We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Knowledge gaps and opportunities in water-quality drivers of aquatic ecosystem health
Summary
This report identifies major gaps in scientific understanding of how water quality factors affect the health of aquatic ecosystems. Researchers highlight challenges including nutrient cycling, emerging contaminants like microplastics and pharmaceuticals, and the need for better monitoring tools. The study proposes new research approaches to improve predictions about how water quality changes impact freshwater and coastal environments.
This report identifies key scientific gaps that limit our ability to predict water quality effects on health of aquatic ecosystems and proposes approaches to address those gaps.Topics considered include (1) coupled nutrient-carbon cycle processes and related ecological-flow-regime drivers of ecosystem health, (2) anthropogenic and geogenic toxin bioexposure, (3) fine sediment drivers of aquatic ecosystem health, and (4) freshwater salinization.Each topic is addressed in terms of scientific gaps, approaches, and timelines to help guide portions of the U.S. Geological Survey Water Mission Area (https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources)research portfolio and other national research efforts.The report provides an assessment of several of the major challenges and opportunities concerning water quality impacts on aquatic ecosystem health.It will be important to maintain broad-based expertise and flexibility to address the full range of long-term water quality issues facing the Nation's water resources.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Challenges in coastal ecosystem Sustainability: Drivers of water quality degradation and their ecological impact
This review examines multiple drivers of water quality degradation in coastal ecosystems—including nutrient pollution, sedimentation, microplastics, and climate change—and discusses management strategies for improving coastal ecosystem sustainability.
Aquatic ecosystem indices, linking ecosystem health to human health risks
Researchers reviewed indicators used to assess aquatic ecosystem health and found that most existing tools don't adequately capture the risks that degraded water ecosystems pose to human health and well-being. They propose a new set of combined indicators — covering chemical contaminants, pathogens, and biological markers — to better link ecosystem health monitoring to human health outcomes.
A global hydrology research agenda fit for the 2030s
A group of global hydrology researchers outlines priority research questions for freshwater science through 2030, identifying key knowledge gaps around water quality, ecosystem health, and emerging contaminants including microplastics. The agenda calls for more integrated monitoring and modeling to address growing pressures on freshwater resources worldwide.
Emerging Contaminants in Aquatic Ecosystems: Sources, Effects, and Mitigation Approaches
This study explores emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, including drug residues, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, examining their sources and ecological impacts. Researchers found that these contaminants accumulate in water bodies through industrial and agricultural pathways and may affect human health through the food chain. The study highlights the need for better monitoring technologies and integrated management strategies to protect water quality.
Measures for improving water quality to bend the curve of global freshwater biodiversity loss
This paper examines measures for improving water quality to reverse the decline of global freshwater biodiversity, addressing pollutants including microplastics along with chemicals, heat, light, and pathogens. Researchers analyzed the complex pathways through which these contaminants degrade aquatic ecosystems worldwide. The study identifies strategies for reducing pollutant loads to protect freshwater species and ecosystem health.