scholarly journals The Impact of Recreational Activities on Aquatic Vegetation in Alpine Lakes

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Dynowski ◽  
Adam Senetra ◽  
Anna Źróbek-Sokolnik ◽  
Jacek Kozłowski
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Alpine Lakes ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Biogenic Elements ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Recreational Activities ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Tatra National Park ◽  
The Impact

Tourism pressure on protected areas with attractive landscapes leads to environmental modifications. Eutrophication poses the main threat to the quality of water in alpine lakes. Even small inflows of biogenic elements can disrupt the ecological balance of these ecosystems. The aim of this study was to verify the hypothesis that recreational activities and easy access to alpine lakes contribute to changes in their ecological status. This hypothesis was verified by analyzing the presence of hydromacrophytes in two lakes of the Tatra National Park (Poland). The analysis was carried out along segments of hiking trails which were evaluated for accessibility to the studied lakes. Underwater surveys were carried out during scuba diving expeditions in 2012–2016. Submerged vegetation was evaluated in both lakes. This is the first study in Poland and one of the few projects in the world to have relied on such extensive support from scuba divers to generate highly accurate measurements. The study demonstrated that lake bottoms were extensively covered by Potamogeton friesii in the vicinity of trail segments with easy access to lakes. Our results show that tourism pressure contributes to the growth of aquatic vegetation in some areas of alpine lakes. We relied on our findings to propose several modifications to the routes of the evaluated tourist trails to minimize the impact of anthropogenic pressure on the studied lakes.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Impact of Hiking Tourism on the Ecological Status of Alpine Lakes—A Case Study of the Valley of Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich in the Tatra Mountains

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2963
Author(s):  
Adam Senetra ◽  
Piotr Dynowski ◽  
Iwona Cieślak ◽  
Anna Źróbek-Sokolnik
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Alpine Lakes ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Biological Origin ◽  
The Impact

Eutrophication is one of the major threats to the quality of water in high mountain lakes. The inflow of elements having biological origin may significantly aggravate the ecological status of those ecosystems. For this reason, the aim of this study was to map and assess the impact of anthropogenic pressure on alpine lakes in the valley of Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (known in English as the Valley of Five Polish Lakes) in the Tatra National Park in Poland. The effects of tourism and easy access to alpine lakes on changes in their ecological status were determined. Tourist trails were evaluated based on the difficulty of access to the water surface of analyzed alpine lakes, with a method developed for assessing anthropogenic pressure on aquatic ecosystems. The method, deployed for the first time in 2019, was modified and adapted to the local environmental conditions in the research area. The results of this study indicate that tourism pressure contributes to the growth of submerged vegetation in alpine lakes. The presence of aquatic plants (including vascular plants) shows ecosystem response to water enrichment with biogenic substances. The present findings were used to formulate practical recommendations and propose modifications to the evaluated hiking trails. The research method developed in the study can support analysis and control of tourist traffic, thus reducing anthropogenic pressure on alpine lakes in national parks located in mountain areas.

The impact of anthropogenic pressure on the virological quality of water from the Tiber River, Italy

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. La Rosa ◽  
I. Sanseverino ◽  
S. Della Libera ◽  
M. Iaconelli ◽  
V.E.V. Ferrero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Tiber River ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Hydroecological features of water bodies within Zhukiv island in Kyiv

2020 ◽  
pp. 112-118
Author(s):  
V. I. Vyshnevskyi ◽  
S. A. Shevchuk ◽  
O. M. Kozytskyi
Keyword(s):  
Water Exchange ◽  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
River Bank ◽  
The Impact

