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Nava V, Leoni B, Arienzo MM, Hogan ZS, Gandolfi I, Tatangelo V, Carlson E, Chea S, Soum S, Kozloski R, Chandra S. Plastic pollution affects ecosystem processes including community structure and functional traits in large rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121849. [PMID: 38851112 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121849] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Plastics in aquatic ecosystems rapidly undergo biofouling, giving rise to a new ecosystem on their surface, the 'plastisphere.' Few studies quantify the impact of plastics and their associated community on ecosystem traits from biodiversity and functional traits to metabolic function. It has been suspected that impacts on ecosystems may depend on its state but comparative studies of ecosystem responses are rare in the published literature. We quantified algal biomass, bacterial and algal biodiversity (16S and 18S rRNA), and metabolic traits of the community growing on the surface of different plastic polymers incubated within rivers of the Lower Mekong Basin. The rivers selected have different ecological characteristics but are similar regarding their high degree of plastic pollution. We examined the effects of plastics colonized with biofilms on ecosystem production, community dark respiration, and the epiplastic community's capability to influence nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and oxygen in water. Finally, we present conceptual models to guide our understanding of plastic pollution within freshwaters. Our findings showed limited microalgal biomass and bacterial dominance, with potential pathogens present. The location significantly influenced community composition, highlighting the role of environmental conditions in shaping community development. When assessing the effects on ecosystem productivity, our experiments showed that biofouled plastics led to a significant drop in oxygen concentration within river water, leading to hypoxic/anoxic conditions with subsequent profound impacts on system metabolism and the capability of influencing biogeochemical cycles. Scaling our findings revealed that plastic pollution may exert a more substantial and ecosystem-altering impact than initially assumed, particularly in areas with poorly managed plastic waste. These results highlighted that the plastisphere functions as a habitat for biologically active organisms which play a pivotal role in essential ecosystem processes. This warrants dedicated attention and investigation, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Mekong River, which supports a rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of 65 million people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nava
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Barbara Leoni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy.
| | - Monica M Arienzo
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Zeb S Hogan
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States
| | - Isabella Gandolfi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Valeria Tatangelo
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano MI, Italy
| | - Emily Carlson
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States
| | - Seila Chea
- Institute of Technology of Cambodia, PO Box 86, Russian Conf. Blvd. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Savoeurn Soum
- Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Blvd (110), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Rachel Kozloski
- Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - Sudeep Chandra
- Global Water Center and Biology Department, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia, Reno, NV 89557-0314, United States.
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2
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Asif F, Van Arragon L. Precarious livelihoods at the intersection of fishing and sand mining in Cambodia. AMBIO 2024; 53:565-578. [PMID: 38070060 PMCID: PMC10920539 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01963-9] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Fishing and sand mining in Cambodia may not appear to have much in common. However, digging deeper reveals important parallels. Both fishing and sand mining support livelihoods and are connected to a limited natural resource. Meanwhile, they are both typified by precarious livelihoods, on the one hand, and overexploitation, on the other. In bringing these two topics together, the paper combines empirical qualitative research from two separate studies conducted by the co-authors in Cambodia, one in coastal fishing villages and another in the sand mining industry along the Mekong River. We argue that the interplay between fishing and sand mining has paradoxical impacts on livelihoods, supporting one group while undermining another. Using a precarity analysis lens, we show how an unconventional, and largely invisible frontier of natural resource exploitation-sand mining-is intertwined with fisheries, and expands our understanding of the relationship between precarious labour, environmental change, and livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furqan Asif
- Environmental Policy Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Blue Governance, Aalborg University, Rendsburggade 14, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Lukas Van Arragon
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, 120 University Private, Room 8005, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Canada
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3
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Sanders E, Wassens S, Michael DR, Nimmo DG, Turner JM. Extinction risk of the world's freshwater mammals. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14168. [PMID: 37563953 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The continued loss of freshwater habitats poses a significant threat to global biodiversity. We reviewed the extinction risk of 166 freshwater aquatic and semiaquatic mammals-a group rarely documented as a collective. We used the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species categories as of December 2021 to determine extinction risk. Extinction risk was then compared among taxonomic groups, geographic areas, and biological traits. Thirty percent of all freshwater mammals were listed as threatened. Decreasing population trends were common (44.0%), including a greater rate of decline (3.6% in 20 years) than for mammals or freshwater species as a whole. Aquatic freshwater mammals were at a greater risk of extinction than semiaquatic freshwater mammals (95% CI -7.20 to -1.11). Twenty-nine species were data deficient or not evaluated. Large species (95% CI 0.01 to 0.03) with large dispersal distances (95% CI 0.03 to 0.15) had a higher risk of extinction than small species with small dispersal distances. The number of threatening processes associated with a species compounded their risk of extinction (95% CI 0.28 to 0.77). Hunting, land clearing for logging and agriculture, pollution, residential development, and habitat modification or destruction from dams and water management posed the greatest threats to these species. The basic life-history traits of many species were poorly known, highlighting the need for more research. Conservation of freshwater mammals requires a host of management actions centered around increased protection of riparian areas and more conscientious water management to aid the recovery of threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmalie Sanders
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Skye Wassens
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Damian R Michael
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James M Turner
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, South Lanarkshire, UK
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4
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Johansen IC, Calvi MF, Luz VG, Segall-Corrêa AM, Arantes CC, Isaac VJ, Utsunomiya R, Reis VCES, Moran EF. Poverty-Food Insecurity Nexus in the Post-Construction Context of a Large Hydropower Dam in the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:155. [PMID: 38397646 PMCID: PMC10888233 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020155] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Within the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, large hydropower dams are positioned as a sustainable energy source, notwithstanding their adverse impacts on societies and ecosystems. This study contributed to ongoing discussions about the persistence of critical social issues, even after the investments of large amounts of resources in areas impacted by the construction of large hydropower dams. Our study focused on food insecurity and evaluated this issue in the city of Altamira in the Brazilian Amazon, which has been profoundly socially and economically impacted by the construction, between 2011 and 2015, of Brazil's second-largest dam, namely, Belo Monte. A survey in Altamira city featured a 500-household random sample. Structural equation modeling showed conditioning factors of 60% of the population experiencing varying food insecurity degrees. Poverty, female-led households, lower education, youth, and unemployment were strongly linked to higher food insecurity. Crowded, officially impacted, and resettled households also faced heightened food insecurity. Our findings underscore the food insecurity conditions in the region impacted by the Belo Monte dam, emphasizing the need to take into account this crucial issue while planning and implementing hydropower dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Cavallini Johansen
- Center for Environmental Studies and Research (NEPAM), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-867, SP, Brazil; (V.C.e.S.R.); (E.F.M.)
