Decline of the Shasta Crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis Faxon) of Northeastern California

Native freshwater faunas in North America are declining, principally due to the combined effects of habitat degradation and introduced species. Relatively little attention has been directed to the decline of freshwater invertebrates, which may be even more threatened than fishes. This paper chronicles recent changes in the distribution and abundance of the Shasta crayfish ( Pacifastacus fortis Faxon), a state and federally endangered species endemic to the midreaches of the Pit River system in northeastern California. We made snorkeling and SCUBA surveys for crayfish in 1990 and 1991 and examined various records for historic distributions. Shasta crayfish have been extirpated from much of their historic range by water impoundment and diversion, and they are further threatened by two introduced crayfish species ( Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana and Orconectes virilis Hagen). By 1990 Shasta crayfish were restricted to seven isolated populations, mostly in the headwaters of spring-fed tributaries to the Pit river. P. leniusculus had become established throughout much of the study area in about 12 years. In one site P. leniusculus probably contributed to the precipitous decline of Shasta crayfish, from 2000–3000 in 1980 to about 370 (± 135) in 1991. O. virilis , which occurred in only the most disturbed parts of the system, showed little range expansion in 30 years and had been replaced in a large stretch of the Pit River by P. leniusculus. P. leniusculus occupied sites with a broad range of habitat variables (temperature, pH, turbidity, substrate size) partly or wholly overlapping measures of sites with the other two species. The decline of the Shasta crayfish, like the extinction of its closest relative P. nigrescens in the San Francisco Bay area earlier this century, reflects the decline of its habitat and probably pressure from the aggressive exotic P. leniusculus .     

Assessing ecosystem vulnerability to invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)

Despite the widespread introduction of nonnative species and the heterogeneity of ecosystems in their sensitivity to ecological impacts, few studies have assessed ecosystem vulnerability to the entire invasion process, from arrival to establishment and impacts. Our study addresses this challenge by presenting a probabilistic, spatially explicit approach to predicting ecosystem vulnerability to species invasions. Using the freshwater-rich landscapes of Wisconsin, USA, we model invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) as a function of exposure risk (i.e., likelihood of introduction and establishment of O. rusticus based on a species distribution model) and the sensitivity of the recipient community (i.e., likelihood of impacts on native O. virilis and O. propinquus based on a retrospective analysis of population changes). Artificial neural networks predicted that approximately 10% of 4200 surveyed lakes (n = 388) and approximately 25% of mapped streams (23 523 km total length) are suitable for O. rusticus introduction and establishment. A comparison of repeated surveys before vs. post-1985 revealed that O. virilis was six times as likely and O. propinquus was twice as likely to be extirpated in streams invaded by O. rusticus, compared to streams that were not invaded. Similarly, O. virilis was extirpated in over three-quarters of lakes invaded by O. rusticus compared to half of the uninvaded lakes, whereas no difference was observed for O. propinquus. We identified 115 lakes (approximately 3% of lakes) and approximately 5000 km of streams (approximately 6% of streams) with a 25% chance of introduction, establishment, and extirpation by O. rusticus of either native congener. By identifying highly vulnerable ecosystems, our study offers an effective strategy for prioritizing on-the-ground management action and informing decisions about the most efficient allocation of resources. Moreover, our results provide the flexibility for stakeholders to identify priority sites for prevention efforts given a maximum level of acceptable risk or based on budgetary or time restrictions. To this end, we incorporate the model predictions into a new online mapping tool with the intention of closing the communication gap between academic research and stakeholders that requires information on the prospects of future invasions.     

Dynamic model of Lake Chozas (León, NW Spain)—Decrease in eco-exergy from clear to turbid phase due to introduction of exotic crayfish

We developed a dynamic model of the phosphorus cycle in Lake Chozas, a small shallow water body in León (NW Spain). The calibrated model simulated seasonal dynamics of phosphorus concentrations in major components of the lake's ecological network before and after 1997, the year when an invasive allochthonous crustacean, the Louisiana red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), was introduced into the lake. The shift from clean to turbid phase, due to grazing by crayfish on submerged vegetation, caused a gradual decrease in eco-exergy, reflecting an increase in entropy, related to breakdown of ecosystem internal equilibria. This case study verifies the hypothesis of Marchi et al. (2010) that, after an initial relatively stable state, the allochthonous species may cause an increase in entropy indicating perturbation of the ecosystem.     

