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Environments
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Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters
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Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters

A special issue of Environments (ISSN 2076-3298).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (13 July 2021) | Viewed by 35977

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Silvia Quadroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
Interests: environmental monitoring; biomonitoring; benthic macroinvertebrates; Alpine streams; regulated rivers; hydromorphological alterations; controlled sediment flushing; ecological flows; eco-friendly management of water resources; lakes; contamination; persistent organic pollutants; organochlorine compounds; food webs; ecological risk assessment; human risk assessment; fish; geometric morphometrics; biological conservation; biological invasion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inland waters are important ecosystems for both their biodiversity and the services they provide to humans. Monitoring their components is essential to improve the knowledge of structure and functions of these ecosystems and to assess their health status. Monitoring is also fundamental to evaluate the impact of anthropic pressures, such as water use for hydropower, irrigation, or drinking purposes, pollution due to present and past production and use of chemicals, and the introduction of allochthonous species. Only through the information coming from monitoring data can the management of water resources be planned or improved in order to continue to exploit them for necessary services with a lower impact on the freshwater environment.

This Special Issue aims to: (i) provide information on tools currently applied for the monitoring of different (both abiotic and biotic) components of freshwater ecosystems, (ii) show results of monitoring carried out to improve the basic knowledge of these aquatic environments and their health status and/or to highlight the impact of different anthropic pressures, and (iii) collect new evidence about eco-friendly management strategies related to the use of water resources or to activities impacting on inland waters.

Dr. Silvia Quadroni
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Environments is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • freshwaters
  • monitoring tools
  • monitoring data
  • ecosystem health
  • anthropic pressures
  • ecological impact
  • management strategies

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

2 pages, 176 KiB  
Editorial
Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters
by Silvia Quadroni
Environments 2022, 9(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9040048 - 9 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3280
Abstract
Inland waters are important ecosystems for both their biodiversity and the services they provide to humans [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)

Research

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15 pages, 2539 KiB  
Article
Microbial Contamination Survey of Environmental Fresh and Saltwater Resources of Upolu Island, Samoa
by Michael A. Ochsenkühn, Cong Fei, Odmaa Bayaara, Emarosa Romeo, Patila Amosa, Youssef Idaghdour, Gary Goldstein, Timothy G. Bromage and Shady A. Amin
Environments 2021, 8(11), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8110112 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3174
Abstract
Analysis of microbe diversity in freshwater resources and nearshore seawater samples of Upolu Island was performed to investigate the distribution of harmful bacteria. For this, 124 samples were collected from 23 river systems, two volcanic lakes, and 45 locations inside and outside the [...] Read more.
Analysis of microbe diversity in freshwater resources and nearshore seawater samples of Upolu Island was performed to investigate the distribution of harmful bacteria. For this, 124 samples were collected from 23 river systems, two volcanic lakes, and 45 locations inside and outside the barrier reef of Upolu Island, Samoa. Physicochemical parameters for general water quality, detection of coliform bacteria and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed on all samples. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) testing indicated a wide distribution of coliform bacteria in all sampled freshwater sites with evidence of fecal coliform in most locations. Importantly, evidence of coliform bacteria was found in most seawater samples inside and along the reef, apart from those samples taken ~20 km offshore. Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region confirmed the presence of various types of harmful bacterial species, namely from the Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcae, Streptococcaceae, and Vibrionacea families. By combining the sensitivity of FIB testing and next-generation sequencing, we were able to show the extent of potential contaminations in fresh and seawater samples and simultaneously identify the potential pathogenic bacterial genera present. The wide distribution of potential harmful bacteria from river runoff or direct sewage dumping has an impact on human health, leading to many skin and intestinal diseases, and is potentially detrimental to coral reef community health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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16 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
The Diatomic Diversity of Two Mediterranean High-Elevation Lakes in the Sibillini Mountains National Park (Central Italy)
by Rosalba Padula, Antonella Carosi, Alessandro Rossetti and Massimo Lorenzoni
Environments 2021, 8(8), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080079 - 13 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3355
Abstract
Temporary high-elevation lakes represent vulnerable and unstable environments strongly threatened by tourism, hydrogeological transformations and climate changes. In-depth scientific knowledge on these peculiar habitats is needed, on which to base integrated and sustainable management plans. Freshwater diatoms, thanks to their high diversity and [...] Read more.
Temporary high-elevation lakes represent vulnerable and unstable environments strongly threatened by tourism, hydrogeological transformations and climate changes. In-depth scientific knowledge on these peculiar habitats is needed, on which to base integrated and sustainable management plans. Freshwater diatoms, thanks to their high diversity and their particular sensitivity to the water chemistry, can be considered powerful ecological indicators, as they are able to reflect environmental changes over time. The aim of the present study was to analyze the diatomic diversity of the Pilato and Palazzo Borghese lakes, two small temporary high-mountain basins, falling in a protected area within the Apennine mountains chain (central Italy). Diatoms data were collected, at the same time as 12 physicochemical parameters, through six microhabitat samplings, from 17 June to 30 August 2019. In both lakes, a total of 111 diatomic species and varieties were identified. The most species-rich genera were Gomphonema, Navicula, and Nitzschia. The Pilato Lake showed a diatomic community dominated by few species, favored by more stable and predictable environmental conditions than the Palazzo Borghese Lake, which hosted a more diversified community, guaranteed by greater spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Both lakes were characterized by the presence of diatomic species typical of good quality waters. The occurrence of numerous aerial species reflected adaptation strategies adopted to colonize environments subjected to extended drought periods. Endangered diatomic species of particular conservational interest were recorded, confirming the need to preserve their habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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Graphical abstract

