Effects of clay turbidity and density of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae on predation by perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Increased turbidity reduces visibility in the water column, which can negatively affect vision-oriented fish and their ability to detect prey. Young fish could consequently benefit from high turbidity levels that can provide a protective cover, reducing predation pressure. Perch (Perca fluviatilis) are commonly found in littoral zones of temperate lakes and coastal areas of the Baltic Sea. Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) spawn in these areas, so perch is a potential predator for pikeperch larvae. We conducted laboratory experiments to test the predation of perch on pikeperch larvae at different turbidity levels (5–85 nephelometric turbidity units), densities of pikeperch larvae (2–21 individuals l⁻¹) and volumes of water (10–45l). The logistic regression showed that the probability of larvae eaten depended significantly on turbidity and volume of water in the bags, while density of larvae was not significant. However, because container size is known to affect predation, the data was divided into two groups based on water volume (10–20 and 25–45l) to reduce the effects of container size. In either group, probability of predation did not significantly depend on volume, whereas turbidity was significant in both groups, while density was significant in larger water volumes. Thus, high turbidity impaired perch predation and protected pikeperch larvae from perch predation. Because density of larvae was also a significant factor affecting predation of perch, the dispersal of pikeperch larvae from spawning areas should also increase the survival of larvae.     

Latitudinal gradients in niche breadth and position—regional patterns in freshwater fish

The latitudinal gradient in diversity is widely acknowledged, but the mechanisms contributing to this pattern are still poorly known. Given that the species have environmental optima, a central issue is how species’ niche parameters, i.e. niche breadth and niche position, vary along the latitudinal gradient. In this study, we examined the determinants of fish distribution and the variability in species’ niche breadth and position along latitudinal gradient using a regional data set of boreal lakes. Results of the Outlying Mean Index analysis showed that the fish community structure was jointly controlled by a number of environmental factors, ranging from water chemistry and temperature to local physical factors such as lake area and depth. Corroborating the number of earlier findings, the regional occupancy of species was more strongly governed by the niche position than the niche breadth, although both showed a significant relationship with the regional distribution. When the latitudinal variability in niche parameters of the main taxonomic groups was analysed, both percids and cyprinids, being cool water species, showed significant decrease in niche breadth northwards as we predicted. By contrast, the niche position and latitude were non-significantly correlated in percids and salmonids, and negatively correlated in cyprinids, the latter showing the opposite pattern as we predicted. However, even if only a part of our predictions was supported, the results generally implied that the examination of latitudinal variability in the niche properties is potentially highly rewarding, not only in estimation of present community structure in lakes but also for predictions of species’ responses to climate change.     

Trophic interactions of the endangered Southern river otter (Lontra provocax) in a Chilean Ramsar wetland inferred from prey sampling, fecal analysis, and stable isotopes

Non-invasive methodological approaches are highly recommended and commonly used to study the feeding ecology of elusive and threatened mammals. In this study, we use multiple lines of evidence to assess the feeding strategies of the endangered Southern river otter, by determining seasonal prey availability (electrofishing), analysis of undigested prey remains (spraints), and the use of stable isotopes (δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C) in otter spraints (n?=?262) and prey in a wetland ecosystem of southern Chile (39°49′S, 73°15′W). Fecal and isotopic analyses suggest that the otter diet is restricted to a few prey items, particularly the less-mobile, bottom-living, and larger prey such as crayfish (Samastacus spinifrons, 86.11 %) and crabs (Aegla spp., 32.45 %), supplemented opportunistically by cyprinids (Cyprinus carpio, 9.55 %) and catfish (Diplomystes camposensis, 5.66 %). The results suggest that the river otter is highly specialized in bottom foraging. Isotopic signatures of food sources and feces revealed a mid-upper trophic position for the Southern river otter, with either higher or lower δ¹⁵N values than their potential prey items. δ¹³C values for river otters were less enriched than their potential food resources. We suggest that due to their narrow trophic niche and possible dependence on only a few food items, this species may be highly vulnerable to the reduction in its prey populations. Finally, maintaining the ecological interactions between Southern river otters and their prey is considered a central priority for the survival of this endangered carnivore mammal.     

