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Wang S, Gu S, Zhang Y, Deng Y, Qiu W, Sun Q, Zhang T, Wang P, Yan Z. Microeukaryotic plankton community dynamics under ecological water replenishment: Insights from eDNA metabarcoding. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100409. [PMID: 38572085 PMCID: PMC10987827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Ecological water replenishment (EWR) is an important strategy for river restoration globally, but timely evaluation of its ecological effects at a large spatiotemporal scale to further adjust the EWR schemes is of great challenge. Here, we examine the impact of EWR on microeukaryotic plankton communities in three distinct river ecosystems through environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. The three ecosystems include a long-term cut-off river, a short-term connected river after EWR, and long-term connected rivers. We analyzed community stability by investigating species composition, stochastic and deterministic dynamics interplay, and ecological network robustness. We found that EWR markedly reduced the diversity and complexity of microeukaryotic plankton, altered their community dynamics, and lessened the variation within the community. Moreover, EWR disrupted the deterministic patterns of community organization, favoring dispersal constraints, and aligning with trends observed in naturally connected rivers. The shift from an isolated to a temporarily connected river appeared to transition community structuring mechanisms from deterministic to stochastic dominance, whereas, in permanently connected rivers, both forces concurrently influenced community assembly. The ecological network in temporarily connected rivers post-EWR demonstrated significantly greater stability and intricacy compared to other river systems. This shift markedly bolstered the resilience of the ecological network. The eDNA metabarcoding insights offer a novel understanding of ecosystem resilience under EWR interventions, which could be critical in assessing the effects of river restoration projects throughout their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Songsong Gu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yaqun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Fishery Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, 100141, China
| | - Ye Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qianhang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Tianxu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Pengyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Zhenguang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
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van der Lee GH, Polling M, van der Laan I, Kodde L, Verdonschot RCM. From DNA to diagnostics: A case study using macroinvertebrate metabarcoding to assess the effectiveness of restoration measures in a Dutch stream. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171413. [PMID: 38442754 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171413] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Stream ecosystems are under pressure due to multiple stressors. Restoration measures can halt further degradation and improve their ecological status. However, assessment of the effectiveness of the implemented measures is often insufficient because of logistic and financial constraints. DNA-metabarcoding has been proposed to scale up sample processing, although its application as a diagnostic tool has received less attention. The aim of our study was to evaluate if DNA-metabarcoding of stream macroinvertebrates can be used to compute a stressor-specific index to assess the effectiveness of a stream restoration project. For this purpose, we sampled the upstream, restored, and downstream section of a recently restored lowland stream in the Netherlands. At each site, we applied three different methods of macroinvertebrate identification: morphological identification of bulk samples (morphology), DNA-metabarcoding of the same bulk samples (DNA) and metabarcoding of eDNA extracted from the water (eDNA). First, we compared the community composition identified by each method. The communities identified by morphology and DNA were highly similar, whereas the communities generated by the eDNA differed. Second, we analysed whether the identification methods could be used to assess the effectiveness of the restoration project, focussing on a stressor-specific index for flow as the restoration measures aimed at improving flow conditions. Both the morphology and bulk DNA samples indicated improved flow conditions in the restored section of the stream (i.e., less stress from the reduction or absence of flow than in the unrestored sections). Contrary, the eDNA-water samples did not differentiate the amount of stress throughout the catchment, although applying recent developments in eDNA sampling could lead to more robust results. In conclusion, this study forms proof of concept that DNA from bulk samples can be utilized to assess the effectiveness of restoration measures, showing the added value of this approach for water managers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gea H van der Lee
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marcel Polling
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris van der Laan
- Waterschap de Dommel, Bosscheweg 56, 5283 WB Boxtel, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Kodde
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ralf C M Verdonschot
