The article addresses the challenges of water and environmental sustainability in watersheds, which are impacted by climate change and human activities. These changes disrupt hydrological processes and increase competition for water resources between human needs and ecosystems. Key issues include eutrophication and the presence of emerging pollutants, which complicate water quality and ecosystem health. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding feedback mechanisms within watersheds and advocates for interdisciplinary studies to analyze hydrology, water quality, and ecological interactions.
Eight original research papers from this topic explore diverse solutions for enhancing watershed sustainability and adaptive management in response to environmental changes. Notable studies include advancements in hydrological modeling, assessments of land use impacts on nutrient runoff, and the development of machine learning tools for water temperature forecasting. The significance of integrated watershed management perspectives is stressed, proposing adaptive strategies that align human activities with ecological health. Ultimately, the research highlights the necessity for effective monitoring and adaptation to achieve sustainable development goals at the watershed scale.
The authors acknowledge contributions from various reviewers and declare no conflicts of interest, emphasizing the collective effort supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