长江中下游湖泊水体氮磷比时空变化特征及其影响因素

为弄清长江中下游浅水湖泊水体氮磷比(TN/TP)对湖泊富营养化状况及水系连通性的指示意义,对该区域26个湖泊开展了春、夏两季的水质调查,比较了不同水文、水质状况湖泊之间TN/TP差异,探讨了影响湖泊TN/TP的主要因素.结果发现,长江中下游湖泊TN/TP存在较大的时空差异性,春季TN/TP平均值为21.52±14.28,过水性湖泊、深水湖泊以及富营养化湖泊3种类型水体中,富营养化湖泊的TN/TP较低,为14.38±7.40,深水湖泊的TN/TP最高,为40.97±33.37;夏季调查湖库的TN/TP平均值为21.73±23.78,其中深水湖泊的TN/TP仍为最高,达96.38±45.91,富营养化湖泊的TN/TP仍为最低,达10.91±4.44.春、夏相比,过水性湖泊和深水湖泊夏季的TN/TP显著上升,而富营养化湖泊却明显下降,且降幅随富营养化程度升高而加大.相关性分析发现,无论是春季还是夏季,湖泊TN/TP都与水体深度显著正相关.此外,湖泊富营养化程度越高,TN/TP与浮游植物生物量的关系就越弱,富营养化程度越低,TN/TP越高,磷对浮游植物生长的限制越明显.研究表明,长江中下游湖泊富营养化治理营养盐策略上,多数湖泊控磷更为重要,在一些富营养化较为严重的湖泊,局部疏浚、合理挖深、外源控制和调整渔业生产方式等是值得探索的修复途径.     

Habitat selection by breeding waterbirds at ponds with size-structured fish populations

Fish may significantly affect habitat use by birds, either as their prey or as competitors. Fish communities are often distinctly size-structured, but the consequences for waterbird assemblages remain poorly understood. We examined the effects of size structure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) cohorts together with other biotic and abiotic pond characteristics on the distribution of breeding waterbirds in a seminatural system of monocultured ponds, where three fish age classes were separately stocked. Fish age corresponded to a distinct fish size gradient. Fish age and total biomass, macroinvertebrate and amphibian abundance, and emergent vegetation best explained the differences in bird density between ponds. Abundance of animal prey other than fish (aquatic macroinvertebrates and larval amphibians) decreased with increasing carp age in the ponds. Densities of ducks and smaller grebes were strongly negatively associated with fish age/size gradient. The largest of the grebes, the piscivorous great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), was the only species that preferred ponds with medium-sized fish and was positively associated with total fish biomass. Habitat selection by bitterns and most rallids was instead strongly influenced by the relative amount of emergent vegetation cover in the ponds. Our results show that fish size structure may be an important cue for breeding habitat choice and a factor affording an opportunity for niche diversification in avian communities.     

Recovery of a power plant cooling reservoir ecosystem from selenium bioaccumulation

Hyco Reservoir, a North Carolina power plant cooling impoundment, was impacted by selenium toxicity during the late 1970s. Selenium inputs via coal ash discharge resulted in bioaccumulation through the aquatic food chain which caused reproductive failure and population declines of bluegill, other Lepomis spp., largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, and sucker species. Following these declines, green sunfish, satinfin shiner, gizzard shad, eastern mosquitofish, and redbelly tilapia dominated the fish community. During 1990, the power plant converted to a dry fly ash handling system that reduced selenium loading into the reservoir. Construction costs for this system were approximately $48 million and annual operating costs have been approximately $1 million/year. Mean selenium concentrations in reservoir waters at the power plant discharge declined from 8.8 μg/l to 3.2 μg/l within one year of the system operation, and this decline was consistent with a priori mass balance modeling predictions. Depuration of selenium from sediments and tissues of plankton, benthos, and fish has been variable since the system operation. Significant selenium declines have occurred in tissues of aquatic organisms in the eight-year recovery period while little change has been observed in sediments. Recovery of the fish community has been rapid, particularly in areas upstream of the ash pond discharge, and confirmed population-level modeling predictions using a Leslie-matrix demographic model. Diversity of the fish community increased throughout the reservoir and species dominance shifted from a green sunfish and satinfin shiner-dominated system to a bluegill-dominated system within five years after the system operation. Increased bluegill and green sunfish hybridism also occurred during early recovery and coincided with a low abundance of spawning bluegill adults. Sport fisheries have re-developed for largemouth bass and crappie and strategies for managing the recovering fishery have included periodic stock assessments, creel surveys and harvest restrictions, prey fish stocking, and continued contaminant monitoring. This pollution abatement system has been successful in reducing selenium loading into the reservoir and prompting recovery of the aquatic ecosystem.     