| | | | - Verônica Gronau Luz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Grande Dourados Federal University (UFGD), Dourados 79825-070, MS, Brazil;
| | | | - Caroline C. Arantes
- Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6125, USA;
| | - Victoria Judith Isaac
- Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66077-530, PA, Brazil;
| | - Renata Utsunomiya
- Institute of Energy and Environment (IEE), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-010, SP, Brazil;
| | - Vanessa Cristine e Souza Reis
- Center for Environmental Studies and Research (NEPAM), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-867, SP, Brazil; (V.C.e.S.R.); (E.F.M.)
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Emilio F. Moran
- Center for Environmental Studies and Research (NEPAM), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-867, SP, Brazil; (V.C.e.S.R.); (E.F.M.)
- Department of Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
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5
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Saccò M, Mammola S, Altermatt F, Alther R, Bolpagni R, Brancelj A, Brankovits D, Fišer C, Gerovasileiou V, Griebler C, Guareschi S, Hose GC, Korbel K, Lictevout E, Malard F, Martínez A, Niemiller ML, Robertson A, Tanalgo KC, Bichuette ME, Borko Š, Brad T, Campbell MA, Cardoso P, Celico F, Cooper SJB, Culver D, Di Lorenzo T, Galassi DMP, Guzik MT, Hartland A, Humphreys WF, Ferreira RL, Lunghi E, Nizzoli D, Perina G, Raghavan R, Richards Z, Reboleira ASPS, Rohde MM, Fernández DS, Schmidt SI, van der Heyde M, Weaver L, White NE, Zagmajster M, Hogg I, Ruhi A, Gagnon MM, Allentoft ME, Reinecke R. Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17066. [PMID: 38273563 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17066] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater is a vital ecosystem of the global water cycle, hosting unique biodiversity and providing essential services to societies. Despite being the largest unfrozen freshwater resource, in a period of depletion by extraction and pollution, groundwater environments have been repeatedly overlooked in global biodiversity conservation agendas. Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes. To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems. Our global analysis shows that over half of land surface areas (52.6%) has a medium-to-high interaction with groundwater, reaching up to 74.9% when deserts and high mountains are excluded. We postulate that the intrinsic transboundary features of groundwater are critical for shifting perspectives towards more holistic approaches in aquatic ecology and beyond. Furthermore, we propose eight key themes to develop a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. Given ecosystems above and below the ground intersect at many levels, considering groundwater as an essential component of planetary health is pivotal to reduce biodiversity loss and buffer against climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Mammola
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Alther
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossano Bolpagni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anton Brancelj
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department for Environmental Science, University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - David Brankovits
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Cene Fišer
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vasilis Gerovasileiou
- Faculty of Environment, Department of Environment, Ionian University, Zakynthos, Greece
- Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC), Thalassocosmos, Institute of Marine Biology, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christian Griebler
- Department of Functional & Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simone Guareschi
- Estación Biologica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Grant C Hose
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathryn Korbel
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lictevout
- International Groundwater Resources Assessment Center (IGRAC), Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Florian Malard
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, Univ Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alejandro Martínez
- Molecular Ecology Group (MEG), Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), National Research Council, Verbania Pallanza, Italy
| | - Matthew L Niemiller
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Anne Robertson
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Roehampton University, London, UK
| | - Krizler C Tanalgo
- Ecology and Conservation Research Laboratory (Eco/Con Lab), Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines
| | - Maria Elina Bichuette
- Laboratory of Subterranean Studies (LES), Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Špela Borko
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Traian Brad
- Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Matthew A Campbell
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe), Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fulvio Celico
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Culver
- Department of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tiziana Di Lorenzo
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems of the National Research Council of Italy (IRET CNR), Florence, Italy
| | - Diana M P Galassi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michelle T Guzik
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adam Hartland
- Lincoln Agritech Ltd, Ruakura, Kirikiriroa, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - William F Humphreys
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira
- Centro de Estudos em Biologia Subterrânea, Departamento de Ecologia e Conservação, Instituto de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniele Nizzoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Perina
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rajeev Raghavan
- Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, India
| | - Zoe Richards
- Coral Conservation and Research Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ana Sofia P S Reboleira
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, and Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Melissa M Rohde
- Rohde Environmental Consulting, LLC, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Graduate Program in Environmental Science, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | | | - Susanne I Schmidt
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mieke van der Heyde
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise Weaver
- Water & Environment Group, Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd., Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nicole E White
- Subterranean Research and Groundwater Ecology (SuRGE) Group, Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Maja Zagmajster
- SubBio Lab, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ian Hogg
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Albert Ruhi
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Marthe M Gagnon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert Reinecke
- Institute of Geography, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Bwire C, Mohan G, Karthe D, Caucci S, Pu J. A Systematic Review of Methodological Tools for Evaluating the Water, Energy, Food, and One Health Nexus in Transboundary Water Basins. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023:10.1007/s00267-023-01841-w. [PMID: 37269420 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01841-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Water plays a vital role in human socioeconomic development and overall well-being, making its effective management essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The close interlinkage between water, other environmental resources, and socioeconomic development have prompted the emergence and adoption of holistic and trans-sectoral concepts such as integrated water resources management and, more recently, the resource nexus. However, even such holistic approaches often exclude the one health approach, particularly at the transboundary water basins (TWBs), which not only dominate 40% of the earth but are vital in environmental and human sustainability. This review aimed to understand, evaluate, and compare assessment tools for water, energy, food, and one health (WEF + H) nexus management in TWBs. The review applied the systematic review guidelines for articles published in the Scopus database. The inclusion criteria encompassed English-language articles featuring case studies, meta-studies, or review articles with no less than three nexus resources. The review categorized the article based on criteria that focused on identifying tools capable of analyzing scenarios and policies for WEF + H in TWBs and their accessibility and easiness of implementation in case studies. Of the eighteen analyzed tools, 13 (72%) had limitations in their application at various geographical scales. Additionally, they could not integrate one health into the nexus or analyze policies through running scenarios. On the contrary, the Bayesian networks, system dynamics, agent-based models, life-cycle assessments, and input-output tools were highly accessible for efficiently conducting scenario-based WEF + H nexus assessments in TWBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Bwire
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (IAS), United Nations University (UNU), 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8925, Japan.
