Articles tagged with Aquatic Ecosystems
A new study reveals triclosan is fueling the development of resistant bacteria in streams and rivers, disrupting native bacterial communities and potentially diminishing the usefulness of important antibiotics. Urban sites are most impacted by high levels of triclosan pollution from combined sewer overflows.
A new study reveals that the Eastern US is experiencing a significant increase in river alkalinity, with two-thirds of streams and rivers becoming more alkaline over the past 25 to 60 years. This rise in alkalinity can lead to water quality issues, harm aquatic life, and exacerbate salinization of freshwater.
A 10-year study found that diverse ecosystems are less likely to collapse after disturbances like climate change or pest invasion. Researchers suggest encouraging more types of plants in fields and woods to mitigate ecosystem damage.
A study analyzing 371 invasion studies found that six dominant invasion hypotheses have declining predictive power. The authors suggest filling gaps in empirical tests, specifying hypotheses for groups of organisms and habitats, considering invader-ecosystem interactions, and rejecting unsupported hypotheses. This decline in predictive...
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
Researchers measured gaseous nitrogen emissions in US lawns, finding denitrification removes excess nitrogen. Nitrogen removals were equivalent to 15% of annual fertilizer inputs, with most retained in lawn soils. The study's results are encouraging but highlight the need for further work on optimal soil management conditions.
The new book 'Urban Ecosystem Ecology' aims to understand the complexities of urban ecosystems and provide solutions for managing their environmental impacts. The book covers topics such as wildlife, water quality, air quality, and climate change, and offers practical guidance on green infrastructure planning and urban forestry.
Biodiversity in Oklahoma's rivers is declining due to environmental changes like water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Freshwater mussels play a crucial role in biofiltration and ecosystem services, highlighting the need for sustainable water management.
Researchers at the University of Florida and Berlin Museum found that prehistoric aquatic insects were trapped in resin flowing into swamps, becoming fossilized in amber. This discovery sheds light on prehistoric ecosystems and may help recreate ancient water environments.
A recent study suggests genetically engineered corn could have unintended consequences on aquatic ecosystems. Researchers found toxins from Bt corn were washing into streams near cornfields, causing increased mortality and reduced growth in caddisflies.
New mathematical studies suggest that oscillating biological populations can synchronize due to interactions like predation and competition. This phenomenon, known as synchronized chaos, can lead to unpredictable opportunities for invaders in ecosystems.
A study found that rivers north of 44° north latitude in the US and Canada experience earlier winter-spring streamflows, while those south of this line have later streamflows. This shift may impact Atlantic salmon survival rates.
Researchers have developed various methods to minimize predation conflicts, including fladry with electrically charged wires and paintball-type devices. However, it's essential to consider the complex psychological relationship between humans and predators when implementing these strategies.
Pearly mussel populations are declining due to negative growth rates and environmental degradation. Researchers urge simultaneous research and conservation actions to protect these ancient freshwater organisms.
High grazer diversity enhances biomass production, a key determinant of fish yield in aquatic ecosystems. Complex interactions between consumer diversity and plant diversity lead to emergent consequences, cautioning against extrapolating conclusions from plant diversity experiments.
Researchers found that losing species initially leads to reduced productivity, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in complex ecosystems. The study used a larger food web system, revealing a more dramatic effect than previously thought.
A year-long study predicts severe impacts of global warming on North American prairies, with water shortages and habitat loss threatening migratory birds. The changing climate could lead to further ecosystem upheavals, forcing native species out as nuisance plants move in.
The two miniature water worlds, designed by former Biosphere 2 crew members, have been safely transferred to the American space shuttle Atlantis for comprehensive testing of their effects on plants and animals in space. The experiments aim to provide insights into long-term human spaceflight and pharmaceutical research.