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Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences

Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges

Environmental changes, whether at a local scale (e.g. land-cover changes, pollution, hydromorphological modifications and invasive species introduction) or on a global scale (e.g. climate change), have led to the decline of many aquatic species and the weakening of ecosystem function. Additionally, the escalation in human activities, including water extraction, flow regulation, pollution and habitat fragmentation, has exerted significant pressure on both surface and subsurface freshwater resources. Such alterations have profoundly disrupted the delivery of ecosystem services, thereby affecting human wellbeing. Conservation efforts and restoration initiatives are crucial for improving biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ensuring the availability of clean water and other vital ecosystem services. This collection highlights the latest developments in these fields, as discussed at the 6th International Symposium on Water Pollution and Treatment (ISWPT 2023, 14–15 October 2023, Bangkok, Thailand). The articles herein primarily concentrate on the sustainable enhancement of freshwater ecological system monitoring and assessment methods, the identification of indicator species, and the preservation of ecosystem services.

Collection Editor: Yong Xiao

Last Updated: 19 Dec 2024

The inter-provincial panel data of China’s Yangtze River Delta from 2011 to 2020 were utilised, and quantitative analysis was conducted on the pollution- and carbon-reduction subsystem of the Yangtze River Delta on the basis of the composite-system co-ordinated-degree model, evaluating the order degree, internal co-ordinated degree, and composite-system co-ordinated degree, according to which we came to the relevant conclusions.

This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

MF24019Exploration of factors of algal seasonal blooms in a drinking-water source

Ailan Yan 0000-0002-9502-3330, Feilai Qian, Yande Li, Dongsheng Qian, Yongfei Chen and Dong Xu 0000-0002-9111-1245

Algal bloom is a global public environmental issue. Lakes and reservoirs are prone to algal blooms because of their relatively static water flow. In the drinking-water source reservoir with low concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, there will still be seasonal algal outbreaks, in which light intensity and temperature are important factors affecting algal growth.

This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

MF24135Spatiotemporal variations of precipitation patterns in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River Basin

Yang Xiao, Ran Gu, Qiang Zhou, Mengyang Chen, Taotao Zhang, Chen Xu 0000-0001-8008-2963 and Zhenhong Zhu

Exploring trends in rainfall across the middle and lower Yangtze River Basin from 1961 to 2022, this study showed a shift from reduced fluctuations to increased precipitation c. 2011, becoming notably pronounced after 2017. Utilising ARIMA models and expert techniques, it forecast future trends, aiding flood management and climate adaptation strategies, with implications for advanced climate modelling and data analytics.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

This study introduces a new model for evaluating urban water management, blending social, economic and environmental factors. The model helps cities better assess and manage their water resources, promoting sustainability and economic progress. By improving water-saving strategies and addressing urban water challenges, the research offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming for sustainable urban development.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: New Trends and Future Challenges.

Lake tourism-optimisation water-conservancy projects are indeed conducive to creating a safe leisure and tourism environment, thereby enhancing human interaction, historical monument protection and local visibility. However, problems such as shortage of basic public facilities and excessive tourism waste will still affect people’s perception of the local environment and willingness to consume.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: New Trends and Future Challenges.

MF24090Biodiversity conservation and restoration of wetlands in suburban areas: challenges and prospects

Shaoyi Wang, Hailan Yu, Huabin Shentu, Caiwei Gu, Senjun Huang, Libing Wang, Heng Zheng, Junchao Ma, Jianguang Wang and Jun Wei 0009-0006-5945-2978

This investigation showed degraded wetland biodiversity near urbanising Hangzhou, with habitat loss to development, water pollution and invasive species. Strategic planning integrating ecological restoration and sustainable development is urgently needed to conserve these ecosystems critical for wildlife and human communities.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

MF23166Monitoring tropical freshwater fish with underwater videography and deep learning

Andrew Jansen 0000-0002-9215-7819, Steve van Bodegraven, Andrew Esparon, Varma Gadhiraju, Samantha Walker, Constanza Buccella, Kris Bock, David Loewensteiner, Thomas J. Mooney, Andrew J. Harford 0000-0002-0330-7505, Renee E. Bartolo and Chris L. Humphrey

Illustration depicting monitoring tropical freshwater fish with underwater magnification and deep learning.

Tropical freshwater fish assemblages monitored in Kakadu National Park were measured using underwater videography, and counted by trained human observers and artificial intelligence (AI). Over 3 years of monitoring, both AI and trained human observers detected the same changes in overall fish assemblage composition. However, AI consistenly underestimated the abundance of small-growing schooling fish. Image credit: Andrew Jansen.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: New Trends and Future Challenges.

