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25 January 2026, Volume 2026 Issue 1 Previous Issue   

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Distribution and Ecological Risk of Emerging Pollutants in Watersheds

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Occurrence characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in industrial wastewater from key industries in the Taihu Lake Basin Yangyang HU, Chang LIU, Chengjin CAO, Junhao LI, Liuxing WU, Ruiyun ZHU, Minsheng HUANG, Yan HE, Haochen DU, Lei WANG, Xinlin YAN 2026, 2026 (1):  14-24.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.002 Abstract ( 8 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1087KB) ( 7 )   Save Microplastic pollution in the natural environment is a significant contemporary ecological challenge, with industrial sources constituting critical emission pathways. In this study, the distribution characteristics of microplastics in wastewaters from key industrial sectors (printing and dyeing, chemical, and electroplating) in the Taihu Lake Basin were investigated. The average microplastic abundance in various industrial wastewaters was found to range from 236.5 to 1348.0 items/L and predominantly comprised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) in fibrous forms (<1 mm). In municipal wastewater treatment plants, the average microplastic abundance was 84.2 items/L, with the particles exhibiting uniformly distributed shapes dominated by PP and PET (<1 mm). Although statistical similarities in microplastic composition were observed between industrial and treated wastewaters, the actual correlation was weak, suggesting that industrial effluents serve as distinct sources of microplastics. The risk assessment classified printing and dyeing and chemical wastewaters as “extremely hazardous,” whereas electroplating and treated wastewaters were classified as “hazardous.” These findings underscore the need for stringent pollutant-source control and advanced treatment technologies to mitigate microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress on the interaction mechanisms and combined toxicity of microplastics and antibiotics in aquatic environments Yongle ZHAO, Yan ZHANG 2026, 2026 (1):  25-42.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.003 Abstract ( 10 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1347KB) ( 9 )   Save Microplastics and antibiotics are emerging contaminants that have become a major focus of current research. Data from Chinese and English databases were compiled to assess their distribution, adsorption mechanisms, and biological hazards in aquatic environments across China. Microplastic levels were highest in reservoirs (4.70~27.5 items/L, average 12.08 items/L), followed by rivers (average 8.83 items/L), and lowest in lakes (average 6.19 items/L). Average antibiotic concentrations were greatest in rivers (102.93 ng/L), exceeding those in lakes (34.37 ng/L) and reservoirs (43.91 ng/L). Van der Waals forces consistently occur between microplastics and antibiotics, while higher polarity MPs readily form hydrogen bonds. Functional groups facilitated π-π interactions and aging microplastics expose more oxygen-containing functional groups that significantly enhance adsorption. Once ingested, microplastic-antibiotic complexes can accumulate in organs, inhibit growth, alter biological structures under prolonged exposure, and promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Effective mitigation requires strengthening control of emission sources, improved recycling systems, adoption of biodegradable plastics, and strengthening research on adsorption processes and combined toxicity under real-world conditions. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress on pollution characteristics and ecotoxicity of SSRIs in aquatic environments Yutong ZHANG, Huanran ZHOU, Lingling WU 2026, 2026 (1):  43-53.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.004 Abstract ( 6 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (676KB) ( 7 )   Save Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a prominent class of antidepressant pharmaceuticals. Given their widespread use and persistence in the environment, SSRIs have entered aquatic systems through multiple pathways and have been frequently detected in influent and effluent samples from wastewater treatment plants, surface water, and even drinking water. Consequently, they are attracting increasing attention from communities concerned about the environment. The presence of SSRIs in aquatic environments may interfere with the normal physiological functions of aquatic organisms, potentially inducing toxic effects. Concern is also growing that these compounds may pose risks to human health through the consumption of contaminated drinking water or their accumulation along the food chain. This review systematically examines the current pollution levels, potential sources, and environmental transport pathways of SSRIs in aquatic environments. The paper summarizes the toxicological impacts of SSRIs on various aquatic species. The primary objectives are to provide scientific references for the effective management and control of these emerging contaminants and to support the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Innovation in Watershed Ecological Restoration Technologies

