Articles tagged with Freshwater Ecology
The increasing salinity in freshwater habitats poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study proposes a research agenda to address the knowledge gaps and tackle the urgent needs from a global, regional, local, and temporal perspective.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
Researchers found that sulphur mollies create surface waves to deter predators, with the wave number decreasing capture probability. The collective behavior has anti-predator benefits, providing protection from bird attacks.
Scientists have found age rings in Marimo, indicating their growth rate and annual growth of up to 9mm. The study also shows how the algae balls recycle nutrients through a small-scale nutrient cycle, with exchanges occurring every 105 hours.
The excessive use of road salts in winter is contaminating drinking water sources and mobilizing harmful chemicals, according to a new UToledo study. The research suggests that reducing salt application can help mitigate negative environmental impacts, while also protecting human health.
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
Climate change-driven reductions in precipitation and river discharge will diminish the Amazon's hydropower capacity, according to a new study. As a result, alternative energy sources like solar and wind are expected to become more important.
A six-year international conservation project aims to revive 24,000 freshwater pearl mussels in Finland and surrounding areas by improving habitats and removing human-made barriers. The project uses innovative methods such as drone-based surveys and shell opening resistance tests to monitor the condition of individual mussels.
A recent global study on river ecosystems found that biodiversity loss can significantly impact the functioning of pristine water courses. The study, conducted by an international research network, revealed that alterations to ecosystems have severe and region-specific consequences.
A new study by Ohio State University provides the most accurate estimates of microcystin toxins in Lake Erie's western basin, revealing fluctuating concentrations over short distances. The research emphasizes the importance of frequent data collection to improve water safety and forecasting for the lake's estimated 11 million people.
Scientists have developed a global system to predict future warming of lakes, which could threaten cold-water species like salmon and trout. By 2100, average lake temperature is expected to rise by 4 degrees Celsius under extreme climate change scenarios.
Researchers develop new functional metrics to detect anthropic impacts in temporary rivers, surpassing traditional biological indicators. These metrics can be applied regardless of flow intermittence, providing precise environmental degradation detection.
In a recent study, male Trinidad Guppies were found to reach more novel food patches when in the presence of females. In contrast, female foraging was independent of male presence. The researchers suggest that life in a group can be advantageous, allowing individuals to share information and find food more easily.
Researchers have identified a single gene variation responsible for non-male-producing (NMP) trait in Daphnia, a type of planktonic crustacean. The discovery sheds new light on the species' unique reproductive strategies and could lead to innovations in fertility treatment or pest management.
Scientists confirm Alaska lake seals, a distinct population from ocean-dwelling cousins, rely on freshwater food sources throughout their lives. The study provides critical baseline information for developing conservation strategies, particularly as the region faces proposed industrial developments and climate change.
A study published in BioScience reveals that 61 percent of the world's 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, which could have ecological consequences. Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy food webs and dispersing seeds, making their decline a concern for ecosystems around the globe.
A research coordination network is being developed to improve understanding of intermittent rivers' ecology and hydrology. The network, led by OU biologist Daniel Allen, will synthesize existing data on US intermittent rivers to study their structure and function.
Researchers found that fish adjust their escape behavior and keep a safe distance outside the shooting range when a speargun is present. The level of timidity varies depending on the size of the fish, type of diver, and location within protected areas.
A recent international study suggests that LED lighting upgrades could lead to increased light pollution, as individuals and cities switch to brighter lamps. The 'rebound effect' might cancel out initial energy savings, causing global night-time surface brightness to increase by 2% annually.
Researchers propose a new approach to measure river ecosystem functionality, integrating process measurements to assess ecological status. The study synthesizes existing processes, criteria of use, and sensitivity to environmental stressors, offering a tool for researchers and managers.
A team of researchers led by Alena Gsell tested four statistical indicators to predict regime shifts in lakes. While some indicators showed promise, predicting crisis points was not always successful. Collecting more frequent and advanced data could improve early warning systems for lake ecosystems.
Researchers found that collective intelligence is more accurate than individual diagnoses when doctors have similar levels of accuracy. The study suggests that assembling groups with similar diagnostic abilities can lead to better medical outcomes.
A new study by UGA ecologist J. Vaun McArthur reveals high levels of antibiotic resistance in streams near the Savannah River Site due to environmental contaminants like metals. The contaminated streams have no known input from antibiotics and show that industrial legacy waste can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
A months-long literature search uncovered evidence that a microscopic aquatic parasite, Blastulidium paedophthorum, is a widespread and virulent multi-host parasite in southeastern Michigan lakes. The research found that the parasite significantly impacts host fecundity without reducing Daphnia lifespan.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that air pollution, specifically aerosols, increases river flows in the northern hemisphere. The research reveals a significant impact of solar dimming on enhanced river flows over regions in heavily industrialised areas.
A UC Riverside PhD student's study on how species interact with each other has been selected as this year's recipient of the Thomas M. Frost Award for Excellence in Graduate Research. The study found patterns that have never been seen before, including changes in the network structure of interacting plants and animals within ecosystems.
A comprehensive study of lake water composition reveals its strong connection with environmental factors, such as climate and hydrology. The research found that the chemical diversity of dissolved organic matter in lakes varies significantly depending on these factors.
Researchers found that opponents of dam removal value aesthetics, cultural heritage, and recreational activities, while supporters prioritize ecological benefits and game fish restoration. Compromise solutions may be challenging due to differing ecosystem service values.
Researchers highlight the importance of dry river ecology, which is under-researched but provides essential habitats for biota. Human societies use these areas for agriculture, recreation, and resource extraction, emphasizing the need to study intermittent river systems.
Researchers from the University of Leicester are working with Kenyan partners to develop demonstration projects for an ecologically sustainable source of flowers grown at Lake Naivasha. The project aims to reduce water use, improve ecosystem health, and increase access to clean water for local communities.
River restoration projects worldwide lack agreed upon criteria for judging ecological success, leading to constrained natural processes. A new approach emphasizes creating resilient systems and minimizing lasting harm to ensure successful restoration.
A new operations research model helps planners resolve conflicting demands by developing alternate relocation plans statistically, diagrammatically, and spatially. The most desirable policies generate incentives for stakeholders, including landlords, to participate in the housing mobility program.
Researchers found that zebra mussels stimulate bacterial production and increase numbers in sediment, but have a minor impact on the microbenthic community. The study suggests that zebra mussels may not disrupt normal processes of the microbenthic community.
A large multi-center study is testing the life-saving potential and cost effectiveness of public access defibrillation (PAD). PAD involves placing defibrillators in community locations, where trained volunteers can access them, to improve emergency treatment for sudden cardiac arrest victims.
Researchers will study the Chipewyan (or Dene Suline) language in the Cold Lake First Nations community as part of the three-year Daghida Project. The goal is to help start an immersion program for children and revive the language, which has been largely lost among younger generations.
Residents of the Otter Lake watershed formed a cooperative effort to reduce atrazine levels in their water supply, leading to a successful plan that reduced costs and improved environmental outcomes. The study highlights the importance of community culture and solidarity in responding to environmental crises.
Researchers developed a new approach to assess social determinants of health by examining issues like employment, housing, and education through the eyes of community residents. This approach gives a voice to those who are normally not heard, forcing experts to listen to their perspectives on quality of life.