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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Hydrobiology > Freshwater biology, limnology
Riparian Landscapes examines the ecological systems of streamside and floodplain areas from the perspective of landscape ecology. The author describes the specific spatial pattern of riparian vegetation as a result of, and a control on, the ecological, geomorphological, and hydrological processes that operate along rivers. He also discusses the role of the riparian zone in controlling species distribution and abundance and highlights the intelligent management of these valuable ecological resources. Finally, Malanson explores the potential for linking hydrological, geomorphological and ecological simulation models.
Thorp and Covich's Freshwater Invertebrates, Fourth Edition: Keys to Neotropical Hexapoda, Volume Three, provides a guide for identifying and evaluating a key subphylum, hexapoda, for Central America, South America and the Antarctic. This book is essential for anyone working in water quality management, conservation, ecology or related fields in this region, and is developed to be the most modern and consistent set of taxonomic keys available. It is part of a series that is designed to provide a highly comprehensive, current set of keys for a given bioregion, with all keys written in a consistent style. This series can be used for a full spectrum of interested readers, from students, to university professors and government agencies.
In the decade since the first edition of this book was published advances have been made in our knowledge of the fresh waters of the world, espe cially in understanding many of the processes involved in their functioning as systems and in countering the problems created by human activities. New problems too, many of an international nature, have loomed during this period-of which global warming and the acidification of fresh waters in many parts of the world are notable examples. In addition, much has now been published concerning the aquatic flora, fauna and ecology of previously poorly known geographic areas, notably Australasia. The second edition of this book is a revision which updates the text in the light of recent advances in our knowledge of freshwater biology. Inevitably, in an elementary volume such as this, the treatment of many of the basic principles and processes remains the same. However, several new sections are included covering a range of topics such as acid deposition and the acidification process, bacterial decomposition and aquaculture. The book includes many new references and suggestions for up-to-date reading in particular topics. The objective of the second edition remains the same as that of the first. It is intended as a basic introduction to the major aspects of freshwater biology at a level suitable for undergraduates. It should also prove useful, as apparently did the first edition, to professional workers in related fields, e.g. water engineers and chemists, aquaculturists and planners."
In the decade since the first edition of this book was published advances have been made in our knowledge of the fresh waters of the world, espe cially in understanding many of the processes involved in their functioning as systems and in countering the problems created by human activities. New problems too, many of an international nature, have loomed during this period-of which global warming and the acidification of fresh waters in many parts of the world are notable examples. In addition, much has now been published concerning the aquatic flora, fauna and ecology of previously poorly known geographic areas, notably Australasia. The second edition of this book is a revision which updates the text in the light of recent advances in our knowledge of freshwater biology. Inevitably, in an elementary volume such as this, the treatment of many of the basic principles and processes remains the same. However, several new sections are included covering a range of topics such as acid deposition and the acidification process, bacterial decomposition and aquaculture. The book includes many new references and suggestions for up-to-date reading in particular topics. The objective of the second edition remains the same as that of the first. It is intended as a basic introduction to the major aspects of freshwater biology at a level suitable for undergraduates. It should also prove useful, as apparently did the first edition, to professional workers in related fields, e.g. water engineers and chemists, aquaculturists and planners."
The Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in Minnesota serves as a living laboratory and provides scientists with a fundamental understanding of peatland hydrology, acid rain impacts, nutrient and carbon cycling, trace gas emissions, and controls on mercury transport in boreal watersheds. Its important role in scientific research continues to grow as the data gathered offers invaluable insight into environmental changes over the last century and goes far in answering many of today's pressing questions at landscape and global scales. Synthesizing five decades of research, Peatland Biogeochemistry and Watershed Hydrology at the Marcell Experimental Forest includes hundreds of research publications, dozens of graduate theses, and even some previously unpublished studies. Research at the MEF has been at the forefront of many scientific disciplines and these 15 chapters offer the depth and breadth of long-term studies on hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and forest management on peatland watersheds at the MEF. Focusing on peatlands, lakes, and upland landscapes, the book begins with the pioneering research on hydrology done during the 1960s. It presents the innovative 1970's studies of atmospheric deposition; the 1980's research into nutrient cycles including carbon, nitrogen, and methane emissions; and the 1990's investigations into mercury deposition. The book concludes with a look at the latest and on-going studies such as this century's research into controls on methylmercury production and landscape-level carbon storage and cycling. Covering 50 years of research and written by a veritable who's who in peatland and forestry science, this important milestone in the collection of ecological data highlights bright prospects for future research, including the continuation of existing long-term measurements, the initiation of new monitoring programs, and plans for unprecedented studies on climate change.
This study, conducted in Kenya, gives the first insight into the performance of a constructed treatment wetland receiving pulp and paper mill wastewater in the tropics. The wetland effectively removed organic matter, suspended solids, phenols and nutrients. BOD and phenols reduction rates are reported for the first time. Design parameters and guidelines for the set-up and maintenance of a full-scale wetland are recommended. The study concludes that integrating a full-scale wetland, as a tertiary stage with the existing treatment ponds would significantly improve the quality of water in River Nzoia downstream of the effluent discharge. This is a valuable resource book for scientists, managers and students in the field of wetland ecology, water and environmental management.
The manufacture of plastic as well as its indiscriminate disposal and destruction by incineration pollutes atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems. Synthetic plastics do not break down; they accumulate in the environment as macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics. These particulate plastics are a major source of pollutants in soil and marine ecosystems. Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments provides a fundamental understanding of the sources of these plastics and the threats they pose to the environment. The book demonstrates the ecotoxicity of particulate plastics using case studies and offers management practices to mitigate particulate plastic contamination in the environment. Features * Describes physical and chemical properties of particulate plastics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems * Presents information on characteristics of particulate plastics as impacted by weathering processes * Provides numerous approaches for managing particulate plastic contamination * Identifies sources of particulate plastics in the environment; distribution and characteristics of particulate plastics; and management strategies of particulate plastics Written by a global team of scientists, this book is for researchers in the fields of environmental safety and waste management or individuals interested in the impact of particulate plastics on environmental health.
Continuing concern about water supply and quality, ecosystem
sustainability and restoration demands that the modern approach to
the management of lakes and reservoirs should be based on a sound
understanding of the application of the scientific and ecological
principles that underlie freshwater processes. "The Lakes Handbook" provides an up-to-date overview of the
application of ecologically sound approaches, methods and tools
using experience gained around the world for an understanding of
lakes and their management. Volume one of the Handbook addresses
the physical and biological aspects of lakes pertinent to lake
management, emphasising those aspects particularly relevant to
large, still bodies of water. Volume two then considers lake
management, with particular emphasis on sustainability, restoration
and rehabilitation. This handbook will be invaluable to ecologists, environmental
scientists, physical geographers and hydrologists involved in
limnological research, as well as advanced undergraduate and
graduate students looking for authoritative reviews of the key
areas of limnological study.
Freshwater ecosystems have the greatest species diversity per unit area and many endangered species. This book shows that, rather than being a marginal part of terrestrial protected area management, freshwater conservation is central to sustaining biodiversity. It focuses on better practices for conserving inland aquatic ecosystems in protected areas, including rivers, wetlands, peatlands, other freshwater and brackish ecosystems, and estuaries. The authors define inland aquatic ecosystems, showing just how diverse and widespread they are. They examine the principles and processes that are essential for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and aquatic species. Major categories of threats to freshwater ecosystems and the flow-on implications for protected area design are described. Practical case studies are used to illustrate principles and practices applied around the world. Specific management needs of the main types of freshwater ecosystems are considered, as well as the management of freshwaters in the broader landscape, showing how natural resource governance processes can be harnessed to better manage freshwater biodiversity. The book offers commentary on how to adapt freshwater conservation practices to climate change and ends with an insightful synthesis.
