Hydrology and water quality shape macroinvertebrate patterns and facilitate non-native species dispersals in an inter-basin water transfer system. (1st March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qu, Xiao; Olden, Julian D.; Xia, Wentong; Liu, Han; Xie, Zhicai; Hughes, Robert M.; Chen, Yushun
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 329(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-01
• Subjects: Macroinvertebrate assemblages -- Water diversion -- Biological indicators -- Non-native species -- Water quality -- Hydrology; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding biotic assemblage variations resulting from water diversions and other pressures is critical for aquatic ecosystem conservation, but hampered by limited research. Mechanisms driving macroinvertebrate assemblages were determined across five lakes along China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project, an over 900-km water transfer system connecting four river basins. We assessed macroinvertebrate patterns from 59 sites in relation to water quality, climatic, spatial, and hydrologic factors. Macroinvertebrate density, biomass, and species richness increased from upriver to downriver lakes, and were higher during the water transfer period than in the non-water transfer period. Non-native species including Nephtys sp., Paranthura japonica, Potamillacf acuminata, Capitekkidae spp. and Novaculina chinensis, were distributed along the entire study system, some become dominant in upriver lakes. High species turnover occurred in two upriver lakes. Hydrology and water quality are critical factors in shaping these macroinvertebrate patterns. Hydrological disturbance by water transfer boosted macroinvertebrate abundance during the water transfer period while facilitated non-native species dispersals and increased biotic homogenization. This study indicates the need for: 1) an effective ecosystem monitoring system; 2) unified system management standards; 3) external pollution controls; and 4) limiting the dispersal of non-native species. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Macroinvertebrate had an increasing gradient from upriver to downriver lakes. Macroinvertebrate were more abundant and diverse during the water transfer period. Non-native Nephtys sp. and Paranthura japonica spread along the diversion system. Hydrology and water quality were critical in driving macroinvertebrate patterns.