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Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition
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Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Biodiversity and Functionality of Aquatic Ecosystems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2025) | Viewed by 5393

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Aldona Dobrzycka-Krahel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Business Faculty, WSB Merito University in Gdańsk, Al. Grunwaldzka 238 A, 80-266 Gdańsk, Poland
Interests: coastal
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Bogalecka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Products Quality and Chemistry, Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland
Interests: dangerous goods; shipping; sea accidents; modeling accident consequences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aquatic ecosystem includes lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, oceans, seas, estuaries etc. These ecosystems are both valuable and vulnerable. The benefits of aquatic ecosystems are countless as they are the habitat for water-dependent living organisms, attenuate floods, recharge ground water, recycle nutrients and purify water.

Unfortunately, aquatic ecosystems are affected by the contamination of industrial and municipal wastes that have become a serious problem worldwide, resulting in effects on humans and the environment. Human activities are causing different modifications of aquatic environments, which also have an effect on changes in biota composition and introduction of alien species.

Nevertheless, aquatic ecosystems provide goods and services that are beneficial to humans. They are a source of raw materials, food and drinking water, also providing transportation and recreational opportunities. However, aquatic ecosystems are very vulnerably to these activities that significantly lower their quality; therefore, aquatic systems demand enhanced security.

This Special Issue of Water explores the following topics, but is not limited to them:

  • Aquatic biodiversity as an indicator of anthropopressure;
  • Aquatic alien, invasive alien species: introduction, spread, expansion, invasion, potential use;
  • Commercial species, consumption of aquatic species, utilization of wastes, circular economy, blue economy;
  • Eutrophication, acidification, climate change, pollution, wastwater, hypoxia, anoxia;
  • Biodegradation in aquatic ecosystems;
  • Modeling and simulation of pollution processes;
  • Ocean and coastal engineering;
  • Water supply system;
  • Operation and maintenance of water management systems;
  • Protection of aquatic ecosystems and mitigation of anthropogenic activities in the environment;
  • Hydropower sources (including ocean waves and tidal currents);
  • Marine and freshwater resources (living organism and minerals);
  • Lake and coastal tourism.

Both original research and comprehensive review papers are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Aldona Dobrzycka-Krahel
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Bogalecka
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

  • anthropogenic impact
  • aquatic biodiversity and functionality
  • aquatic ecosystem pollution
  • contamination
  • hazard identification
  • monitoring
  • modeling
  • nutrient
  • offshore facilities
  • optimization
  • reliability
  • risk analysis
  • safety
  • seafood
  • shipping
  • transport
  • water quality
  • water management system
  • water resource

