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The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health...
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The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health in Freshwater Ecosystems

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecohydrology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2025 | Viewed by 6954

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Soon-Jin Hwang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Interests: nutrient dynamics; harmful algae; biological water quality assessment; ecosystem health; lake and river management; periphyton; plankton food web; cyanobacterial akinete
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Min-Ho Jang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Konjgu National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of Korea
Interests: freshwater fish migration; fish diet analysis; fish distribution; cyanobacteria–zooplankton interaction; restoration biodiversity conservation
Dr. Jongkwon Im

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Institute of Environmental Research, Han River Environment Research Center, Gyeonggi-do 12585, Republic of Korea
Interests: water quality; taste odor compounds; anthropogenic impacts; emerging pollutants; phytoplankton; ecological index; water monitoring and treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Freshwater is a critical resource for the survival of human beings and other biota. However, freshwater ecosystems globally are facing unprecedented threats induced by a broad range of human activities. Moreover, climate change is aggravating these threats in unpredictable ways. Eutrophication, which causes the occurrence of harmful algal blooms, is the most common problem faced by freshwater systems. Cyanobacteria blooms produce harmful materials, including toxins and off-flavor substances, and are regarded as potential hazards, particularly with respect to water resource management and ecosystem health.

This Special Issue was developed with the aim of highlighting studies aiming to improve scientific understanding and strategies for sound aquatic ecosystem management and services for researchers, decision makers, and stakeholders. We seek research papers on various aspects of eutrophication, harmful algae, and ecosystem health in relation to land use, watershed management, climate change, and restoration. Although the theme of this Special Issue is confined to freshwater ecosystems, we encourage the submission of articles on estuary and marine ecosystems under the same theme. We further welcome original research papers with novel ideas and sound designs, as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Prof. Dr. Soon-Jin Hwang
Prof. Dr. Min-Ho Jang
Dr. Jongkwon Im
Guest Editors

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. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • eutrophication
  • harmful algal blooms
  • algal dynamics
  • cyanobacteria and other phytoplankton
  • toxins and off-flavor materials
  • ecosystem health and indicators
  • climate change and land use
  • freshwater ecosystems and watershed management
  • conservation and restoration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 8550 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Key Environmental Variables Affecting Fish Communities and Species Distribution in Asian Lotic Ecosystems
by Jae-Goo Kim, Jeong-Ki Min and Ji-Woong Choi
Water 2024, 16(22), 3251; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223251 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 462
Abstract
In 2011, Korea installed artificial structures on four rivers to secure water resources and reduce flood damage; however, these structures have altered ecosystems and aquatic communities. This study analyzed fish communities and environmental variables at 72 sites in the Geumgang River. Fish communities [...] Read more.
In 2011, Korea installed artificial structures on four rivers to secure water resources and reduce flood damage; however, these structures have altered ecosystems and aquatic communities. This study analyzed fish communities and environmental variables at 72 sites in the Geumgang River. Fish communities and environmental variables before weir installation were examined using site data from 2008 to 2009. The results showed that Cyprinidae dominated the 70 observed species. A self-organizing map categorized the 72 sites into four groups based on fish communities. Sensitive and insectivorous species decreased, whereas tolerant and omnivorous species increased from Groups I to IV. Twenty-one indicator species were identified, with fewer and less distinct distribution patterns in Groups II and III than in Groups I and IV. The fish assessment index (FAI) showed a decline in grades A and B and an increase in grades C and D from Groups I to IV. Correlation analysis between the FAI and environmental variables indicated that fish communities in the Geumgang River were mainly influenced by water quality, reflecting altitude gradients and pollution levels. This study’s findings are anticipated to significantly inform water management strategies for the Geumgang, Yeongsangang, Nakdonggang, and Hangang Rivers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health in Freshwater Ecosystems)
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11 pages, 1951 KiB  
Article
Can eDNA Present in Aquatic Environments of Rural Areas Help Identify Species Diversity in the Order Anura?
by Keonhee Kim, Sera Kwon and Yikweon Jang
Water 2024, 16(21), 3063; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213063 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 484
Abstract
Paddy fields are classified as wetland environments, and they comprise freshwater ecosystems. They are ecologically important habitats and breeding grounds for many aquatic insects, amphibians, and reptiles. However, paddy field ecosystems are constantly threatened by climate change and the indiscriminate use of pesticides. [...] Read more.
Paddy fields are classified as wetland environments, and they comprise freshwater ecosystems. They are ecologically important habitats and breeding grounds for many aquatic insects, amphibians, and reptiles. However, paddy field ecosystems are constantly threatened by climate change and the indiscriminate use of pesticides. The metabarcode analysis of eDNA (environmental DNA) method is highly effective at accumulating information on many organisms that inhabit paddy field ecosystems. It can indirectly identify the existence of taxa that are no longer found in the target ecosystem due to behavioral characteristics, such as those exhibited by amphibians. In the metabarcoding results of this study, genes of five species of frogs were found, but it was impossible to confirm all of the frogs’ taxa, morphological pictures, and croak sounds. On the other hand, some frog taxa were only found in the metabarcoding analysis. The eDNA of the frogs found only in the metabarcoding analysis is estimated to have been introduced from nearby areas inhabited by frogs rather than the target region. Due to the powerful analytical resolution of eDNA metabarcoding, this eDNA-based paddy field search is expected to help investigate the biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health in Freshwater Ecosystems)
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17 pages, 11637 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Algal Control Measures in Eutrophic Reservoirs Based on Aquatic Ecosystem Models
by Zhen Zheng, Tingting Liao, Yafeng Lin, Xueyi Zhu and Haobin Meng
Water 2024, 16(11), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111494 - 24 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
The frequency of freshwater cyanobacterial blooms is increasing globally due to climate change and eutrophication, particularly in reservoirs. Reservoir ecosystems exhibit unique characteristics, and there is a complex relationship between factors such as light, temperature, nutrient salts, hydrology, and algal growth. The impact [...] Read more.
The frequency of freshwater cyanobacterial blooms is increasing globally due to climate change and eutrophication, particularly in reservoirs. Reservoir ecosystems exhibit unique characteristics, and there is a complex relationship between factors such as light, temperature, nutrient salts, hydrology, and algal growth. The impact of the other factors on algal growth varies significantly among different reservoirs. Thus, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of various algal control measures implemented in different reservoirs. This study conducted a comprehensive assessment by establishing a eutrophication model for the Shanzi Reservoir in Fuzhou City. The model incorporated meteorology, hydrology, carbon dynamics, nutrient cycling, and biological communities. The effectiveness of diverse management measures was systematically evaluated. The findings demonstrate that increasing the water level, reducing nutrient salts in sediments, and implementing ecological fish stocking effectively suppressed algal growth to varying degrees and improved nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Lower water levels and ecological fish stocking had a significant impact on algal reproduction, while sediment reduction had a minimal effect. Conversely, lower water levels and ecological fish stocking did not significantly improve nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the reservoir, whereas sediment reduction had a noticeable effect. Consequently, the management strategies for the Shanzi Reservoir should prioritize external control measures and the implementation of ecological fish stocking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health in Freshwater Ecosystems)
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16 pages, 4140 KiB  
Article
Temporal and Seasonal Variations in a Phytoplankton Community Structure in Artificial Lake Uiam, South Korea
by Jong-Kwon Im, Youn-Bo Sim, Soon-Jin Hwang, Myeong-Seop Byeon and Tae-Gu Kang
Water 2023, 15(23), 4118; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15234118 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1457
Abstract
Lake Uiam is situated midway through a basin with dams at both the upstream and downstream ends; considerable environmental fluctuations have been observed here. However, studies on changes in environmental factors and plankton community fluctuations remain limited. This study analyzed the seasonal physicochemical [...] Read more.
Lake Uiam is situated midway through a basin with dams at both the upstream and downstream ends; considerable environmental fluctuations have been observed here. However, studies on changes in environmental factors and plankton community fluctuations remain limited. This study analyzed the seasonal physicochemical factors and changes in the phytoplankton community structure in Lake Uiam (2015–2016). Organic matter, phosphorus, total suspended solids (TSS), and Chl-a concentrations were high in the summer. Seasonal changes in the dominant taxa followed the typical succession pattern of temperate phytoplankton, with Bacillariophyceae (Ulnaria acus) being dominant in spring and Cyanophyceae (Pseudanabaena limnetica) dominant in summer. However, Cryptophyceae (Rhodomonas sp.) showed unusually high dominance in autumn. Cell abundance showed no seasonal differences. Rhodomonas sp. was negatively correlated with water temperature, suggesting its dominance in spring and autumn. Cryptophyceae showed a significant correlation with Chl-a (0.708 **), indicating its contribution to spring Chl-a concentrations. Cryptophyceae (Rhodomonas sp. and Cryptomonas spp.) commonly appear in spring but are dominant in autumn in Lake Uiam. Despite disturbances from various environmental factors, they showed higher adaptability than other algae, resulting in their consistent appearance and dominance, differing from the general succession patterns of temperate phytoplankton. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health in Freshwater Ecosystems)
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Review