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Effects of hydraulic disturbance and water level changes on the growth of Vallisneria natans and water quality Mengyuan YU, Changneng QIU, Minsheng HUANG, Tong ZHANG, Yao ZHOU, Yi YU, Yangyang YI 2026, 2026 (1):  54-65.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.005 Abstract ( 6 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1161KB) ( 4 )   Save Vallisneria natans is a submerged plant that is commonly used in ecological restoration programs. However, the effects of hydraulic disturbance and changes in water levels on the growth of this plant and the quality of water bodies have yet to be sufficiently established. In this study, we examined the effects of single and combined hydrodynamic stresses on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of bitter grass and water quality based on controlled experiments assessing different water levels (45 and 80 cm) and disturbance durations (4 and 8 h). The results indicated that high water levels with short-term disturbance (80 cm, 4 h) were associated with significant increases in the contents of dissolved oxygen to 9.1 mg/L (11.0% higher than that under non-disturbed conditions), and effectively reduced the concentrations of total nitrogen (1.85 mg/L), ammonia-nitrogen (0.20 mg/L), and nitrate-nitrogen (0.19 mg/L), while maintaining the lowest oxidative stress levels (peroxidase activity: 5.73 U/(g·min), superoxide dismutase activity: 17.6 U/g) and highest chlorophyll content (8.98 mg/g). These findings indicated that moderate levels of disturbance can optimize light utilization efficiency via an enhancement of water mixing and promote plant growth. In addition, two-way ANOVA revealed the significant interactive effects of water levels and disturbance on biological oxygen demand and total nitrogen concentration (p<0.05). On the basis of these findings, we propose an optimal regulation strategy of “high water levels (≥80 cm) combined with short-term disturbance (≤4 h)”, providing a theoretical basis for the synergistic restoration of submerged vegetation and improvements in aquatic environments within urban landscapes. These findings have practical significance for maintaining ecosystem stability in shallow lakes. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress on the application of constructed wetlands with iron-rich substrates for low C/N ratio wastewater treatment Jing WANG, Yan HE 2026, 2026 (1):  66-77.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.006 Abstract ( 6 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1017KB) ( 7 )   Save Constructed wetlands (CWs) are commonly used as the final treatment stage before discharging effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into natural waters. However, effectively treating carbon-limited but nutrient-enriched effluents remains challenging. Iron-rich substrates offer a promising solution because of their high adsorption capacities, redox activity, and biological affinity. In this study, we review the research directions and hotspots related to the application of iron-rich substrates in CWs, with an emphasis on their performance under low C/N ratio wastewater conditions. We also elucidate the synergistic mechanisms by which iron-rich substrates (i) stimulate microbial coupling of iron and nitrogen cycles for nitrogen removal and (ii) integrate surface adsorption, precipitation, ligand exchange, and co-precipitation for phosphorus removal. Considering the potential issues that may arise during the long-term operation of iron-rich CWs, such as iron passivation, clogging, microbial iron toxicity, and accumulation of denitrification byproducts, this study proposes recommendations for future research in terms of material development, system optimization, and mechanism exploration. These suggestions aim to provide strong support for improving purification efficiency and ensuring the long-term stable operation of CWs treating effluents from WWTPs. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Comparative study on the molluscicidal effects of three plant extracts against Pomacea canaliculata Tong ZHANG, Longyuan ZHAO, Guanghan YAN, Shulin KONG, Minsheng HUANG, Mengyuan YU, Yangyang YI 2026, 2026 (1):  78-86.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.007 Abstract ( 8 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (695KB) ( 8 )   Save To investigate the molluscicidal activity, hepatotoxic effects, and environmental toxicity of extracts from Asclepias curassavica, Phytolacca americana, and Cicuta virosa against Pomacea canaliculata, the present study systematically evaluated their effects at varying concentrations and exposure times based on an immersion method. Key hepatic physiological indicators and residual toxicity in water were also measured. All three plant extracts exhibited dose- and time-dependent molluscicidal effects. A. curassavica demonstrated the highest toxicity (48 h LC50=0.270 mL/L), being 3.03 times and 3.97 times more potent than P. americana (0.819 mL/L) and C. virosa (1.071 mL/L), respectively. Physiological indicators in the hepatopancreas indicated that toxic damage induced by A. curassavica and C. virosa was the most pronounced. This was reflected by a decrease in the levels of biomarkers associated with organismal damage, such as total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT), alongside an increase in activities of enzymes closely related to hepatic detoxification function, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Residual aquatic toxicity results demonstrated that A. curassavica caused the highest inhibition rate in luminescent bacteria (75% at LC75), whereas P. americana posed the lowest ecological risk (56% inhibition rate). Compared to traditional chemical molluscicides, the A. curassavica and P. americana extracts exhibit higher ecological safety, rendering them more suitable for eco-friendly control applications and demonstrating significant potential for development as botanical molluscicides. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Exploration of Synergistic Pathways for Watershed Pollution Control and Carbon Neutrality

