scholarly journals Influence of flow velocity, river size, a dam, and an urbanized area on biodiversity of lowland rivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 292-302
Author(s):  
K. N. Ivicheva ◽  
N. N. Makarenkova ◽  
V. L. Zaytseva ◽  
D. A. Philippov

Biodiversity of aquatic organisms is formed under the influence of not only natural, but also anthropogenic factors. In this work, the influence of the flow velocity, river size, flow regulation and urbanization on various groups of aquatic organisms was studied in several lowland rivers. The study was conducted in 2013 on six tributaries of the Upper Sukhona River. Five sampling sites were in different parts of the Vologda River and five sites on small rivers, Losta, Lukhta, Komya, Chernyj Shingar, and Belyj Shingar (one site per river). Phytoplankton, zooplankton and zoobenthos were sampled six times, from April to October, and macrophytes were studied in August. In total, 469 species of aquatic organisms were found in the tributaries of the Upper Sukhona River, belonging to the following phyla: Cyanophyta (5 species), Chrysophyta (8), Bacillariophyta (62), Xanthophyta (1), Cryptophyta (10), Dinophyta (4), Euglenophyta (12), Chlorophyta (17), Streptophyta (1), Bryophyta (2), Marchantiophyta (3), Equisetophyta (1), Magnoliophyta (63), Rotifera (22), Cnidaria (1), Platyhelmintes (1), Annelida (29), Mollusca (33), Arthropoda (194). The maximum number of species was found in the Vologda River, the largest of all the tributaries. The number of zoobenthos species was similar at different sites in the Vologda River and in the small rivers. The number of species of other groups of aquatic organisms in the small rivers was lower than those registered in the Vologda River. The greatest number of macrophyte and zoobenthos species was recorded in the Upper Vologda River and Belyj Shingar River, where the flow is strong all the year round. The greatest number of phyto- and zooplankton species was found at the extra-city sites where current is almost absent. In the dam backwater, species richness was higher than that registered downstream of the dam. At the same time, the species richness of macrophytes and zoobenthos in the dam backwater was lower. The smallest number of species was found in the Vologda River, downstream of the city of Vologda. Decreases in the species richness and Shannon’s biodiversity index were witnessed in the Vologda River city site and in the small rivers, as they get closer to the city. Cluster analyses performed for the studied groups of aquatic organisms showed dissimilar results; however, the studied sites on the Vologda River having the highest anthropogenic load formed a cluster. Aquatic organisms of the Upper Sukhona tributaries experience both natural (flow velocity and size of the watercourse) and anthropogenic factors (proximity to the city and flow regulation).


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Khilchevskyi ◽  
M. Zabokrytska ◽  
N. Sherstyuk

The analysis of the hydrographic network of the Western Bug basin on the territory of Ukraine. This basin is estimated according to the requirements of the EUWater Framework Directive and has 2,044 rivers. Classification of the rivers of the Western Bug by area of drainage basins has shown the following results: in this basin within Ukraine there is one very big river, in fact this is the Western Bug itself. There are also three large rivers – Poltva, Rata and Luha. There are also 30 medium and 2,010 small rivers (among which 1,966 rivers have a length of less than 10 km). Theleading role of natural factors in the formation of the hydrocarbonate-calcium ion composition of the river waters of the Western Bug basin is determined. The content of the main ions and the salinity of the river waters are distin- guished by a sufficiently clear seasonal character: a decrease in the spring flood and an increase in the low water level (mineralization of the water of the Western Bug – 497-573 mg/l). Mineralization of the Poltva River (the left tributary of the Western Bug), located in the same natural conditions, is significantly different: in the area of the city of Lviv (the upper reaches of the Poltva River), it reaches 784-871 mg/l, and at the estuary of the river (Busk city, at the confluence of the Western Bug) is slightly reduced - 613-670 mg/l, while in the chemical type of water, sulfates and chlorides appear. This situation is explained by the discharge of sewage from the city of Lviv into the Poltva River. In the regime of nutrients, microelements, and also specific pollutants in the water of the West Bug, no general regularities in their seasonal variations were found, which is associated with the significant idiosyncratic character of the influence of anthropogenic factors on the formation of their concentrations. We estimated the balance of substances, both natural and anthropogenic, which are carried out with the waters of the Western Bug from the territory of Ukraine (93%), as well as from the territory of Poland (7%) to the border with Belarus. The comparative methodological approach allowed us to make a quantitative assessment of the significant influence of the Poltva River on the formation of the chemical composition of the water of the Western Bug, especially in its upper part. The share of Poltva's water flow when it flows into the Western Bug is 58% of its water flow. At the same time, the share of the total ion flow is higher – 66%. The share of the discharge of individual principal ions reaches: 76% (Cl-),87% (Mg2 +) and 98% (SO4 2-). For nitrogen, this figure is 68%, for phosphates – up to 80%.