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22 pages, 2325 KiB  
Review
Survival and Development Strategies of Cyanobacteria through Akinete Formation and Germination in the Life Cycle
by Hye-In Ho, Chae-Hong Park, Kyeong-Eun Yoo, Nan-Young Kim and Soon-Jin Hwang
Water 2024, 16(5), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050770 - 4 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1667
Abstract
Eutrophic freshwater ecosystems are vulnerable to toxin-producing cyanobacteria growth or harmful algal blooms. Cyanobacteria belonging to the Nostocales order form akinetes that are similar to the seeds of vascular plants, which are resting cells surrounded by a thick membrane. They overwinter in sediment [...] Read more.
Eutrophic freshwater ecosystems are vulnerable to toxin-producing cyanobacteria growth or harmful algal blooms. Cyanobacteria belonging to the Nostocales order form akinetes that are similar to the seeds of vascular plants, which are resting cells surrounded by a thick membrane. They overwinter in sediment and germinate when conditions become favorable, eventually developing into vegetative cells and causing blooms. This review covers the cyanobacterial akinete of the Nostocales order and summarizes the environmental triggers and cellular responses involved in akinete germination and formation based on data from the literature. It also emphasizes the intimate and dynamic relationship that exists between the germination and formation of akinete in the annual life cycle of cyanobacteria. After comparing many published data, it is found that the tolerance ranges for factors affecting both akinete germination and formation do not differ significantly and are broadly consistent with the tolerance ranges for vegetative cell growth. However, the optimal range varies with different species and strains of cyanobacteria. The life cycle of cyanobacteria, as a result of akinete germination and formation, has a seasonal periodicity and spatial connectivity between the water column and the sediment. However, during the summer growing season, intimate coupling between akinete formation and germination can occur in the water column, and this can contribute to high population densities being maintained in the water column. During this time, shallow sediment could also provide suitable conditions for akinete germination, thereby contributing to the establishment of water column populations. The information summarized in this review is expected to help improve our shared understanding of the life cycle of the Nostocales cyanobacteria while also providing insights into the monitoring and management of harmful algal blooms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Management of Eutrophication, Harmful Algal Bloom and Ecological Health in Freshwater Ecosystems)
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