There is a growing demand for appropriate management of aquatic invasive species in lakes and rivers worldwide. This book covers biology, invasion ecology, sightings, and control techniques of 4 invasive animals and 15 invasive plants in Massachusetts lakes and rivers. It provides valuable information on their biological characteristics and potential expansion pathways, as well as monitoring and management, including alternative management tools using updated biological, chemical, and mechanical methods. The book also includes the regulation of invasive species management to allow resource managers, biologists, practitioners, volunteers, and students a better understanding of compliance and enforcement with environmental law. An example of successful management is highlighted for each invasive species. Invasive Animals and Plants in Massachusetts Lakes and Rivers is the first book to provide comprehensive and systematic coverage and illustrations for both freshwater invasive animals and plants. Although focussing on Massachusetts, it will provide readers with the bigger picture on multiple invasive species, from prevention, early detection, control, ecological restoration, to public education. Natural resource managers in Massachusetts and surrounding states will glean the detailed and valuable information they need to learn and use to prevent and manage freshwater invasive species in the field.
Discusses the importance, threats, and management of biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems Provides detailed coverage of modern and updated techniques used in the evaluation and conservation of freshwater biodiversity Looks at the impact of pesticides pollution on freshwater environs on aquatic and terrestrial life Reviews how global climate change affects freshwater biodiversity
Aquatic insects are the dominant invertebrate fauna in most freshwater ecosystems, and figure prominently in the work of a diverse range of researchers, students, and environmental managers. Often employed as indicators of ecosystem health, aquatic insects are also commonly used as model systems to test hypotheses in ecological topics including metapopulation and metacommunity dynamics, recruitment limitation, trophic interactions, and trophic networks. Due to their complex life cycles, aquatic insects must master both terrestrial and aquatic environments, crossing these ecosystem boundaries during different stages of development and reproduction. In this wide-ranging text, life under and on top of the water surface are covered in unusual detail, including the biomechanics of life in water, locomotion underwater and on surface films, gas exchange, physico-chemical stressors, feeding, sensory perception and communication, reproduction, egg-laying and development, and the evolution of aquatic habits. The threatened status of freshwaters around the world, coupled with an expanding population of researchers and managers charged with their well-being, signals the importance of such a book as many individuals seek to understand how insects function in these often challenging physical environments. Interest in freshwaters may never have been higher with ever-increasing conflict between water allocation for human (agricultural) use and conservation. Aquatic Entomology is suitable for graduate students, researchers, and managers interested in the subject from a perspective of either basic or applied ecology. It will also be a valuable supplementary text for courses in limnology or freshwater ecology, entomology, and water resource management.
This is the first book to describe the ecology of high latitude
lakes, rivers and glacial environments in both the North and South
polar regions. From the lake-rich floodplains of the Arctic to the
deep, enigmatic waters of Lake Vostok, Antarctica, these regions
contain some of the most extraordinary aquatic ecosystems on Earth.
They provide a fascinating diversity of habitats for plant, animal
and microbial communities, and are proving to be valuable model
systems for exploring many ecological themes including
landscape-lake interactions, adaptation of life to environmental
extremes, and controls on the structure and functioning of aquatic
ecosystems. Some of these waters also have direct global
implications, including permafrost thaw lakes as sources of
greenhouse gases, subglacial aquatic environments as a storehouse
of ancient microbes, and Arctic rivers as major inputs of
freshwater and organic carbon to the World Ocean. Given that many
polar areas are experiencing greater climate warming than at lower
latitudes, these ecosystems can also be viewed as sentinels of
global change.