Modelling crayfish population dynamics using catch data: A size-structured model

In this study we explore a rather unique time series (1979–2002) of catch data of the crayfish Astacus astacus in Lake Steinsfjorden (SE Norway) in combination with temperature data and data on Canadian pondweed Elodea canadensis coverage. In 1977, E. canadensis was for the first time observed in the lake. Over the following years, the plant established dense covers over large parts of the shallow areas, excluding the crayfish from these areas and causing a sudden drop in population size. A size-structured model with bi-stability including a range of observed stage-specific life-cycle attributes (e.g. growth, fecundity, fertility, sex-ratio), population specific parameters and density-dependant (shelters, cannibalism, unspecified predators, competition between individuals, catch, number of traps) as well as density independent factors (temperature and Elodea coverage) were constructed to evaluate the various drivers for the population dynamics, and as a predictive tool for assessing the effects of future changes. Our model revealed that the decline primarily was due to density-dependant effect of the Elodea expansion with reduced number of hides and thus increased risk for predation and cannibalism, but also that temperature played an important role related to recruitment. The model should be relevant for crayfish stock management in general, and by demonstrating the major role of temperature, it is also relevant for predicting population responses under a changing climate. The model should also be applicable to other crustaceans and species with discrete growth and late maturation.     

Eutrophication of Two Lakes in Kinmen Island (Taiwan)

Water quality was monitored for 12 months in Lake Tai and Lake Zon on Kinmen Island, Taiwan, and physico-chemical conditions were analyzed. No vertical temperature stratification was observed in these shallow lakes. pH is neutral to alkaline and associated with vigorous algal growth. Nitrogen levels are high and present in various forms due to progressive nitrification. Green and blue-green algae play an important part in the process of nitrification.

Assessment of lake eutrophication was made by the use of the N:P ratio, the Trophic State Index (TSI) and the US EPA Eutrophic Screening Model. the result of these calculations indicates eutrophic conditions in both lakes. It is advised that lake restoration be initiated and available techniques are listed.     

A model on the carbon cycling in Lake Taihu, China

A model of the carbon cycling in Lake Taihu was developed based on the previous developed model EcoTaihu Model, which couples the hydrology, the nutrient cycling and a number of biological processes. The carbon cycling model (abbreviated CCM) has in addition to the states variables of the EcoTaihu Model, the carbon in phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, macroplant, hydrogen carbonate carbon, carbonate carbon, dissolved carbon, abiotic organic carbon in water, organic carbon in sediment, soluble organic carbon in pore water, inorganic carbon in sediments, soluble inorganic carbon in pore water and pH. The calibration and validation of the CCM showed that the model results are in good accordance with the observations (from the period February17 to December. 5, 2003). It implies that the model can be used to assess the variation of the carbon dioxide flux at the water-air interface, and to find the pH value of the lake water as function of time. According to the model, the carbon dioxide flux at the water-air interface has clear, diurnal variations. Eutrophied water is a sink for the atmospheric carbon dioxide due to the phytosynthesis during the summer. Due to the terrestrial input of carbon to the lake, Lake Taihu is, however, a source of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The total annual flux is almost equal to the terrestrial input of carbon to the lake.     

Social spacing of crayfish in natural habitats: what role does dominance play?

We examined the impact of dominance on crayfish social spacing and resource control. Spatial distributions of individual crayfish, Orconectes propinquus, were recorded from five sample sites in Douglas Lake, MI, USA. Crayfish populations from each site were collected and then immediately transferred to artificial ponds in order to reproduce potential dominance hierarchies. After 15 h of observation in the artificial ponds, hierarchies were found to stabilize and dominance for each crayfish was scored based on the percentage of total fights an individual won. These dominance scores were then regressed against nearest neighbor distance obtained from field data, crayfish size, and shelter evictions observed during hierarchy formation. Dominant crayfish were found to have greater nearest neighbor distances than lower ranking crayfish. In addition, as the difference in dominance score between nearest neighbors increased, the distance between them also increased. Although claw size was an accurate predictor of dominance, size did not correlate with nearest neighbor distance. Factors such as social dynamics may thus play a larger role in natural crayfish populations than previously thought. Dominant crayfish also performed more shelter evictions during hierarchy formation, which were correlated with nearest neighbor distance, suggesting that eviction by dominant crayfish may enforce spacing. Social status appears to significantly impact crayfish spatial distribution and shelter acquisition such that more dominant crayfish exhibit increased control over space and shelter. Finally, this study suggests the possibility that stable crayfish dominance hierarchies exist in nature.     