2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 116-123
Author(s):  
A. P. Korzh ◽  
T. V. Zahovalko

Recently, the number of published works devoted to the processes of synanthropization of fauna, is growing like an avalanche, which indicates the extreme urgency of this theme. In our view, the process of forming devices to coexist with human and the results of his life reflects the general tandency of the modern nature evolution. Urbanization is characteristic for such a specific group of animals like amphibians, the evidence of which are numerous literature data. Many researchers use this group to assess the bioindicative quality of the environment. For this aim a variety of indicators are used: from the cellular level of life of organization up to the species composition of the group in different territories. At the same time, the interpretation of the results is not always comparable for different areas and often have significantly different interpretations by experts. Urban environment, primarily due to the contamination is extremely aggressive to amphibians. As a consequence, the urban populations of amphibians may be a change in the demographic structure, affecting the reproductive ability of the population, the disappearance of the most sensitive species or individuals, resizing animals, the appearance of abnormalities in the development, etc. At the same time play an important amphibians in the ecosystems of cities, and some species in these conditions even feel relatively comfortable. Therefore, it is interesting to understand the mechanisms of self-sustaining populations of amphibians in urban environments. To assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the development of amphibian populations were used cognitive modeling using the program Vensim PLE. Cognitive map of the model for urban and suburban habitat conditions were the same. The differences concerned the strength of connections between individual factors (migration, fertility, pollution) and their orientation. In general, factors like pollution, parasites, predators had negative impact on the population, reducing its number. The birth rate, food and migration contributed to raising number of individuals. Some of the factors affected on the strength to of each other as well: the majority of the factors affected the structure of the population, had an influence on the fertility. Thanks to it the model reflects the additive effect of complex of factors on the subsequent status of the population. Proposed and analyzed four scenarios differing strength and duration of exposure. In the first scenario, a one-time contamination occurs and not subsequently repeated. The second and third scenario assumes half board contamination, 1 year (2 scenario) and two years (scenario 3). In the fourth scenario, the pollution affected the population of amphibians constantly. In accordance with the results of simulation, much weaker than the natural populations respond to pollution - have them as an intensive population growth and its disappearance at constant pollution is slow. Changes to other parameters of the model showed that this pollution is the decisive factor -only the constant action leads to a lethal outcome for the populations. All other components of the model have a corrective effect on the population dynamics, without changing its underlying trand. In urban areas due to the heavy impact of pollution maintaining the population is only possible thanks to the migration process – the constant replenishment of diminishing micropopulations of natural reserves. This confirms the assumption that the form of existence metapopulations lake frog in the city. In order to maintain the number of amphibians in urban areas at a high level it is necessary to maintain existing migration routes and the creation of new ones. Insular nature of the placement of suitable habitats in urban areas causes the metapopulation structure of the types of urbanists. Therefore, the process of urbanization is much easier for those species whicht are capable of migration in conditions of city. In the initial stages of settling the city micropopulationis formed by selective mortality of the most susceptible individuals to adverse effects. In future, maintaining the categories of individuals is provided mainly due to migration processes metapopulisation form of the species of existence is supported). It should be noted that the changes in the previous levels are always saved in future. In the case of reorganizations of individuals we of morphology can assume the existence of extremely adverse environmental conditions that threaten the extinction of the micropopulations. 



2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.A. Komaromi ◽  
A.V. Putchkov ◽  
V.Yu. Nazarenko

A total of 54 species in 35 genera of Curculionidae are registered in the urbocenoses of Kharkiv city. Only three species, Exomias pellucidus, Otiorhynchus raucus and Ot. ovatus, are recorded as dominants. Some other species (Urometopus nemorum, Sciaphobus squalidus and Glocianus punctiger) are sporadically noted in some sites as subdominants. The total number of species turned out to be higher in the herpetobios of plantings at periphery (31), slightly lower in private farmlands of the city (21), parks and plantings of the center (17 each), but minimal in suburban forests (11 species). The highest quantity of specimens were observed for the plantations of the center and margins of city: nevertheless, minimal quantity of specimens was registered at parks and woods. The maximum number of species (including all cenoses) was recorded from the end of April to first decade of May (28 species). From May to the end of June 15–18 species were registered. Ten species were recorded at July, and only six species at August. A slight rise was noted from the end of August to mid-September (11 species). In biotopes where Exomias pellucidus appeared to be the monodominant, the seasonal dynamic density of weevils reached a peak at late May or early June, but the significant decline was observed from early June to July. At the sites with several dominants, two or three peaks were registered: at spring (May) and at mid-summer (end of June or beginning of July). Furthermore, the number of weevils decreased gradually, but some species of Curculionidae were rather abundant even from the end of summer to September–October. The spring increase is reasoned by high density of species in the genus Otiorhynchus; the peak in early summer (maximum) is caused by the increased activity of majority of dominant species; the autumn peak is also caused by the high number of species of the genus Otiorhynchus. The level of sex index (by the example of E. pellucidus) differed significantly at all plots. It was higher for the plantations at the periphery of the city (0.70), and it was minimal at private farmlands (0.20). Relative conjugacy of sex index and dynamic density were not observed: the maximum abundances of quantity of Curculionidae were recorded 20–30 days earlier than the maximal numbers of the sex index.



2017 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 57-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Gusev ◽  
O. S. Perminova ◽  
N. A. Startseva ◽  
A. G. Okhapkin

The latest special studies of the genus Synura in Russia were conducted in the 1970s. In the last decade, 14 new species of the genus were described based on molecular and morphological data. The total number of valid taxa of the genus has increased to 49. Only 18 taxa of Synura are known in Russia up to date, and the diver sity of the genus on this huge territory is strongly underestimated. Previous studies of the genus were focused mainly on large lakes or reservoirs. To reveal a more complete flora, it is necessary to include other habitats into account. Small urban rivers can be prospective habitats for interesting taxa including synuralean algae. Our study focuses on the taxonomic composition of the genus Synura in four small rivers in Nizhniy Novgorod (European Russia): Chyornaya, Levinka, Borzovka and Rzhavka. All the rivers flow in the city and fall under strong anthropogenic impact. The genus Synura was studied by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy during 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015. In total, eight species and one form of Synura have been found: S. conopea, S. curtispina, S. echinulata, S. glabra, S. macropora, S. petersenii, S. spinosa f. spinosa, S. spinosa f. longispina, S. uvella. All nine taxa were observed in the river Chyornaya. Five taxa were found in the rivers Levinka, Borzovka and Rzhavka. One species (Synura conopea) is a new record to the flora of Russia. It was found in all studied rivers. Four taxa (S. conopea, S. glabra, S. macropora, S. spinosa f. longispina) are new records to the Middle Volga river basin.



Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Gladys N. Benitez ◽  
Glenn D. Aguilar ◽  
Dan Blanchon

The spatial distribution of corticolous lichens on the iconic New Zealand pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) tree was investigated from a survey of urban parks and forests across the city of Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand. Lichens were identified from ten randomly selected trees at 20 sampling sites, with 10 sites classified as coastal and another 10 as inland sites. Lichen data were correlated with distance from sea, distance from major roads, distance from native forests, mean tree DBH (diameter at breast height) and the seven-year average of measured NO2 over the area. A total of 33 lichen species were found with coastal sites harboring significantly higher average lichen species per tree as well as higher site species richness. We found mild hotspots in two sites for average lichen species per tree and another two separate sites for species richness, with all hotspots at the coast. A positive correlation between lichen species richness and DBH was found. Sites in coastal locations were more similar to each other in terms of lichen community composition than they were to adjacent inland sites and some species were only found at coastal sites. The average number of lichen species per tree was negatively correlated with distance from the coast, suggesting that the characteristic lichen flora found on pōhutukawa may be reliant on coastal microclimates. There were no correlations with distance from major roads, and a slight positive correlation between NO2 levels and average lichen species per tree.



2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 958-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anderson Pedro Bernardina Batista ◽  
José Márcio de Mello ◽  
Marcel Régis Raimundo ◽  
Henrique Ferraço Scolforo ◽  
Aliny Aparecida dos Reis ◽  
...  

Abstract: The objective of this work was to analyze the spatial distribution and the behavior of species richness and diversity in a shrub savanna fragment, in 2003 and 2014, using ordinary kriging, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In both evaluation years, the measurements were performed in a fragment with 236.85 hectares, in which individual trees were measured and identified across 40 plots (1,000 m2). Species richness was determined by the total number of species in each plot, and diversity by the Shannon diversity index. For the variogram study, spatial models were fitted and selected. Then, ordinary kriging was applied and the spatial distribution of the assessed variables was described. A strong spatial dependence was observed between species richness and diversity by the Shannon diversity index (<25% spatial dependence degree). Areas of low and high species diversity and richness were found in the shrub savanna fragment. Spatial distribution behavior shows relative stability regarding the number of species and the Shannon diversity index in the evaluated years.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Sebastián-González ◽  
JM Barbosa ◽  
JM Pérez-García ◽  
Z Morales-Reyes ◽  
F Botella ◽  
...  

© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Understanding the distribution of biodiversity across the Earth is one of the most challenging questions in biology. Much research has been directed at explaining the species latitudinal pattern showing that communities are richer in tropical areas; however, despite decades of research, a general consensus has not yet emerged. In addition, global biodiversity patterns are being rapidly altered by human activities. Here, we aim to describe large-scale patterns of species richness and diversity in terrestrial vertebrate scavenger (carrion-consuming) assemblages, which provide key ecosystem functions and services. We used a worldwide dataset comprising 43 sites, where vertebrate scavenger assemblages were identified using 2,485 carcasses monitored between 1991 and 2018. First, we evaluated how scavenger richness (number of species) and diversity (Shannon diversity index) varied among seasons (cold vs. warm, wet vs. dry). Then, we studied the potential effects of human impact and a set of macroecological variables related to climatic conditions on the scavenger assemblages. Vertebrate scavenger richness ranged from species-poor to species rich assemblages (4–30 species). Both scavenger richness and diversity also showed some seasonal variation. However, in general, climatic variables did not drive latitudinal patterns, as scavenger richness and diversity were not affected by temperature or rainfall. Rainfall seasonality slightly increased the number of species in the community, but its effect was weak. Instead, the human impact index included in our study was the main predictor of scavenger richness. Scavenger assemblages in highly human-impacted areas sustained the smallest number of scavenger species, suggesting human activity may be overriding other macroecological processes in shaping scavenger communities. Our results highlight the effect of human impact at a global scale. As species-rich assemblages tend to be more functional, we warn about possible reductions in ecosystem functions and the services provided by scavengers in human-dominated landscapes in the Anthropocene.



Author(s):  
V. Gusakov

The paper provides the first results of a study of the qualitative and quantitative structure of the community of bottom meiofauna (meiobenthos) in shallow, hypereutrophic Lake Nero (Volga River basin, Yaroslavl region, Russia). In the samples, collected in early September 2017, 106 representatives from 16 systematic groups of aquatic organisms were found. About half of them had not been previously recorded in the lake's fauna. The species composition of Gastrotricha, Nematoda, Tardigrada, Acari, Harpacticoida, and Ostracoda was analyzed in the water body for the first time. It is established that at the end of the vegetation season, the lake's meiobenthos characterizes by relatively high species richness, diversity, and quantitative parameters. The circle of the main (dominant) community members in the studied period was outlined.



2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (15) ◽  
pp. 8272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Girish Gogoi ◽  
Vipin Parkash

<p>Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of five distinct compartments.  A total of 138 species of gilled mushrooms belonging to 48 genera, 23 families, five orders of the class Agaricomycetes, division Basidiomycota, have been collected and analyzed. The order Agaricales was was found with the highest number of species (113), followed by Russulales (14), Polyporales (5), Cantharellales (4) and Boletales (2). The species <em>Coprinellus disseminatus </em>and <em>Megacollybia rodmani</em> have shown the highest (8.26) and the lowest density (0.05), respectively.  A total of 24 species, e.g., <em>Termitomyces albuminosus, Marasmius curreyi, Marasmiellus candidus, Leucocoprinus medioflavus, Mycena leaiana, Hygrocybe miniata, Collybia chrysoropha, Gymnopus confluens</em> were common with frequency percentage of 11.9, whereas <em>Megacollybia rodmani</em> with less frequency percentage (2.4) was found only in few quadrates of the sanctuary.  The highly abundant species were <em>Termitomyces medius</em> (91.7) and <em>Coprinellus disseminatus </em>(86.8), and less abundant species were <em>Psilocybe wayanadensis</em> (1.0) and <em>Lepiota</em> sp. (1.0) in the study site.  The order of the species richness index (<em>R</em>) compartment wise was 2&gt;3&gt;4&gt;5&gt;1. Both the Shannon diversity index and Simpson diversity index of agarics was maximum (1.88, 0.98) in compartment 2, whereas minimum (1.72, 0.95) in compartment 1 and 5, respectively.  Moreover, the compartment 2 was found very much similar with compartment 3 and very less similar with compartment 1.</p><div> </div>



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