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Van der Cruysse L, De Cock A, Lock K, Boets P, Goethals PLM. Introduction of Native Submerged Macrophytes to Restore Biodiversity in Streams. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1014. [PMID: 38611543 PMCID: PMC11013439 DOI: 10.3390/plants13071014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Streams are biodiversity hotspots that provide numerous ecosystem services. Safeguarding this biodiversity is crucial to uphold sustainable ecosystem functioning and to ensure the continuation of these ecosystem services in the future. However, in recent decades, streams have witnessed a disproportionate decline in biodiversity compared to other ecosystems, and are currently considered among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. This is the result of the combined effect of a multitude of stressors. For freshwater systems in general, these have been classified into five main pressures: water pollution, overexploitation, habitat degradation and destruction, alien invasive species, and hydromorphological pressures. On top of these direct stressors, the effects of global processes like environmental and climate change must be considered. The intricate and interconnected nature of various stressors affecting streams has made it challenging to formulate effective policies and management strategies. As a result, restoration efforts have not always been successful in creating a large-scale shift towards a better ecological status. In order to achieve an improved status in these systems, situation-specific management strategies tailored to specific stressor combinations may be needed. In this paper, we examine the potential of introducing native submerged macrophyte species to advance the restoration of stream ecosystems. Through successful introductions, we anticipate positive ecological outcomes, including enhanced water quality and increased biodiversity. This research is significant, as the potential success in restoring stream biodiversity not only represents progress in ecological understanding but also offers valuable insights for future restoration and management strategies for these vital ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Van der Cruysse
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.C.); (K.L.); (P.B.); (P.L.M.G.)
| | - Andrée De Cock
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.C.); (K.L.); (P.B.); (P.L.M.G.)
| | - Koen Lock
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.C.); (K.L.); (P.B.); (P.L.M.G.)
| | - Pieter Boets
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.C.); (K.L.); (P.B.); (P.L.M.G.)
- Provincial Centre of Environmental Research, Godshuizenlaan 95, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter L. M. Goethals
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.C.); (K.L.); (P.B.); (P.L.M.G.)
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Zhang Y, Cheng D, Song J, Pang R, Zhang H. How does anthropogenic activity influence the spatial distribution of dissolved organic matter in rivers of a typical basin located in the Loess Plateau, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:117984. [PMID: 37084646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
River ecosystems interact strongly with adjacent terrestrial environments and receive dissolved organic matter (DOM) from a variety of sources, all of which are vulnerable to human activities and natural processes. However, it is unclear how and to what extent human and natural factors drive DOM quantity and quality changes in river ecosystems. Here, three fluorescence components were identified via optical techniques, including two humic-like substances and one protein-like component. The protein-like DOM was mainly accumulated in anthropogenically impacted regions, while humic-like components exhibit the opposite trend. Furthermore, the driving mechanisms of both natural and anthropogenic factors on the variations in DOM composition were investigated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Human activities, especially agriculture, positively influence the protein-like DOM directly by enhancing anthropogenic discharge with protein signals and also indirectly by affecting water quality. Water quality directly influences the DOM composition by stimulating in-situ production through a high nutrient load from anthropogenic discharge and inhibiting the microbial humification processes of DOM due to higher salinity levels. The microbial humification processes can also be restricted directly by a shorter water residence time during the DOM transport processes. Furthermore, protein-like DOM was more sensitive to direct anthropogenic discharge than indirect in-situ production (0.34 vs. 0.25), especially from non-point source input (39.1%), implying that agricultural industry optimization may be an efficient way to improve water quality and reduce protein-like DOM accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China; State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Dandong Cheng
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China
| | - Jinxi Song
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China.
| | - Rui Pang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China
| | - Hangzhen Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China
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Characteristics of Plant Community and Its Relationship with Groundwater Depth of the Desert Riparian Zone in the Lower Reaches of the Ugan River, Northwest China. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14101663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The vegetation in the desert riparian zone represents a critical barrier in the maintenance of the ecosystem’s balance. However, in recent years, the vegetation degradation of the riparian zone has seriously hindered economic development and ecological environment conservation. Based on a field investigation and literature, the mechanisms of vegetation degradation in the lower reaches of the Ugan River are discussed in this study through the analysis of plant coverage, diversity, substitution rate, distribution pattern, grey correlation analysis, and the relationship with groundwater depth. The results showed that the vegetation coverage in this region is relatively low when the water depth exceeds 4 m. Furthermore, the Shannon–Wiener index, the Simpson index, and the Pielou index all decreased with increases in water depth. Woody plants are the main species maintaining the ecological balance of the region with an aggregation distribution pattern. The degradation of vegetation is the result of the lack of water sources and the intense water consumption caused by human activities (especially agricultural). To promote ecological balance and vegetation restoration, the relative optimal water depth range should be maintained within 2 to 5 m as well as proper control of human activities. In addition, the degraded vegetation can gradually be restored using point and surface (i.e., flowering in the center and spreading to the surrounding areas). The results can provide a scientific basis for vegetation restoration and ecological conservation in the lower reaches of China’s Ugan River.