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Fanelli RM, Cashman MJ, Porter AJ. Identifying Key Stressors Driving Biological Impairment in Freshwater Streams in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 70:926-949. [PMID: 36207606 PMCID: PMC9622507 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01723-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biological communities in freshwater streams are often impaired by multiple stressors (e.g., flow or water quality) originating from anthropogenic activities such as urbanization, agriculture, or energy extraction. Restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA seek to improve biological conditions in 10% of freshwater tributaries and to protect the biological integrity of existing healthy watersheds. To achieve these goals, resource managers need to better understand which stressors are most likely driving biological impairment. Our study addressed this knowledge gap through two approaches: 1) reviewing and synthesizing published multi-stressor studies, and 2) examining 303(d) listed impairments linked to biological impairment as identified by jurisdiction regulatory agencies (the states within the watershed and the District of Columbia). Results identified geomorphology (i.e., physical habitat), salinity, and toxic contaminants as important for explaining variability in benthic community metrics in the literature review. Geomorphology (i.e., physical habitat and sediment), salinity, and nutrients were the most reported stressors in the jurisdictional impairment analysis. Salinity is likely a major stressor in urban and mining settings, whereas geomorphology was commonly reported in agricultural settings. Toxic contaminants, such as pesticides, were rarely measured; more research is needed to quantify the extent of their effects in the region. Flow alteration was also highlighted as an important urban stressor in the literature review but was rarely measured in the literature or reported by jurisdictions as a cause of impairment. These results can be used to prioritize stressor monitoring by managers, and to improve stressor identification methods for identifying causes of biological impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary M Fanelli
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Matthew J Cashman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Maryland-D.C.-Delaware Water Science Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaron J Porter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Virginia-West Virginia Water Science Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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4
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Lin Q, Song Y, Zhang Y, Hao JL, Wu Z. Strategies for Restoring and Managing Ecological Corridors of Freshwater Ecosystem. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15921. [PMID: 36497995 PMCID: PMC9740539 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Along with accelerating urbanization and associated anthropogenic disturbance, the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems worldwide are substantially damaged. To improve ecosystem health, and thus enhance the ecosystem security of the urban ecosystem, numbers of management approaches and engineering projects have been applied to mitigate the degradation of freshwaters. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic research on the ecological corridor restoration of freshwater ecosystems; especially for Suzhou Grand Canal, one section of the world's longest and ancient Grand Canal which is inclined to severe ecosystem degradation. Through investigating the adjacent land use characteristics, habitat quality, vegetation cover, instream water quality, and habitat composition, we aimed to: (i) assess the water quality of the Suzhou Grand Canal; (ii) evaluate the ecological characteristics of the canal ecosystem; (iii) develop strategic countermeasures to restore the ecological corridors for the mitigation of ecological problems. The results demonstrated: a large built area, a smaller ecological zone, a low habitat quality and habitat connectivity, and a high degree of habitat fragmentation within the canal corridor, also a simplified instream habitat composition, and greater nutrient and COD concentrations in the surface water-especially in the upstream and midstream canal. All urbanization-induced multiple stressors, such as land use changes, altered hydrology, and the simplified riparian zone et al., contributed synergistically to the degradation of the canal ecosystem. To alleviate the ecosystem deterioration, three aspects of recommendations were proposed: water pollution control, watershed ecosystem restoration, and ecological network construction. Basically, building a comprehensive watershed ecological network-on the basis of associated ecosystem restoration, and the connection of multi-dimensional ecological corridors-would dramatically increase the maintenance of aquatic-terrestrial system biodiversity, and improve the regional ecological security pattern and watershed resilience toward stochastic future disturbances. This study contributes to the understanding of the ecological challenges and related causes of the canal ecosystem. The integrated strategy introduced in this study provides policymakers, water resource managers, and planners with comprehensive guidelines to restore and manage the ecological corridor of the canal ecosystem. This can be used as a reference in freshwater ecosystems elsewhere, to improve ecosystem stability for supporting the sustainable development of urban ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyan Lin
- The XIPU Institution, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Song
- The XIPU Institution, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of China Studies, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jian Li Hao
- Department of Civil Engineering, Design School, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhijie Wu
- Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou), Tsinghua, RIET, Suzhou 215163, China
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5
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Santos R, Astruc G, Poulet N, Besnard A. Spatially structured freshwater fish population dynamics at the River Basin District scale: Implication for environmental management and fish conservation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 317:115180. [PMID: 35617857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
