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Koca K, Schleicher E, Bieberle A, Haun S, Wieprecht S, Noack M. GravelSens: A Smart Gravel Sensor for High-Resolution, Non-Destructive Monitoring of Clogging Dynamics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 25:536. [PMID: 39860906 PMCID: PMC11768524 DOI: 10.3390/s25020536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025]
Abstract
Engineers, geomorphologists, and ecologists acknowledge the need for temporally and spatially resolved measurements of sediment clogging (also known as colmation) in permeable gravel-bed rivers due to its adverse impacts on water and habitat quality. In this paper, we present a novel method for non-destructive, real-time measurements of pore-scale sediment deposition and monitoring of clogging by using wire-mesh sensors (WMSs) embedded in spheres, forming a smart gravel bed (GravelSens). The measuring principle is based on one-by-one voltage excitation of transmitter electrodes, followed by simultaneous measurements of the resulting current by receiver electrodes at each crossing measuring pores. The currents are then linked to the conductive component of fluid impedance. The measurement performance of the developed sensor is validated by applying the Maxwell Garnett and parallel models to sensor data and comparing the results to data obtained by gamma ray computed tomography (CT). GravelSens is tested and validated under varying filling conditions of different particle sizes ranging from sand to fine gravel. The close agreement between GravelSens and CT measurements indicates the technology's applicability in sediment-water research while also suggesting its potential for other solid-liquid two-phase flows. This pore-scale measurement and visualization system offers the capability to monitor clogging and de-clogging dynamics within pore spaces up to 10,000 Hz, making it the first laboratory equipment capable of performing such in situ measurements without radiation. Thus, GravelSens is a major improvement over existing methods and holds promise for advancing the understanding of flow-sediment-ecology interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Koca
- Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.H.); (S.W.)
- Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany;
| | - Eckhard Schleicher
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden—Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (E.S.); (A.B.)
| | - André Bieberle
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden—Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (E.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Stefan Haun
- Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.H.); (S.W.)
| | - Silke Wieprecht
- Institute for Modelling Hydraulic and Environmental Systems, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.H.); (S.W.)
| | - Markus Noack
- Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany;
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Frost C, Tibby J, Goonan P. Responses of diatoms and aquatic macroinvertebrates to deposited fine sediment in mesocosm channels as a basis for a new water quality guideline. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 955:176931. [PMID: 39454780 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2024] [Revised: 10/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
Water quality guidelines are an important tool for managing environmental pressures on freshwater streams. Currently, there is a lack of guideline values for fine sediment deposition in South Australian and, more broadly, Australian and overseas streams despite the potentially profound impacts of sediment deposition on aquatic communities. We used an outdoor recirculating stream mesocosm to assess the responses of freshwater diatoms and macroinvertebrates to fine sediment burial after six weeks following a pulsed event. Communities were exposed to five treatments of fine sediment deposition (inert sand) with an average depth between 1 and 20 mm, added on top of, and compared to, representative background sediments from a high-quality stream dominated by hard-bottom sediments and detritus. The most pronounced change was between the control and treatment one (1 mm sediment depth). Sediment deposition negatively affected diatom composition, with a decrease in functional diversity but a concurrent increase in taxonomic diversity arising from increased abundances of motile species. For macroinvertebrates, there was a clear negative response in the richness and abundance of the sensitive Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera insect orders to fine sediment burial, and an associated higher macroinvertebrate drift propensity. This study highlights the importance of incorporating functional and behavioural responses in addition to taxonomic metrics when assessing biotic responses to stressors. This study recommends a new guideline which restricts additional fine sediment deposition to <1 mm in temperate South Australian freshwater streams, particularly those dominated by hard-bottom substrates and, or containing sensitive aquatic taxa. This threshold could act as an interim guideline for these stream types elsewhere in the absence of comparable studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Frost
- Geography, Environment and Population, North Terrace University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, SA, Australia
| | - John Tibby
- Geography, Environment and Population, North Terrace University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, SA, Australia.
| | - Peter Goonan
- South Australian Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide 5000, SA, Australia
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Quadroni S, Servanzi L, Crosa G, Espa P. Two-year assessment of the effects of controlled sediment flushing on stream habitats and biota at reach scale. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21048. [PMID: 39251684 PMCID: PMC11385546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlled sediment flushing operations (CSFOs) allow to recover reservoirs storage loss while rebalancing the sediment flux interrupted by dams but, at the same time, may cause unacceptable ecological impact. In this study, we investigated the responses of the food web of an upland stream to a CSFO, focusing on the effects of fine sediment deposition detected in three different mesohabitats, i.e., a pool, a riffle, and a step-pool. The field campaign lasted two years and included repeated measurements of fine sediment deposits, and sampling of periphyton, benthic macroinvertebrates and fishes. A moderate and patchy deposition occurred due to the CSFO with short and medium-term ecological impact on the lower trophic levels of the food web, which may affect the whole ecosystem functioning. The monitoring of all available mesohabitats in the investigated stream allowed to detect variations in the ecological response to CSFO, providing a more adequate assessment of the impact. As expected, sedimentation was larger in the pool but, in contrast to our hypotheses, the impact was lower and the recovery was longer for the benthic organisms inhabiting the riffle. In the case of fishes, no lethal impact of both brown trout and bullhead was recorded in the short term but the occurrence of longer lasting effects could not be excluded. To date, this is one of the few studies dealing with a detailed integrative assessment of the downstream impact of sediment management from reservoir on both abiotic and biotic components of stream ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Quadroni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy.
| | - Livia Servanzi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crosa
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 3, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Espa
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via GB Vico 46, 21100, Varese, Italy
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Mathers KL, Armitage PD, Hill M, Bickerton M, Mckenzie M, Pardo I, Tickner D, Wood PJ. Context specific effects of substrate composition on the taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in temperate lowland streams. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70034. [PMID: 39206456 PMCID: PMC11349607 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Substrate composition has been widely recognised as a primary variable shaping lotic macroinvertebrate communities at the habitat unit level. However, fundamental understanding of how communities inhabiting mineralogical habitats (i.e., gravel, sand and silt) are structured across differing rivers is lacking. Moreover, research largely focusses on gravel beds and fine sediment in general (<2 mm) and as a result detailed field observations specifically of the sand and silt fractions are lacking. Using data from five UK streams collated from published studies, we assess taxonomic and functional biodiversity (alpha and beta diversity) at the habitat unit level (as defined by substrate composition of sand, silt and gravel). We found that the composition of taxonomic communities were clearly different in all habitat units for each individual stream (and at the landscape scale), with comparable, but less strong, distinctions between substrates for functional macroinvertebrate community composition. However, alpha diversity metrics and Local Contribution to Beta Diversity (LCBD) recorded among the different habitat units varied significantly across individual rivers, and the amount of variation explained by the habitat unit for taxonomic and functional composition demonstrated considerable differences suggesting strong context dependence. The depositional fine sediment habitats of sand and silt were found to support a discrete community composition and differing levels of alpha and beta diversity within and between rivers. We advocate that care should be taken when seeking to generalise biodiversity patterns at a landscape scale as our study highlights the high degree of context dependency when considering the role of the habitat template. Moreover, our results provide evidence that discriminating between the size fractions of fine sediment habitats (sand or silt) is important to fully elucidate the wider ecological importance of these habitats and the distinct taxonomic and functional biodiversity they support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Mathers
- Geography and EnvironmentLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
| | | | - Matthew Hill
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and TechnologyBournemouth UniversityPooleUK
| | - Melanie Bickerton
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonUK
| | | | - Isabel Pardo
- Department of Ecology and Animal BiologyUniversity of VigoVigoSpain
| | | | - Paul J. Wood
- Geography and EnvironmentLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
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Karádi-Kovács K, Szivák I, Bozóki T, Kovács K, Móra A, Padisák J, Selmeczy GB, Schmera D, Boda P. Long-term recovery dynamics determined by the degree of the disturbance - Ten years tracking of aquatic macroinvertebrate recolonisation after an industrial disaster (Red Sludge Disaster, Hungary). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171071. [PMID: 38378064 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
A ten-year-long examination of macroinvertebrate community recovery was conducted following a catastrophic spill of highly alkaline red sludge (pH >13) into lowland streams. Our primary objective was to compare recovery patterns after coarse- and fine-grain disturbances, focusing on two aspects: i) trend analysis to reveal long-term changes of six community parameters, and ii) variation analyses to assess parameter changes over time. We conducted statistical analysis on long-term data series of macroinvertebrates obtained from quantitative samples collected at four sections with varying degrees of disturbance along the impacted stream sections. We developed a comprehensive theoretical framework comprising a series of sequential phases: Ramp-up, Overshoot, and Oscillation Phases. i) A trend analysis revealed that disturbances show a gradual recovery pattern, while variance analyses showed an asymptotic convergence to an equilibrium. ii) Evaluating these trends across phases unveiled that the initial recovery phase exhibited a steep trajectory, lasting 4-9 months, irrespective of disturbance severity. Coarse-grain disturbances induced a remarkable Overshoot phenomenon across all community metrics. The more severe the disturbance, the greater the height and duration of the Overshoot. Our results suggest that the presence or absence of Overshoot can serve as an indicator for coarse-grain disturbances in the context of large and infrequent disturbances (LID). The entire recovery process lasts for 2.5-3 years irrespective of the severity of the LID. In conclusion, a minimum survey duration of two and half years is deemed imperative to capture the phases of recovery, and changes associated with LID are not expected to extend beyond the three-year threshold. The theoretical framework, including Overshoot parameters, may assist future studies in comparing recovery patterns of different LID types. Furthermore, our theoretical framework is likely to be applicable to other groups of organisms given a sufficiently long monitoring of recovery, influenced also by the length of reproductive cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Karádi-Kovács
- HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg Kuno utca 3, H-8237 Tihany, Hungary.
| | - Ildikó Szivák
- HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg Kuno utca 3, H-8237 Tihany, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bozóki
- HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Bem tér 18/c, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Kovács
- Laboratory for Environmental Protection, Government Office of Győr-Moson-Sopron County, Tatai út 3, H-9028 Győr, Hungary
| | - Arnold Móra
- University of Pécs, Department of Hydrobiology, Ifjúság útja 6, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Judit Padisák
- University of Pannonia, Center for Natural Science, Research Group of Limnology, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200 Veszprém, Hungary; HUN-REN-PE Limnoecology Research Group, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Géza Balázs Selmeczy
- University of Pannonia, Center for Natural Science, Research Group of Limnology, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200 Veszprém, Hungary; HUN-REN-PE Limnoecology Research Group, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Dénes Schmera
- HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Klebelsberg Kuno utca 3, H-8237 Tihany, Hungary; HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute, National Laboratory for Water Science and Security, Klebelsberg Kuno utca 3, H-8237 Tihany, Hungary
| | - Pál Boda
- HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Bem tér 18/c, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
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Davis NG, Mathers KL, Hodson R, Matthaei CD. Monthly sampling reveals seasonal fine sediment fluctuations and riverine invertebrate community responses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168750. [PMID: 37996031 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Managing the impacts of anthropogenically enhanced deposited fine sediment levels in lotic ecosystems requires understanding of how catchment land-use changes have altered the natural sediment regime (erosion, transport, deposition) of rivers. Unfortunately, no existing studies have employed an appropriate sampling frequency over a period encompassing the full range of seasonal flow conditions expected to influence in-stream sediment dynamics. We determined the short-term (monthly) dynamics of deposited fine sediment and invertebrate communities over 12-months in 15 fourth- and fifth-order rivers draining catchments of low, medium and high land-use intensity in Southland, New Zealand to determine when and where fine sediment threatens stream health. We compared the Quorer resuspension method (suspendable inorganic sediment, SIS) and the in-stream visual sediment cover assessment method, and evaluated the effectiveness of four commonly-used invertebrate stream health metrics against their newly developed sediment-specific counterparts. Monthly variability in SIS was substantial across all land-use categories, but became more pronounced as land-use intensity increased. All 15 sites experienced a prolonged period of relatively stable flow which coincided with the largest short-term increase in SIS at 14 of the 15 sites. However, variability in SIS was not mirrored in macroinvertebrate metrics. These findings suggest that controlling inputs of fine sediment to rivers and streams will be most effective when targeted at periods of prolonged stable flow, particularly within high land-use intensity catchments. The resuspension method consistently outperformed visual estimates when considering its relationship with macroinvertebrate metrics, while sediment-specific metrics demonstrated a stronger association with fine sediment than commonly employed metrics e.g. (%EPT). We conclude that restoration/mitigation practices cannot be based solely on short-term, or even long-term, reductions in fine sediment, or on physical measures alone, but should be based on long-term recoveries of sediment-impacted invertebrate communities using concurrent measurements of both biotic and abiotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah G Davis
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Kate L Mathers
- Geography and Environment, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Hodson
- Environment Southland, Invercargill, New Zealand
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McKenzie M, Brooks A, Callisto M, Collins AL, Durkota JM, Death RG, Jones JI, Linares MS, Matthaei CD, Monk WA, Murphy JF, Wagenhoff A, Wilkes M, Wood PJ, Mathers KL. Freshwater invertebrate responses to fine sediment stress: A multi-continent perspective. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17084. [PMID: 38273567 PMCID: PMC10952627 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Excessive fine sediment (particles <2 mm) deposition in freshwater systems is a pervasive stressor worldwide. However, understanding of ecological response to excess fine sediment in river systems at the global scale is limited. Here, we aim to address whether there is a consistent response to increasing levels of deposited fine sediment by freshwater invertebrates across multiple geographic regions (Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the UK). Results indicate ecological responses are not globally consistent and are instead dependent on both the region and the facet of invertebrate diversity considered, that is, taxonomic or functional trait structure. Invertebrate communities of Australia were most sensitive to deposited fine sediment, with the greatest rate of change in communities occurring when fine sediment cover was low (below 25% of the reach). Communities in the UK displayed a greater tolerance with most compositional change occurring between 30% and 60% cover. In both New Zealand and Brazil, which included the most heavily sedimented sampled streams, the communities were more tolerant or demonstrated ambiguous responses, likely due to historic environmental filtering of invertebrate communities. We conclude that ecological responses to fine sediment are not generalisable globally and are dependent on landscape filters with regional context and historic land management playing important roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Brooks
- Department of Planning and Environment, Surface Water ScienceNSW GovernmentWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Laboratory of Ecology of Benthos, Department of Genetics, Ecology and EvolutionInstitute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Adrian L. Collins
- Net Zero and Resilient Farming, Rothamsted ResearchOkehamptonDevonUK
| | | | - Russell G. Death
- Innovative River Solutions, School of Agriculture and EnvironmentMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - J. Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural SciencesQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Marden S. Linares
- Laboratory of Ecology of Benthos, Department of Genetics, Ecology and EvolutionInstitute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | | | - Wendy A. Monk
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental ManagementEnvironment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New BrunswickFrederictonNew BrunswickCanada
| | - John F. Murphy
- School of Biological and Behavioural SciencesQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Martin Wilkes
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Paul J. Wood
- Geography and EnvironmentLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
| | - Kate L. Mathers
- Geography and EnvironmentLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
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Mathers KL, Armitage PD, Hill M, McKenzie M, Pardo I, Wood PJ. Seasonal variability of lotic macroinvertebrate communities at the habitat scale demonstrates the value of discriminating fine sediment fractions in ecological assessments. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10564. [PMID: 37780081 PMCID: PMC10541294 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite lotic systems demonstrating high levels of seasonal and spatial variability, most research and biomonitoring practices do not consider seasonality when interpreting results and are typically focused at the meso-scale (combined pool/riffle samples) rather than considering habitat patch dynamics. We therefore sought to determine if the sampling season (spring, summer and autumn) influenced observed macroinvertebrate biodiversity, structure and function at the habitat unit scale (determined by substrate composition), and if this in turn influenced the assessment of fine sediment (sand and silt) pressures. We found that biodiversity supported at the habitat level was not seasonally consistent with the contribution of nestedness and turnover in structuring communities varying seasonally. Habitat differences in community composition were evident for taxonomic communities regardless of the season but were not seasonally consistent for functional communities, and, notably, season explained a greater amount of variance in functional community composition than the habitat unit. Macroinvertebrate biodiversity supported by silt habitats demonstrated strong seasonal differences and communities were functionally comparable to sand habitats in spring and to gravel habitats in autumn. Sand communities were impoverished compared to other habitats regardless of the season. Silt habitats demonstrated a strong increase in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa and functional richness from spring into autumn, while vegetation habitats displayed a peak in EPT abundance in summer. Only silt and sand habitats demonstrated temporal variability in functional evenness suggesting that these habitats are different in terms of their resource partitioning and productivity over time compared to other habitats. Gravel and vegetation habitats appeared to be more stable over time with functional richness and evenness remaining consistent. To accurately evaluate the influence of fine sediment on lotic ecosystems, it is imperative that routine biomonitoring and scientific research discriminate between sand and silt fractions, given they support different biodiversity, particularly during summer and autumn months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Mathers
- Geography and EnvironmentLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
| | | | - Matthew Hill
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and TechnologyBournemouth UniversityPooleUK
| | | | - Isabel Pardo
- Department of Ecology and Animal BiologyUniversity of VigoVigoSpain
| | - Paul J. Wood
- Geography and EnvironmentLoughborough UniversityLoughboroughUK
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