They determine how climate change affects river ecosystems

2023-05-18 14:10:05

A study carried out by the Institute of Water Engineering and the Environment and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (IIAMA-UPV) reveals a methodology to evaluate the risks derived from climate change in the river ecosystemsidentifying the most vulnerable areas and the impact on cold-water species, macroinvertebrates and the reduction of dissolved oxygen in the water.

This is the main result of the research carried out by the researchers from the Water Resources Engineering Group, Clara Estrela Segrelles, Miguel Ángel Pérez Martín and Gabriel Gómez Martínez, who are presenting at the scientific article published in the magazine Water Resources Management.

The work is based on the fact that the unequivocal warming of the climate system will significantly affect river ecosystems in the Mediterranean region and will impact the whole of Spain. In fact, different scenarios predict that the water’s temperature of the mediterranean rivers will increase between 2.2 ºC and 2.9 ºC, at the end of the century.

Different scenarios predict that the temperature of Mediterranean rivers will increase between 2.2 ºC and 2.9 ºC by the end of the century

To analyze this context, the experts developed a methodology of risk assessment which provides a series of indicators on the threat, exposure and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

adaptation measures

“Risk maps are key tools for prioritizing the areas in which mitigation measures must be implemented and, in this way, improve the adaptive capacity of river ecosystems to the reduction of their resources”, asserts the researcher. Miguel Angel Perez Martin.

Within the framework of the work, the effect of global warming of the atmosphere on the ecological state of water masses at the national level has been studied, applying the methodology in the 5,017 surface water bodies that make up the hydrographic network of Spain.

The research focuses on the effects of climate change on the ecological status of water masses at the national level

“The results show that the increase in temperatures will cause cold-water species, such as the trout common, as well as macroinvertebrates, significantly reduce their potential habitat. It can also affect oxygen levels in surface waters,” he says. Clara EstrelaIIAMA researcher during her doctoral stage.

For this reason, it is considered essential to articulate a series of precautionary measures that “they improve the riverside vegetation so that shading areas are generated for the ecosystems, the creation of thermal shelters along the bodies of water and protection of groundwater”, indicates Miguel Ángel Pérez Martín, in the dissemination note of the study.

Maps of the impacts of climate change and proposal for action. / IIAMA / UPV

Impacts in the short and long term

In the short term, between 27% and 35% of the water masses (depending on the climate change scenario taken as reference) present a high or very high risk of loss or significant habitat reduction for cold-water species, with the intermediate sections of the rivers being the most affected. In the long term, the impact of global change could increase the affected area between 55% and 80% and would affect a division of ecosystems.

In relation to the condition on the macroinvertebratesin the short term, global warming could cause between 4% and 32% of the water masses to be at high risk, while in the long term this danger will increase between 83% and 92%.

The study considers it essential to act preventively in the protection of groundwater

“This means that there is a condition in all sections of the rivers, both headwaters, as well as middle and lower sections,” he explains. Gomez Martinez.

For her part, the IIAMA researcher emphasizes that research helps to improve knowledge about the risks of climate change and allows the competent bodies for their management, such as the Hydrographic Confederations“prioritize areas of action and implement measures that reduce vulnerability and can be incorporated into the different Hydrological Plans”.

Reference:

Estrela-Segrelles, C. et al. “Climate Change Risks on Mediterranean River Ecosystems and Adaptation Measures” (Spain). Water Resources Management (2023).

Fuente:

Polytechnic University of Valencia

Rights: Creative Commons.