According to field research, cartographic works and satellite images, the main hydroecological features of water bodies on Zhukov Island in Kyiv have been studied. Information on the history of the impact of economic activity on this area is given. The first object affected the water bodies, located on the island, particularly for the Konyk river arm, was a railway tunnel, which was under construction in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Another factor was the construction of several roads. As the result of this construction the former Konyk river arm actually turned into the lake. Significant changes in this area were observed in the mid-1970s after the constriction of the Kanivske Reservoir. The increase in the water level in low water conditions by about 2.5 m caused an increase in the size of existing water bodies and the emergence of new ones. The description of the largest lakes in the studied area is given. For today they are a complex system of lakes in this area, hydraulically connected with the Dnipro River. At the same time, water exchange in the lakes and between the lakes and the river is insignificant. First of all, this is due to the low capacity of the existing hydraulic structures and clogging of ways to them. In fact, there is the only one hydraulic structure on the river bank through which water can reach the lakes. In addition, low water runoff of the Dnipro River in recent years also causes a negative impact on this ecosystem. Recently, intraday fluctuations of water discharges at the Kyiv HPP have decreased, and respectively the fluctuations of water levels in the Dnipro River near the studied area also decreased. This negatively affected the ecological condition of the lakes, which are intensively overgrown. In addition, wastewater inflow into one of the largest local lakes, namely Konyk, has a negative impact. The indicators of bottom sediments in this lake are given, which testify to its pollution by heavy metals. The typical species of aquatic and air-aquatic vegetation inherent to the lakes on Zhukov Island are characterized. The recommendation, which can improve water exchange in the lakes and their ecological status, are given. It was considered that the nature protection activity in this area can be improved in case of adding the created here landscape reserve to the National Nature Park “Holosiivskyi”.    

scholarly journals Benthic Diatoms as Valuable Indicators of Anthropogenic Eutrophication in Biomonitoring of Ribbon Lake

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-726
Author(s):  
Beata Messyasz ◽  
Ewa Treska
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Status ◽  
Benthic Diatoms ◽  
Taxonomic Structure ◽  
Lake Basin ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Diatom Index ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Steep Slopes

Abstract In Europe the monitoring of lakes with regard to benthic diatoms is still conducted in line with the European Water Framework Directive. Ribbon lakes are a special case as extremely steep slopes of the lake basin cause their littoral zone to be narrow. The Durowskie ribbon lake was chosen as a model for the assessment of the ecological status of waters based on its Diatom Index. Given its use in recreation, it is under heavy anthropogenic pressure. Physicochemical and biological parameters were monitored in the peak of the vegetational season (July, August) between 2010 and 2018 at 12 varied littoral sites across the full length of the shoreline. This long-term analysis of the Diatom Index, despite showing an improvement in the quality of water, demonstrated the ecological state of Lake Durowskie to be weak (southern, deep part) to moderate (north, shallow part). The taxonomic structure of diatoms (referral and indicator taxa) in phytobenthos communities allowed to show the changes in physicochemical parameters of the environment such as pH, oxygen dissolved in water and its trophic status. Research results are shown in relation to the anthropogenic changes to the lake’s direct catchment area and the results of the physicochemical monitoring of waters.

INTEGRAL ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURE ON WATER BODIES IN THE LAKE BAIKAL BASIN

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Ulzetueva ◽  
Bair Gomboev ◽  
Daba Zhamyanov ◽  
Valentin Batomunkuev ◽  
Zorikto Banzaraktsaev
Keyword(s):  
Lake Baikal ◽  
River Basins ◽  
Anthropogenic Load ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Linear Network ◽  
Baikal Basin ◽  
Discharge Water ◽  
Lake Baikal Basin ◽  
Integral Assessment ◽  
The Impact

The integrated assessment of the ecological state of the main rivers of the lake Baikal basin - Verkhnyaya Angara, Tyya, Barguzin, Selenga, Snezhnaya, Bolshaya Rechka, Khilok, Chikoy is based on the assessment of the variability of the basin system under the influence of two groups of indicators: 1) Direct (immediate) impact - the volume of water intake and wastewater discharge, water use and sequential water supply. Assessment of the impact on the state of the above-listed rivers basins from wastewater was performed using the algorithm proposed by A. Korolev et al. (2007). 2) Indirect (mediate) impact - indicators of areal and linear-network impacts on the catchment area. Based on the calculation of the integral anthropogenic pressure on the territory of the above-listed river basins, only the Selenga river experiences an “average” anthropogenic load. On the territory of most river basins, the anthropogenic load is “lowered” and “low”.

