steps or actions can be performed simultaneously.

[0033] The use of any and all instances or exemplary language such as “e.g.” or “including” in this document is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless the claims are made. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the numerical ranges and parameters used to define the present invention are approximate values, and the relevant values ​​in the specific embodiments have been presented as precisely as possible. However, any value inevitably contains standard deviations due to individual test methods. Therefore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it should be understood that all ranges, quantities, values, and percentages used in this disclosure are modified with the word "approximately". Here, "approximately" generally means that the actual value is within plus or minus 10%, 5%, 1%, or 0.5% of a specific value or range.

[0035] This system constructs a "four-dimensional integrated" ecological restoration system, including:

[0036] 1. Core seagrass bed community: A cluster-strip composite planting model is adopted, with sea calamus clusters in deep water and tylosus strips in shallow water. The bottom substrate is improved by a mixture of oyster shells (40%), coral sand (40%), and bentonite (20%) (thickness ≥ 20 cm).

[0037] 2. Synergistic biological community: Introduce Euphorbia milii, Crassula ovata, and Coccinellia julibrissin in stages to enhance ecological stability.

[0038] 3. Tidal Response System: A smart gate is installed at the lagoon entrance to achieve dynamic water regulation based on salinity sensors and tide gauges.

[0039] 4. Intelligent monitoring platform: Real-time monitoring and early warning through a multi-parameter sensor network (optical turbidimeter, chlorophyll a probe, ADCP flow meter, etc.) and an AI early warning system (based on LSTM model).

[0040] The conventional methods commonly used in this field generally include the following, among which: the method compared with the present invention is the plant transplantation method.

[0041] Limitations of various methods:

[0042] 1. Plant Transplantation Method: The core of this method is to dig up the already grown seagrass along with some substrate (grass blocks) or rhizomes from a thriving "donor bed" and then transplant it to the area that needs restoration. In order to fix these plants, some specific techniques have been developed in practice, such as the nailing method (using metal or wooden nails to fix the plants to the substrate) and the framing method (tying the plants to a metal frame and then placing them in the restoration area).

[0043] Its main drawback is that the transplanting process damages the root system of seagrass, reducing its ability to adapt to the new environment and resulting in a generally unsatisfactory survival rate. At the same time, large-scale collection of seagrass sources can damage healthy donor seagrass beds, and the transplanting work is labor-intensive, costly, and heavily dependent on seasonal windows (such as spring or autumn).

[0044] 2. Seed sowing method: This method aims to achieve restoration by sowing seeds, which theoretically reduces dependence on mature plants. The disadvantage is that seagrass seeds often have a very low germination rate in natural environments, and the sown seeds and newly germinated seedlings are very fragile and easily washed away by ocean currents or become food for benthic animals, resulting in a very unstable seedling survival rate.

[0045] 3. Habitat Restoration Method: This method recognizes that seagrass degradation is often related to environmental deterioration, and therefore focuses on improving environmental conditions such as water quality and substrate in the restoration area. However, this method is usually slow to take effect, and if the root cause of ecosystem degradation is misdiagnosed, the environmental improvement measures taken may not be effective.

[0046] In Examples 1 to 5 and the application examples of this invention, all raw materials and reagents used can be purchased from the market.

[0047] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the embodiments:

[0048] Example 1: Elimination of Invasive Species

[0049] A combination of mechanical removal and ecological suppression was adopted:

[0050] (1) Mechanical removal: Use a small excavator or manual labor to remove epiphytic algae such as Ulva lactuca and Chladophora sp., ensuring that the algae are removed completely. After removal, collect and dry them or transport them away from the wetland area to avoid secondary spread. The removal time is generally 2 to 4 weeks per hectare.

[0051] (2) Ecological suppression: Immediately after removal, a shade net with a light transmittance of <10% is laid to cover the ground surface for 30 days to suppress the germination of residual algae. Subsequently, the recovery of invasive species is further suppressed by planting local competing plants such as Sargassum sp.

[0052] Example 2: Substrate Improvement

[0053] 1. To scientifically verify the superiority of the substrate ratio of this invention, four treatment groups were set up, with three replicate plots (10 m × 10 m) in each group, and the experimental period was 12 months:

[0054] The composition of this invention is: 40% oyster shell + 40% coral sand + 20% bentonite, with a thickness ≥ 20 cm.