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 8136 KiB  
Article
An Assessment of Seasonal Water Quality in Phewa Lake, Nepal, by Integrating Geochemical Indices and Statistical Techniques: A Sustainable Approach
by Rojesh Timalsina, Surendra Acharya, Bojan Đurin, Mahesh Prasad Awasthi, Ramesh Raj Pant, Ganesh Raj Joshi, Rejina Maskey Byanju, Khim Prasad Panthi, Susan Joshi, Amit Kumar, Tarun Kumar Thakur and Ahmed M. Saqr
Water 2025, 17(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17020238 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 732
Abstract
Lakes are vital freshwater ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, support livelihoods, and drive socio-economic growth globally. However, they face escalating threats from anthropogenic activities, including urbanization, agricultural runoff, and pollution, which are exacerbated by climate change. Phewa Lake in Nepal was selected for this [...] Read more.
Lakes are vital freshwater ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, support livelihoods, and drive socio-economic growth globally. However, they face escalating threats from anthropogenic activities, including urbanization, agricultural runoff, and pollution, which are exacerbated by climate change. Phewa Lake in Nepal was selected for this study due to its increasing rates of nutrient enrichment, sedimentation, and pollution. This study evaluated seasonal and spatial water quality variations within the lake by analyzing water samples from 30 sites during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Twenty physicochemical parameters, including the potential of hydrogen (pH), dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), and major ions, e.g., calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), phosphate (PO43−), and ammonium (NH4+), were measured. The average pH ranged from 8.06 (pre-monsoon) to 8.24 (post-monsoon), reflecting dilution from monsoon rains and increased carbonate runoff. Furthermore, the DO levels in Phewa Lake averaged 7.46 mg/L (pre-monsoon) and 8.62 mg/L (post-monsoon), with higher values observed post-monsoon due to rainfall-driven oxygenation. Nutrient concentrations were shown to be elevated, with the nitrate concentration reaching 2.31 mg/L during the pre-monsoon period, and the phosphate concentration peaking at 0.15 mg/L in the post-monsoon period, particularly near agricultural runoff zones. The dominant cations in the lake’s hydrochemistry were Ca2+ and Mg2+, while HCO3− was the primary anion, reflecting the influence of carbonate weathering. Cluster analysis identified the lake outlet as a high-pollution zone, with the total dissolved solids (TDS) reaching 108–135 mg/L. Additionally, Principal component analysis revealed agricultural runoff and sewage effluents as the main pollution sources. Seasonal dynamics highlighted monsoon-induced dilution and pre-monsoon pollution peaks. These findings underscore the need for targeted pollution control and eutrophication management. By aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) relevant to clean water and climate action, this research provides a replicable framework for sustainable lake management that is applicable to freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 846 KiB  
Article
Coastal Bathing Water Quality in Portugal and Poland: Students’ Perspectives of Its Importance
by Aldona Dobrzycka-Krahel and Maria Leonor Fidalgo
Water 2025, 17(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17020174 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 430
Abstract
Coastal bathing waters are leading tourist destinations, mainly during holiday periods. Therefore, the quality of bathing waters is of key importance to tourists. In 2006, the European Union (EU) adopted the Bathing Water Directive (BWD). EU Member States are required to analyze the [...] Read more.
Coastal bathing waters are leading tourist destinations, mainly during holiday periods. Therefore, the quality of bathing waters is of key importance to tourists. In 2006, the European Union (EU) adopted the Bathing Water Directive (BWD). EU Member States are required to analyze the status of their bathing waters, the quality of which is determined by the presence or absence of microbial contaminants (Escherichia coli and enterococci). This study presents the quality of coastal bathing waters in Portugal and Poland during the 3-year period from 2020 to 2022. The difference in the bathing water quality of the two countries—excellent in Portugal versus worse in Poland—is caused by their contrasting management and sampling practices and differing geographical and environmental conditions (in Portugal, warm, open sea, and in Poland, a temperate, semi-enclosed sea that is almost surrounded by land and is exposed to urban wastewater discharge). Additionally, the results of a questionnaire showed that ecological awareness and responses are well developed in Portuguese and Polish students regardless of the different status of their bathing waters. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to analyze the relationships between water pollution and students’ ecological awareness and opinions on tourism. The results provide valuable information that policymakers, tourist entities, and educational institutions can use to develop more efficient management strategies for the coastal bathing waters in both countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 9023 KiB  
Article
Response of the Cyanobacteria Plankton Community to Anthropogenic Impact in Small Lakes of Urbanized Territory in the Permafrost Zone of Northeast Asia (Eastern Siberia, Yakutia)
by Sophia Barinova, Viktor A. Gabyshev and Olga I. Gabysheva
Water 2024, 16(19), 2834; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192834 - 6 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 897
Abstract
In the conditions of growing anthropogenic pressure, aquatic ecosystems all over the world are subject to transformation, expressed in the growth of eutrophication, increase in acidity, changes in water exchange, etc. In the region of Eastern Siberia we studied, located in Yakutia in [...] Read more.