| | - Geetha Mohan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (IAS), United Nations University (UNU), 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8925, Japan
- Global Research Centre for Advanced Sustainability Science, University of Toyama, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama-shi, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Daniel Karthe
- Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (FLORES), United Nations University (UNU), Ammonstrasse 74, Dresden, 01067, Germany
| | - Serena Caucci
- Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (FLORES), United Nations University (UNU), Ammonstrasse 74, Dresden, 01067, Germany
| | - Jian Pu
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (IAS), United Nations University (UNU), 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8925, Japan
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7
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Sor R, Ngor PB, Lek S, Chann K, Khoeun R, Chandra S, Hogan ZS, Null SE. Fish biodiversity declines with dam development in the Lower Mekong Basin. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8571. [PMID: 37237013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydropower dams are a source of renewable energy, but dam development and hydropower generation negatively affect freshwater ecosystems, biodiversity, and food security. We assess the effects of hydropower dam development on spatial-temporal changes in fish biodiversity from 2007 to 2014 in the Sekong, Sesan, and Srepok Basins-major tributaries to the Mekong River. By analyzing a 7-year fish monitoring dataset, and regressing fish abundance and biodiversity trends against cumulative number of upstream dams, we found that hydropower dams reduced fish biodiversity, including migratory, IUCN threatened and indicator species in the Sesan and Srepok Basins where most dams have been constructed. Meanwhile, fish biodiversity increased in the Sekong, the basin with the fewest dams. Fish fauna in the Sesan and Srepok Basins decreased from 60 and 29 species in 2007 to 42 and 25 species in 2014, respectively; while they increased from 33 in 2007 to 56 species in 2014 in the Sekong Basin. This is one of the first empirical studies to show reduced diversity following dam construction and fragmentation, and increased diversity in less regulated rivers in the Mekong River. Our results underscore the importance of the Sekong Basin to fish biodiversity and highlight the likely significance of all remaining free-flowing sections of the Lower Mekong Basin, including the Sekong, Cambodian Mekong, and Tonle Sap Rivers to migratory and threatened fish species. To preserve biodiversity, developing alternative renewable sources of energy or re-operating existing dams to increase power generation are recommended over constructing new hydropower dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratha Sor
- Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
- Graduate School, National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, No. 157, Preah Norodom Blvd, Khan Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh, 12300, Cambodia.
- Wonders of the Mekong Project, C/O IFReDI, Fisheries Administration, No. 186, Preah Norodom Blvd., Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh, 12300, Cambodia.
| | - Peng Bun Ngor
- Wonders of the Mekong Project, C/O IFReDI, Fisheries Administration, No. 186, Preah Norodom Blvd., Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh, 12300, Cambodia
- Faculty of Fisheries, Royal University of Agriculture, Sangkat Dongkor, Khan Dongkor, P.O. Box 2696, Phnom Penh, 120501, Cambodia
| | - Sovan Lek
- Université de Toulouse, Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174, CNRS-Université Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse Cédex 4, France
| | - Kimsan Chann
- Faculty of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh, 12156, Cambodia
| | - Romduol Khoeun
- Faculty of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh, 12156, Cambodia
| | - Sudeep Chandra
- Global Water Center & Department of Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Zeb S Hogan
- Global Water Center & Department of Biology, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Sarah E Null
- Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
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Tiwari AD, Pokhrel Y, Kramer D, Akhter T, Tang Q, Liu J, Qi J, Loc HH, Lakshmi V. A synthesis of hydroclimatic, ecological, and socioeconomic data for transdisciplinary research in the Mekong. Sci Data 2023; 10:283. [PMID: 37188677 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02193-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mekong River basin (MRB) is a transboundary basin that supports livelihoods of over 70 million inhabitants and diverse terrestrial-aquatic ecosystems. This critical lifeline for people and ecosystems is under transformation due to climatic stressors and human activities (e.g., land use change and dam construction). Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand the changing hydrological and ecological systems in the MRB and develop improved adaptation strategies. This, however, is hampered partly by lack of sufficient, reliable, and accessible observational data across the basin. Here, we fill this long-standing gap for MRB by synthesizing climate, hydrological, ecological, and socioeconomic data from various disparate sources. The data- including groundwater records digitized from the literature-provide crucial insights into surface water systems, groundwater dynamics, land use patterns, and socioeconomic changes. The analyses presented also shed light on uncertainties associated with various datasets and the most appropriate choices. These datasets are expected to advance socio-hydrological research and inform science-based management decisions and policymaking for sustainable food-energy-water, livelihood, and ecological systems in the MRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Deep Tiwari
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Yadu Pokhrel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
| | - Daniel Kramer
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Tanjila Akhter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Qiuhong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Processes, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junguo Liu
- School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiaguo Qi
- Center for Global Change and Earth Observations, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Ho Huu Loc
- Water Engineering and Management, Asian Institute of Technology, Khlong Nueng, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Venkataraman Lakshmi
- Engineering Systems and Environment, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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9
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Zhang X, Jiang L, Liu Z, Kittel CMM, Yao Z, Druce D, Wang R, Tøttrup C, Liu J, Jiang H, Bauer-Gottwein P. Flow regime changes in the Lancang River, revealed by integrated modeling with multiple Earth observation datasets. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160656. [PMID: 36493828 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160656] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The flow regime change of rivers, especially transboundary rivers, affected by reservoir regulations is evident worldwide and has received much attention. Investigating dam-induced flow regime alterations is essential for understanding potential adverse downstream effects and facilitating dialogue around coordinated water use in transboundary basins, such as the Lancang River Basin (LRB). This study explored the value of combining several types of satellite Earth observation (EO) datasets that monitor different water balance components to constrain the parameter space of lumped conceptual hydrological models. Thus, we aimed to reconstruct the natural flow regimes upstream and downstream of the cascade reservoirs. Specifically, reservoir water storage changes were first estimated using satellite imagery and altimetry datasets. Then, storage changes were combined with hydrological model simulations of reservoir inflow to estimate the regulated flow regime downstream. Our results showed that integrated hydrological modeling combined with EO datasets exhibited better overall performance. Continuous warming and drying of the LRB resulted in a decrease in discharge of approximately 47 %. By comparing the simulated natural and regulated flow regimes, we revealed the pivotal role of the Xiaowan and Nuozhadu reservoirs in regulating natural flows. The wet season shortens (approximately 45 days), the flood peak flattens, and the low flow in the dry season has primarily increases. The two reservoirs attenuated 50 % of the flood peaks in the wet seasons and mitigated droughts by releasing up to 100 % of the natural flows in the dry seasons at the China-Laos border. Overall, these results enhance the understanding of upper reservoir operation, and the approaches can be applied to studies of dammed basins under climate change scenarios when knowledge of the upstream area is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Zhang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liguang Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Zhaofei Liu