David and Goliath: potent venom of an ant-eating spider (Araneae) enables capture of a giant prey

It is rare to find a true predator that repeatedly and routinely kills prey larger than itself. A solitary specialised ant-eating spider of the genus Zodarion can capture a relatively giant prey. We studied the trophic niche of this spider species and investigated its adaptations (behavioural and venomic) that are used to capture ants. We found that the spider captures mainly polymorphic Messor arenarius ants. Adult female spiders captured large morphs while tiny juveniles captured smaller morphs, yet in both cases ants were giant in comparison with spider size. All specimens used an effective prey capture strategy that protected them from ant retaliation. Juvenile and adult spiders were able to paralyse their prey using a single bite. The venom glands of adults were more than 50 times larger than those of juvenile spiders, but the paralysis latency of juveniles was 1.5 times longer. This suggests that this spider species possesses very potent venom already at the juvenile stage. Comparison of the venom composition between juvenile and adult spiders did not reveal significant differences. We discovered here that specialised capture combined with very effective venom enables the capture of giant prey.     

Trophic specialisations in alternative heterochronic morphs

Polymorphisms are suspected of reducing competition among conspecifics in heterogeneous environments by allowing differential resource use. However the adaptive significance of alternative morphs has been poorly documented. The aim of this study is to determine food partitioning of two heterochronic morphs of the Alpine newt, Triturus alpestris, in mountain lakes. The morphs differ in the functional morphology of their feeding apparatus. Only paedomorphs are able to expel water during prey suction behind the mouth through gill slits. We observed a substantial trophic differentiation between morphs in all lakes. Paedomorphs preyed mainly on plankton, whereas metamorphs foraged on terrestrial invertebrates that fell upon the water surface. This resource partitioning may facilitate the coexistence of the alternative morphs in lakes devoid of vertebrate competitors. Food diversity may thus favour the evolutionary maintenance of facultative polymorphism in natural populations.     

城市降雨径流对桂林四湖水质的影响

摘要：为了研究城市降雨径流对桂林四湖水质的影响,在某场强降雨的前后,对桂林四湖湖水的氨氮、总磷、高锰酸盐指数和浊度进行了监测与比较,结果显示降雨中各指标农度高于降雨前。其中变化最明显的是氨氮和高锰酸盐指数。在雨后60min,由于湖水的自净作用,湖水的高锰酸盐指数和浊度明显下降,而氨氮和总磷浓度的值下降不明显。总的来说,城市雨水径流对湖水具有一定程度的影响。     