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Patrick CJ, Anderson KE, Brown BL, Hawkins CP, Metcalfe A, Saffarinia P, Siqueira T, Swan CM, Tonkin JD, Yuan LL. The application of metacommunity theory to the management of riverine ecosystems. WIRES. WATER 2021; 8:1-21. [PMID: 35874117 PMCID: PMC9301706 DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
River managers strive to use the best available science to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem function. To achieve this goal requires consideration of processes at different scales. Metacommunity theory describes how multiple species from different communities potentially interact with local-scale environmental drivers to influence population dynamics and community structure. However, this body of knowledge has only rarely been used to inform management practices for river ecosystems. In this paper, we present a conceptual model outlining how the metacommunity processes of local niche sorting and dispersal can influence the outcomes of management interventions and provide a series of specific recommendations for applying these ideas as well as research needs. In all cases, we identify situations where traditional approaches to riverine management could be enhanced by incorporating an understanding of metacommunity dynamics. A common theme is developing guidelines for assessing the metacommunity context of a site or region, evaluating how that context may affect the desired outcome, and incorporating that understanding into the planning process and methods used. To maximize the effectiveness of management activities, scientists and resource managers should update the toolbox of approaches to riverine management to reflect theoretical advances in metacommunity ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Patrick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, 1370 Greate Rd., Gloucester Point, VA 23062
| | - Kurt E Anderson
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, 900 University Ave., University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Brown L Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, USA
| | - Charles P Hawkins
- Department of Watershed Sciences, Ecology Center, and National Aquatic Monitoring Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Anya Metcalfe
- United States Geological Survey, Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, 2255 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
| | - Parsa Saffarinia
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Tadeu Siqueira
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Av. 24A 1515, Rio Claro, São Paulo 13506-900 Brazil
| | | | - Jonathan D Tonkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Lester L Yuan
- United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Water
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Atazadeh E, Gell P, Mills K, Barton A, Newall P. Community structure and ecological responses to hydrological changes in benthic algal assemblages in a regulated river: application of algal metrics and multivariate techniques in river management. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:39805-39825. [PMID: 33765262 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13546-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The flow regime of the Wimmera River was substantially modified due to the construction of a water supply reservoir. Samples of diatoms and soft algae and measurements of water quality were analysed at ten sampling sites for 3 years (between February 2012 and November 2014) along the MacKenzie River, a tributary of the Wimmera River, in different seasons and under different flow regimes, to understand the spatial and temporal variation in the relationship between algal communities, water quality and stream condition. Baseline information on algal communities and water quality was collected during base flow conditions, while experiments on the effect of water releases on algal communities were based on flow regime variations (manipulated flow regimes), specifically on the algae community structure, water quality and ecosystem function. Algal species composition changed along the river under different flow regimes and different seasons. Under base flow, Bacillariophyta (diatoms) were more abundant upstream, and filamentous green algae were more abundant downstream. The results showed that the algal composition shifted downstream after water release events. Chlorophyta (green algae), Cyanophyta (blue-green algae) and Chrysophyta gradually increased from upstream to downstream under base flow conditions and before water releases, whereas diatoms were greater upstream and increased downstream after water releases. The results are presented to tailor discharge and duration of the river flows by amalgamation of consumptive and environmental flows to improve the condition of the stream thereby supplementing the flows dedicated to environmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Atazadeh
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, 29 Bahman Blvd, Tabriz, 51666-14779, Iran.
- Institute of Environment, University of Tabriz, 29 Bahman Blvd, Tabriz, 51666-14779, Iran.
| | - Peter Gell
- School of Sciences, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC, 3353, Australia
| | - Keely Mills
- British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Andrew Barton
- School of Engineering, IT and Physical Sciences, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC, 3353, Australia
| | - Peter Newall
- School of Sciences, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC, 3353, Australia
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Monitoring of Neotropical Streams Using Macroinvertebrate Communities: Evidence from Honduras. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Assessing the water quality by using biological indicators is a reliable and economically feasible way to promote environmental conservation in developing tropical countries. Here, we report one of the few examples of river biomonitoring in Honduras. In June 2005, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from six sites in the Río Cangrejal basin. An adapted version of the Biological Monitoring Working Party index (BMWP) was used to assess the water quality because it is simple, consolidated, relatively easy to use, and needs a family-level identification. Moreover, two other community metrics were calculated, namely the total taxon richness and local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD). Differences in the biomonitoring and diversity metrics among sites and their correlations were statistically tested. Thirty-nine macroinvertebrate taxa were collected and, despite significant differences in the BMWP score, all sampling sites were classified in the high environmental quality class. A very strong and positive correlation between the BMPW and taxon richness was found, while LCBD did not vary significantly and did not correlate with the other metrics. Our results suggest that taxon richness could be used as a surrogate indicator to assess the water quality when consolidate biomonitoring methods are not available.