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New wastewater treatment technologies advance carbon neutrality: Pathways, mechanisms, and outlook Qixing ZHOU, Hui WANG, Siwen CHENG 2026, 2026 (1):  87-98.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.008 Abstract ( 7 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1879KB) ( 7 )   Save The synergistic transformation toward pollution and carbon reduction of the wastewater treatment sector, a key source of carbon emissions, is of strategic importance for achieving carbon neutrality. This paper systematically reviews emerging technologies that empower carbon neutrality in wastewater treatment, focusing on bioenhancement, resource recovery and energy self-sufficiency, novel functional materials, natural and hybrid systems, and digital synergistic coupling models, while clarifying the carbon-reduction mechanisms and application value of each technical pathway. The study found that bioenhancement reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by revolutionizing microbial metabolic routes. Resource-recovery technologies convert organic pollutants into clean energy, driving treatment systems toward energy self-sufficiency while creating carbon-sink effects. Novel functional materials lower carbon-emission intensity by selectively capturing greenhouse gases and accelerating electron transfer. Natural and hybrid systems actively sequester carbon and regenerate energy through ecological cycling, and digital synergistic coupling transforms wastewater treatment plants from carbon emitters into carbon-asset producers via whole-process intelligent control. Currently, large-scale application of these emerging technologies is hindered by difficult microbial regulation, inadequate monitoring systems, lagging carbon-accounting standards, and an imbalance between economic cost and environmental benefit. Future efforts should coordinate technology R&D, policy mechanisms, and industrial ecosystems by strengthening functional-microbe regulation, building modular technology systems, and perfecting carbon-trading policies and green-finance instruments, thereby upgrading the wastewater treatment industry from a traditional energy consumer to a resource-output hub and offering a systematic solution for global carbon neutrality. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Deodorization performance and microbial mechanisms of sludge-char packed biological trickling filter Xiao SUN 2026, 2026 (1):  99-109.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.009 Abstract ( 6 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1087KB) ( 9 )   Save Odor emissions have become a critical bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of municipal wastewater treatment plants. Biological trickling filters (BTFs) are widely adopted because of their low energy consumption and ease of maintenance, yet their deodorization performance depends greatly on the characteristics of the packing material. Using bamboo charcoal as the control, this study systematically evaluated the deodorization performance of municipal sludge pyrolysis char (sludge char) as a BTF packing material and compared the removal efficiencies of NH3, H2S, and odor concentration under ambient (25℃) and relatively low (15℃) temperatures. Utilizing high-throughput sequencing analysis, the microbial mechanism of sludge char deodorization was revealed. The results showed that, the removal rates at 25℃ of NH3, H2S, and odor concentration by the sludge-char BTF reached 88.4%, 96.1%, and 87.8%, respectively, which were essentially equivalent to the rates of bamboo charcoal. When the temperature was decreased to 15℃, the deodorization efficiency of the sludge-char BTF was reduced by an average of 6.3% compared to that of bamboo charcoal. Furthermore, microbial analysis indicated that denitrifying sulfur-oxidizing bacteria enriched in the sludge char, such as Massilia and Microvirga, synergistically degraded odor components through the glutamate synthesis pathway driven by gln and glt genes, coupled with the sulfur-autotrophic denitrification pathway mediated by dsr and sox genes. The comprehensive analysis demonstrates that sludge char can replace high-cost bamboo charcoal as a BTF packing materia, providing not only a new perspective for low-cost deodorization in BTFs but also a novel approach for the resource utilization of municipal sludge. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress on the effect of carbon source on biological denitrification in nitrogen-containing wastewater Hanlin WANG, Jiale LI, Yihui DONG, Zhanxue SUN, Jun’ao WANG, Yuxin HUANG 2026, 2026 (1):  110-119.