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | | | - Zhijun Yao
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | - Rui Wang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | - Jun Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hou Jiang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peter Bauer-Gottwein
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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10
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Sun J, Du W, Lucas MC, Ding C, Chen J, Tao J, He D. River fragmentation and barrier impacts on fishes have been greatly underestimated in the upper Mekong River. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 327:116817. [PMID: 36459786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116817] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
River barriers reduce river connectivity and lead to fragmentation of fish habitats, which can result in decline or even extinction of aquatic biota, including fish populations. In the Mekong basin, previous studies have mainly focused on the impacts of large dams but ignored the impacts of small-scale barriers, or drew conclusions from incomplete barrier databases, potentially leading to research biases. To test the completeness of existing databases and to evaluate the catchment-scale fragmentation level, a detailed investigation of river barriers for the whole Upper Mekong (Lancang catchment) was performed, by conducting visual interpretation of high-resolution remotely sensed images. Then, a complete catchment-scale barrier database was created for the first time. By comparing our barrier database with existing databases, this study indicates that 93.7% of river barriers were absent from the existing database, including 75% of dams and 99.5% of small barriers. Barrier density and dendritic connectivity index (DCID and DCIP) were used to measure channel fragmentation within the catchment. Overall, 50.5% of sub-catchments contained river barriers. The Middle region is the most fragmented area within the Lancang catchment, with a median [quartiles] barrier density of 5.34 [0.70-9.67] per 100 km, DCIP value of 49.50 [21.50-90.00] and DCID value of 38.50 [9.00-92.25]. Furthermore, since 2010, distribution ranges of two representative fish species Schizothorax lissolabiatus (a rheophilic cyprinid) and Bagarius yarrelli (a large catfish) have reduced by 19.2% and 32.8% respectively, probably due in part to the construction of river barriers. Our findings indicate that small-scale barriers, in particular weirs and also small dams are the main reason for habitat fragmentation in the Lancang and must be considered alongside large dams in water management and biodiversity conservation within the Mekong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrui Sun
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Weilong Du
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Martyn C Lucas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Chengzhi Ding
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Jinnan Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Juan Tao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Daming He
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of International Rivers and Transboundary Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Institute of International Rivers and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
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11
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Grundy-Warr C, Andrews RH, Khuntikeo N, Petney TN. RAW ATTITUDES: Socio-Cultures, Altered Landscapes, and Changing Perceptions of an Underestimated Disease. Recent Results Cancer Res 2023; 219:281-347. [PMID: 37660338 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35166-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Raw attitudes relate to the food cultures, eating habits, and behaviours of people in relation to the consumption of raw, partially cooked, and fermented freshwater fish dishes, which puts people at risk of Ophistochis viverrini and other parasitic infections. The chapter reviews raw attitudes within the countries and across the borders of the greater Mekong region, particularly northeast Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Rather than treat each nation-state as an isolated epidemiological box, the chapter explores transborder complexity in relation to multiple anthropogenic transformations to the landscapes of the region and developmental impacts upon ecosystems and life cycles. Economic projects such as multiple hydropower dams, irrigation schemes, water-diversions, roads, and aquaculture ponds have significant impacts on FTZ life-cycle dynamics. In addition, many ecological changes are transboundary ones, and there are added complications relating human mobility, altered agrarian landscapes, and significant numbers of migrant workers. The chapter also examines public health programmes and educational interventions which are altering perceptions of O. viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma over time. A key argument is the need for transdisciplinary scientific and social science strategies alongside multi-pronged health interventions, such as 'the CASCAP model'. There exist many unknowns and gaps relating to widespread anthropogenic modifications upon life cycles, upon lifestyles, livelihoods, and human behaviours, which require research projects that span socio-economic, ecological, geographical, and public health dynamics of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Grundy-Warr
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Ross H Andrews
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Narong Khuntikeo
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Trevor N Petney
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Departments of Zoology and Paleontology and Evolution, State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe, Erbprinzenstrasse 13, 76133, Karlsruhe, Germany
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12
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Araujo RDS, Bobrowiec PED, de Moura RT, Magnusson WE. The impact of a run‐of‐the‐river hydroelectric dam on a non‐volant small‐mammal assemblage in Brazilian Amazonia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raylenne da Silva Araujo
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ecologia Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) Manaus Brazil
| | | | | | - William Ernest Magnusson
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Ecologia Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) Manaus Brazil
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13