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Development of the Wetland Condition Index (WCI) by Combining the Landscape Development Intensity Index (LDI) and the Water Environment Index (WEI) for Humid Regions of China. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11030620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human use and management have a marked effect on wetland from different scales; it is necessary to develop a multi-scale integrated method to assess wetland conditions. So, this research aids the development of the wetland condition index (WCI) for humid regions of China by combining two main sub-indices: (i) the landscape development intensity index (LDI), which assesses human-dominated impacts; and (ii) the water environment index (WEI), which assesses changes in water quality and phytoplankton. We measured terrain and land use in the watersheds of wetlands using remote imaging data with geographic information systems (GIS) software. Also, we monitored the physical and chemical variables of the water bodies of 27 wetlands in urbanized and moderately urbanized areas in Nanjing City of China for this study. There were significant inconsistencies between the city’s level of development and the values of the WCI and its sub-indices. The WCI of urbanized areas was better than that for moderately urbanized areas, and the sub-indices LDI and WEI were only slightly correlated. In other words, wetlands with a low LDI value did not necessarily have a low water environment index value. Due to wetland restoration and human management activities, integrating the LDI and WEI is increasingly necessary for wetlands in urbanized areas than for moderately urbanized areas. This method could guide the design of wetlands to optimize their qualities and benefits to residents and reinforce wetland conservation.
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Li Y, Evans NT, Renshaw MA, Jerde CL, Olds BP, Shogren AJ, Deiner K, Lodge DM, Lamberti GA, Pfrender ME. Estimating fish alpha- and beta-diversity along a small stream with environmental DNA metabarcoding. METABARCODING AND METAGENOMICS 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/mbmg.2.24262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has been increasingly applied to biodiversity surveys in stream ecosystems. In stream networks, the accuracy of eDNA-based biodiversity assessment depends on whether the upstream eDNA influx affects downstream detection. Biodiversity assessment in low-discharge streams should be less influenced by eDNA transport than in high-discharge streams. We estimated α- and β-diversity of the fish community from eDNA samples collected in a small Michigan (USA) stream from its headwaters to its confluence with a larger river. We found that α-diversity increased from upstream to downstream and, as predicted, we found a significant positive correlation between β-diversity and physical distance (stream length) between locations indicating species turnover along the longitudinal stream gradient. Sample replicates and different genetic markers showed similar species composition, supporting the consistency of the eDNA metabarcoding approach to estimate α- and β-diversity of fishes in low-discharge streams.
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Mansour I, Heppell CM, Ryo M, Rillig MC. Application of the microbial community coalescence concept to riverine networks. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1832-1845. [PMID: 29700966 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Flows of water, soil, litter, and anthropogenic materials in and around rivers lead to the mixing of their resident microbial communities and subsequently to a resultant community distinct from its precursors. Consideration of these events through a new conceptual lens, namely, community coalescence, could provide a means of integrating physical, environmental, and ecological mechanisms to predict microbial community assembly patterns better in these habitats. Here, we review field studies of microbial communities in riverine habitats where environmental mixing regularly occurs, interpret some of these studies within the community coalescence framework and posit novel hypotheses and insights that may be gained in riverine microbial ecology through the application of this concept. Particularly in the face of a changing climate and rivers under increasing anthropogenic pressures, knowledge about the factors governing microbial community assembly is essential to forecast and/or respond to changes in ecosystem function. Additionally, there is the potential for microbial ecology studies in rivers to become a driver of theory development: riverine systems are ideal for coalescence studies because regular and predictable environmental mixing occurs. Data appropriate for testing community coalescence theory could be collected with minimal alteration to existing study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- India Mansour
- Plant Ecology, Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | | | - Masahiro Ryo
- Plant Ecology, Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Plant Ecology, Institut für Biologie, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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Rolls RJ, Heino J, Ryder DS, Chessman BC, Growns IO, Thompson RM, Gido KB. Scaling biodiversity responses to hydrological regimes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2017; 93:971-995. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Rolls
- Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science; University of New England; Armidale New South Wales 2351 Australia
| | - Jani Heino
- Finnish Environment Institute, Natural Environment Centre, Biodiversity; Oulu Finland
| | - Darren S. Ryder
- School of Environmental and Rural Science; University of New England; Armidale New South Wales 2351 Australia
| | | | - Ivor O. Growns
- School of Environmental and Rural Science; University of New England; Armidale New South Wales 2351 Australia
| | - Ross M. Thompson
- Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Keith B. Gido
- Division of Biology; Kansas State University; Manhattan KS U.S.A
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Does Stream Size Really Explain Biodiversity Patterns in Lotic Systems? A Call for Mechanistic Explanations. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/d9030026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Tomscha SA, Gergel SE, Tomlinson MJ. The spatial organization of ecosystem services in river-floodplains. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A. Tomscha
- Forest and Conservation Sciences; Faculty of Forestry; UBC; 2424 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Sarah E. Gergel
- Forest and Conservation Sciences; Faculty of Forestry; UBC; 2424 Main Mall Vancouver British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada
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