[0055] Comparison Group 1: 100% pure oyster shells (simulating traditional oyster reef restoration substrate)

[0056] Comparison Group 2: 50% oyster shells + 50% coral sand (common mixing ratio)

[0057] Comparison Group 3: 70% Coral Sand + 30% Bentonite (Low-Cost Alternative)

[0058] Table 1 Monitoring Indicators and Methods

[0059]

[0060] Table 2. Experimental Results (12 months)

[0061]

[0062] 2. Statistical Analysis

[0063] One-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test showed that the invention group was significantly better than the control group in all indicators (p < 0.01).

[0064] 3. Results Analysis

[0065] The 40:40:20 ratio used in this invention significantly improves seagrass survival rate, sediment redox potential, and sediment stability, while effectively reducing sulfide content. Control group 1 (pure oyster shells), although well-permeable, lacks adhesion and is easily washed away; control groups 2 and 3 are inferior to the ratio used in this invention in terms of stability and improvement effect, indicating that this invention has a synergistic improvement effect, with significant and unexpected technical results.

[0066] Example 3: Establishment of Seagrass Beds

[0067] A "cluster-strip composite planting" method was adopted: clumps of *Acorus calamus* (30 cm in diameter, 80 cm apart) were planted in deep water, while strips of *Tayloria tympani* (1 m wide, 2 m apart) were planted in shallow water. After planting, the plants were covered with a biodegradable shade net with 50% light transmittance for 30 days to improve the survival rate.

[0068] 1. Comparative Experimental Design

[0069] To verify the superiority of the planting model of this invention, four treatment groups were set up, with three replicate transects (20 m × 5 m) in each group, and the experimental period was 12 months:

[0070] This invention comprises: clumps of *Acorus calamus* in deep water + strips of *Tylophora indica* in shallow water.

[0071] Control group 4: Tyrian grass was planted evenly throughout the entire area (25 clumps / m²). 2 )

[0072] Comparison Group 5: Uniformly planted Acorus calamus throughout the entire area (20 clusters / m²) 2 )

[0073] Comparison Group 6: Deep-water Tyrian grass + shallow-water sea iris (reverse configuration)

[0074] Table 3 Monitoring Indicators and Methods

[0075]

[0076] Table 4. Experimental Results (12 Months)

[0077]

[0078] 2. Statistical Analysis

[0079] ANOVA analysis showed that the group of this invention was significantly superior to each of the control groups in terms of coverage, biomass, root depth and lodging resistance (p < 0.01).

[0080] 3. Results Analysis

[0081] The "cluster-strip intercropping" planting model of this invention fully utilizes the adaptability of *Acorus calamus* and *Tyala crenata* to different water depths and substrate conditions, significantly improving overall coverage and ecosystem stability. The single-species models in control groups 4 and 5 could not adapt to water level changes, while the reverse configuration in control group 6 violated the ecological habits of the species, leading to a significant decrease in survival rate and stability. This invention achieves unexpected technical effects through the optimized configuration of species and space.

[0082] Example 4 Introduction of biological communities

[0083] Introduced in phases according to time:

[0084] T+0 month: Kirin seaweed, 5 kg / 10m 2 .

[0085] T+2 month: Omi oysters, 20 per m 2 .

[0086] T+4 month: Jade-footed sea cucumber, 5 pieces / m 2 .

[0087] Example 5: Deployment and Debugging of the Monitoring System

[0088] (1) Monitoring point setup: Four monitoring points were set up in the remediation area. Each point was equipped with an optical turbidimeter (0~1000 NTU), a chlorophyll a probe (0.1~500 μg / L), a pressure-type tide gauge (±1 cm), and an ADCP flow meter. Data was uploaded to the central server via a wireless transmission module.

[0089] (2) Intelligent gate commissioning: Install an electric gate at the lagoon entrance, connect a salinity sensor (0~40 PSU), set a threshold of 15~30 PSU, and automatically adjust the gate opening when the threshold is exceeded.

[0090] (3) AI Early Warning Platform: Based on the LSTM neural network model, input parameters such as water temperature, nitrate, phosphate, light intensity, and chlorophyll a change rate are used to predict the risk of algal blooms with an accuracy of 92%. A mobile APP is developed to push early warning information.