The Effects of Predation by Nile Perch, Lates niloticus L., on the Fish of Lake Nabugabo, with Suggestions for Conservation of Endangered Endemic Cichlids

As in Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, most of the native fish species of Lake Nabugabo have either been depleted or have disappeared since Lates niloticus , Nile perch, and Oreochromis niloticus , a tilapiine, were introduced. L. niloticus, O. niloticus, Schilbe intermedius, Brycinus jacksonii , and Rastrineobola argentea are the only species still abundant and widespread in the lake. Of the five haplochromine species endemic to Lake Nabugabo, at least one has vanished and the remaining ones are very rare. The prey of the Nile perch in Lake Nabugabo, with the exception of the prawn Caridina nilotica , which is absent from the lake, are similar to those the predator switched to in Lakes Victoria and Kyoga after haplochromines had been depleted. These consist of ephemeropterans—especially Povilla , the anisopteran nymphs R. argentea , tilapiines, and juvenile Nile perch. Three small lakes adjacent to Lake Nabugabo—Lake Kayanja, Lake Kayugi, and Lake Manywa—contain large numbers of Oreochromis esculentus and two haplochromine species previously known only in Lake Nabugabo. These three lakes should be designated conservation areas for the cichlids and other native species that were previously abundant in Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, and Nabugabo. The swamps around these lakes should be protected so that the Nile perch does not spread into them. Further research should be carried out to ensure the preservation of the endemic species.     

Impact of urbanization on Bellandur Lake, Bangalore--a case study

Lake and river water is the prime source for drinking, irrigation and other domestic purposes. Bellandur Lake is one of the major Lakes of Bangalore city. The addition of effluents from urbanized Bangalore city has changed the characteristics of the Lake from being a natural ecologically healthy Lake to an artificial reservoir of domestic sewage and industrial effluents. The DO of the Bellandur Lake water ranged from 3.8-6.3 mg/l. The Bellandur lake water BOD ranged from 89-99 mg/l due to absorption of pollutants by aquatic flora in lake system. If the present state of affairs continues for long, the Bellandur Lake may soon become an ecologically inactive Lake.     

Distribution,fractionation and risk assessment of mercury in surficial sediments of Nansi Lake,China

Nansi Lake is composed of four sub-lakes from north to south: Nanyang Lake, Dushan Lake, Zhaoyang Lake and Weishan Lake. An environmental pollution investigation was carried out to determine the fractionation, and pollution assessments of mercury (Hg) in surficial sediments from Nansi Lake. Results showed that the mean concentration of Hg was 3.1 times higher than its background value (0.015 mg kg^?1), and the high concentration of Hg which even reached up to five times than the background value in the part of Dushan Lake and Weishan Lake, which indicated that there are obvious spatial differences. The content of Hg was positively correlated with that of total organic carbon, and negatively correlated with that of pH and SiO₂ in surface sediments. An improved Tessier sequential extraction procedure was used to study the fractions of Hg in sediments. The results indicated that Hg existed primarily in the fraction of residual, which accounts for 58.4% of total mercury (THg), and the percentage of extractable Hg was only 1.93% of total mercury. High concentrations of mercury of non-residual phase were found in part lake area from the Nanyang Lake and the Weishan Lake, which indicating a higher potential ecological risk relative to the other lake areas. Based on the values of enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index, most part of Dushan Lake and Nanyang Lake and Weishan Lake were in a moderate pollution. And based on the fractionation of mercury, risk assessment code of Hg exhibited low risks to the environment in Nansi Lake.     

Isotopes in teeth and a cryptic population of coastal freshwater seals

Human activities threaten the biodiversity of aquatic mammals across the globe. Conservation of these species hinges on the ability to delineate movements and foraging behaviors of animals, but gaining such insights is hampered by difficulties in tracing individuals over their lives. We determined isotope ratios in teeth (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ¹³C/¹²C, and ¹⁸O/¹⁶O) to examine lifelong movement and resource-use patterns of a unique freshwater population of a wide-ranging pinniped species (harbor seal [Phoca vitulina]) that resides in Iliamna Lake, Alaska (U.S.A.). This population's potentially unique migratory behavior and use of different trophic resources are unknown. The isotope ratios we measured in teeth showed that seals were born in the lake, remained lifelong residents, and relied principally on resources produced from in the lake, even when seasonally abundant and nutrient-dense spawning anadromous fish (i.e., sockeye salmon [Oncorhynchus nerka]) were available in the lake. Our results illustrate how serial isotope records in teeth, particularly ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, can be used to quantify how coastal mammal populations exploit both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Understanding lifelong patterns of habitat and resource use is essential information when designing effective conservation plans for threatened coastal mammals. We present the Iliamna Lake harbor seals as a unique case study into how isotope records within teeth can help reveal the cryptic ecology of such a population residing in an intact ecosystem. The results also provide critical baseline information for the Kvichak River system, which is facing an uncertain future due to proposed large-scale industrial development and a rapidly changing climate.     

中国东部浅水湖泊沉积物总氮总磷基准阈值研究

受人类活动的影响,东部浅水湖泊沉积物中总氮、总磷负荷很高,当外来污染源得到控制时,底泥中的营养盐会逐渐释放出来,对湖泊水质与生态系统影响很大。为合理削减湖泊内源污染,控制沉积物中营养盐向上覆水体释放,研究制定东部浅水湖泊沉积物总氮、总磷基准阈值,分别测定了100个湖泊的896个表层沉积物样品和8个典型湖泊11个柱芯的沉积物总氮（TN）、总磷（TP）含量,分析了沉积物TN、TP浓度剖面分布特征。通过频度分布法对100个湖泊沉积物总氮总磷的污染状况进行评价,通过背景值比较法确定了8个典型湖泊沉积物的TN、TP背景值。结果表明,100个湖泊的表层沉积物TN浓度范围在479.70~5 573.65 mg·kg-1,TP浓度范围在248.44~1000.33 mg·kg-1,不同湖泊表层沉积物中TN、TP值差异较大。8个典型湖泊沉积物总氮、总磷含量整体上表现出随着深度增加而下降变化趋势,在深层沉积物中含量保持稳定。所调查8个湖泊TN均值为1443.83 mg·kg-1,变化范围为247.45~3719.46 mg·kg-1,各湖泊中TN均值表现为：沱湖〉焦岗湖〉花园湖〉七里湖〉北民湖〉大通湖〉城东湖〉瓦埠湖;TP均值为519.62 mg·kg-1,变化范围为225.41~1944.89 mg·kg-1,各湖泊中TP均值表现为：北民湖〉大通湖〉七里湖〉焦岗湖〉沱湖〉瓦埠湖〉城东湖〉花园湖。不同湖泊沉积物总氮、总磷背景值差异很大。通过对100个湖泊表层沉积物TN、TP的频度分析发现,沉积物营养盐含量上25%点位对应的TP质量浓度398.51mg·kg-1,TN质量浓度为1106.24 mg·kg-1,沉积物营养盐含量下25%点位对应的TP质量浓度664.58 mg·kg-1,TN质量浓度为2916.66 mg·kg-1。通过互相之间的比较分析,推荐采用背景值比较法确定的各湖泊沉积物总氮、总磷背景值均值与频度分步法25%点位对应的总氮值和40%点位对应的总磷值作为东部浅水湖泊沉积物总氮、总磷基准阈值。因此,?     

Quantitative characterization of Cu binding potential of dissolved organic matter （DOM） in sediment from Taihu Lake using multiple techniques

Dissolved organic matter （DOM） plays an important role in heavy metal speciation and distribution in the aquatic environment especially for eutrophic lakes which have higher DOM concentration. Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater and a high eutrophic lake in the downstream of the Yangtze River, China. In the lake, frequent breakout of algae blooms greatly increased the concentration of different organic matters in the lake sediment. In this study, sediment samples were collected from various part of Taihu Lake to explore the spatial difference in the binding potential of DOM with Cu. The titration experiment was adopted to quantitatively characterize the interaction between Cu（II） and DOM extracted from Taihu Lake sediments using ion selective electrode （ISE） and fluorescence quenching technology. The ISE results showed that the exogenous DOM had higher binding ability than endogenous DOM, and DOM derived from aquatic macrophytes had a higher binding ability than that derived from algae. The fluorescence quenching results indicated that humic substances played a key role in the complexation between DOM and Cu（II） in the lake. However, because of the frequent breakout of algae blooms, protein-like matters are also main component like hnmic matters in Taihu Lake. Therefore, the metals bound by protein-like substances should be caused concern as protein-like substances in DOM were unstable and they will release bound metal when decomposed.     

Source identification and prediction of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of Lake Taihu by an ensemble machine learning technique

● A machine learning model was used to identify lake nutrient pollution sources. ● XGBoost model showed the best performance for lake water quality prediction. ● Model feature size was reduced by screening the key features with the MIC method. ● TN and TP concentrations of Lake Taihu are mainly affected by endogenous sources. ● Next-month lake TN and TP concentrations were predicted accurately. Effective control of lake eutrophication necessitates a full understanding of the complicated nitrogen and phosphorus pollution sources, for which mathematical modeling is commonly adopted. In contrast to the conventional knowledge-based models that usually perform poorly due to insufficient knowledge of pollutant geochemical cycling, we employed an ensemble machine learning (ML) model to identify the key nitrogen and phosphorus sources of lakes. Six ML models were developed based on 13 years of historical data of Lake Taihu’s water quality, environmental input, and meteorological conditions, among which the XGBoost model stood out as the best model for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) prediction. The results suggest that the lake TN is mainly affected by the endogenous load and inflow river water quality, while the lake TP is predominantly from endogenous sources. The prediction of the lake TN and TP concentration changes in response to these key feature variations suggests that endogenous source control is a highly desirable option for lake eutrophication control. Finally, one-month-ahead prediction of lake TN and TP concentrations (R² of 0.85 and 0.95, respectively) was achieved based on this model with sliding time window lengths of 9 and 6 months, respectively. Our work demonstrates the great potential of using ensemble ML models for lake pollution source tracking and prediction, which may provide valuable references for early warning and rational control of lake eutrophication.     

人为活动对城市湖泊沉积物重金属污染的影响——以武汉墨水湖为例

人类活动使得大量的重金属向水环境中排放,导致了城市湖泊严重的重金属污染.为了研究中国的工业化、城市化发展对城市水体重金属污染的影响,以武汉墨水湖为例,测定了沉积物中几种常见痕量重金属Zn、Pb、Ni、Cu、Cr的含量和富集系数,并运用主成分分析对重金属的污染来源进行了初步探讨.结果表明,墨水湖表层沉积物重金属污染程度较重,主要受人为输入的影响;5种重金属在全湖区域上具有比较高的富集系数,尤以排污口为甚,排污口是重金属富集的主要区域.主成分分析表明,Pb可能主要来自于暴雨径流面源,而Cr可能主要来自于工矿企业的点源排放,其他3种金属则有着大小相当的点、面源输入贡献。以上结果表明,城市化和工业化进程已经给城市湖泊带来了很高的重金属污染负荷.     

Biogeochemical zonation of sulfur during the discharge of groundwater to lake in desert plateau (Dakebo Lake,NW China)

As one of the important elements of controlling the redox system within the hyporheic and hypolentic zone, sulfur is involved in a series of complex biogeochemical processes such as carbon cycle, water acidification, formation of iron and manganese minerals, redox processes of trace metal elements and a series of important ecological processes. Previous studies on biogeochemistry of the hyporheic and hypolentic zones mostly concentrated on nutrients of nitrogen and phosphorus, heavy metals and other pollutants. Systematic study of biogeochemical behavior of sulfur and its main controlling factors within the lake hypolentic zone is very urgent and important. In this paper, a typical desert plateau lake, Dakebo Lake in northwestern China, was taken for example within which redox zonation and biogeochemical characteristics of sulfur affected by hydrodynamic conditions were studied based on not only traditional hydrochemical analysis, but also environmental isotope evidence. In the lake hypolentic zone of the study area, due to the different hydrodynamic conditions, vertical profile of sulfur species and environmental parameters differ at the two sites of the lake (western side and center). Reduction of sulfate, deposition and oxidation of sulfide, dissolution and precipitation of sulfur-bearing minerals occurred are responded well to Eh, dissolved oxygen, pH, organic carbon and microorganism according to which the lake hypolentic zone can be divided into reduced zone containing H₂S, reduced zone containing no H₂S, transition zone and oxidized zone. The results of this study provide valuable insights for understanding sulfur conversion processes and sulfur biogeochemical zonation within a lake hypolentic zone in an extreme plateau arid environment and for protecting the lake–wetland ecosystem in arid and semiarid regions.     

Study of physico-chemical characteristics of water bodies around Jaipur

The present study has been undertaken to evaluate physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, alkalinity and hardness) and zinc concentration in water bodies in and around Jaipur. Water samples from Jalmachal Lake, Nevta Lake, Amer Lake and Ramgarh Lake were analysed. Results reveal that the water of Jalmahal Lake is most polluted due to high pH, hardness, alkalinity, free carbon dioxide, zinc content, and a low level of dissolved oxygen. Contrarily Ramgarh Lake is least polluted, as it has high dissolved oxygen and low pH, alkalinity, free carbon dioxide, hardness and zinc content.     

Trajectories of zooplankton recovery in the Little Rock Lake whole-lake acidification experiment.

Understanding the factors that affect biological recovery from environmental stressors such as acidification is an important challenge in ecology. Here we report on zooplankton community recovery following the experimental acidification of Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin, USA. One decade following cessation of acid additions to the northern basin of Little Rock Lake (LRL), recovery of the zooplankton community was complete. Approximately 40% of zooplankton species in the lake exhibited a recovery lag in which biological recovery to reference basin levels was delayed by 1-6 yr after pH recovered to the level at which the species originally responded. Delays in recovery such as those we observed in LRL may be attributable to "biological resistance" wherein establishment of viable populations of key acid-sensitive species following water quality improvements is prevented by other components of the community that thrived during acidification. Indeed, we observed that the recovery of species that thrived during acidification tended to precede recovery of species that declined during acidification. In addition, correspondence analysis indicated that the zooplankton community followed different pathways during acidification and recovery, suggesting that there is substantial hysteresis in zooplankton recovery from acidification. By providing an example of a relatively rapid recovery from short-term acidification, zooplankton community recovery from experimental acidification in LRL generally reinforces the positive outlook for recovery reported for other acidified lakes.     

Study of environmental isotope distribution in the Aswan High Dam Lake (Egypt) for estimation of evaporation of lake water and its recharge to adjacent groundwater

Oxygen-18 (¹⁸0) and deuterium isotopes were used to estimate the evaporation from the Aswan High Dam Lake and to investigate the inter-relation between the lake water and adjacent groundwater.According to stable isotopic analysis of samples taken in 1988 and 1989, the lake can be divided into two sections. In the first section extending between Abu Simbel and a point between EI-Alaki and Krosko, a remarkable vertical gradient of ¹⁸0 and deuterium isotopic composition was observed. The second northern sector extending to the High Dam is characterised by a lower vertical isotopic gradient. In this sector in general, higher values of ¹⁸O and deuterium contents were found at the top and lower values at the bottom. Also a strong horizontal increase of the heavy isotope content was observed. Thus, in the northern section evaporation is of dominating influence on the isotopic composition of the lake water.With the help of an evaporation pan experiment it was possible to calibrate the evaporative isotope enrichment in the lake and to facilitate a preliminary estimate of evaporative losses of lake water. The evaporation from the lake was estimated to be about 19% of the input water flow rate.The groundwater around the lake was investigated and samples from production wells and piezometers were subjected to isotopic analysis. The results indicate that recent recharge to the groundwater aquifer is limited to wells near to the lake and up to a maximum distance of about 10 km. The contribution of recent Nile water to the groundwater in these wells was estimated to range between 23 and 70%. Beyond this distance, palaeowater was observed with highly depleted deuterium and ¹⁸0 contents, which was also confirmed by 14c dating. The age of palaeo groundwater in this area can reach values of more than 26,000 years.Recommendations are given for efficient water management of the lake water.     

Prevalence of the Crayfish Plague Pathogen Aphanomyces astaci in Invasive American Crayfishes in the Czech Republic

Abstract:  In Central Europe invasive North American crayfishes are carriers of the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, which causes crayfish plague. This lethal disease currently represents one of the major threats to native European crayfishes. We used molecular methods—species-specific amplification and sequencing of the pathogen DNA—to investigate the prevalence of individuals latently infected with A. astaci in 28 populations of two invasive American crayfish species (6 of the signal crayfish [ Pacifastacus leniusculus ] and 22 of the spiny-cheek crayfish [ Orconectes limosus ]) in the Czech Republic. The pathogen occurred in 17 investigated populations. We recorded a high variation in positive reactions, ranging from 0% to 100%, in populations of O. limosus . In P. leniusculus, however, only one individual out of 124 tested positive for the pathogen. There was a clear relationship between the water body type and pathogen prevalence in O. limosus . Infection ratios in isolated standing waters were usually low, whereas in running waters, pathogen prevalence often exceeded 50%. Other evaluated characteristics of potential plague pathogen carriers (size, sex, and the presence of melanized spots in the cuticle) seemed to be unrelated to infection. Our data suggest that in contrast to other European countries, O. limosus seems to be the primary reservoir of crayfish plague in the Czech Republic. Although all populations of alien American crayfishes may be potential sources of infections and should be managed as such, knowledge on the prevalence of the plague pathogen at various localities may allow managers to focus conservation efforts on the most directly endangered populations of native crayfishes.