19 pages, 53389 KiB  
Article
Definition of Ecological Flow Using IHA and IARI as an Operative Procedure for Water Management
by Michele Greco, Francesco Arbia and Raffaele Giampietro
Environments 2021, 8(8), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080077 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6815
Abstract
It is widely recognized that the hydrological regime of natural flow plays a primary and crucial role in influencing the physical condition of habitats, which, in turn, determines the biotic composition and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The current hydro-ecological understanding states that all [...] Read more.
It is widely recognized that the hydrological regime of natural flow plays a primary and crucial role in influencing the physical condition of habitats, which, in turn, determines the biotic composition and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The current hydro-ecological understanding states that all flow components might be considered as operational targets for water management, starting from base flows (including low flows) to high and flood regimes in terms of magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change. Several codes have been developed and applied on different case studies in order to define common tools to be implemented for Eflow assessment. This work deals with the definition of an operative procedure for the evaluation of the Eflow monthly distribution to be adopted in a generic watercourse cross-section for sustainable surface water resource management and exploitation. The methodology proposes the application of the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration methodology (IHA by TNC) coupled to the valuation of the Index of Hydrological Regime Alteration (IARI by ISPRA) as an operative tool to define the ecological flow in each monitoring cross-section to support sustainable water resource management and planning. The case study of the Agri River in Basilicata (Southern Italy) is presented. The analyses were carried out based on monthly discharge data derived by applying the HEC-Hydrological Modeling System at the basin scale using the daily rain data measurements obtained by the regional rainfall gauge stations and calibrated through the observed inlet water discharge registered at the Lago del Pertusillo reservoir station. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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8 pages, 638 KiB  
Communication
Monitoring of Neotropical Streams Using Macroinvertebrate Communities: Evidence from Honduras
by Stefano Fenoglio and Alberto Doretto
Environments 2021, 8(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8040027 - 31 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2834
Abstract
Assessing the water quality by using biological indicators is a reliable and economically feasible way to promote environmental conservation in developing tropical countries. Here, we report one of the few examples of river biomonitoring in Honduras. In June 2005, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected [...] Read more.
Assessing the water quality by using biological indicators is a reliable and economically feasible way to promote environmental conservation in developing tropical countries. Here, we report one of the few examples of river biomonitoring in Honduras. In June 2005, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected from six sites in the Río Cangrejal basin. An adapted version of the Biological Monitoring Working Party index (BMWP) was used to assess the water quality because it is simple, consolidated, relatively easy to use, and needs a family-level identification. Moreover, two other community metrics were calculated, namely the total taxon richness and local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD). Differences in the biomonitoring and diversity metrics among sites and their correlations were statistically tested. Thirty-nine macroinvertebrate taxa were collected and, despite significant differences in the BMWP score, all sampling sites were classified in the high environmental quality class. A very strong and positive correlation between the BMPW and taxon richness was found, while LCBD did not vary significantly and did not correlate with the other metrics. Our results suggest that taxon richness could be used as a surrogate indicator to assess the water quality when consolidate biomonitoring methods are not available. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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13 pages, 2827 KiB  
Article
Genetic Investigation of Four Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso, L.) Broodstocks for its Reintroduction in the Po River Basin
by Caterina M. Antognazza, Isabella Vanetti, Vanessa De Santis, Adriano Bellani, Monica Di Francesco, Cesare M. Puzzi, Andrea G. Casoni and Serena Zaccara
Environments 2021, 8(4), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8040025 - 27 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4072
Abstract
The reintroduction of the extinct beluga sturgeon (Huso huso L.), an anadromous species with economic and traditional relevance, is a priority in next conservation strategies in Northern Italy. The EU-LIFE NATURA project aims to reintroduce the beluga sturgeon in the Po River [...] Read more.
The reintroduction of the extinct beluga sturgeon (Huso huso L.), an anadromous species with economic and traditional relevance, is a priority in next conservation strategies in Northern Italy. The EU-LIFE NATURA project aims to reintroduce the beluga sturgeon in the Po River basin through a captive breeding program. Critical requirements for the success of the program are river connectivity and knowledge of genetic diversity of the selected broodstocks to ensure self-sustainability of reintroduced populations. Here, the four broodstocks used for the reintroduction of beluga sturgeon have been genetically screened, genotyping 13 loci and sequencing mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene and the entire mitochondrial DNA control region (D-Loop). The four broodstocks showed a medium-high level of nuclear genetic variability and the presence of two sub-populations, evidencing a total level of inbreeding coefficients able to sustain the good potential as future breeders. Mitochondrial analyses showed a genetic variability comparable to wild populations, further strengthening the positive potential of the investigated broodstock. Therefore, this study, showed how the degree of genetic diversity found within the four broodstocks used for H. huso reintroduction in the Po River basin could be suitable to ensure the success of the program, avoiding the inbreeding depression associated with founder effect and captive breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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20 pages, 2154 KiB  
Article
Multi-Year Monitoring of Ecosystem Metabolism in Two Branches of a Cold-Water Stream
by Daniel J. Hornbach
Environments 2021, 8(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8030019 - 28 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3336
Abstract
Climate change is likely to have large impacts on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem function, especially in cold-water streams. Ecosystem metabolism is affected by water temperature and discharge, both of which are expected to be affected by climate change and, thus, require long-term monitoring [...] Read more.
Climate change is likely to have large impacts on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem function, especially in cold-water streams. Ecosystem metabolism is affected by water temperature and discharge, both of which are expected to be affected by climate change and, thus, require long-term monitoring to assess alterations in stream function. This study examined ecosystem metabolism in two branches of a trout stream in Minnesota, USA over 3 years. One branch was warmer, allowing the examination of elevated temperature on metabolism. Dissolved oxygen levels were assessed every 10 min from spring through fall in 2017–2019. Gross primary production (GPP) was higher in the colder branch in all years. GPP in both branches was highest before leaf-out in the spring. Ecosystem respiration (ER) was greater in the warmer stream in two of three years. Both streams were heterotrophic in all years (net ecosystem production—NEP < 0). There were significant effects of temperature and light on GPP, ER, and NEP. Stream discharge had a significant impact on all GPP, ER, and NEP in the colder stream, but only on ER and NEP in the warmer stream. This study indicated that the impacts of temperature, light, and discharge differ among years, and, at least at the local scale, may not follow expected patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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Review

