1
|
Li M, Wang H, Gu H, Chi B. Analyzing river disruption factors and ecological flow in China's Liu River Basin amid environmental changes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:26282-26299. [PMID: 38499930 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32915-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Water resources variability and availability in a basin affect river flows and sustain river ecosystems. Climate change and human activities disrupt runoff sequences, causing water environmental issues like river channel interruptions. Therefore, determining ecological flow in changing environments is challenging in hydrological research. Based on an analysis of long-term changes in hydrological and meteorological variables and interruption conditions in the semi-arid Liu River Basin (LRB), this study summarizes the controlling factors of river interruption at different temporal and spatial scales and proposes a framework to determine ecological flow under changing environments. Hydrological model and the monthly optimal probability distribution were used to determine the optimal ecological runoff of LRB. The results showed that from 1956 to 2017, precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in the basin showed no significant decreasing trend, but the streamflow significantly decreased, and the downstream interruption worsened, with an average annual interruption duration of 194 days at Xinmin Station from 1988 to 2017. The controlling factors of river interruption are as follows: (1) soil and water conservation measures in the upstream significantly reduce the runoff capacity; (2) the operation mode of the controlling reservoir in the middle reaches changes from "all-year discharge" to "winter storage and spring release" to "combined storage and supply," severing the hydraulic connection between upstream and downstream; and (3) siltation in the downstream river channel coupled with over-extraction of groundwater increases the seepage capacity of the river. The monthly ecological flow of Naodehai Reservoir was determined by considering the monthly seepage losses after reconstructing the natural runoff using the SWAT model and determining the optimal probability distribution function for monthly runoff. The findings are important for downstream LRB ecological restoration and for determining the ecological flow of other river basins in changing environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Institute of Disaster Prevention, Langfang, Hebei, China
| | - He Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Institute of Disaster Prevention, Langfang, Hebei, China.
| | - Hongbiao Gu
- College of Transportation Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baoming Chi
- School of Ecology and Environment, Institute of Disaster Prevention, Langfang, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Probst E, Fader M, Mauser W. The water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus in the Danube River Basin: Exploring scenarios and implications of maize irrigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169405. [PMID: 38123083 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) nexus concept postulates that water, energy production, agriculture and ecosystems are closely interlinked. In transboundary river basins, different sectors and countries compete for shared water resources. In the Danube River Basin (DRB), possible expansion of agricultural irrigation is expected to intensify water competition in the WEFE nexus, however, trade-offs have not yet been quantified. Here, we quantified trade-offs between agriculture, hydropower and (aquatic) ecosystems in the DRB resulting from maize irrigation when irrigation water was withdrawn from rivers. Using the process-based hydro-agroecological model PROMET, we simulated three maize scenarios for the period 2011-2020: (i) rainfed; (ii) irrigated near rivers without considering environmental flow requirements (EFRs); (iii) irrigated near rivers with water abstractions complying with EFRs. Maize yield and water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 101-125 % and 29-34 % under irrigation compared to rainfed cultivation. Irrigation water withdrawals from rivers resulted in moderate to severe discharge reductions and, without consideration of EFRs, to substantial EFR infringements. Annual hydropower production decreased by 1.0-1.9 % due to discharge reductions. However, the financial turnover increase in agriculture (5.8-7.2 billion €/a) was two orders of magnitude larger than the financial turnover decrease in hydropower (23.9-47.8 million €/a), making water more profitable in agriculture. Irrigation WUE was highest for EFR-compliant irrigation, indicating that maintaining EFRs is economically beneficial and that improving WUE is key to attenuating nexus water competition. Current maize production could be met on the most productive 35-41 % of current maize cropland under irrigation, allowing 59-65 % to be returned to nature without loss of production. Maize priority areas were on fertile lowlands near major rivers, while biodiversity priority areas were on marginal cropland of highest biodiversity intactness. Our quantitative trade-off analysis can help identifying science-based pathways for sustainable WEFE nexus management in the DRB, also in light of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Probst
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Luisenstraße 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany.