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.010 Abstract ( 12 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1197KB) ( 10 )   Save As a stable nitrogen pollutant, nitrate is widely present in water, and high quantities can cause harm to the environment and to human health. Heterotrophic denitrification technology is commonly used in nitrogen-containing wastewater treatment because it is economical and efficient. The carbon source plays a very important role in this process as an electron donor. When the carbon source in the system is insufficient, an external carbon source needs to be added to ensure the denitrification effect. The denitrification rate of liquid carbon sources is high, because they can be directly used by microorganisms without hydrolysis or simple conversion, and the electron donor transfer is rapid, the path is simple, and the reaction speed is fast. However, the control accuracy is high, and excessive dosing can easily lead to excessive effluent DOC and secondary pollution. The denitrification rate of solid carbon sources is relatively low, and they need to be hydrolyzed or enzymatically hydrolyzed into small molecular organic matter before use. The carbon source is slowly released, and the electron donor transfer path is complex but more durable and stable, which can reduce the risk of carbon source waste and secondary pollution. In terms of microbial community, liquid carbon sources have a single component, which makes it easier for the microorganisms relying on these carbon sources to become the dominant flora and reduces community diversity. The carbon-release process of solid carbon sources is complex, which can enrich diverse functional bacteria and lead to higher community diversity. In terms of equipment and cost, liquid carbon sources need a high-precision control system, with high equipment costs; the solid-phase carbon-source process is simple and does not require complex dosing equipment. The price of natural materials is low; the cost of synthesizing polymers is high; and blockage problems may arise. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Construction and case analysis of ecological control approach for agricultural non-point source pollution in plain river network areas Rui ZHAO, Xiaohua CHEN, Yiyang LIU 2026, 2026 (1):  120-131.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.011 Abstract ( 6 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2712KB) ( 7 )   Save Agricultural non-point source pollution in plain river network areas originates from diverse sources and exhibits complex compositions. Although various governance practices have been implemented across regions, accurately selecting ecological control approaches suited to local characteristics remains a pressing challenge. Focusing on the Yangtze River Delta, this research systematically reviews regional experiences in agricultural non-point source pollution control through field investigations; and identifies three core approaches: in-field ecological transformation, pond-field integration, and agro-(forestry-)wetland complexes. To further verify their effectiveness, the study concentrates on pond-field integration and agro-(forestry-)wetland complexes by selecting Qingpu, Jiading, and Songjiang Districts of Shanghai as representative cases. By monitoring water quality before and after centralized treatment of farmland drainage, the reduction rates of major pollutant indicators were quantitatively assessed. The findings provide empirical data and practical reference for the systematic and precise control of agricultural non-point source pollution in the Yangtze River Delta, and offer valuable insights for selecting appropriate approaches in similar plain river network areas. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A bottom-up high-resolution water pollutant emission inventory accounting method and spatial analysis Yujie WANG, Mi XUE, Jinhong LUO, Weifeng ZHANG, Xiujuan MA, Cheng ZHANG 2026, 2026 (1):  132-139.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.012 Abstract ( 9 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1801KB) ( 2 )   Save To address the spatial resolution limitations of water pollutant emission inventories, this study employed ArcGIS spatial analysis technology and adopted a bottom-up innovative accounting approach to minimize errors derived from allocating administrative-level emissions to spatial grids. A high-resolution water pollutant emission inventory system was developed across three-tiered grid, control unit, and watershed scales. Focusing on the Nanchuan River Basin, a typical Loess Plateau mountainous watershed, the study comprehensively detailed the compilation process of this spatially refined inventory. Emissions of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) from various pollution sources were quantified, and the spatial emission characteristics of non-point and point sources were revealed through pollutant load per unit area statistics and kernel density analysis. The study produced several key findings: (1) The bottom-up accounting method proved feasible, establishing a grid-scale high-resolution emission inventory system that aligns with watershed ecological protection planning and partitioned environmental management needs, thereby supporting refined water environmental governance. (2) Point sources dominated pollutant emissions in the Nanchuan River Basin (contributing 69.72% of COD and 80.16% of TP), with large-scale livestock farming as the primary source (58.39% of total COD). (3) Rural and urban non-point sources were significant, jointly accounting for nearly one-fourth of COD emissions. (4) Emissions exhibited high spatial concentration along the mainstream of the Nanchuan River and the banks of the Dongchuan River. This inventory research and emission data robustly supported the “one city, one policy” initiative under the Joint Research on Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development in the Yellow River Basin, demonstrating substantial practical significance. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Watershed Ecological Diagnosis and Emergency Management