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14 pages, 316 KiB  
Review
Assessing the Impacts of Hydropeaking on River Benthic Macroinvertebrates: A State-of-the-Art Methodological Overview
by Francesca Salmaso, Livia Servanzi, Giuseppe Crosa, Silvia Quadroni and Paolo Espa
Environments 2021, 8(7), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8070067 - 18 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3584
Abstract
As the global demand for renewable electricity grows, hydropower development of river basins increases across the world. Hydropeaking, i.e., streamflow alteration consisting of daily or subdaily rapid and marked discharge fluctuations, can affect river reaches below hydropower units. Environmental effects of hydropeaking include [...] Read more.
As the global demand for renewable electricity grows, hydropower development of river basins increases across the world. Hydropeaking, i.e., streamflow alteration consisting of daily or subdaily rapid and marked discharge fluctuations, can affect river reaches below hydropower units. Environmental effects of hydropeaking include geomorphological alterations and possible modifications of the freshwater biota. Among affected instream communities, benthic macroinvertebrates are receiving increasing attention and the related scientific research has experienced significant progress in the last decade. In this context, this paper aims to summarize state-of-the-art methods for the assessment of hydropeaking impacts on benthic macroinvertebrate communities. The present review could support the proper design of monitoring plans aimed at assessing the ecological impacts of hydropeaking and the effects of possible mitigation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)

Other

14 pages, 1736 KiB  
Perspective
Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters: Insights from the Most Inhabited Italian Region
by Silvia Quadroni, Paolo Espa, Serena Zaccara, Giuseppe Crosa, Roberta Bettinetti, Maristella Mastore and Maurizio Francesco Brivio
Environments 2022, 9(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9020027 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4006
Abstract
Monitoring of freshwaters allows the detection of the impacts of multiple anthropic uses and activities on aquatic ecosystems, and an eco-sustainable management of natural resources could limit these impacts. In this work, we highlighted two main issues affecting inland waters, referring to findings [...] Read more.
Monitoring of freshwaters allows the detection of the impacts of multiple anthropic uses and activities on aquatic ecosystems, and an eco-sustainable management of natural resources could limit these impacts. In this work, we highlighted two main issues affecting inland waters, referring to findings from the most inhabited Italian region (Lombardy, approximately 10 M inhabitants): the first issue is lake pollution by old generation pesticides, the second is river development for hydropower. In both cases, some management strategies reducing the anthropic impacts on freshwaters were discussed: organic farming and biocontrol as an alternative to diffuse pollution by agrochemicals; environmental flows and controlled sediment flushing operations to limit the hydropower impact on rivers. Although the two mentioned issues were discussed separately in this paper, the management of water resources should be carried out in a comprehensive way, accounting for the multiple impacts affecting freshwater ecosystems, including those related to the climate changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Management of Inland Waters)
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