Анализ «Методики разработки нормативов допустимых сбросов веществ и микроорганизмов в водные объекты для водопользователей» в общем контексте водоохранного законодательства (в порядке обсуждения)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Saakian ◽  
Aleksandr, Grigor’ev ◽  
E. Kravets ◽  
E. Rudakov ◽  
A. Faddeev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Water Protection ◽  
Best Available Technologies ◽  
Process Indicators ◽  
Water Users ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Protection Legislation ◽  
The Impact

Выполнен анализ действующей редакции Методики разработки нормативов допустимых сбросов веществ и микроорганизмов в водные объекты для водопользователей , утвержденной приказом Минприроды России от 17 декабря 2007 г. 333, на предмет непротиворечивости и соответствия нормам водоохранного законодательства. Выявлена неопределенность применения Методики в условиях воздействия на качество воды природных и антропогенных факторов, не зависящих от конкретного водопользователя. Положения Методики противоречат принципам нормирования воздействия на водные объекты на основе наилучших доступных технологий, что было показано на примерах утвержденных технологических показателей содержания загрязняющих веществ в сточных водах различных отраслей промышленности. Анализ системы нормирования допустимых воздействий на водные объекты и географической дифференциации нормативов качества воды в пределах Российской Федерации вместе с системой целевых показателей качества воды также показал несоответствие Методики основным принципам водоохранного законодательства.The analysis of the current edition of the Methods of developing standards for permissible discharges of substances and microorganisms into water bodies for water users , approved by the Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia dated December 17, 2007 No. 333 for consilience and compliance with the regulations of the water protection legislation, is carried out. Uncertainty of the application of the Methods in the conditions of the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors that are independent of a specific water user on the quality of water has been identified. The provisions of the Methods contradict the principles of regulating the impact on water bodies based on the best available technologies shown on the examples of approved process indicators of the concentrations of various industrial pollutants in wastewater. An analysis of the system of regulating the permissible impact on water bodies and the geographical differentiation of water quality standards within the boundaries of the Russian Federation, together with the system of water quality targets, also showed that the Methods do not comply with the basic principles of the water protection legislation.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impact of Small Hydropower Plants on the Ecological Status Indicators of Water Bodies: A Case Study in Lithuania

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 433
Author(s):  
Laima Česonienė ◽  
Midona Dapkienė ◽  
Petras Punys
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Benthic Macroinvertebrates ◽  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Fish Abundance ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Small Hydropower ◽  
Hydropower Plants ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
The Impact

Hydropower plants produce renewable and sustainable energy but affect the river’s physico-chemical characteristics and change the abundance and composition of the aquatic organisms. The impact of large HPPs on the ecological conditions of surface water bodies have been extensively studied, but less attention has been paid to environmental impact studies of small hydropower plants (SHPs). The impact of hydropeaking on both the river flow regime and ecosystems has been well-studied for peaking mode plants, mainly medium to large-sized ones. However, for small hydroelectric power plants, and especially for those in lowland rivers, the available information on water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates communities and fish abundance, and biomass is not sufficient. Ten small hydropower plants were selected, and the ecological status of water bodies was assessed in different parts of Lithuania. The studies were performed at the riverbed upstream from the SHPs, where the hydrological regime has not changed, and downstream from the SHPs. It was found that the small hydropower plants do not affect the physico-chemical values of the water quality indicators. This study demonstrated that the total number of benthic macroinvertebrates taxa (TS) is influenced by the concentration of nitrogen and suspended solids, the water flow, the river area, and the current speed; the number of EPT (Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies)) taxa is influenced by the concentration of nitrogen and suspended solids. The studied indicators do not have a significant impact on biomass. The SHPs affect the fish abundance and biomass. The Lithuanian fish index (LFI) is influenced by the average depth and area of the river. Some SHPs operating in lowland areas may yield somewhat significant hydrograph ramping but more detailed investigation is needed to support the significance of this impact on the biological indices.

scholarly journals Land Policy and Food Prices: Evidence from a Land Consolidation Program in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-73
Author(s):  
Aimable Nsabimana ◽  
Fidele Niyitanga ◽  
Dave D. Weatherspoon ◽  
Anwar Naseem
Keyword(s):  
Food Prices ◽  
Land Policy ◽  
Land Consolidation ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Food Crops ◽  
White Potato ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Price Differences ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Rwanda’s “Crop Intensification Program (CIP)” is primarily a land consolidation program aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food security. The program, which began in 2007, focuses on monocropping and commercialization of six priority crops: maize, wheat, rice, white potato, beans, and cassava. CIP has facilitated easy access to improved seed stocks, fertilizer, extension services, and postharvest handling and storage services. Although studies have documented the impact of CIP on changes in farm yield, incomes, and productivity, less is known about its impact on food prices. In this study, we examine the crop-food price differences in intensive monocropped CIP and non-intensive monocropped CIP zones in Rwanda. Specifically, the study evaluates price variations of beans and maize along with complementary food crops in intensive and non-intensive monocropped zones before and after the introduction of the CIP policy. We find that the CIP policy is not associated with differences in CIP crop prices between the intensive and non-intensive monocropped zones. Over time, prices increased for CIP crops but generally, the crop prices in the two zones were cointegrated. Prices for non-CIP crops in the two different zones did show price differentials prior to the implementation of CIP, with the prices in intensive monocropped zones being greater than in the non-intensive monocropped zones. Moreover, the prices in intensive areas are cointegrated with prices in non-intensive areas for maize and beans and these prices are converging. This indicates that farmers who intensively produced one CIP crop were able to go to the market and purchase other food crops and that price differences between zones have decreased over time, potentially making the CIP intensive farmers better off.

scholarly journals The Influence of Flow Regime on Ecological Quality, Bird Diversity, and Shellfish Fisheries in a Lowland Mediterranean River and Its Coastal Area

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Belmar ◽  
Carles Ibáñez ◽  
Ana Forner ◽  
Nuno Caiola
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Vegetation ◽  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Ecological Quality ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Mantis Shrimp

Designing environmental flows in lowland river sections and estuaries is a challenge for researchers and managers, given their complexity and their importance, both for nature conservation and economy. The Ebro River and its delta belong to a Mediterranean area with marked anthropogenic pressures. This study presents an assessment of the relationships between mean flows (discharges) computed at different time scales and (i) ecological quality based on fish populations in the lower Ebro, (ii) bird populations, and (iii) two shellfish fishery species of socioeconomic importance (prawn, or Penaeus kerathurus, and mantis shrimp, or Squilla mantis). Daily discharge data from 2000 to 2015 were used for analyses. Mean annual discharge was able to explain the variation in fish-based ecological quality, and model performance increased when aquatic vegetation was incorporated. Our results indicate that a good ecological status cannot be reached only through changes on discharge, and that habitat characteristics, such as the coverage of macrophytes, must be taken into account. In addition, among the different bird groups identified in our study area, predators were related to river discharge. This was likely due to its influence on available resources. Finally, prawn and mantis shrimp productivity were influenced up to a certain degree by discharge and physicochemical variables, as inputs from rivers constitute major sources of nutrients in oligotrophic environments such as the Mediterranean Sea. Such outcomes allowed revisiting the environmental flow regimes designed for the study area, which provides information for water management in this or in other similar Mediterranean zones.

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