In the conditions of growing anthropogenic pressure, aquatic ecosystems all over the world are subject to transformation, expressed in the growth of eutrophication, increase in acidity, changes in water exchange, etc. In the region of Eastern Siberia we studied, located in Yakutia in the middle reaches of the Lena River basin, there is a significant population growth accompanied by advancements in agriculture and public utilities. The region is rich in small lakes, which have been under pressure from human activities for the past few decades. The studied region is located in the permafrost zone and is characterized by severe climatic conditions, cold long winters, short hot summers, and a short ice-free period on reservoirs. We studied 17 lakes of various genesis, with varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure, located in the largest city of the region, small villages, and at different distances from them. Previous studies have established that cyanobacteria constitute the phytoplankton main group in these lakes during the summer period. Therefore, we selected them as the focus for our bioindication analysis. An integrated assessment of the bioindication properties of cyanobacteria, along with chemical water parameters, was undertaken using statistical mapping methods, JASP, and Redundancy Analysis (RDA). This analysis revealed the impact of urbanized areas, characterized by a decrease in pH, runoff of nitrogen compounds, and an increase in organic matter. Despite the cryolithozone harsh conditions, in small lakes of urbanized areas, cyanobacteria exhibit their competitive advantages within the plankton community. The prospect of continuing our work is associated with the need to determine the risk of cyanoHAB development since potentially toxic cyanobacteria have a mass development in a number of lakes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2454 KiB  
Article
Groundwater Springs Influence Fish Community Distribution and Trout Condition across a Longitudinal Gradient in a Coldwater Catchment in Southeastern Minnesota, USA
by Will L. Varela, Neal D. Mundahl, David F. Staples, Silas Bergen, Jennifer Cochran-Biederman, Cole R. Weaver and Martin C. Thoms
Water 2024, 16(14), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16141961 - 11 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1785
Abstract
The thermal conditions of transitional (ranging from warm to cold) coldwater streams impact the ranges and resource availabilities for biota inhabiting these lotic systems. With ongoing climate change and increasing land modifications, thermal boundaries may shift, altering thermal transition zones and their biotic [...] Read more.
The thermal conditions of transitional (ranging from warm to cold) coldwater streams impact the ranges and resource availabilities for biota inhabiting these lotic systems. With ongoing climate change and increasing land modifications, thermal boundaries may shift, altering thermal transition zones and their biotic communities. The objective of this study was to investigate the condition of trout across three forks of the Whitewater River catchment, located in southeastern Minnesota, and to investigate factors influencing fish community composition and distribution. Each fork was characterized into three separate sections: headwater (coolwater), middle (warmwater), and lower (coldwater). Springs were identified throughout each fork, with greatest concentrations in the lower sections of each fork. Using single-pass electrofishing, we sampled 61 sites across the three forks in the Whitewater River system (North = 21 sites, Middle = 19, South = 21), and catch statistics were used to calculate diversity, trout abundance, and trout condition. In general, diversity increased, and trout were healthier but less abundant in middle and headwater sections, whereas diversity decreased slightly, trout condition decreased, and trout abundance increased in lower reaches, with changes differing somewhat among forks. Canonical correlation analysis highlighted strong significant correlations showing that Simpson diversity and trout condition increase going upstream, with high non-trout abundance, while trout catch rates decrease and width narrows. The Whitewater River is a catchment exhibiting transitional temperature-pattern characteristics with generally low fish community diversity and trout conditions that range from thin, normal, and robust. Dominated by a changing landscape (agriculture) and intensifying climate change, we may begin to see stream temperatures increase along with species diversity. Understanding how spring temperature influences species composition and distribution can bring potential stressors to light, increasing our understanding of thermal conditions and helping to mitigate the negative impacts from land use and climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2232 KiB  
Article
Trophic Status of Lake Niesłysz (Poland) and Related Factors
by Arkadiusz Nędzarek and Michał Budzyński
Water 2024, 16(12), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16121736 - 19 Jun 2024
Viewed by 792
Abstract
In order to ensure the protection of lakes against eutrophication, an ongoing global problem, its causes should be determined on an individual basis. In this study, we investigated Lake Niesłysz in northwestern Poland in terms of (i) the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus [...] Read more.
In order to ensure the protection of lakes against eutrophication, an ongoing global problem, its causes should be determined on an individual basis. In this study, we investigated Lake Niesłysz in northwestern Poland in terms of (i) the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus on primary production, (ii) the Trophic State Index (TSI), and (iii) the hydromorphological characteristics and watershed features. We determined the thermal conditions, dissolved oxygen, organic matter, and selected forms of nitrogen and phosphorus. TSI was determined using Secchi depth (SD), chlorophyll a, total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). Hypolimnetic anoxia was observed in summer. Surface concentrations of chlorophyll a and organic carbon, total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), and total reactive phosphorus (TRP) were 5 μg L−1, 11.7 mg C L−1, 0.049 mg N L−1, and 0.018 mg P L−1, respectively. The TN:TP ratio was >30, while TIN:TRP was <10. The TSIs for chlorophyll a, SD, and TP ranged from 42 to 59, and for TN it was >145. The total trophic state index (T-TSI) exceeded 72. In conclusion, Lake Niesłysz has an average resistance to degradation and the catchment has little influence on the release and transport of biogenic matter into the lake. The limiting nutrient for primary production was phosphorus, but the influence of nitrogen or covariates of nitrogen cannot be excluded. Based on the oxygen conditions in the hypolimnion, the lake should be classified as eutrophic. Most of the TSIs were in the mesotrophic range, while the TSIs for TN and T-TSI classified the lake as hypertonic. The results show that Lake Niesłysz is currently at a critical stage of progressive degradation, and it is advisable to develop and implement protective measures immediately. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Ecosystem: Problems and Benefits—2nd Edition)
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