Oar Feet and Opal Teeth is about free-living copepods and the copepodologists who study them. Copepods are a subclass of the arthropod class Crustacea. They act as dominant herbivores and small predators in the planktonic ecosystems of oceans, estuaries, and lakes. Copepods are likely the largest assemblage of complex animals on earth. These strikingly beautiful small crustaceans are of wide ecological significance and as complex and precisely adapted as insects. Yet few biologists and others interested in animals are familiar with them. In Oar Feet and Opal Teeth, Charles B. Miller introduces these small crustaceans and the scientists devoting their careers to revealing their biology. In twenty-one chapters, Miller details the defining features and general biology of copepods. They typically have four or five pairs of oar-like feet to drive escape jumps. Teeth on mandible extensions are formed with siliceous minerals akin to opal. The first two chapters of the book closely examine the oar feet and mouth parts. Subsequent chapters describe internal anatomy, taxonomy, and many aspects of copepod natural history. Recent evolutionary insights about them are reviewed; those are based on molecular genetics and reach back to the Cambrian explosion. Oar Feet and Opal Teeth includes over twenty biographical sketches of copepodologists from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Among them, Russell Hopcroft, a premier photographer of plankton, has full-color copepod images featured throughout the book. Jeannette Yen learned how Euchaeta marina detects prey and studies how ready-for-mating copepods find each other. Shinichi Uye of Hiroshima University studied the production by copepods of resting eggs and their delayed development. Grace Wyngaard is studying the special embryonic cell-divisions of some lake copepods for eliminating "junk DNA." Miller based most of the profiles featured in the book on personal interviews he conducted.
Temporary waters are found throughout the world, and include intermittent streams and ponds, episodic rain puddles, seasonal limestone lakes, the water-retaining structures of plants, such as bromeliads and pitcher plants, and a variety of man-made container habitats. They are probably populated by various plant, animal, and microscopic communities ranging from the very simple to the highly complex. Temporary waters therefore represent fascinating and significant arenas in which to study the properties of species, as the latter deal with the rigours of living in highly variable environments. Obligate temporary water species display a remarkable array of adaptations to the periodic loss of their primary medium that largely set them apart from the inhabitants of permanent water bodies. Survival of individuals frequently depends upon exceptional physiological tolerance or effective migrational abilities that are timed to appropriate habitat phases. Quite apart from their inherent biological interest, temporary waters are now in the limelight from a conservation perspective as these habitats come more and more into conflict with human activities. Traditionally, many temporary waters (be they ponds, pools, streams, or wetlands) have been considered to be 'wasted' areas of land, potentially convertible to agriculture once drained. In reality, they are natural features of the global landscape that represent distinct and unique habitats for many species, some that are found nowhere else and others that reach their maximum abundance and/or genetic diversity there. Temporary waters are also very important from a human health perspective since they function as breeding places for the vectors of many disease organisms, including those that spread malaria, schistosomiasis, yellow fever, and dengue. Most of these exact a high toll in terms of global human suffering and reduced regional economies. This book collates and synthesises the highly scattered and diverse global literature on pure and applied aspects of these habitats and their biota. It examines the ecology of temporary waters in both natural and human environments, and seeks to identify common evolutionary themes. It will be of particular interest to aquatic ecologists, invertebrate and vertebrate biologists, environmental biologists, wetland managers and conservationists, those charged with controlling water-associated diseases, entomologists, educators, and natural historians.
