| 1. |
- Engel, Fabian, et al.
(author)
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A lake classification concept for a more accurate global estimate of the dissolved inorganic carbon export from terrestrial ecosystems to inland waters
- 2018
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In: The Science of Nature. - : Springer. - 0028-1042 .- 1432-1904. ; 105
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The magnitude of lateral dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) export from terrestrial ecosystems to inland waters strongly influences the estimate of the global terrestrial carbon dioxide (CO2) sink. At present, no reliable number of this export is available, and the few studies estimating the lateral DIC export assume that all lakes on Earth function similarly. However, lakes can function along a continuum from passive carbon transporters (passive open channels) to highly active carbon transformers with efficient in-lake CO2 production and loss. We developed and applied a conceptual model to demonstrate how the assumed function of lakes in carbon cycling can affect calculations of the global lateral DIC export from terrestrial ecosystems to inland waters. Using global data on in-lake CO2 production by mineralization as well as CO2 loss by emission, primary production, and carbonate precipitation in lakes, we estimated that the global lateral DIC export can lie within the range of 0.70(-0.31)(+0.27) 1.52(-0.90)(+1.09) Pg C yr(-1) depending on the assumed function of lakes. Thus, the considered lake function has a large effect on the calculated lateral DIC export from terrestrial ecosystems to inland waters. We conclude that more robust estimates of CO2 sinks and sources will require the classification of lakes into their predominant function. This functional lake classification concept becomes particularly important for the estimation of future CO2 sinks and sources, since in-lake carbon transformation is predicted to be altered with climate change.
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| 2. |
- Nava, Veronica, et al.
(author)
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Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs
- 2023
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In: Nature. - : Springer Nature. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 619:7969, s. 317-322
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Plastic debris is thought to be widespread in freshwater ecosystems globally(1). However, a lack of comprehensive and comparable data makes rigorous assessment of its distribution challenging(2,3). Here we present a standardized cross-national survey that assesses the abundance and type of plastic debris (>250 mu m) in freshwater ecosystems. We sample surface waters of 38 lakes and reservoirs, distributed across gradients of geographical position and limnological attributes, with the aim to identify factors associated with an increased observation of plastics. We find plastic debris in all studied lakes and reservoirs, suggesting that these ecosystems play a key role in the plastic-pollution cycle. Our results indicate that two types of lakes are particularly vulnerable to plastic contamination: lakes and reservoirs in densely populated and urbanized areas and large lakes and reservoirs with elevated deposition areas, long water-retention times and high levels of anthropogenic influence. Plastic concentrations vary widely among lakes; in the most polluted, concentrations reach or even exceed those reported in the subtropical oceanic gyres, marine areas collecting large amounts of debris(4). Our findings highlight the importance of including lakes and reservoirs when addressing plastic pollution, in the context of pollution management and for the continued provision of lake ecosystem services.
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| 3. |
- Weyhenmeyer, Gesa A., Professor, et al.
(author)
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Global Lake Health in the Anthropocene : Societal Implications and Treatment Strategies
- 2024
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In: Earth's Future. - : American Geophysical Union (AGU). - 2328-4277. ; 12:4
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The world's 1.4 million lakes (>= 10 ha) provide many ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being; however, only if their health status is good. Here, we reviewed common lake health issues and classified them using a simple human health-based approach to outline that lakes are living systems that are in need of oxygen, clean water and a balanced energy and nutrient supply. The main reason for adopting some of the human health terminology for the lake health classification is to increase the awareness and understanding of global lake health issues. We show that lakes are exposed to various anthropogenic stressors which can result in many lake health issues, ranging from thermal, circulatory, respiratory, nutritional and metabolic issues to infections and poisoning. Of particular concern for human well-being is the widespread lake drying, which is a severe circulatory issue with many cascading effects on lake health. We estimated that similar to 115,000 lakes evaporate twice as much water as they gain from direct precipitation, making them vulnerable to potential drying if inflowing waters follow the drying trend, putting more than 153 million people at risk who live in close vicinity to those lakes. Where lake health issues remain untreated, essential ecosystem services will decline or even vanish, posing a threat to the well-being of millions of people. We recommend coordinated multisectoral and multidisciplinary prevention and treatment strategies, which need to include a follow-up of the progress and an assessment of the resilience of lakes to intensifying threats. Priority should be given to implementing sewage water treatment, mitigating climate change, counteracting introductions of non-native species to lakes and decreasing uncontrolled anthropogenic releases of chemicals into the hydro-, bio-, and atmosphere. Lakes around the world come in an array of sizes, shapes and colors, each telling a unique story of geological history and environmental importance. When lakes are healthy they contribute to the achievement of the global sustainable development goals by providing many important ecosystem services. Lakes are, however, not always healthy. Here, it is shown that lakes can suffer from a large variety of health issues, ranging from thermal, circulatory, respiratory, nutritional and metabolic issues to infections and poisoning. Without improved treatment strategies, many of the health issues may become chronic, affecting millions of people who are dependent on the ecosystem services from the lakes. To prevent and cure lakes from critical health conditions, strategies that are similar to those used in human healthcare should be applied: intervention and preventative actions before health problems occur, regular screening and early identification of lake health issues, and remediation and mitigation efforts at an appropriate scale, spanning from local to global. Anthropogenic stressors can cause lake health issues that range from thermal, circulatory, respiratory, nutritional and metabolic issues to infections and poisoning Lake health varies geographically, with the highest risk of critical conditions occurring in densely populated low-income countries There is an urgent need to follow-up the progress of treatments and to make adjustments whenever needed
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