European Union environmental policy has created a unique regulatory framework to favour aquatic ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation across European countries. Identifying the spatial structure of freshwater fish population dynamics is crucial to define region-specific management and conservation planning. To implement evidence-driven management and conservation decisions at a regional scale we assessed spatial heterogeneity in common freshwater fish population dynamics in France with a focus on trends in River Basin Districts (RBDs). The abundance and biomass growth rates of 18 common European freshwater fish species were estimated with state-space models on 546 sites distributed across the 5 main RBDs sampled in France between 1990 and 2011. Anguilla anguilla, Rutilus rutilus, Salmo trutta fario and Esox spp. exhibited large scale decline in abundance and/or biomass in several RBDs. The other species showed spatial heterogeneity in population growth rates. The main declines were observed in the Adour-Garonne and Loire-Bretagne RBDs, where management and conservation measures are urgently needed to halt the erosion of freshwater fish populations. In each of the 5 investigated RBDs, our results highlight areas where most of the common species we studied exhibited negative population growth rates. Freshwater fish surveys provide the fundamental information necessary to inform the European environmental policies and local environmental management needed to restore freshwater biodiversity. The next steps are to identify the main drivers of freshwater biodiversity erosion in the areas where we demonstrated major declines and to define the most cost-effective restoration measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Santos
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - Guillelme Astruc
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Poulet
- Pôle Ecohydraulique, Office Français de La Biodiversité; Institut des Mécaniques des Fluides, Toulouse, France
| | - Aurélien Besnard
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
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van Rees CB, Naslund L, Hernandez-Abrams DD, McKay SK, Woodson CB, Rosemond A, McFall B, Altman S, Wenger SJ. A strategic monitoring approach for learning to improve natural infrastructure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155078. [PMID: 35398422 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155078] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural infrastructure (NI) development, including ecosystem restoration, is an increasingly popular approach to leverage ecosystem services for sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation goals. Although implementation and planning for these tools is accelerating, there is a critical need for effective post-implementation monitoring to accumulate performance data and evidence for best practices. The complexity and longer time scales associated with NI, compounded by differing disciplinary definitions and concepts of monitoring necessitate a deliberate and strategic approach to monitoring that encompasses different timeframes and objectives. This paper outlines a typology of monitoring classes differentiated by temporal scale, purpose of data collection, the information benefits of monitoring, and the responsible party. Next, we provide a framework and practical guidelines for designing monitoring plans for NI around learning objectives. In particular, we emphasize conducting research and development monitoring, which provides scientifically rigorous evidence for methodological improvement beyond the project scale. Wherever feasible, and where NI tools are relatively new and untested, such monitoring should avoid wasted effort and ensure progress and refinement of methodology and practice over time. Finally, we propose institutional changes that would promote greater adoption of research and development monitoring to increase the evidence base for NI implementation at larger scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B van Rees
- Odum School of Ecology & River Basin Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
| | - Laura Naslund
- Odum School of Ecology & River Basin Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Darixa D Hernandez-Abrams
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS, United States
| | - S Kyle McKay
- Odum School of Ecology & River Basin Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - C Brock Woodson
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Amy Rosemond
- Odum School of Ecology & River Basin Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Brian McFall
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS, United States
| | - Safra Altman
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, MS, United States
| | - Seth J Wenger
- Odum School of Ecology & River Basin Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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7
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Best Practices for Monitoring and Assessing the Ecological Response to River Restoration. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13233352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions are widely advocated for freshwater ecosystem conservation and restoration. As increasing amounts of river restoration are undertaken, the need to understand the ecological response to different measures and where measures are best applied becomes more pressing. It is essential that appraisal methods follow a sound scientific approach. Here, experienced restoration appraisal experts review current best practice and academic knowledge to make recommendations and provide guidance that will enable practitioners to gather and analyse meaningful data, using scientific rigor to appraise restoration success. What should be monitored depends on the river type and the type and scale of intervention. By understanding how habitats are likely to change we can anticipate what species, life stages, and communities are likely to be affected. Monitoring should therefore be integrated and include both environmental/habitat and biota assessments. A robust scientific approach to monitoring and appraisal is resource intensive. We recommend that appraisal efforts be directed to where they will provide the greatest evidence, including ‘flagship’ restoration schemes for detailed long-term monitoring. Such an approach will provide the evidence needed to understand which restoration measures work where and ensure that they can be applied with confidence elsewhere.