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Problem diagnosis and countermeasure research of water ecological environmental protection in the Yellow River Basin of Shanxi Province Xiujuan MA, Yujie WANG, Cheng ZHANG, Dan LIU, Xiaoran FAN, Zhiyuan ZHANG 2026, 2026 (1):  140-146.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.013 Abstract ( 7 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (956KB) ( 8 )   Save Shanxi Province, located in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, is not only an important energy base in the Yellow River Basin but also a vital ecological security barrier in North China. This study systematically analyzes the most prominent environmental problems currently facing the water ecology of the Yellow River Basin in Shanxi Province. It focuses on three dimensions: water environment quality, water resource utilization efficiency, and water ecosystem health. This study identifies several critical issues: exacerbated water pollution during flood seasons, with some river water quality–monitoring sections failing to consistently meet standards; prominent water supply–demand conflicts; a severe shortage of ecological water flow; and fragile ecosystems characterized by low functionality of aquatic ecosystem services. It proposes the following countermeasures and suggestions in response to these problems: first, strengthen the integrated management of urban and rural stormwater runoff pollution; second, promote the conservation and reuse of water resources; and, third, strengthen the protection and restoration of water ecosystems. If implemented, these countermeasures should provide a scientifically based approach for improving the water ecology of the Yellow River Basin in Shanxi Province and contribute to the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on the construction of an environmental emergency response system for sudden water pollution incidents in the Tang River Basin of Datong City in Shanxi Province Xiujuan MA, Yujie WANG, Xiaoran FAN 2026, 2026 (1):  147-155.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.014 Abstract ( 7 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2470KB) ( 1 )   Save Through field investigations, data collection, and statistical analysis, this study systematically identified the distribution of environmental emergency spaces and facilities within the Tang River Basin. Combining the spatial distribution characteristics of environmentally sensitive targets and sources of key environmental risk and using the MIKE11 hydrodynamic model simulation and prediction method, a quantitative assessment was conducted to evaluate the scope of impact and degree of sudden water pollution incidents under different scenarios. Based on the whole-process management concept of "source prevention, process interception, and end treatment," an environmental emergency response process for water pollution incidents covering pollution source tracing, emergency response, and coordinated disposal was designed. Furthermore, an emergency response system for sudden water pollution incidents in the Tang River Basin, encompassing dimensions such as organizational command, technical support, material supply, and collaborative coordination, was constructed. Finally, from the perspective of integrated basin management, recommendations for basin-wide risk prevention and control measures were proposed, thus providing a reference for transboundary river environmental risk management. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Invasion status and risk assessment of Pomacea canaliculata in nearshore waters of Shanghai’s circum-urban greenbelt parks Yi YU, Longyuan ZHAO, Minsheng HUANG, Changneng QIU, Yao ZHOU, Yangyang YI 2026, 2026 (1):  156-167.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.015 Abstract ( 8 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1888KB) ( 7 )   Save To elucidate the invasion status and driving factors of channeled apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Shanghai’s circum-urban greenbelt park riparian waters, field surveys were conducted between 2023—2024. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed that invasion hotspots clustered in Baoshan, Putuo, Jiading, Changning, and Pudong districts, with snail density positively correlated with external hydrological connectivity. The population activity peaked in July—September, coinciding with an oviposition climax in July—August. Correlation analyses were conducted to identify the key environmental factors influencing snail distribution, activity, and reproduction; the results revealed that water temperature served as the pivotal driver. Specifically, both water temperature and air temperature exhibited a significant positive correlation with snail density and egg mass density. Snail density increased with the elevation of electrical conductivity and turbidity, but showed a decreasing trend with the increase in submerged macrophyte density, total nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen. Egg mass density declined as NO3–-N and dissolved phosphorus concentrations rose, but displayed a positive trend with the increase in ammonia nitrogen concentration. Invasion severity assessment classified most sites as “Occurrence”, whereas specific loci reached “Severe outbreak”. It is imperative that Shanghai’s Circum-urban Greenbelt Parks implement control measures against Pomacea canaliculata. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics