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Xu S, Li R, Fu Y. Improving in-stream nutrient retention potential through factitious manipulation: the stepping stone structures of flying-geese pattern and their reinforcement structures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:115585-115599. [PMID: 37882928 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30440-9] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Small streams are essential parts of water ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, performing vital functions in the attenuation of nutrient pollution. As eutrophication becomes an increasingly severe problem in waters, it is necessary to investigate how to improve nutrient retention potential in streams. In this study, the effect of artificial manipulation was examined on transient storage and nutrient uptake in streams by setting up the stepping stone structures of flying-geese pattern (SG) and the combination mode of SG and bilaterally staggered spur dikes (SG+SD) in the channel. The tracer experiments were performed to confirm the effectiveness of SG and SG+SD in two headwater streams, which are tributaries of the Chaohu Lake basin. Additionally, the transient storage and nutrient uptake potential were assessed by the OTIS (one-dimensional transport with inflow and storage) model and the nutrient spiraling theory. Compared with the control, the implementation of SG in the Banqiao River increased the retention of ammonium (NH4+) and phosphate (PO43). Furthermore, the transient storage capacity and nutrient uptake potential in the Ershibu River were strengthened with the addition of bilaterally staggered spur dikes based on SG. These results highlight the importance of manipulating the geomorphology of the streambed to enhance the nutrient retention potential in streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Xu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Ruzhong Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
| | - Yang Fu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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2
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Liu C, Li R, Fu Y. Nutrient retention in agricultural headwater stream: artificial manipulation of main-channel morphology and hydrologic condition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:83004-83019. [PMID: 35761133 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21660-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To make up for the deficiency of transient storage and nutrient retention capacity of some headwater streams, some effective artificial measures have been developed to improve the stream ecosystem functions. But few studies have focused on the effects of artificial manipulation on nutrient retention in hydrologic and non-hydrologic processes of streams. In response, we selected an agricultural headwater stream in the Banqiao River tributary of Chaohu Lake Basin, artificially altered the flow pattern in the main-channel by introducing barriers which were composed of soil, coarse sand, and stones, and used the tracer experiment and OTIS (one-dimensional transport with inflow and storage) model to assess the transient storage potential of stream and the nutrient retention of hydrologic and non-hydrologic processes. Compared with the control, the retention capacity of ammonium (NH4+) and phosphate (PO43-) and the transient storage potential were increased after introducing barriers. In addition, the total retention (TR), hydrologic retention (HR), and non-hydrologic retention (NHR) of NH4+ and PO43- were significantly increased after manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Ruzhong Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
| | - Yang Fu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
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Response of Stream Metabolism to Coarse Woody Debris Additions Along a Catchment Disturbance Gradient. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Influence of urban river restoration on nitrogen dynamics at the sediment-water interface. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212690. [PMID: 30865649 PMCID: PMC6415882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
River restoration projects focused on altering flow regimes through use of in-channel structures can facilitate ecosystem services, such as promoting nitrogen (N) storage to reduce eutrophication. In this study we use small flux chambers to examine ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) cycling across the sediment-water interface. Paired restored and unrestored study sites in 5 urban tributaries of the River Thames in Greater London were used to examine N dynamics following physical disturbances (0–3 min exposures) and subsequent biogeochemical activity (3–10 min exposures). Average ambient NH4+ concentrations were significantly different amongst all sites and ranged from 28.0 to 731.7 μg L-1, with the highest concentrations measured at restored sites. Average NO3- concentrations ranged from 9.6 to 26.4 mg L-1, but did not significantly differ between restored and unrestored sites. Average NH4+ fluxes at restored sites ranged from -8.9 to 5.0 μg N m-2 sec-1, however restoration did not significantly influence NH4+ uptake or regeneration (i.e., a measure of release to surface water) between 0–3 minutes and 3–10 minutes. Further, average NO3- fluxes amongst sites responded significantly between 0–3 minutes ranging from -33.6 to 97.7 μg N m-2 sec-1. Neither NH4+ nor NO3- fluxes correlated to sediment chlorophyll-a, total organic matter, or grain size. We attributed variations in overall N fluxes to N-specific sediment storage capacity, biogeochemical transformations, potential legacy effects associated with urban pollution, and variations in river-specific restoration actions.
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Water Quality as an Indicator of Stream Restoration Effects—A Case Study of the Kwacza River Restoration Project. WATER 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/w10091249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
River restoration projects rely on environmental engineering solutions to improve the health of riparian ecosystems and restore their natural characteristics. The Kwacza River, the left tributary of the Słupia River in northern Poland, and the recipient of nutrients from an agriculturally used catchment area, was restored in 2007. The ecological status of the river’s biotope was improved with the use of various hydraulic structures, including palisades, groynes and stone islands, by protecting the banks with trunks, exposing a fragment of the river channel, and building a by-pass near a defunct culvert. The effects of restoration treatments were evaluated by comparing the physicochemical parameters of river water along the 2.5 km restored section between the source and the mouth to the Słupia, before restoration and 6 years after hydrotechnical treatments. A total of 18 physicochemical parameters were analyzed at 10 cross-sections along the river. The greatest changes were observed in the concentrations of NO3−-N and NH4+-N, which decreased by 70% and 50%, respectively. Dissolved oxygen concentration increased by 65%. Chloride values increased by 44%, and chlorophyll-a concentration increased by 30% after the project. The cut-off channel (by-pass), semi-palisades, and single groynes were the treatments that contributed most to water quality improvement. The results of this study indicate that river restoration projects can substantially reduce nitrogen pollution, which is particularly important in agricultural areas. Such measures can effectively reinstate natural conditions in river ecosystems. Hydrochemical monitoring is required to control the parameters of restored rivers.
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Turunen J, Aroviita J, Marttila H, Louhi P, Laamanen T, Tolkkinen M, Luhta PL, Kløve B, Muotka T. Differential responses by stream and riparian biodiversity to in-stream restoration of forestry-impacted streams. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jarno Turunen
- Finnish Environment Institute; Freshwater Centre; PO Box 413 Oulu 90014 Finland
- Department of Ecology; University of Oulu; PO Box 3000 Oulu 90014 Finland
| | - Jukka Aroviita
- Finnish Environment Institute; Freshwater Centre; PO Box 413 Oulu 90014 Finland
| | - Hannu Marttila
- Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Research Unit; University of Oulu; PO Box 4300 Oulu 90014 Finland
| | - Pauliina Louhi
- Department of Ecology; University of Oulu; PO Box 3000 Oulu 90014 Finland
- Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland; Veteraanikatu 5 Oulu 90100 Finland
| | - Tiina Laamanen
- Finnish Environment Institute; Freshwater Centre; PO Box 413 Oulu 90014 Finland
| | | | - Pirkko-Liisa Luhta
- Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland; Karhukunnaantie 2 Pudasjärvi 93100 Finland
| | - Bjørn Kløve
- Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Research Unit; University of Oulu; PO Box 4300 Oulu 90014 Finland
| | - Timo Muotka
- Department of Ecology; University of Oulu; PO Box 3000 Oulu 90014 Finland
- Finnish Environment Institute; Natural Environment Centre; PO Box 413 Oulu 90014 Finland
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Mendoza-Lera C, Datry T. Relating hydraulic conductivity and hyporheic zone biogeochemical processing to conserve and restore river ecosystem services. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 579:1815-1821. [PMID: 27932213 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
River management practices commonly attempt to improve habitat and ecological functioning (e.g. biogeochemical processing or retention of pollutants) by restoring hydrological exchange with the hyporheic zone (i.e. hyporheic flow) in an effort to increase mass transfer of solutes (nutrients, carbon and electron acceptors such as oxygen or nitrate). However, even when hyporheic flow is increased, often no significant changes in biogeochemical processing are detected. Some of these apparent paradox result from the simplistic assumption that there is a direct relationship between hyporheic flow and biogeochemical processing. We propose an alternative conceptual model that hyporheic flow is non-linearly related with biogeochemical processing. Based on the different solute mass transfer and area available for colonization among hydraulic conductivities, we hypothesize that biogeochemical processing in the hyporheic zone follows a Gaussian function depending on hyporheic hydraulic conductivity. After presenting the conceptual model and its domain of application, we discuss the potential implications, notably for river restoration and further hyporheic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Mendoza-Lera
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, Centre de Lyon, 5 rue de la Doua BP 32108, 69616 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
| | - Thibault Datry
- IRSTEA, UR MALY, Centre de Lyon, 5 rue de la Doua BP 32108, 69616 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
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Nutrient Retention in Restored Streams and Rivers: A Global Review and Synthesis. WATER 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/w8040116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Palmer MA, Hondula KL, Koch BJ. Ecological Restoration of Streams and Rivers: Shifting Strategies and Shifting Goals. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2014. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-120213-091935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ecological restoration has grown rapidly and now encompasses not only classic ecological theory but also utilitarian concerns, such as preparedness for climate change and provisioning of ecosystem services. Three dominant perspectives compete to influence the science and practice of river restoration. A strong focus on channel morphology has led to approaches that involve major Earth-moving activities, such as channel reconfiguration with the unmet assumption that ecological recovery will follow. Functional perspectives of river restoration aim to regain the full suite of biogeochemical, ecological, and hydrogeomorphic processes that make up a healthy river, and though there is well-accepted theory to support this, research on methods to implement and assess functional restoration projects is in its infancy. A plethora of new studies worldwide provide data on why and how rivers are being restored as well as the project outcomes. Measurable improvements postrestoration vary by restoration method and measure of outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. Palmer
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland 20688
- National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, University of Maryland, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
| | - Kelly L. Hondula
- National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, University of Maryland, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
| | - Benjamin J. Koch
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland 20688
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
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Bukaveckas PA, Wood J. Nitrogen Retention in a Restored Tidal Stream (Kimages Creek, VA) Assessed by Mass Balance and Tracer Approaches. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2014; 43:1614-1623. [PMID: 25603247 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2013.12.0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Tidal streams are attractive candidates for restoration because of their capacity to retain nutrients from upland and estuarine sources. We quantified N retention in Kimages Creek, VA, following a dam breach that restored its historical (pre-1920) connection to the James River Estuary. Estimates of N retention derived from mass balance analysis were compared to tracer-based retention estimates obtained by injecting NHCl during an incoming tide and measuring recovery on the outgoing tide. The injection experiments showed that dissolved inorganic N (DIN) retention in the restored tidal and nontidal segments was similar to nearby streams and previously published values. These data suggest that the stream has attained expected levels of functioning less than 2 yr after restoration despite 80 yr of impoundment. The mass balance analysis provided additional information for restoration assessment as this approach allowed us to track multiple N fractions. These results showed that DIN retention was offset by export of total organic N resulting in net loss of total N from the restored creek. Seasonal variation in DIN retention was significantly and positively related to tidal exchange volume and ecosystem metabolism (gross primary production and respiration). Our findings show that existing methods for measuring nutrient retention in nontidal streams can be adapted to the bidirectional flow patterns of tidal streams to assess restoration effectiveness.
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Venkiteswaran JJ, Schiff SL, Wallin MB. Large carbon dioxide fluxes from headwater boreal and sub-boreal streams. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101756. [PMID: 25058488 PMCID: PMC4109928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Half of the world's forest is in boreal and sub-boreal ecozones, containing large carbon stores and fluxes. Carbon lost from headwater streams in these forests is underestimated. We apply a simple stable carbon isotope idea for quantifying the CO2 loss from these small streams; it is based only on in-stream samples and integrates over a significant distance upstream. We demonstrate that conventional methods of determining CO2 loss from streams necessarily underestimate the CO2 loss with results from two catchments. Dissolved carbon export from headwater catchments is similar to CO2 loss from stream surfaces. Most of the CO2 originating in high CO2 groundwaters has been lost before typical in-stream sampling occurs. In the Harp Lake catchment in Canada, headwater streams account for 10% of catchment net CO2 uptake. In the Krycklan catchment in Sweden, this more than doubles the CO2 loss from the catchment. Thus, even when corrected for aquatic CO2 loss measured by conventional methods, boreal and sub-boreal forest carbon budgets currently overestimate carbon sequestration on the landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J. Venkiteswaran
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Sherry L. Schiff
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcus B. Wallin
- Department of Ecology and Genetics/Limnology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Newcomer TA, Kaushal SS, Mayer PM, Shields AR, Canuel EA, Groffman PM, Gold AJ. Influence of natural and novel organic carbon sources on denitrification in forest, degraded urban, and restored streams. ECOL MONOGR 2012. [DOI: 10.1890/12-0458.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Weigelhofer G, Fuchsberger J, Teufl B, Welti N, Hein T. Effects of riparian forest buffers on in-stream nutrient retention in agricultural catchments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2012; 41:373-379. [PMID: 22370399 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2010.0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In northeastern Austria, marshlands have been turned into the most productive arable land of the country. As a result, most headwater streams show structurally degraded channels, lacking riparian buffer zones, which are heavily loaded with nutrients from the surrounding crop fields. The present study examines whether longitudinally restricted riparian forest buffers can enhance the in-stream nutrient retention in nutrient-enriched headwater streams. We estimated nutrient uptake from pairwise, short-term addition experiments with NH, NH, PO, and NaCl within reaches with riparian forest buffers (RFB) and degraded reaches (DEG) of the same streams. Riparian forest buffers originated from the conservation of the pristine vegetation or from restoration measures. Hydrologic retention was calculated with the model OTIS-P on the basis of conductivity break-through curves from the salt injections. A significant increase in surface transient storage was revealed in pristine and restored RFB reaches compared with DEG reaches due to the longitudinal step-pool pattern and the frequent occurrence of woody debris on the channel bed. Ammonium uptake lengths were significantly shorter in RFB reaches than in DEG reaches, resulting from the higher hydrologic retention. Uptake velocities did not differ significantly between RFB and DEG reaches, indicating that riparian forest buffers did not affect the biochemical nutrient demand. Uptake of NH was mainly driven by autotrophs. Net PO uptake was not affected by riparian forest buffers. The study shows that the physical and biogeochemical effects of riparian forest buffers on the in-stream nutrient retention are limited in the case of highly eutrophic streams.
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Sudduth EB, Hassett BA, Cada P, Bernhardt ES. Testing the field of dreams hypothesis: functional responses to urbanization and restoration in stream ecosystems. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2011; 21:1972-1988. [PMID: 21939038 DOI: 10.1890/10-0653.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
As catchments become increasingly urban, the streams that drain them become increasingly degraded. Urban streams are typically characterized by high-magnitude storm flows, homogeneous habitats, disconnected riparian zones, and elevated nitrogen concentrations. To reverse the degradation of urban water quality, watershed managers and regulators are increasingly turning to stream restoration approaches. By reshaping the channel and reconnecting the surface waters with their riparian zone, practitioners intend to enhance the natural nutrient retention capacity of the restored stream ecosystem. Despite the exponential growth in stream restoration projects and expenditures, there has been no evaluation to date of the efficacy of urban stream restoration projects in enhancing nitrogen retention or in altering the underlying ecosystem metabolism that controls instream nitrogen consumption. In this study, we compared ecosystem metabolism and nitrate uptake kinetics in four stream restoration projects within urban watersheds to ecosystem functions measured in four unrestored urban stream segments and four streams draining minimally impacted forested watersheds in central North Carolina, U.S.A. All 12 sites were surveyed in June through August of 2006 and again in January through March of 2007. We anticipated that urban streams would have enhanced rates of ecosystem metabolism and nitrate uptake relative to forested streams due to the increases in nutrient loads and temperature associated with urbanization, and we predicted that restored streams would have further enhanced rates for these ecosystem functions by virtue of their increased habitat heterogeneity and water residence times. Contrary to our predictions we found that stream metabolism did not differ between stream types in either season and that nitrate uptake kinetics were not different between stream types in the winter. During the summer, restored stream reaches had substantially higher rates of nitrate uptake than unrestored or forested stream reaches; however, we found that variation in stream temperature and canopy cover explained 80% of the variation across streams in nitrate uptake. Because the riparian trees are removed during the first stage of natural channel design projects, the restored streams in this study had significantly less canopy cover and higher summer temperatures than the urban and forested streams with which they were compared.
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Smucker NJ, Vis ML. Acid mine drainage affects the development and function of epilithic biofilms in streams. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1899/10-139.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Smucker
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701 USA
| | - Morgan L. Vis
- Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701 USA
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Filoso S, Palmer MA. Assessing stream restoration effectiveness at reducing nitrogen export to downstream waters. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2011; 21:1989-2006. [PMID: 21939039 DOI: 10.1890/10-0854.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of headwater streams is common in urbanized coastal areas, and the role these streams play in contributing to downstream pollution is a concern among natural resource managers and policy makers. Thus, many urban stream restoration efforts are increasingly focused on reducing the downstream flux of pollutants. In regions that suffer from coastal eutrophication, it is unclear whether stream restoration does in fact reduce nitrogen (N) flux to downstream waters and, if so, by how much and at what cost. In this paper, we evaluate whether stream restoration implemented to improve water quality of urban and suburban streams in the Chesapeake Bay region, USA, is effective at reducing the export of N in stream flow to downstream waters. We assessed the effectiveness of restored streams positioned in the upland vs. lowland regions of Coastal Plain watershed during both average and stormflow conditions. We found that, during periods of low discharge, lowland streams that receive minor N inputs from groundwater or bank seepage reduced in-stream N fluxes. Furthermore, lowland streams with the highest N concentrations and lowest discharge were the most effective. During periods of high flow, only those restoration projects that converted lowland streams to stream-wetland complexes seemed to be effective at reducing N fluxes, presumably because the design promoted the spillover of stream flow onto adjacent floodplains and wetlands. The observed N-removal rates were relatively high for stream ecosystems, and on the order of 5% of the inputs to the watershed. The dominant forms of N entering restored reaches varied during low and high flows, indicating that N uptake and retention were controlled by distinctive processes during different hydrological conditions. Therefore, in order for stream restoration to effectively reduce N fluxes exported to downstream waters, restoration design should include features that enhance the processing and retention of different forms of N, and for a wide range of flow conditions. The use of strategic designs that match the dominant attributes of a stream such as position in the watershed, influence of groundwater, dominant flow conditions, and N concentrations is crucial to assure the success of restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Filoso
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland 20688, USA.
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Sivirichi GM, Kaushal SS, Mayer PM, Welty C, Belt KT, Newcomer TA, Newcomb KD, Grese MM. Longitudinal variability in streamwater chemistry and carbon and nitrogen fluxes in restored and degraded urban stream networks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 13:288-303. [DOI: 10.1039/c0em00055h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Feld CK, Birk S, Bradley DC, Hering D, Kail J, Marzin A, Melcher A, Nemitz D, Pedersen ML, Pletterbauer F, Pont D, Verdonschot PF, Friberg N. From Natural to Degraded Rivers and Back Again. ADV ECOL RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-374794-5.00003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Stanley EH, Powers SM, Lottig NR. The evolving legacy of disturbance in stream ecology: concepts, contributions, and coming challenges. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1899/08-027.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily H. Stanley
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 USA
| | - Stephen M. Powers
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 USA
| | - Noah R. Lottig
- Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 USA
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Mulholland PJ, Webster JR. Nutrient dynamics in streams and the role of J-NABS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1899/08-035.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Mulholland
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6036 USA
| | - Jackson R. Webster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 USA
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Roberts ML, Bilby RE. Urbanization alters litterfall rates and nutrient inputs to small Puget Lowland streams. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1899/07-160.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mindy L. Roberts
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Box 352700, Seattle, Washington 98195-2700 USA
| | - Robert E. Bilby
- Weyerhaeuser Company, 33663 Weyerhaeuser Way S., Federal Way, Washington 98003 USA
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Orr CH, Clark JJ, Wilcock PR, Finlay JC, Doyle MW. Comparison of morphological and biological control of exchange with transient storage zones in a field-scale flume. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jg000825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cailin H. Orr
- St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Jeffery J. Clark
- Department of Geology; Lawrence University; Appleton Wisconsin USA
| | - Peter R. Wilcock
- St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Geography and Environmental Engineering; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Jacques C. Finlay
- St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics; University of Minnesota; Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; University of Minnesota; St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Martin W. Doyle
- Department of Geography and Carolina Institute for the Environment; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
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Bernhardt ES, Band LE, Walsh CJ, Berke PE. Understanding, managing, and minimizing urban impacts on surface water nitrogen loading. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1134:61-96. [PMID: 18566090 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1439.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of materials and energy within cities is an inevitable consequence of dense populations and their per capita requirements for food, fiber, and fuel. As the world population becomes increasingly urban over the coming decades, urban areas will dramatically affect the distribution of nutrients across the face of the planet. In many cities, technological developments and urban planning have been effective at reducing the amount of waste nitrogen that is ultimately exported to downstream surface waters, largely through investments in sanitary sewer infrastructure and wastewater treatment. There are, however, still large cities throughout the developed world that have failed to take advantage of these obvious innovations to reduce their impact on downstream ecosystems. In addition, very few cities have adequately addressed the problems of diffuse nitrogen pollution, instead city infrastructure is often designed to route this N directly into downstream ecosystems. In the developing world, many of these problems are more acute, as rapidly growing urban populations exceed the capacity of limited municipal infrastructure. Reducing urban N pollution of groundwaters and surface waters both locally and globally can only be achieved through cultural and political adaptation in addition to technological innovations. In this review, we will focus on the implications of an increasingly urban world population on local, regional, and global nitrogen cycles and propose a variety of approaches for minimizing and mitigating the impacts of urban N concentration.
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Lester RE, Boulton AJ. Rehabilitating agricultural streams in Australia with wood: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2008; 42:310-326. [PMID: 18560930 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-008-9151-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, the ecological condition of streams and rivers has been impaired by agricultural practices such as broadscale modification of catchments, high nutrient and sediment inputs, loss of riparian vegetation, and altered hydrology. Typical responses include channel incision, excessive sedimentation, declining water quality, and loss of in-stream habitat complexity and biodiversity. We review these impacts, focusing on the potential benefits and limitations of wood reintroduction as a transitional rehabilitation technique in these agricultural landscapes using Australian examples. In streams, wood plays key roles in shaping velocity and sedimentation profiles, forming pools, and strengthening banks. In the simplified channels typical of many agricultural streams, wood provides habitat for fauna, substrate for biofilms, and refuge from predators and flow extremes, and enhances in-stream diversity of fish and macroinvertebrates.Most previous restoration studies involving wood reintroduction have been in forested landscapes, but some results might be extrapolated to agricultural streams. In these studies, wood enhanced diversity of fish and macroinvertebrates, increased storage of organic material and sediment, and improved bed and bank stability. Failure to meet restoration objectives appeared most likely where channel incision was severe and in highly degraded environments. Methods for wood reintroduction have logistical advantages over many other restoration techniques, being relatively low cost and low maintenance. Wood reintroduction is a viable transitional restoration technique for agricultural landscapes likely to rapidly improve stream condition if sources of colonists are viable and water quality is suitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Lester
- School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Monash University, Gippsland Campus, Churchill, VIC 3842, Australia.
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Kaushal SS, Groffman PM, Mayer PM, Striz E, Gold AJ. Effects of stream restoration on denitrification in an urbanizing watershed. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2008; 18:789-804. [PMID: 18488635 DOI: 10.1890/07-1159.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Increased delivery of nitrogen due to urbanization and stream ecosystem degradation is contributing to eutrophication in coastal regions of the eastern United States. We tested whether geomorphic restoration involving hydrologic "reconnection" of a stream to its floodplain could increase rates of denitrification at the riparian-zone-stream interface of an urban stream in Baltimore, Maryland. Rates of denitrification measured using in situ 15N tracer additions were spatially variable across sites and years and ranged from undetectable to >200 microg N x (kg sediment)(-1) x d(-1). Mean rates of denitrification were significantly greater in the restored reach of the stream at 77.4 +/- 12.6 microg N x kg(-1) x d(-1) (mean +/- SE) as compared to the unrestored reach at 34.8 +/- 8.0 microg N x kg(-1) x d(-1). Concentrations of nitrate-N in groundwater and stream water in the restored reach were also significantly lower than in the unrestored reach, but this may have also been associated with differences in sources and hydrologic flow paths. Riparian areas with low, hydrologically "connected" streambanks designed to promote flooding and dissipation of erosive force for storm water management had substantially higher rates of denitrification than restored high "nonconnected" banks and both unrestored low and high banks. Coupled measurements of hyporheic groundwater flow and in situ denitrification rates indicated that up to 1.16 mg NO3(-)-N could be removed per liter of groundwater flow through one cubic meter of sediment at the riparian-zone-stream interface over a mean residence time of 4.97 d in the unrestored reach, and estimates of mass removal of nitrate-N in the restored reach were also considerable. Mass removal of nitrate-N appeared to be strongly influenced by hydrologic residence time in unrestored and restored reaches. Our results suggest that stream restoration designed to "reconnect" stream channels with floodplains can increase denitrification rates, that there can be substantial variability in the efficacy of stream restoration designs, and that more work is necessary to elucidate which designs can be effective in conjunction with watershed strategies to reduce nitrate-N sources to streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujay S Kaushal
- University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, 301 Braddock Road, Frostburg, Maryland 21532, USA.
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Roberts BJ, Mulholland PJ. In-stream biotic control on nutrient biogeochemistry in a forested stream, West Fork of Walker Branch. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jg000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Roberts
- Environmental Sciences Division; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge Tennessee USA
| | - Patrick J. Mulholland
- Environmental Sciences Division; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge Tennessee USA
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