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Stryjecki R, Zawal A, Krepski T, Stępień E, Buczyńska E, Buczyński P, Czachorowski S, Jankowiak Ł, Pakulnicka J, Sulikowska-Drozd A, Pešić V, Michoński G, Grabowski M, Jabłońska A, Achrem M, Olechwir T, Pietrzak L, Szlauer-Łukaszewska A. Anthropogenic transformations of river ecosystems are not always bad for the environment: Multi-taxa analyses of changes in aquatic and terrestrial environments after dredging of a small lowland river. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12224. [PMID: 34703668 PMCID: PMC8487244 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rivers are one of the most commonly transformed aquatic ecosystems. Most papers present significantly negative effects of activities such as dredging or channel regulation on the ecological status of rivers. The purpose of this work was to compare the response of various groups of invertebrates (Mollusca, Hydrachnidia, Odonata, Heteroptera, Coleoptera and Trichoptera) to an intervention involving dredging in conjunction with the removal of riparian vegetation. Habitat diversity increased after the dredging, and more individuals and species were caught than before the dredging. The increase in habitat diversity after the dredging translated into an increase in the species diversity of most investigated groups. Individual groups of invertebrates showed varied responses to the dredging, depending on the role of the terrestrial phase in their life cycle: the greater the role of the terrestrial phase in the life cycle, the more the group was affected by changes in the terrestrial environment following the intervention. In consequence, the intervention had the greatest negative impact on insects, and among these, on adult Odonata. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1) Dredging can benefit a previously anthropogenically transformed river ecosystem by increasing habitat diversity; (2) Odonata are particularly useful for assessing the impact of this type of intervention on invertebrate communities. They can be considered good indicators of habitat disturbances in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stryjecki
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Zawal
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Science, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Krepski
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Edyta Stępień
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Science, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Edyta Buczyńska
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Buczyński
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław Czachorowski
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Pakulnicka
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Sulikowska-Drozd
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Vladimir Pešić
- Department of Biology, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Grzegorz Michoński
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Science, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Michał Grabowski
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Jabłońska
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Olechwir
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Science, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Li W, Cheng G, Wu Z, Chen X. Pilot-scale constructed bypass channel for urban river restoration: the remedial efficiency and the variance in biodiversity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:56507-56521. [PMID: 34060013 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14628-5] [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: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Like the blood vessels of the cities, urban rivers play a significant role on maintaining the cities' sustainable development. In addition to the prevention of pollutants discharge and improving the river water quality, the restoration of the urban rivers' ecosystem should be well concerned. To fill this gap, a pilot-scale study with constructed bypass channel (CBC) was conducted. The pollutants reduction by the aquatic plants of the CBC was evaluated, and the similarities/differences of the aquatic biodiversity between the CBC and the natural rivers were analyzed. The results indicated that the mean removal efficiency of TP, NH3-N, TN, and COD by the CBC was 66%, 60%, 52%, and 36%, respectively. Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, and Cyanophyta were the dominant phytoplankton phyla in the CBC which was in accordance with the studies conducted in the Dongjiang River and the Pearl River. During the study period of about 6 months, the population density and the biomass of the phytoplankton and the zooplankton increased over time. The quality of the influent dominated the aquatic organisms' diversity of the CBC. N-element dominated not only the phytoplankton variability, but also the bacterial species of the CBC. The timber pile and the submerged plant root soil were more suitable for the growth of the functional bacteria; thus, the construction of the river restoration infrastructures should avoid using large-scale cement materials. Overall, the study would improve the understanding of urban river restoration practice and provide guidance for future restoration practice especially from the aquatic ecological perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Water Management and Technology, Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenzhen, 518001, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Water Management and Technology, Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenzhen, 518001, China.
| | - Zhaoyi Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Source Water Management and Technology, Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shenzhen, 518001, China
- Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
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10
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Wright KK. Assessing stream restoration and the influence of scale, variable choice, and comparison sites. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher K. Wright
- Department of Biology University of Wisconsin‐Platteville 1 University Plaza Platteville Wisconsin53818USA
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11
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Assessing the Benefits of Forested Riparian Zones: A Qualitative Index of Riparian Integrity Is Positively Associated with Ecological Status in European Streams. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12041178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Developing a general, predictive understanding of ecological systems requires knowing how much structural and functional relationships can cross scales and contexts. Here, we introduce the CROSSLINK project that investigates the role of forested riparian buffers in modified European landscapes by measuring a wide range of ecosystem attributes in stream-riparian networks. CROSSLINK involves replicated field measurements in four case-study basins with varying levels of human development: Norway (Oslo Fjord), Sweden (Lake Mälaren), Belgium (Zwalm River), and Romania (Argeş River). Nested within these case-study basins include multiple, independent stream-site pairs with a forested riparian buffer and unbuffered section located upstream, as well as headwater and downstream sites to show cumulative land-use impacts. CROSSLINK applies existing and bespoke methods to describe habitat conditions, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Here, we summarize the approaches used, detail protocols in supplementary materials, and explain how data is applied in an optimization framework to better manage tradeoffs in multifunctional landscapes. We then present results demonstrating the range of riparian conditions present in our case-study basins and how these environmental states influence stream ecological integrity with the commonly used macroinvertebrate Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) index. We demonstrate that a qualitative index of riparian integrity can be positively associated with stream ecological status. This introduction to the CROSSLINK project shows the potential for our replicated study with its panoply of ecosystem attributes to help guide management decisions regarding the use of forested riparian buffers in human-impacted landscapes. This knowledge is highly relevant in a time of rapid environmental change where freshwater biodiversity is increasingly under pressure from a range of human impacts that include habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
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12
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Theodoropoulos C, Stamou A, Vardakas L, Papadaki C, Dimitriou E, Skoulikidis N, Kalogianni E. River restoration is prone to failure unless pre-optimized within a mechanistic ecological framework | Insights from a model-based case study. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 173:115550. [PMID: 32035279 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
River restoration with the use of in-stream structures has been widely implemented to maintain/improve physical habitats. However, the response of aquatic biota has often been too weak to justify the high costs of restoration projects. The ecological effectiveness of river restoration has thus been much debated over claims that large-scale environmental drivers often overshadow the potential positive ecological effects of locally placed in-stream structures. In this study, we used a two-dimensional hydrodynamic-habitat model to evaluate the ecological effectiveness of habitat restoration with the use of in-stream structures in various water discharges, ranging from near-dry to environmental flows. The habitat suitability of benthic macroinvertebrates and of three cyprinid fish species was simulated for six restoration schemes and at four discharge scenarios, and was compared with a reference model, without in-stream structures. We found that the ecological response to habitat restoration varied by species and life stages, it strongly depended on the reach-scale flow conditions, it was often negative at near-environmental flows, and when positive, mostly at near-dry flows, it was too low to justify the high costs of river restoration. Flow variation was the major environmental driver that our local habitat restoration schemes attempted -but mostly failed-to fine-tune. We conclude that traditional river restoration, based on trial and error, will likely fail and should be ecologically pre-optimized before field implementation. Widespread use of in-stream structures for ecological restoration is not recommended. However, at near-dry flows, the response of all biotic elements except for macroinvertebrates, was positive. In combination with the small habitat-suitability differences observed among structure types and densities, we suggest that sparse/moderate in-stream structure placement can be used for cost-effective river restoration, but it will only be ecologically effective -thus justifying the high implementation costs-when linked to very specific purposes: (i) to conserve endangered species and (ii) to increase/improve habitat availability/suitability during dry periods, thus proactively preventing/reducing the current and future ecological impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Theodoropoulos
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece; National Technical University of Athens, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., 15780, Athens, Greece.
| | - Anastasios Stamou
- National Technical University of Athens, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Vardakas
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Christina Papadaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Elias Dimitriou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Skoulikidis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Eleni Kalogianni
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athens-Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
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Gamborg C, Morsing J, Raulund‐Rasmussen K. Adjustive ecological restoration through stakeholder involvement: a case of riparian landscape restoration on privately owned land with public access. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gamborg
- Department of Food and Resource EconomicsUniversity of Copenhagen Rolighedsvej 23, DK‐1958 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | - Jonas Morsing
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource ManagementUniversity of Copenhagen Rolighedsvej 23, DK‐1958 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | - Karsten Raulund‐Rasmussen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource ManagementUniversity of Copenhagen Rolighedsvej 23, DK‐1958 Frederiksberg C Denmark
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Abstract
Despite that hydromorphological restoration projects have been implemented since the 1940s, the key to improve the effectiveness of future restoration measures remains a challenge. This is in part related to the lack of adequate aims and objectives together with our limitations in understanding the effects on the physical habitat and ecosystems from interventions. This study shows the potential of using remote sensing techniques combined with hydraulic modelling to evaluate the success of physical restoration measures using habitat suitability as a quantifiable objective. Airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was used to build a high-resolution two-dimensional model for Ljungan River, Sweden, using HEC-RAS 5.0. Two types of instream restoration measures were simulated according to the physical measures carried out in the river to improve salmonid habitat: (a) stones and rocks were moved from the bank sides to the main channel, and (b) a concrete wall was broken to open two channels to connect a side channel with the main river. Results showed that the hydraulic model could potentially be used to simulate the hydraulic conditions before and after instream modifications were implemented. A general improvement was found for the potential suitable habitat based on depth, velocity and shear stress values after the instream measures.
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Kelly-Quinn M, Bruen M, Carlsson J, Gurnell A, Jarvie H, Piggott J. Managing the small stream network for improved water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem services protection (SSNet). RESEARCH IDEAS AND OUTCOMES 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/rio.5.e33400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper outlines the research being undertaken by the recently-initiated four-year (to March 2022) project on the small stream network in Ireland (SSNet) funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The overarching objective of SSNet is to advance knowledge on the role of small streams in water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem services protection that will inform policy, measures and management options to meet water quality and other resources protection targets. The project will start with a synthesis of available information on the importance of small streams to initiate communication with stakeholders and introduce the project. This will be followed by a compilation and analysis of existing data on small streams in Ireland to inform the selection of sites for the proposed research. Three work packages will collect new data on hydrochemistry with a focus on the nutrient retention potential of headwater streams, hydromorphology and biodiversity. All three investigations will share common sites to enable interconnections between the three elements to be explored and provide an integrated approach to the research. Modelling based on the results from each of the aforementioned tasks will be used to estimate the level of intervention in the small stream network required to have measurable effects throughout a catchment on both water quality (N, P & sediment) and flows, and overall delivery/maintenance of ecosystem services. We will also engage volunteers in both biological water quality and hydromorphological assessments and evaluate the potential of citizen science in facilitating greater monitoring coverage of the small stream network.
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Zajicek P, Wolter C. The effects of recreational and commercial navigation on fish assemblages in large rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 646:1304-1314. [PMID: 30235616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recreational and commercial navigation is omnipresent, rendering European large rivers highways for cargo vessels, passenger ships and sport boats. Any types of motorized vessels create waves and drawdown eroding shallow shore areas. Consequently, inland navigation alters the living environment of fish with specific habitat requirements on nursing, hatching and spawning along shorelines. We assess the influence of recreational (sport boats) and commercial navigation (passenger ships, cargo vessels) on fish assemblages. Seven fish population metrics (FPM) were analyzed for 396 fish samplings at 88 sites in six large rivers characterized by seven different estimates of navigation intensity to identify FPM sensitive to inland navigation. Navigation intensity was characterized by frequency, total freight transported, total carrying capacity, degree of capacity utilization and by numbers of empty running vessels, aiming to approximate whether frequency, freight or draft of cargo vessels matter most. Densities of lithophilic fish were most sensitive to frequencies of sport boats, passenger ships and cargo vessels and declined as navigation traffic increased. Densities of rheophilic fish declined likewise but were less sensitive than lithophils. Frequency, freight and carrying capacity of cargo vessels had comparable effects on FPM and are equally useful in addition to frequency of sport boats and passenger ships to assess the impacts of recreational and commercial navigation on fish assemblages. Lower species richness indicated a specific influence of vessel draft on fish diversity. Our study shows that both recreational and commercial navigation impair fish assemblages in navigable rivers. Operation-related navigation impacts act on top of river regulation and engineering works to maintain fairways in the main channel. Therefore, impacts from recreational and commercial navigation must be especially addressed in addition to mitigating impacts from river regulation and hydromorphological degradation to achieve environmental objectives such as species conservation, ecological improvements and river rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Zajicek
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christian Wolter
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany.
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Riley WD, Potter ECE, Biggs J, Collins AL, Jarvie HP, Jones JI, Kelly-Quinn M, Ormerod SJ, Sear DA, Wilby RL, Broadmeadow S, Brown CD, Chanin P, Copp GH, Cowx IG, Grogan A, Hornby DD, Huggett D, Kelly MG, Naura M, Newman JR, Siriwardena GM. Small Water Bodies in Great Britain and Ireland: Ecosystem function, human-generated degradation, and options for restorative action. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 645:1598-1616. [PMID: 30248877 PMCID: PMC6162339 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Small, 1st and 2nd-order, headwater streams and ponds play essential roles in providing natural flood control, trapping sediments and contaminants, retaining nutrients, and maintaining biological diversity, which extend into downstream reaches, lakes and estuaries. However, the large geographic extent and high connectivity of these small water bodies with the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem makes them particularly vulnerable to growing land-use pressures and environmental change. The greatest pressure on the physical processes in these waters has been their extension and modification for agricultural and forestry drainage, resulting in highly modified discharge and temperature regimes that have implications for flood and drought control further downstream. The extensive length of the small stream network exposes rivers to a wide range of inputs, including nutrients, pesticides, heavy metals, sediment and emerging contaminants. Small water bodies have also been affected by invasions of non-native species, which along with the physical and chemical pressures, have affected most groups of organisms with consequent implications for the wider biodiversity within the catchment. Reducing the impacts and restoring the natural ecosystem function of these water bodies requires a three-tiered approach based on: restoration of channel hydromorphological dynamics; restoration and management of the riparian zone; and management of activities in the wider catchment that have both point-source and diffuse impacts. Such activities are expensive and so emphasis must be placed on integrated programmes that provide multiple benefits. Practical options need to be promoted through legislative regulation, financial incentives, markets for resource services and voluntary codes and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Riley
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Edward C E Potter
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Jeremy Biggs
- Freshwater Habitats Trust, Bury Knowle House, North Place, Oxford, OX3 9HY, UK
| | - Adrian L Collins
- Sustainable Agriculture Sciences, Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon EX20 2SB, UK
| | - Helen P Jarvie
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Maclean Building, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK
| | - J Iwan Jones
- Queen Mary University of London, The River Laboratory, East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6BB, UK
| | - Mary Kelly-Quinn
- School of Biology & Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Steve J Ormerod
- UK Cardiff School of Biosciences and Water Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - David A Sear
- Department of Geography & Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Robert L Wilby
- Department of Geography, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Samantha Broadmeadow
- Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH, UK
| | - Colin D Brown
- Environment Department, University of York, Wentworth Way, Heslington, York, Yorkshire YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Paul Chanin
- North View Cottage, Union Road, Crediton, Devon EX17 3AL, UK
| | - Gordon H Copp
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Ian G Cowx
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, The University of Hull, Hull, East Yorkshire HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Adam Grogan
- RSPCA Wildlife Department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK
| | - Duncan D Hornby
- Department of GeoData, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Duncan Huggett
- Environment Agency, Lateral, 8 City Walk, Leeds, Yorkshire LS11 9AT, UK
| | | | - Marc Naura
- River Restoration Centre, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Jonathan R Newman
- Waterland Management Ltd, 4a Spa Hill, Kirton Lindsey, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 4NE, UK
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18
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Angelopoulos NV, Harvey JP, Bolland JD, Nunn AD, Noble RAA, Smith MA, Taylor MJ, Masters JEG, Moxon J, Cowx IG. Overcoming the dichotomy of implementing societal flood risk management while conserving instream fish habitat - A long-term study from a highly modified urban river. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 224:69-76. [PMID: 30031920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.07.030] [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: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Flood Risk Management (FRM) is often essential to reduce the risk of flooding to properties and infrastructure in urban landscapes, but typically degrades the habitats required by many aquatic animals for foraging, refuge and reproduction. This conflict between flood risk management and biodiversity is driven by conflicting directives, such as the EU Floods and Water Framework Directives, and has led to a requirement for synergistic solutions for FRM that integrate river restoration actions. Unfortunately, ecological monitoring and appraisal of combined FRM and river restoration works is inadequate. This paper uses a case study from the River Don in Northern England to evaluate the effects of the FRM and subsequent river restoration works on instream habitat and the associated fish assemblage over an 8-year period. Flood risk management created a homogeneous channel but did not negatively affect fish species composition or densities, specifically brown trout. Densities of adult brown trout were comparable pre and post-FRM, while densities of juvenile bullhead and brown trout increased dramatically post FRM. River restoration works created a heterogeneous channel but did not significantly improve species composition or brown trout density. Species composition post-river restoration works returned to that similar to pre-FRM over a short-term period, but with improved numbers of juvenile bullhead. Although habitat complexity increased after river restoration works, long-term changes in species composition and densities were marginal, probably because the river reset habitat complexity within the time framework of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Angelopoulos
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - J P Harvey
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - J D Bolland
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - A D Nunn
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - R A A Noble
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - M A Smith
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - M J Taylor
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - J E G Masters
- Environment Agency, Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology, Yorkshire Area. Lateral, 8 City Walk. Leeds LS11 9AT, UK
| | - J Moxon
- Environment Agency, Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology, Yorkshire Area. Lateral, 8 City Walk. Leeds LS11 9AT, UK
| | - I G Cowx
- Hull International Fisheries Institute, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
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Zajicek P, Radinger J, Wolter C. Disentangling multiple pressures on fish assemblages in large rivers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 627:1093-1105. [PMID: 29426127 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
European large rivers are exposed to multiple human pressures and maintained as waterways for inland navigation. However, little is known on the dominance and interactions of multiple pressures in large rivers and in particular inland navigation has been ignored in multi-pressure analyzes so far. We determined the response of ten fish population metrics (FPM, related to densities of diagnostic guilds and biodiversity) to 11 prevailing pressures including navigation intensity at 76 sites in eight European large rivers. Thereby, we aimed to derive indicative FPM for the most influential pressures that can serve for fish-based assessments. Pressures' influences, impacts and interactions were determined for each FPM using bootstrapped regression tree models. Increased flow velocity, navigation intensity and the loss of floodplains had the highest influences on guild densities and biodiversity. Interactions between navigation intensity and loss of floodplains and between navigation intensity and increased flow velocity were most frequent, each affecting 80% of the FPM. Further, increased sedimentation, channelization, organic siltation, the presence of artificial embankments and the presence of barriers had strong influences on at least one FPM. Thereby, each FPM was influenced by up to five pressures. However, some diagnostic FPM could be derived: Species richness, Shannon and Simpson Indices, the Fish Region Index and lithophilic and psammophilic guilds specifically indicate rhithralisation of the potamal region of large rivers. Lithophilic, phytophilic and psammophilic guilds indicate disturbance of shoreline habitats through both (i) wave action induced by passing vessels and (ii) hydromorphological degradation of the river channel that comes along with inland navigation. In European large rivers, inland navigation constitutes a highly influential pressure that adds on top of the prevailing hydromorphological degradation. Therefore, river management has to consider river hydromorphology and inland navigation to efficiently rehabilitate the potamal region of large rives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Zajicek
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Johannes Radinger
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Christian Wolter
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department Biology and Ecology of Fishes, Mueggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany.
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O’Hare MT, Baattrup-Pedersen A, Baumgarte I, Freeman A, Gunn IDM, Lázár AN, Sinclair R, Wade AJ, Bowes MJ. Responses of Aquatic Plants to Eutrophication in Rivers: A Revised Conceptual Model. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:451. [PMID: 29755484 PMCID: PMC5932201 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Compared to research on eutrophication in lakes, there has been significantly less work carried out on rivers despite the importance of the topic. However, over the last decade, there has been a surge of interest in the response of aquatic plants to eutrophication in rivers. This is an area of applied research and the work has been driven by the widespread nature of the impacts and the significant opportunities for system remediation. A conceptual model has been put forward to describe how aquatic plants respond to eutrophication. Since the model was created, there have been substantial increases in our understanding of a number of the underlying processes. For example, we now know the threshold nutrient concentrations at which nutrients no longer limit algal growth. We also now know that the physical habitat template of rivers is a primary selector of aquatic plant communities. As such, nutrient enrichment impacts on aquatic plant communities are strongly influenced, both directly and indirectly, by physical habitat. A new conceptual model is proposed that incorporates these findings. The application of the model to management, system remediation, target setting, and our understanding of multi-stressor systems is discussed. We also look to the future and the potential for new numerical models to guide management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. O’Hare
- Freshwater Restoration & Sustainability Group, Water Resources, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Annette Baattrup-Pedersen
- Section for Stream and Wetland Ecology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Inga Baumgarte
- Freshwater Restoration & Sustainability Group, Water Resources, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Freeman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Iain D. M. Gunn
- Freshwater Restoration & Sustainability Group, Water Resources, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Attila N. Lázár
- Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Raeannon Sinclair
- Freshwater Restoration & Sustainability Group, Water Resources, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Wade
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Bowes
- River Water Quality & Ecology Group, Water Resources, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
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21
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Litter Decomposition as an Indicator of Stream Ecosystem Functioning at Local-to-Continental Scales. ADV ECOL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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