小兴凯湖浮游植物功能群特征及其影响因子

为分析北方寒冷地区浑浊型富营养化湖泊湿地浮游植物功能群时空变化特征及其影响因子,分别于2014年春季(5月)、夏季(7月)和秋季(9月)对小兴凯湖12个采样点进行了浮游植物采样,系统分析了浮游植物功能群的组成特征. 结果表明:小兴凯湖浮游植物共划分为21个功能群,其中重要功能群为H1、MP、D、C、Y、X2、J和W1,春季以功能群X2和D占优势,分别占49.02%和24.32%;夏季以功能群X2、C和H1占优势,分别占28.86%、16.11%和14.16%;秋季以功能群X2和C占优势,分别占46.97%和27.66%. 浮游植物功能群随季节变化表现为X2+D→X2+C+H1→X2+C的特点,反映至水体环境,春季为低温、高营养、中度浑浊水体,夏季为高温、富营养、高度浑浊、低光照水体,秋季为低温、富营养、高度浑浊、低光照水体. Pearson线性相关性分析表明,重要功能群功能群H1同ρ(TP)极显著正相关;功能群D同透明度、ρ(BOD₅)极显著正相关,同ρ(COD_Cr)显著正相关,同浊度和ρ(TIC)显著负相关;功能群X2同透明度极显著正相关,同ρ(TP)显著正相关,同浊度极显著负相关. RDA多元统计分析表明,ρ(TP)、浊度、透明度是小兴凯湖浮游植物功能群的主要影响因子,ρ(TC)、ρ(TOC)同大多数小兴凯湖浮游植物功能群正相关,但不是主要影响因子,ρ(TIC)与小兴凯湖浮游植物功能群无相关性. 小兴凯湖虽然整体营养盐水平很高,但较高的浊度抑制了浮游植物的生长.      

江苏省西部湖泊水环境演变过程与成因分析

根据江苏西部主要湖泊水环境质量实测数据,采用综合营养状态指数〔TLI(Σ)〕法对其富营养化程度进行综合评价,结果表明,目前江苏西部大部分湖泊处于富营养化状态.其中,白马湖富营养程度最低〔TLI(Σ)为45.16〕,处于中营养;玄武湖营养程度最高(61.93),属于中度富营养.洪泽湖和邵伯湖的水质为劣Ⅴ类,其他湖泊除白马湖外水质均处于Ⅳ～Ⅴ类之间.从近年江苏西部湖泊的水质变化看,只有骆马湖和玄武湖水质呈现转好的趋势,ρ(TN)和ρ(TP)有所下降.大部分西部湖泊水质呈恶化趋势,洪泽湖、高邮湖和固城湖ρ(TN)不断上升,邵伯湖和石臼湖ρ(TP)也不断上升.不同湖泊水环境变化的成因有所不同,洪泽湖水质受上游河流污染以及农业面源污染影响较大.由于江苏西部湖泊的地理、水文和环境条件的差异,不同湖泊存在不同的营养盐基准.相对于非过水性湖泊,洪泽湖等过水性湖泊的氮磷营养物基准相对较高.      

南水北调中线干渠生态系统结构与功能分析

为分析和掌握南水北调中线干渠生态系统结构与功能的特征参数,根据2015~2019年中线干渠鱼类资源调查数据及实测的鱼类生物学参数数据,应用Ecopath with Ecosim 6.6软件构建了Ecopath食物网模型.模型由18个功能组组成,包括了初级生产者、初级消费者、主要鱼类和有机碎屑等.结果显示：中线干渠生态系统规模总流量、总生产量和总消耗量分别为19186.330,8947.857和1106.002（t/（km²·a））,食物网主要由4个整合营养级（1.00~3.71）构成,最高营养级为大型肉食性鱼类鱤（3.71）.食物网能量传递主要有两条途径,分别为牧食食物链和碎屑食物链,两者传递的能量相当,但牧食食物链传递效率是碎屑食物链的近两倍.交互营养分析结果表明,捕食者对其饵料生物的影响一般为抑制作用,碎屑生物量的增加对大部分功能组的影响为正效应,小型上层鱼类对浮游动物生物量起抑制作用.从各功能组之间的生态位重叠来看,各功能组间捕食者生态位重叠现象不普遍,重叠指数适中,部分肉食性鱼类的捕食者生态位重叠指数达到1.对生态系统总体特征分析发现,中线干渠生态系统的总初级生产量与总呼吸量的比值（P/R）、总初级生产量与总生物量的比值（P/B）、Finn's循环指数（FCI）和Finn's平均路径长度（FML）都表明该生态系统处于发展的幼态期,抵抗外界干扰的能力差.此外,中线干渠生态系统对初级生产力的利用率很低,导致过多的营养物质未进入更高营养级的食物链中进行循环,造成系统能量流动的滞缓.因此,根据生物操纵理论,可通过优化和完善鱼类群落结构,增强对系统初级生产力的利用效率,促进物质循环和能量流动,维持生态系统稳定.     