| | - Marianela Fader
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Luisenstraße 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfram Mauser
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Luisenstraße 37, D-80333 Munich, Germany; VISTA Inc., Gabelsbergerstraße 51, D-80333 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahmed SF, Kumar PS, Kabir M, Zuhara FT, Mehjabin A, Tasannum N, Hoang AT, Kabir Z, Mofijur M. Threats, challenges and sustainable conservation strategies for freshwater biodiversity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113808. [PMID: 35798264 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing human population, deforestation and man-made climate change are likely to exacerbate the negative effects on freshwater ecosystems and species endangerment. Consequently, the biodiversity of freshwater continues to dwindle at an alarming rate. However, this particular topic lacks sufficient attention from conservation ecologists and policymakers, resulting in a dearth of data and comprehensive reviews on freshwater biodiversity, specifically. Despite the widespread awareness of risks to freshwater biodiversity, organized action to reverse this decline has been lacking. This study reviews prospective conservation and management strategies for freshwater biodiversity and their associated challenges, identifying current key threats to freshwater biodiversity. Engineered nanomaterials pose a significant threat to aquatic species, and will make controlling health risks to freshwater biodiversity increasingly challenging in the future. When fish are exposed to nanoparticles, the surface area of their respiratory and ion transport systems can decline to 60% of their total surface area, posing serious health risks. Also, about 50% of freshwater fish species are threatened by climate change, globally. Freshwater biodiversity that is heavily reliant on calcium perishes when the calcium content of their environments degrades, posing another severe threat to world biodiversity. To improve biodiversity, variables such as species diversity, population and water quality, and habitat are essential components that must be monitored continuously. Existing research on freshwater biota and ecosystems is still lacking. Therefore, data collection and the establishment of specialized policies for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity should be prioritized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shams Forruque Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh.
| | - P Senthil Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603110, India; Centre of Excellence in Water Research (CEWAR), Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Kalavakkam, Chennai, 603110, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, India
| | - Maliha Kabir
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Tuz Zuhara
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Aanushka Mehjabin
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Nuzaba Tasannum
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Anh Tuan Hoang
- Institute of Engineering, HUTECH University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
| | - Zobaidul Kabir
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - M Mofijur
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hogeboom R, de Bruin D, Schyns JF, Krol M, Hoekstra AY. Capping Human Water Footprints in the World's River Basins. EARTH'S FUTURE 2020; 8:e2019EF001363. [PMID: 32715009 PMCID: PMC7375134 DOI: 10.1029/2019ef001363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Increased water demand and overexploitation of limited freshwater resources lead to water scarcity, economic downturn, and conflicts over water in many places around the world. A sensible policy measure to bridle humanity's water footprint, then, is to set local and time-specific water footprint caps, to ensure that water appropriation for human uses remains within ecological boundaries. This study estimates-for all river basins in the world-monthly blue water flows that can be allocated to human uses, while explicitly earmarking water for nature. Addressing some implications of temporal variability, we quantify trade-offs between potentially violating environmental flow requirements versus underutilizing available flow-a trade-off that is particularly pronounced in basins with a high seasonal and interannual variability. We discuss several limitations and challenges that need to be overcome if setting water footprint caps is to become a practically applicable policy instrument, including the need (for policy makers) to reach agreement on which specific capping procedure to follow. We conclude by relating local and time-specific water footprint caps to the planetary boundary for freshwater use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rick J. Hogeboom
- Twente Water CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedeNetherlands
- Water Footprint NetworkEnschedeNetherlands
| | - Davey de Bruin
- Twente Water CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedeNetherlands
| | - Joep F. Schyns
- Twente Water CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedeNetherlands
- Water Footprint NetworkEnschedeNetherlands
| | | | - Arjen Y. Hoekstra
- Twente Water CentreUniversity of TwenteEnschedeNetherlands
- Institute of Water Policy, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public PolicyNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Deceased November 18, 2019
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bestgen KR, Poff NL, Baker DW, Bledsoe BP, Merritt DM, Lorie M, Auble GT, Sanderson JS, Kondratieff BC. Designing flows to enhance ecosystem functioning in heavily altered rivers. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02005. [PMID: 31532056 PMCID: PMC9285520 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
More than a century of dam construction and water development in the western United States has led to extensive ecological alteration of rivers. Growing interest in improving river function is compelling practitioners to consider ecological restoration when managing dams and water extraction. We developed an Ecological Response Model (ERM) for the Cache la Poudre River, northern Colorado, USA, to illuminate effects of current and possible future water management and climate change. We used empirical data and modeled interactions among multiple ecosystem components to capture system-wide insights not possible with the unintegrated models commonly used in environmental assessments. The ERM results showed additional flow regime modification would further alter the structure and function of Poudre River aquatic and riparian ecosystems due to multiple and interacting stressors. Model predictions illustrated that specific peak flow magnitudes in spring and early summer are critical for substrate mobilization, dynamic channel morphology, and overbank flows, with strong subsequent effects on instream and riparian biota that varied seasonally and spatially, allowing exploration of nuanced management scenarios. Instream biological indicators benefitted from higher and more stable base flows and high peak flows, but stable base flows with low peak flows were only half as effective to increase indicators. Improving base flows while reducing peak flows, as currently proposed for the Cache la Poudre River, would further reduce ecosystem function. Modeling showed that even presently depleted annual flow volumes can achieve substantially different ecological outcomes in designed flow scenarios, while still supporting social demands. Model predictions demonstrated that implementing designed flows in a natural pattern, with attention to base and peak flows, may be needed to preserve or improve ecosystem function of the Poudre River. Improved regulatory policies would include preservation of ecosystem-level, flow-related processes and adaptive management when water development projects are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Bestgen
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and the Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State University1474 Campus DeliveryFort CollinsColorado80523USA
| | - N. LeRoy Poff
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado80523USA
- Institute for Applied EcologyUniversity of CanberraBruceAustralian Capital Territory2617Australia
| | - Daniel W. Baker
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado80523USA
| | - Brian P. Bledsoe
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado80523USA
- Present address:
University of GeorgiaAthensGeorgia30602USA
| | - David M. Merritt
- USDA Forest Service, National Stream and Aquatic Ecology Center2150 Center AveFort CollinsColorado80526USA
| | - Mark Lorie
- Corona Environmental Consulting357 McCaslin BlvdLouisvilleColorado80027USA
| | - Gregor T. Auble
- U.S. Geological SurveyFort Collins Science Center2150 Center Ave.Fort CollinsColorado80526USA
| | | | - Boris C. Kondratieff
- Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest ManagementColorado State University1177 Campus DeliveryFort CollinsColorado80523USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Van Appledorn M, Baker ME, Miller AJ. River‐valley morphology, basin size, and flow‐event magnitude interact to produce wide variation in flooding dynamics. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Van Appledorn
- Department of Geography and Environmental Systems University of Maryland Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore Maryland 21250 USA
| | - Matthew E. Baker
- Department of Geography and Environmental Systems University of Maryland Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore Maryland 21250 USA
| | - Andrew J. Miller
- Department of Geography and Environmental Systems University of Maryland Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore Maryland 21250 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Conallin J, Wilson E, Campbell J. Implementation of Environmental Flows for Intermittent River Systems: Adaptive Management and Stakeholder Participation Facilitate Implementation. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 61:497-505. [PMID: 28866735 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0922-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressure on freshwater ecosystems is increasing, and often leading to unacceptable social-ecological outcomes. This is even more prevalent in intermittent river systems where many are already heavily modified, or human encroachment is increasing. Although adaptive management approaches have the potential to aid in providing the framework to consider the complexities of intermittent river systems and improve utility within the management of these systems, success has been variable. This paper looks at the application of an adaptive management pilot project within an environmental flows program in an intermittent stream (Tuppal Creek) in the Murray Darling Basin, Australia. The program focused on stakeholder involvement, participatory decision-making, and simple monitoring as the basis of an adaptive management approach. The approach found that by building trust and ownership through concentrating on inclusiveness and transparency, partnerships between government agencies and landholders were developed. This facilitated a willingness to accept greater risks and unintended consequences allowing implementation to occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Conallin
- IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2601 DA, Delft, Netherlands.
| | - Emma Wilson
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Level 4, Government Offices, 533 Kiewa St, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Josh Campbell
- Murray Local Land Services, 315 Victoria Street, Deniliquin, NSW, 2710, Australia
| |
Collapse
|