Wetlands - swamp, marsh, bayou, tundra and bog - are places that are rarely visited and often misunderstood but they have, in fact, conspicuous roles in the physical, biological and cultural geography of the world.? They are intrinsically beautiful environments where one may see the natural and essential values in the interaction of water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and humans.? Wetlands occur at the confluence of unique terrestrial, hydrological and climatic conditions that give rise to some of the most biodiverse regions of the world.? They also play vital roles in the cycling and storage of key nutrients, materials and energy through the Earth's system. A complete study of wetland environments requires the assessment of their physical and biological attributes, properties and functions of these ecosystems, and the economic, political and social aspects that mediate their use globally.? A systems approach is taken throughout this book which emphasizes the interactions between these elements of wetland ecosystems.? Moreover, selected case studies from across the world are used to illustrate wetland characteristics and circumstances.? This book is intended to foster a greater awareness and appreciation of wetlands, promote a culture of conservation and wise management, and spread the knowledge that wetlands are important, indeed crucial, elements of the global environment.? Our attempts to understand, manage and enhance wetlands in the twenty-first century are part of the larger effort to maintain a sustainable Earth. "Readership: " Introductory or intermediate level undergraduates taking courses on wetland environments Additional resources for this book can be found at: www.wiley.com/go/aber/wetland.
Reefs are an extraordinary natural phenomenon. Visible from outer space, coral reefs are the largest biologically constructed features known; in close proximity their spectacular beauty and abundance of life is dazzling. This text documents those biological innovations which have moulded the evolution of reef ecosystems and given rise to the highly complex reef communities found today. The appearance of clonality, the acquisition of photosymbiosis and the radiation of predator groups are all discussed in depth. Data from the fossil record documents the evolutionary development of reef ecosystems. This interdisciplinary approach has the aim of providing an analytical text which will be of value not only to advanced undergraduates and postgraduate courses, but also to researchers in ancient reef ecology.
Freshwater ecosystems are under increasing pressure as human
populations grow and the need for clean water intensifies. The
demand for ecologists and environmental managers who are trained in
basic freshwater ecology has never been greater. Students and
practitioners new to the field of freshwater ecology and management
need a text that provides them with an accessible introduction to
the key questions while still providing sufficient background on
basic scientific methods.
Gerry Closs, Barbara Downes and Andrew Boulton have written a
text that meets the requirements of these students. Following an
introduction to scientific methodology and its application to the
study of ecology, several key concepts in freshwater ecology are
reviewed using a wide range of scientific studies into fundamental
and applied ecological questions. Key ecological questions that are
explored in a freshwater context include the role of animal
dispersal and predators on freshwater community structure and the
impact of pollutants and introduced species on freshwater
ecosystems.
This book represents the only freshwater ecology textbook that
is specifically aimed at an introductory level. It will also be a
useful primer for students who have not previously taken a
specialized freshwater course but who require an accessible
overview of the subject.
Wetlands - swamp, marsh, bayou, tundra and bog - are places that are rarely visited and often misunderstood but they have, in fact, conspicuous roles in the physical, biological and cultural geography of the world.? They are intrinsically beautiful environments where one may see the natural and essential values in the interaction of water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and humans.? Wetlands occur at the confluence of unique terrestrial, hydrological and climatic conditions that give rise to some of the most biodiverse regions of the world.? They also play vital roles in the cycling and storage of key nutrients, materials and energy through the Earth's system. A complete study of wetland environments requires the assessment of their physical and biological attributes, properties and functions of these ecosystems, and the economic, political and social aspects that mediate their use globally.? A systems approach is taken throughout this book which emphasizes the interactions between these elements of wetland ecosystems.? Moreover, selected case studies from across the world are used to illustrate wetland characteristics and circumstances.? This book is intended to foster a greater awareness and appreciation of wetlands, promote a culture of conservation and wise management, and spread the knowledge that wetlands are important, indeed crucial, elements of the global environment.? Our attempts to understand, manage and enhance wetlands in the twenty-first century are part of the larger effort to maintain a sustainable Earth. "Readership: " Introductory or intermediate level undergraduates taking courses on wetland environments Additional resources for this book can be found at: www.wiley.com/go/aber/wetland.