Freshwater-quality prediction is crucial for monitoring pollution risks and assessing changes in freshwater ecosystems. Whereas Kriging is a precise interpolation method for predicting freshwater quality, selecting key parameters, regression functions and correlation functions remains challenging. Therefore, this study proposed an adaptive weighted-average Kriging (AWAK) method that outperforms traditional Kriging in predicting pH and dissolved oxygen, reducing prediction errors significantly. Overall, AWAK improved freshwater-quality prediction and provided an effective approach in freshwater-ecology research.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems.

The association of fish larvae and juveniles with aquatic macrophytes was investigated in a cascade of small hydroelectric power plants. We collected 29 taxa and used macrophyte banks for their initial development. We demonstrated that these habitats are important for the conservation and management of the local fish fauna, mainly because of the absence of typical nursery areas (tributary mouths, marginal lagoons).

This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

In this study, a multifactor and multilayer comprehensive early risk-warning method was established to improve the timeliness and accuracy of risk warning for nuclear power plant operation under the stress of Phaeocystis globosa blooms.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems.

MF24022A study on water quality and pollution source investigation of Jinkengling Reservoir

Yiting Qi 0009-0006-6921-8536, Xin Cao, Ruisi Cao, Mingjie Cao, Jing Huang and Dong Xu 0000-0002-9111-1245

Eutrophication pollution has become an important ecological problem in the world. This paper mainly analyses the current water quality of a reservoir, and on this basis, conducts an in-depth investigation and calculation of the reservoir pollution sources, evaluates the current degree of eutrophication pollution of the reservoir, and provides reference for the effective management and management of the subsequent reservoir.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

The seawater quality in the Dongji Island yellow croaker aquaculture area in Zhoushan, China, was assessed by the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Seawater quality was better in 2019 than in 2020, with overall water quality classified as Class I in both years. However, there were variations in water quality among individual months in 2020. The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method can be used in other regions to assess and manage seawater quality in aquaculture areas effectively.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems.

On the basis of research data from nine provinces in the Yellow River Basin, this study explored the incentives of water-rights confirmation in agriculture and its transmission mechanism for water conservation among farmers. The research findings indicated that water-rights confirmation in agriculture influences farmers’ willingness to conserve water and the amount of investment in water conservation.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: New Trends and Future Challenges.

MF24073Mahseer conservation in Asia: trends and insights from scientometric analysis

Nur Syuhada Iskandar, Noorashikin Md Noor 0000-0002-6747-5997, Zaidi Che Cob, Simon Kumar Das 0000-0003-0628-9995 and Sonia Kasihmuddin

Mahseer fish, listed as Data Deficient with a decreasing population trend in The IUCN Red List, is valuable. Scientometric studies evaluate research efficacy. This study assessed mahseer research in Asia by using scientometric analysis. Analysis from Web of Science database showed a slight upward trend. Scientific publications on mahseer exhibited a significant increase. Research in Asia has potential for future scientific endeavours. The findings highlighted the importance of understanding research trends to inform conservation efforts for mahseer species in Asia.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

MF24082Estimation of soil loss and sediment yield by using the modified RUSLE model in the Indus River basin, including the quantification of error and uncertainty in remote-sensing images

Muhammad Waseem Boota 0000-0003-0770-0715, Shan-e-hyder Soomro 0000-0003-1708-8451, Haoming Xia, Yaochen Qin, Syed Shahid Azeem, Chaode Yan, Weiran Luo, Ayesha Yousaf and Muhammad Azeem Boota

On the basis of the RUSLE model in LIR basin, key findings indicated varying degrees of soil erosion, with a significant portion experiencing severe erosion. The research also addressed the quantification of errors or uncertainties in remote-sensing data, particularly highlighting differences in delineation accuracy among Landsat 5, 7 and 8. The outcomes are essential for watershed management, offering insights into critical erosion sites and aiding in the development of conservation strategies.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

Land use–cover change affects habitat quality and sustainable growth. This study predicted 2030 land-use scenarios with the PLUS model and assessed habitat quality from 2010 to 2030 with InVEST in the Greater Bay Area around Hangzhou Bay. Limiting construction, protecting farmland and expanding green spaces are essential for improving habitat quality. Findings have provided insights for sustainable growth.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: New Trends and Future Challenges.