Reintroduced, but not accepted: Stakeholder perceptions of beavers in Germany
The authors conducted a scientific online survey among representatives of the general public, forestry and agriculture to find out their opinions on beavers in Germany. The majority of the general public have a positive view of beavers, while the agricultural and forestry sectors have a much more negative view. There are also regional differences.
Mixtures of organic micropollutants exacerbated in vitro neurotoxicity of prymnesins and contributed to aquatic toxicity during a toxic algal bloom
This study investigated how organic micropollutants and the algal toxins prymnesins interact as mixtures in water extracts from the Oder River using neurotoxic effects on human nerve cells in vitro. The authors showed that prymnesins dominate the neurotoxic effects, but many of the detected organic micropollutants exacerbate the lethal effect of prymnesins.
Whole-genome resequencing improves the utility of otoliths as a critical source of DNA for fish stock research and monitoring
Unpredicted ecosystem response to compound human impacts in a European river
The authors have compiled and analyzed the key environmental factors that led to the mass development of the brackish water alga Prymnesium parvum in the Oder in the summer of 2022. The data synthesis shows how multiple stressors combined to allow an alga that normally thrives in stagnant salt water to proliferate en masse in a completely atypical habitat.
The haplotype-resolved Prymnesium parvum (type B) microalga genome reveals the genetic basis of its fish-killing toxins
The research team has sequenced the complete genome of the microalga from the the Oder disaster 2022 in order to identify future risk factors under which the alga multiplies and produces its toxin. They were able to identify the gene sequences that encode the toxins an important step toward an early warning system.
Respiration and CO2 evasion dynamics in moving streambeds as a response to flow regimes
Unravelling large-scale patterns and drivers of biodiversity in dry rivers
Linking terrestrial biogeochemical processes and water ages to catchment water quality: A new Damköhler analysis based on coupled modeling of isotope tracers and nitrate dynamics
Catchment-scale nitrate dynamics involve complex coupling of hydrological transport and biogeochemical transformations, imposing challenges for source control of diffuse pollution. Coupled modeling of isotope tracers and nitrate dynamics revealed that upland arable areas impose pollution risks under drought while the river-connected lowlands are processing hotspots and more resilient to drought.
Unleashing the power of remote sensing data in aquatic research: Guidelines for optimal utilization
The study aimed to elucidate the tradeoffs for the utilization of remote sensing data in limnological studies with an example based on the estimation of chlorophyll a due to its importance as a water quality indicator. Assessing atmospheric correction and product limitations ensures alignment with the limnological study.
Unveiling nitrate origins in semiarid aquifers: A comparative analysis of Bayesian isotope mixing models using nitrate and boron isotopes and a Positive Matrix Factorization model
The authors identified the dominant sources of nitrate pollution and biogeochemical transformations in the semiarid region of the Meoqui-Delicias aquifer, Mexico, where the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and manure lead to excessive nutrient input resulting in deterioration of groundwater quality. This provides an evidence base for policy-making to protect drinking water quality.