[0091] Application Example: Hainan Lingshui Xincun Bay Lagoon Ecological Restoration Project (2023)

[0092] Experimental location and background:

[0093] Location: Xincun Bay Lagoon, Lingshui, Hainan (N18°22′-18°47′, E109°45′-110°08′).

[0094] Before restoration: seagrass coverage <8%, sediment sulfide content 320 mg / kg, water transparency 0.6 m.

[0095] Experimental steps

[0096] (1) Removal of invasive plants (March 2023): Mechanical removal of Spartina alterniflora, taking 3 weeks / hectare; followed by laying of shade nets for 30 days.

[0097] (2) Substrate improvement (April 2023): Lay 40% oyster shells + 40% coral sand + 20% bentonite, with a thickness of 20 cm.

[0098] (3) Seagrass planting (May 2023): Plant 8 hectares of Thalassia hemprichii at a density of 25 clumps / m² and cover with a 50% light transmittance shade net for 30 days.

[0099] (4) Introduction of biological community: 5 kg / 10m² of Euphorbia milii was introduced in T+0 month. 2 ; 20 Oysters per m² will be released in T+2 month. 2 ; 5 jade-foot sea cucumbers / m² will be released in T+4 month. 2 .

[0100] (5) Monitoring system deployment: Four monitoring buoys are deployed, equipped with multi-parameter sensors; a smart gate is installed at the lagoon entrance, with the salinity threshold set to 15~30 PSU.

[0101] Table 5 Monitoring Data and Statistical Results

[0102]

[0103] Results Analysis

[0104] After 12 months of implementation, the system showed significant improvement in various ecological indicators (p<0.05). The seagrass survival rate reached 89%, which is better than that of traditional methods (<40%). The AI ​​early warning system successfully predicted two algal blooms and initiated gate regulation in advance, preventing water quality deterioration.

[0105] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for restoring coastal wetland ecosystems, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Remove invasive species from the site to be restored; S2: Laying ecological restoration substrate; S3: Seagrass is planted using a cluster-strip composite planting method; S4: Introduce biological communities in batches every two months; S5: Establish a tidal response system and intelligent monitoring platform to monitor the condition of the site to be repaired; The ecological restoration substrate comprises: 40% (v / v) oyster shells, 40% (v / v) coral sand and 20% (v / v) bentonite; The clump-shaped seaweed mentioned in S3 is: Enhalus acoroides; the striped seaweed is: Thalassia hemprichii. The biological communities described in S4 are: Eucheuma denticulatum, Ostrea rivularis, and Holothuria leucospilota. The clusters described in S3 are located in the deep water zone at a depth of 1.8 to 2.5 m; the stripes are located in the shallow water zone at a depth of 0.5 to 1.8 m. The introduction time for Eucheuma denticulatum is T+0 month; the introduction time for Ostrea rivularis is T+2 month; the introduction time for Holothuria leucospilota is T+4 month; T is the time when the colonization is completed; the removal in S1 includes mechanical removal and ecological suppression; the diameter of the clump-shaped seagrass in S3 is 30cm and the spacing is 80cm; the width of the strip-shaped seagrass is 1m and the spacing is 2m; The mechanical removal includes: using a small excavator or manual labor to remove epiphytic algae such as Ulva lactuca and Chladophora sp., ensuring that the algae are removed completely. After removal, they are collected and dried or transported away from the wetland area to avoid secondary spread. The removal time is 2 to 4 weeks per hectare. The ecological inhibition includes: immediately after removal, laying a shade net with a light transmittance of <10% to cover the ground surface for 30 days to inhibit the germination of residual algae, and then further inhibiting the recovery of invasive species by planting local competing plants such as Sargassum sp.

2. The repair method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The density of the *Eucheuma denticulatum* plant is 5 kg / 10m³. 2 ; The density of the Ostrea rivularis was 20 oysters / m³. 2 The density of the sea cucumber (Holothuria leucospilota) is 5 individuals / m³. 2 .

3. The repair method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The tidal response system includes: an optical turbidimeter, a pressure-type tide gauge, and an ADCP flow meter.

4. The repair method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The parameters monitored by the intelligent monitoring platform include: water temperature, nitrate, phosphate, and light intensity.

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