南水北调中线干渠生态系统结构与功能分析

为分析和掌握南水北调中线干渠生态系统结构与功能的特征参数,根据2015~2019年中线干渠鱼类资源调查数据及实测的鱼类生物学参数数据,应用Ecopath with Ecosim 6.6软件构建了Ecopath食物网模型.模型由18个功能组组成,包括了初级生产者、初级消费者、主要鱼类和有机碎屑等.结果显示：中线干渠生态系统规模总流量、总生产量和总消耗量分别为19186.330,8947.857和1106.002（t/（km²·a））,食物网主要由4个整合营养级（1.00~3.71）构成,最高营养级为大型肉食性鱼类鱤（3.71）.食物网能量传递主要有两条途径,分别为牧食食物链和碎屑食物链,两者传递的能量相当,但牧食食物链传递效率是碎屑食物链的近两倍.交互营养分析结果表明,捕食者对其饵料生物的影响一般为抑制作用,碎屑生物量的增加对大部分功能组的影响为正效应,小型上层鱼类对浮游动物生物量起抑制作用.从各功能组之间的生态位重叠来看,各功能组间捕食者生态位重叠现象不普遍,重叠指数适中,部分肉食性鱼类的捕食者生态位重叠指数达到1.对生态系统总体特征分析发现,中线干渠生态系统的总初级生产量与总呼吸量的比值（P/R）、总初级生产量与总生物量的比值（P/B）、Finn's循环指数（FCI）和Finn's平均路径长度（FML）都表明该生态系统处于发展的幼态期,抵抗外界干扰的能力差.此外,中线干渠生态系统对初级生产力的利用率很低,导致过多的营养物质未进入更高营养级的食物链中进行循环,造成系统能量流动的滞缓.因此,根据生物操纵理论,可通过优化和完善鱼类群落结构,增强对系统初级生产力的利用效率,促进物质循环和能量流动,维持生态系统稳定.     

南京市主要湖泊浮游植物群落结构分析

2008年春季,对南京市7个主要湖泊浮游植物及水质进行了调查。结果表明,南京市主要湖泊处于中营养状态到中富营养状态,其中城市湖泊富营养化较为严重,作为饮用水源地的固城湖、金牛湖处于中营养状态,但固城湖浮游植物群落结构表现出富营养化特征。富营养湖泊中出现的种类以硅藻为主,数量以硅藻为主;中营养湖泊中出现的种类以硅藻为多;数量以隐藻、蓝藻为主。各湖泊浮游植物数量与营养状态呈显著正相关。     

Morphological distinctness despite large-scale phenotypic plasticity��analysis of wild and pond-bred juveniles of allopatric populations of Tropheus moorii

Cichlids are an excellent model to study explosive speciation and adaptive radiation. Their evolutionary success has been attributed to their ability to undergo rapid morphological changes related to diet, and their particular breeding biology. Relatively minor changes in morphology allow for exploitation of novel food resources. The importance of phenotypic plasticity and genetically based differences for diversification was long recognized, but their relationship and relative magnitude remained unclear. We compared morphology of individuals of four wild populations of the Lake Tanganyika cichlid Tropheus moorii with their pond-raised F(1) offspring. The magnitude of morphological change via phenotypic plasticity between wild and pond-bred F(1) fish exceeds pairwise population differences by a factor of 2.4 (mean Mahalanobis distances). The genetic and environmental effects responsible for among population differentiation in the wild could still be recognized in the pond-bred F(1) fish. All four pond populations showed the same trends in morphological change, mainly in mouth orientation, size and orientation of fins, and thickness of the caudal peduncle. As between population differentiation was lower in the wild than differentiation between pond-raised versus wild fish, we suggest the narrow ecological niche and intense interspecific competition in rock habitats is responsible for consistent shape similarity, even among long-term isolated populations.     