This book offers a comprehensive review of the current environmental conditions and chemical changes in Polish surface waters. Poland is situated in an area that was covered by glaciations in the distant past. The subsequent periods of glacial advance and retreat produced a continuous rejuvenation of the landscape, and the discharge of surplus water from this area was constantly transformed by morphological, climatic and hydrological changes. Written by expert contributors, the book's respective chapters address the impact of current climatic conditions on the functioning of surface water reservoirs in Poland, while also exploring the country's hydrographic and hydrological network and the trophic state of its rivers and lakes, their eutrophication and threats. Particular attention is paid to sources of pollution, above all, the chemical pollution of water and sediments. Together with the companion book Polish River Basins and Lakes - Part II: Biological Status and Water Management, it provides students, environmental chemists, biologists, geologists, hydrologists and surface waters managers with authoritative information on Poland's current environmental status.
Invasive non-native species are a major threat to global biodiversity. Often introduced accidentally through international travel or trade, they invade and colonize new habitats, often with devastating consequences for the local flora and fauna. Their environmental impacts can range from damage to resource production (e.g. agriculture and forestry) and infrastructure (e.g. buildings, road and water supply), to human health. They consequently can have major economic impacts. It is a priority to prevent their introduction and spread, as well as to control them. Freshwater ecosystems are particularly at risk from invasions and are landscape corridors that facilitate the spread of invasives. This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the most notable global invasive freshwater species or groups, based on their severity of economic impact, geographic distribution outside of their native range, extent of research, and recognition of the ecological severity of the impact of the species by the IUCN. As well as some of the very well-known species, the book also covers some invasives that are emerging as serious threats. Examples covered include a range of aquatic and riparian plants, insects, molluscs, crustacea, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, as well as some major pathogens of aquatic organisms. The book also includes overview chapters synthesizing the ecological impact of invasive species in fresh water and summarizing practical implications for the management of rivers and other freshwater habitats.
First published in 1987, this book examines the numerous interacting physical, chemical and biological processes which regulate the acidity of freshwaters. Natural acidification processes are considered first, the the effects of acidifying pollutant inputs from the atmosphere and of other human activities. The relative importance of the different processes is critically examined. Concepts incorporated are drawn from chemistry, physics, geology, hydrology, plant science and forestry, soil science, microbiology and meteorology. The authors have attempted to thread the relevant information together to make a coherent story which should be understandable and useful to readers from a number of disciplines: undergraduates and postgraduates studying environmental science, ecology, water quality and hydrogeochemistry; politicians and managers concerned with pollution control. Indeed, most of the text should be understandable to well-informed non-scientists who want (or need) a better grasp of this fascinating and important topic.
This book provides a comprehensive review of the ecology of freshwater bivalves and gastropods worldwide. It deals with the ecology of these species in its broadest sense, including diet, habitat and reproductive biology, emphasising in particular the tremendous diversity of these freshwater invertebrates. Following on from these introductory themes, the author develops a life history model that unifies them, and serves as a basis for reviews of their population and community ecology, including treatments of competition, predation, parasitism and biogeography. Extensively referenced and providing a synthesis of work from the nineteenth century onwards, this book includes original analyses that seek to unify previous work into a coherent whole. It will appeal primarily to professional ecologists and evolutionary biologists, as well as to parasitologists.
Chrysophytes are beautiful and delicate organisms living mostly in freshwater. They are pivotal for studies of protistan evolution, studies of food web dynamics in oligotrophic freshwater ecosystems, and for assessment of environmental degradation resulting from eutrophication and acid rain. They also represent excellent model cellular systems for studying processes inherent in basic metabolism, biomineralization, endo- and exocytosis and macro-assembly of cell surface layers. This book gives a broad overview of chrysophytes and contains chapters by leading experts organized under the themes of phylogeny, systematics and evolution; development, physiology, and nutrition; and ecology, paleoecology, and reproduction. The book contains major contributions towards a reorganization of chrysophyte systematics, plus comprehensive reviews of chrysophyte basic metabolism, biomineralization and siliceous scale deposition, ecology, paleoecology, and a history of chrysophyte research. Contributors present reviews of the literature in their particular area and also present ideas for future research. |
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