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Lan F, Haisen W, Yan Y. Spatial-Temporal Variations of Water Quality in Urban Rivers after Small Sluices Construction: A Case in Typical Regions of the Taihu Lake Basin. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12453. [PMID: 36231753 PMCID: PMC9565021 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912453] [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: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban river pollution is considered a 'necessary evil' consequence of disproportionate developmental expansion in metropolises. Unprecedented expansion and anthropic activities lead to the deterioration of urban rivers with municipal and industrial sewage. The construction of sluices is one of the irrefutable parts of the process. In order to prevent floods and drought, many cities build sluices and dams in rivers to balance water quantity in different seasons. To explore the change characteristics of the water quality in urban rivers after the construction of sluices and dams, the change in the total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations upstream and downstream of rivers was investigated under the condition of sluices closure in Wuxi. According to the results, when the sluices were closed, the pollutants of TP and TN would accumulate upstream in rivers, which caused the water quality in the upper reaches to be worse than that in the lower reaches. Specifically, the TN and TP concentrations downstream of urban rivers in Wuxi were approximately 14.42% and 13.80% lower than those upstream when the sluices were closed. Additionally, the water quality in urban rivers was usually better in summer and autumn than in the other seasons, showing obvious seasonality after the construction of the sluices. The research will provide a theoretical basis for future sluice operation and the water resources management of urban rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lan
- College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- College of Environment and Biology, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wang Haisen
- College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Taihu Water Pollution Prevention and Control Research Center, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Nanjing 210042, China
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14
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Kang H, Sridhar V, Ali SA. Climate change impacts on conventional and flash droughts in the Mekong River Basin. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155845. [PMID: 35561902 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent drought events in the Mekong River Basin (MRB) have resulted in devastating environmental and economic losses, and climate change and human-induced alterations have exacerbated drought conditions. Using hydrologic models and multiple climate change scenarios, this study quantified the future climate change impacts on conventional and flash drought conditions in the MRB. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) models were applied to estimate long-term drought indices for conventional and flash drought conditions over historical and future periods (1966-2099), using two emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP8.5), and four climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). For the conventional drought assessment, monthly scale drought indices were estimated, and pentad-scale (5 days) drought indices were computed for the flash drought evaluations. There were overall increases in droughts from the SWAT model for the conventional drought conditions and overall decreases from the VIC model. For the flash drought conditions, the SWAT-driven drought indices showed overall increases in drought occurrences (up to 165%). On the contrary, the VIC-driven drought indices presented decreases in drought occurrences (up to -44%). The conventional and flash drought evaluations differ between these models as they partition the water budget, specifically soil moisture differently. We conclude that the proposed framework, which includes hydrologic models, various emission scenarios, and projections, allows us to assess the various perspectives on drought conditions. Basin countries have differential impacts, so targeted future adaptation strategy is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunwoo Kang
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Venkataramana Sridhar
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Syed A Ali
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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15
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Dao TS, Nguyen VT, Baduel C, Bui MH, Tran VT, Pham TL, Bui BT, Dinh KV. Toxicity of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate to a tropical micro-crustacean (Ceriodaphnia cornuta) is higher in Mekong River water than in standard laboratory medium. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:39777-39789. [PMID: 35113371 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18993-7] [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: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plasticizers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) are manufactured chemicals produced in high volumes. These chemicals are frequently detected in the aquatic environment and cause toxic effects on organisms. In this study, we assessed the chronic impacts of DEHP and TBOEP, respectively, at the concentration of 100 µg L-1 dissolved in the artificial medium (M4/4) and Mekong River water on life history traits of a tropical micro-crustacean, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, for 14 days. DEHP and TBOEP substantially reduced the survival of C. cornuta. In M4/4 medium, both plasticizers strongly enhanced reproduction but did not influence the growth of C. cornuta. Mekong River water, plasticizers-exposed C. cornuta produced less neonates than those in the control. The detrimental impacts of DEHP and TBOEP on the fitness of C. cornuta were much stronger in natural river water than in M4/4. Our results suggest that plasticizers can cause adverse effects on tropical freshwater cladocerans, particularly in natural water. These results are of a deep concern, as national and international regulatory guidelines which are based on ecotoxicological tests using standard media may not fully capture these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh-Son Dao
- Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- CARE, HCMUT, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Van-Tai Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- CARE, HCMUT, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Christine Baduel
- IRD, CNRS, Grenoble INP, Institut Des Géosciences Et de L'Environnement (IGE), Université Grenoble Alpes, 38050, Grenoble, France
| | - Manh-Ha Bui
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Viet Tuan Tran
- Environmental Monitoring Division, Institute for Tropical Technology and Environmental Protection, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Luu Pham
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Graduate University of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 85 Tran Quoc Toan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ba-Trung Bui
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Environment and Resources, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Khuong V Dinh
- Department of Fisheries Biology, Nha Trang University, Nha Trang City, Vietnam
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindernvn. 31, 0371, Oslo, Norway
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Impact of Water Fluctuation from a Dam on the Mekong River on the Hatching Success of Two Sandbar-Nesting Birds: A Case Study from Bueng Kan Province, Thailand. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14111755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dam construction for the provision of hydropower and a stable water supply poses a major threat to freshwater biodiversity. Water fluctuation due to dam management has adverse effects on local people and biodiversity in downstream areas, including sandbar-nesting birds. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of water levels controlled by upstream dams on the breeding success of two sandbar-nesting birds, the little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius, and little pratincole, Glareola lacteal, along the Mekong River in Bueng Kan Province, Thailand. During January–May 2018, we found 160 active nests of only two species, the little ringed plover (n = 26 nests, 288 exposure days) and the little pratincole (n = 134 nests, 890 exposure days). Their nest success rates were 19.49 ± 7.52% and 5.54 ± 1.61%, respectively. Predation was a major cause of nest failure for both species (n = 82), followed by flooding (n = 44). We found a significantly increased probability of nest flooding when the water level was higher than when the nest was initiated for those located closer to the water, particularly during March and April, when water levels fluctuated. Our results indicate that dams threaten sandbar-nesting species.