城市化对湖泊和港湾环境的影响

全球经济的发展必然经历工业化和城市化。在城市化过程中 ,不可避免地产生工业和生活垃圾。这些垃圾不仅污染土地 ,也污染河流和湖泊 ,特别在湖泊和港湾中 ,由于水流速度变缓 ,污染物容易随着沉积物沉淀下来。又由于气候变化和人类活动 ,湖泊和港湾的沉积物会再次释放污染物而污染水体。这些污染物主要是过量的氮、磷、有毒有机物和重金属 ,由于经济和人文环境的不同 ,在不同地区污染程度有差异 ,目前在发展中国家较为严重。针对这些污染 ,人们用机械的、化学的和生物的方法来治理湖泊和港湾的污染 ,但根本上要从源头控制污染———减少污染物的排放     

九龙江流域上游浅水湖泊富营养化机制

基于对九龙江上游龙潭湖富营养化水体和沉积物现状的监测结果,通过与国内富营养化深水湖库和流域下游大型富营养化浅水湖泊进行对比,深入探讨了流域上游浅水湖泊富营养化发生的原因及主导机制.流域上游浅水湖泊具有外源污染物输入较少的特点,较下游大型浅水湖泊更易受温度等气候条件和沉积物氧化还原状态的影响,以及外源输入总磷控制具有较强的滞后效应,因此对流域上游浅水湖泊富营养化的控制必须重视内源营养盐释放,特别是结合态磷的内源释放问题.     

从生态学观点看湖泊藻类控制的技术体系

富营养化水域中,引起湖泊水华和海洋赤潮的藻类疯长被称为“生态癌”。从生态学的观点分析了湖泊退化的原因,提出生态系统内物质循环的规模是否在自然环境条件所能支持的限度内是分析湖泊治理成效的判据,而将参与物质循环的过量物质从湖泊中移出则是湖泊治理技术的根本着眼点。文章还从生态学的视角架构了湖泊藻类控制的技术体系,并对每种技术在体系中的作用做了分析,由此提出了湖泊治理的技术路线。     

双龙湖枯、丰水期交替期间水质变化评价研究

对双龙湖枯、丰水期交替期浮游藻类种类、数量及总氮、总磷、高锰酸盐指数、叶绿素a、透明度、浊度等指标进行监测分析，从浮游藻类营养分级标准法、优势藻类指示法及生物指标评价法和富营养化综合评价法对双龙湖营养状态进行评价，认为双龙湖丰水期初期水质优于枯水期末期，处于中营养化水平，枯水期末期处于富营养状态。研究评价枯、丰水期的水质变化规律，为加强双龙湖污染防治，改善和保持水环境提供科学依据。     

聚合氯化铝-镧改性膨润土的制备及除磷除藻研究

为快速去除富营养化水体中的磷和藻类,采用PAC(聚合氯化铝)和镧对膨润土进行复合改性,制备PLMB(聚合氯化铝-镧改性膨润土)吸附剂,并采用BET(全自动比表面及孔隙度分析仪)、SEM(扫描电镜)、FTIR(傅里叶红外光谱仪)、XRD(X射线衍射仪)、ICP-OES(电感耦合等离子发射光谱仪)和zeta电位分析仪对材料进行表征,使用吸附动力学和吸附等温线描述PLMB对磷的吸附机理,考察吸附剂用量、pH和腐殖酸对PLMB同步除磷除藻的影响. 结果表明:①PLMB表面具有很多层状结构,能够提供更多吸附位点,聚合氯化铝和镧成功负载于膨润土上,镧含量达到5.02%. ②PLMB能高效吸附水中的磷,吸附量达到57.629 mg/g,吸附等温线符合Langmuir等温吸附模型,吸附动力学符合颗粒内扩散模型和准二级动力学模型. ③当PLMB投加量为300 mg/L时,富营养化水样中浊度、SRP(可溶性活性磷)、TP(总磷)和Chla(叶绿素a)的去除率分别为98.7%、96.2%、94.1%和72.7%. ④水样pH为5~10时,pH增大对PLMB的除磷除藻性能具有促进作用. ⑤腐殖酸对SRP的去除无显著影响,对浊度、TP和Chla的去除有负面作用. 研究显示,PLMB表现出优异的磷吸附性能,能够同步去除水体中的磷和藻类,在富营养化水体的生态修复中具有较大应用价值.