Ecological restoration can enhance the radiation benefit of sand fixation service: A simulated evidence of Xilingol League, China

Large-scale ecological restoration programs have been initiated globally with the aim of combating desertifi-cation and improving ecosystem services, especially for sand fixation service (SF) in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the effectiveness of ecological restoration in the radiation benefit of SF, such as improving air quality, remains not well known. In this study, we selected Xilingol as the study area, investigated the dynamics of SF, and quantified the radiation benefit of SF in downwind areas by employing PM10 concentration as the proxy. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was applied to assess the response of radiation benefit to ecological restoration by designing land use scenarios. Results showed that the SF in Xilingol increased with fluctuation at an average rate of 0.27%/year from 2000 to 2018. Under the effect of ecological restoration, the radiation benefit in the downwind regions was substantially improved, as manifested by a 104.22 mu g/m3 reduction in PM10 concentration. The changes in radiation benefit varied greatly across space, and northern and southern Xilingol were hot spots for increased radiation benefit. Based on regional disparity in benefit level, this work could provide a reference to make differentiated cross-regional ecological compensation schemes at the national level.

Automated summary

Large-scale ecological restoration programs have been initiated globally to combat desertification and improve ecosystem services, specifically sand fixation service (SF) in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the effectiveness of ecological restoration in improving air quality and other radiation benefits, remains uncertain. This study focused on Xilingol, investigating SF dynamics and quantifying the radiation benefit through the reduction of PM10 concentration. Results showed that SF in Xilingol increased with fluctuations at an average annual rate of 0.27% from 2000 to 2018. Ecological restoration significantly improved radiation benefit, resulting in a reduction of 104.22 μg/m3 in PM10 concentration. There were spatial variations in the changes of radiation benefit, with northern and southern Xilingol identified as hotspots for increased benefit. This work provides insight for developing differentiated cross-regional ecological compensation schemes at the national level based on regional disparities in benefit levels.