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17
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Evaluation of Decarbonization Technologies for ASEAN Countries via an Integrated Assessment Tool. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14105827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A new assessment tool for evaluating decarbonization technologies that considers each technology’s sustainability, security, affordability, readiness, and impact for a specific country is proposed. This tool is applied to a set of decarbonization technologies for the power, transport, and industry sectors for the ten Southeast Asian countries that constitute ASEAN. This results in a list of the most promising decarbonization technologies, as well as the remaining issues that need more research and development. This study reveals several common themes for ASEAN’s decarbonization. First, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key technology for large-scale CO2 emission. Second, for countries that rely heavily on coal for power generation, switching to gas can halve their CO2 emission in the power sector and should be given high priority. Third, hydropower and bioenergy both have high potential for the majority of ASEAN countries if their sustainability issues can be resolved satisfactorily. Fourth, replacing conventional vehicles by electric vehicles is the overarching theme in the road transport sector, but will result in increased demand for electricity. In the medium to long term, the use of hydrogen for marine fuel and biofuels for aviation fuel are preferred solutions for the marine and aviation transport sectors. Fifth, for the industry sector, installing CCS in industrial plants should be given priority, but replacing fossil fuels by blue hydrogen for high-temperature heating is the preferred long-term solution.
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18
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Pumped Storage Hydropower for Sustainable and Low-Carbon Electricity Grids in Pacific Rim Economies. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15093139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Because generating electricity significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement and 2021 Glasgow Climate Pact requires rapidly transitioning to zero or low-emissions electricity grids. Though the installation of renewables-based generators—predominantly wind and solar-based systems—is accelerating worldwide, electrical energy storage systems, such as pumped storage hydropower, are needed to balance their weather-dependent output. The authors of this paper are the first to examine the status and potential for pumped storage hydropower development in 24 Pacific Rim economies (the 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation plus Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar). We show that there is 195 times the pumped storage hydropower potential in the 24 target economies as would be required to support 100% renewables-based electricity grids. Further to the electrical energy storage potential, we show that pumped storage hydropower is a low-cost, low-greenhouse-gas-emitting electrical energy storage technology that can be sited and designed to have minimal negative (or in some cases positive) social impacts (e.g., requirements for re-settlement as well as impacts on farming and livelihood practices) and environmental impacts (e.g., impacts on water quality and biodiversity). Because of the high potential for pumped storage hydropower-based electrical energy storage, only sites with low negative (or positive) social and environmental impacts such as brownfield sites and closed-loop PSH developments (where water is moved back and forth between two reservoirs, thus minimally disturbing natural hydrology) need be developed to support the transition to zero or low-carbon electricity grids. In this way, the advantages of well-designed and -sited pumped storage hydropower can effectively address ongoing conflict around the social and environmental impacts of conventional hydropower developments. Noting the International Hydropower Association advocacy for pumped storage hydropower, we make recommendations for how pumped storage hydropower can sustainably reduce electricity-sector greenhouse gas emissions, including through market reforms to encourage investment and the application of standards to avoid and mitigate environmental and social impacts.
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19
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From a Hard to Soft Approach for Flood Management in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: Integrating Ecological Engineering for Urban Sustainability in My Tho City. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14071079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Flooding is one of the leading challenges faced by delta cities in the world. Flood risk management using flood control infrastructure (FCI) is a popular solution to prevent flood damage; however, this is receiving enormous criticism due to its negative impacts on urban ecosystems. Recently, there have been new approaches to flood risk management that gradually shifted the focus away from FCI, such as ecological infrastructure (EI) based approaches. However, the conventional thinking that cities cannot be safe without FCI seems an immutable one, especially in developing countries. This study firstly assessed human–river interaction in direct relation to FCI and outlined the limitations of FCI. Then, an urban ecology research model was used to conduct a case study in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), in which the interaction between factors, including riverine urbanization, FCI formation dynamics, the changing hydrological regime, flood risk, and riverine ecosystem degradation were evaluated. Due to the dynamism and complexity of the interactions between humans and rivers at the VMD, this study attempts to demonstrate that building the ability to adapt to flood risks based on EI will have a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of delta cities. Through a case study in My Tho City (MTC) a flood resilience management scenario for a riverine urban area along the Mekong River was developed to discuss the role of EI in flood risk reduction and the restoration of riverine native ecosystems. The findings from this study suggests that EI should be considered as an effective and indispensable design tool for the conservation of riparian ecological corridors and public open spaces—which is a major challenge for urban areas in the context of increasing climate change impacts in the VMD.
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Wang Y, Wu N, Tang T, Wang Y, Cai Q. Small run-of-river hydropower dams and associated water regulation filter benthic diatom traits and affect functional diversity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152566. [PMID: 34952048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152566] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of benthic diatom traits can help understand ecosystem function and guide biodiversity conservation. This is particularly important in rivers on which there are small run-of-river dams, which currently receive less attention. These dams generate power by drawing water from upstream and discharging it downstream after a large drop in penstock. We examine 15 functional diatom traits in habitats upstream, surrounding, and downstream of 23 small run-of-river dams in Xiangxi River, China. We compare the effects of these small dams on benthic diatom species traits, and taxonomic and functional diversity, from 90 sites. Dams change local environmental (e.g., channel width, flow velocity, depth) and physicochemical (e.g., dissolved oxygen, water temperature) variables, and a shift in diatom life forms and guilds is apparent, from taxa with strong attachment and low profile in high velocity waters (i.e., H1, H2 and H4) to those with weak attachment or that are planktonic below dams and outlets (i.e., H3 and H5), and towards high profile taxa below dams. Significant differences in biodiversity, particularly in functional richness, redundancy, and evenness, are apparent. Species and functional diversity indices are influenced by physical and chemical environmental factors (especially flow velocity and water depth). We found that diatom functional traits reflect longitudinal changes in flow and ecological condition, and suggest that monitoring such traits could be useful in adjusting flows to minimize ecosystem impacts. To maintain ecological flow and reasonable water depth within rivers we advocate for improved connectivity, carrying capacity and resilience of water ecosystems via a long-term, trait-based understanding of the impacts of small run-of-river dams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaochun Wang
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Techniques, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Naicheng Wu
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Techniques, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuyu Wang
- Department of Geography and Spatial Information Techniques, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Qinghua Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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21
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A Review of the Status of Fossil and Renewable Energies in Southeast Asia and Its Implications on the Decarbonization of ASEAN. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15062152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The ten nations of Southeast Asia, collectively known as ASEAN, emitted 1.65 Gtpa CO2 in 2020, and are among the most vulnerable nations to climate change, which is partially caused by anthropogenic CO2 emission. This paper analyzes the history of ASEAN energy consumption and CO2 emission from both fossil and renewable energies in the last two decades. The results show that ASEAN’s renewable energies resources range from low to moderate, are unevenly distributed geographically, and contributed to only 20% of total primary energy consumption (TPEC) in 2015. The dominant forms of renewable energies are hydropower, solar photovoltaic, and bioenergy. However, both hydropower and bioenergy have substantial sustainability issues. Fossil energies depend heavily on coal and oil and contribute to 80% of TPEC. More importantly, renewable energies’ contribution to TPEC has been decreasing in the last two decades, despite the increasing installation capacity. This suggests that the current rate of the addition of renewable energy capacity is inadequate to allow ASEAN to reach net-zero by 2050. Therefore, fossil energies will continue to be an important part of ASEAN’s energy mix. More tools, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen, will be needed for decarbonization. CCS will be needed to decarbonize ASEAN’s fossil power and industrial plants, while blue hydrogen will be needed to decarbonize hard-to-decarbonize industrial plants. Based on recent research into regional CO2 source-sink mapping, this paper proposes six large-scale CCS projects in four countries, which can mitigate up to 300 Mtpa CO2. Furthermore, this paper identifies common pathways for ASEAN decarbonization and their policy implications.
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22
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Politicization of the Hydropower Dams in the Lancang-Mekong Basin: A Review of Contemporary Environmental Challenges. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15051682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To date, hydropower dams raise numerous interpretations about their impact on the Lancang-Mekong River. While most research studies analyze the negative aspects of hydropower development on people’s livelihoods and local environments, the hydropower sector was historically one of the most iconic economic segments facilitating transboundary water cooperation for decades. By using the constructive discourse analysis and critical political ecology approach, the presented text (1) outlines the current environmental narratives over the Lancang-Mekong hydropower development and (2) explores the politicization of the Chinese mainstream dams. The data were collected upon the multi-level content analysis of relevant sources and double-checked with the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and Conflict Database (LMCCD) monitoring over 4000 water-related events among six riparian countries between 1990 and 2021. Our data show that (i) there is a stark contrast in positive and negative narratives over the rapid hydropower development, (ii) the impact of mainstream dams on the river is more often discussed than that of tributary dams, (iii) implications of the hydropower dams are often interpreted upon the non-traditional research inputs rather than widely accepted studies, and (iv) developing the contradictory arguments through social and public media contributes to greater polarization of the multi-stakeholders’ viewpoints in the accountable research dialogue.
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23
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Sustainable Surface Water Storage Development: Measuring Economic Benefits and Ecological and Social Impacts of Reservoir System Configurations. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14030307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper illustrates an approach to measuring economic benefits and ecological and social impacts of various configurations of reservoir systems for basin-wide planning. It suggests indicators and examines their behavior under several reservoir arrangement scenarios using two river basins in Sri Lanka as examples. A river regulation index is modified to take into account the volume of flow captured by reservoirs and their placement and type. Indices of connectivity illustrate that the lowest river connectivity in a basin results from a single new reservoir placed on the main stem of a previously unregulated river between the two locations that command 50% and 75% of the basin area. The ratio of the total affected population to the total number of beneficiaries is shown to increase as the cumulative reservoir capacity in a river basin increases. An integrated index comparing the performance of different reservoir system configurations shows that while results differ from basin to basin, the cumulative effects of a large number of small reservoirs may be comparable to those with a few large reservoirs, especially at higher storage capacities.
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Mohammed IN, Bolten JD, Souter NJ, Shaad K, Vollmer D. Diagnosing challenges and setting priorities for sustainable water resource management under climate change. Sci Rep 2022; 12:796. [PMID: 35039568 PMCID: PMC8764062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing transboundary river basins requires balancing tradeoffs of sustainable water use and coping with climate uncertainty. We demonstrate an integrated approach to exploring these issues through the lens of a social-ecological system, combining remote and in-situ earth observations, hydrologic and climate models, and social surveys. Specifically, we examine how climate change and dam development could impact the Se Kong, Se San and Sre Pok rivers in the Mekong region. We find that climate change will lead to increased precipitation, necessitating a shift in dam operations, from maintaining low flows to reducing flood hazards. We also find that existing water governance systems in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are ill-prepared to address the problem. We conclude that the solution space for addressing these complex issues will be highly constrained unless major deficiencies in transboundary water governance, strategic planning, financial capacity, information sharing, and law enforcement are remedied in the next decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Nourein Mohammed
- Science Applications International Corporation, Hydrological Sciences Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Mail Code 617.0, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA.
| | - John D Bolten
- Hydrological Sciences Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Mail Code 617.0, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA
| | - Nicholas J Souter
- Conservation International, Greater Mekong Program, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Kashif Shaad
- Conservation International, Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
| | - Derek Vollmer
- Conservation International, Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
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25
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Ly K, Metternicht G, Marshall L. Transboundary river basins: Scenarios of hydropower development and operation under extreme climate conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:149828. [PMID: 34500272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149828] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Transboundary river basins across developing countries, such as the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB), are challenging to manage given frequent divergences on development and conservation priorities. Driven by needs to sustain economic performance and reduce poverty, the LMB countries are embarking on significant land use changes in the form of more hydropower dams, to satisfy growing energy demands. This pathway could lead to irreversible changes to the ecosystem of the Mekong River, if not properly managed. Given the uncertain environmental externalities and trade-offs associated with further hydropower development and operation in the LMB, this research develops four plausible scenarios of future hydropower operation, and assesses their likely impact on streamflow and instream total suspended solids and nitrate loads of the Mekong River. The findings suggest that further hydropower operations on either tributary or mainstream could result in annual and wet season flow reduction between 11 and 25% while increase dry season flows by 1 to 15%, when compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Conversely, hydropower operation on both tributary and mainstream could result in dry season flow reduction between 10 and 15%. Both instream TSS and nitrate loads are forecasted to reduce under all three scenarios by as much as 78 and 20%, respectively, compared to the business-as-usual one. These effects are predicted to magnify under extreme climate conditions with dry season flow, TSS, and nitrate levels reduced by as much as 44, 81 and 35%, respectively, during a projected extreme dry climate condition, but less severe under improved operational alternatives. With further hydropower development in the LMB being highly unavoidable, these findings can inform effective transboundary management pathways for balancing electricity generation and protection of riverine ecology, water and food security, and people livelihoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongmeng Ly
- School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
| | - Graciela Metternicht
- School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Lucy Marshall
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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26
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Chhuoy S, Hogan ZS, Chandra S, Chheng P, Touch B, Utsugi K, Ngor PB. Daily otolith ring validation, age composition, and origin of the endangered striped catfish in the Mekong. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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27
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Changing Land Use and Population Density Are Degrading Water Quality in the Lower Mekong Basin. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13141948] [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
Establishing reference conditions in rivers is important to understand environmental change and protect ecosystem integrity. Ranked third globally for fish biodiversity, the Mekong River has the world’s largest inland fishery providing livelihoods, food security, and protein to the local population. It is therefore of paramount importance to maintain the water quality and biotic integrity of this ecosystem. We analyzed land use impacts on water quality constituents (TSS, TN, TP, DO, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−) in the Lower Mekong Basin. We then used a best-model regression approach with anthropogenic land-use as independent variables and water quality parameters as the dependent variables, to define reference conditions in the absence of human activities (corresponding to the intercept value). From 2000–2017, the population and the percentage of crop, rice, and plantation land cover increased, while there was a decrease in upland forest and flooded forest. Agriculture, urbanization, and population density were associated with decreasing water quality health in the Lower Mekong Basin. In several sites, Thailand and Laos had higher TN, NO3−, and NH4+ concentrations compared to reference conditions, while Cambodia had higher TP values than reference conditions, showing water quality degradation. TSS was higher than reference conditions in the dry season in Cambodia, but was lower than reference values in the wet season in Thailand and Laos. This study shows how deforestation from agriculture conversion and increasing urbanization pressure causes water quality decline in the Lower Mekong Basin, and provides a first characterization of reference water quality conditions for the Lower Mekong River and its tributaries.
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28
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Aswani RS, Sajith S, Bhat MY. Realigning India's Vietnam Policy Through Cooperative Sustainable Development: a Geostrategic Counterbalancing to China in Indo-Pacific. EAST ASIA (PISCATAWAY, N.J.) 2021; 39:97-115. [PMID: 34276182 PMCID: PMC8276536 DOI: 10.1007/s12140-021-09371-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vietnam is a key player in India's Act East Policy and is distressed due to China's overarching position in the South China Sea. China's expanding infrastructural investments in India's periphery have led to a regional security dilemma in Indian Ocean Region. India is steered to pursue opportunities to counter China in the latter's periphery, to which Vietnam fits as an apt ally. Hence, this paper examines the heightened need for realigning India's Vietnam policy in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explains how bilateral cooperation through sustainable trade, renewable energy production, and green investments can offer a "counter" to Chinese expansion in Indo-Pacific and its Belt and Road Initiative. This paper uses the theoretical framework of Balance of Power to enumerate how geostrategic policy decisions in India-Vietnam bilateral relations can create a "counterbalance" to the Chinese investments in India's neighborhood, especially in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. S. Aswani
- School for Life, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007 India
| | - Shambhu Sajith
- Department of Energy Management, School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007 India
| | - Mohammad Younus Bhat
- Department of Economics and International Business, School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248007 India
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29
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Ji Q, Li K, Wang Y, Liang R, Feng J, Yuan Q, Zhang P, Zhu DZ. Total dissolved gases induced tolerance and avoidance behaviors in pelagic fish in the Yangtze River, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 216:112218. [PMID: 33845365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation caused by dam operations can cause fish gas bubble disease (GBD) and even fish kill. Few studies have examined the effects on pelagic species. Here, we examined the tolerance and avoidance characteristics of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), a pelagic fish widely distributed in the Yangtze River basin in China, under stress caused by TDG supersaturation. Silver carp had an average mortality rate of 7.5% ± 1.8%, 92.5% ± 1.8%, and 97.5% ± 1.8% under 130%, 140% and 150% TDG supersaturation for 72 h of exposure, respectively. The average median lethal time (LT50) of silver carp was 18.1 h and 8.0 h under 140% and 150% TDG supersaturation, respectively. Bubbles and congestion appeared in the fins, gills and skin of silver carp. Silver carp can detect and avoid high TDG supersaturation. Significant avoidance behaviors were displayed by silver carp and the final avoidance rate was over 80% under 130% or above TDG conditions. The results of this study indicate that 130% TDG supersaturation triggered silver carp avoidance behaviors, and can be considered as the tolerance threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianfeng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kefeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuanming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Ruifeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jingjie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - David Z Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
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30
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Sustainable Surface Water Storage Development Pathways and Acceptable Limits for River Basins. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13050645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper addresses the questions of acceptable upper limits for storage development and how best to deploy storage capacity in the long-term planning of built surface water storage in river basins. Storage-yield curves are used to establish sustainable storage development pathways and limits for a basin under a range of environmental flow release scenarios. Optimal storage distribution at a sub-basin level, which complies with an identified storage development pathway, can also be estimated. Two new indices are introduced—Water Supply Sustainability and Environmental Flow Sustainability—to help decide which pathways and management strategies are the most appropriate for a basin. Average pathways and conservative and maximum storage limits are illustrated for two example basins. Conservative and maximum withdrawal limits from storage are in the range of 45–50% and 60–65% of the mean annual runoff. The approach can compare the current level of basin storage with an identified pathway and indicate which parts of a basin are over- or under-exploited. A global storage–yield–reliability relationship may also be developed using statistics of annual basin precipitation to facilitate water resource planning in ungauged basins.
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