Spatial distribution of zoobenthos in the watercourses of the Biya River basin (Altai)

The composition and spatial distribution of macrozoobenthos were studied in 26 watercourses of the Biya River basin from 1997 to 2004. The bottom fauna of the basin’s rivers includes 382 species, 217 genera, 81 families, 21 orders, 11 classes, and 7 types of invertebrates. Species common in the northern and eastern Palearctic prevail, presumably evidencing the oriental origin of the rheophylic benthic fauna. Four basic and two intermediate types of benthic communities were revealed. These communities differ in the structures of the complexes dominant by biomass. The successive substitution of the communities from the upper reaches of Lake Teletskoye tributaries to the Biya mouth depends on factors related to the basin’s relief and corresponds to changes in the landscape and hydrological conditions. This substitution generally conforms to the concept of river continuum.     

Stream macrozoobenthic communities of the Eastern Balkans

Macrozoobenthic communities are described and classified on the original data (166 stations) for the small rivers and streams of the mountains of Bulgaria (Balkan and Rhodope mountains) and European Turkey (Istranca range). Seventeen types of communities are described—their habitats, the total abundance of macrozoobenthos, gradation saprobity and complexes of the dominant species. A brief taxonomic review of the macrozoobenthos of the region is provided. Reasons for the variability of rheophilic macrozoobenthos communities and regional characteristics of the communities associated with the local landscape and fauna are discussed.     

Plankton and ecological status of watercourses in territories of various types (an example of Voronezh oblast)

The differences in the bacterio- and zooplankton communities of small- and medium-sized watercourses classified on the specifics of natural processes and consequences of anthropogenic activity in the territory of Voronezh oblast are described. Soil erosion, along with contamination of surface waters by industrial and municipal sewage and pesticides, has the greatest impact. The water current velocity, contamination by organic matter and nutrients, and the extent of macrophyte overgrowth affect the quantitative and qualitative composition of plankton in local parts of the studied watercourses.     

The rheophilic fauna and invertebrate communities of the tundra zone: A case study of the Southern Yamal

The invertebrate fauna of rivers and streams of the Southern Yamal has been studied using original specimens (122 bottom and vegetation samples). A total of 158 taxa have been recorded, many of which are new for this region. Among them, 18 types of rheophilic macrobenthic communities have been distinguished which mainly correspond to certain types of habitats and watercourses. A depletion in the set of rheophilic communities (including the loss of almost all crenal and many phytal ones), the taxonomic structure of communities (the loss of large bivalves and most gastropods, hemipterans, and dragonflies), and the total species composition of the fauna, as well as changes in the balance of life forms towards filter feeders (larvae of the family Simuliidae midges and pea clams) and leveling of the differences between the communities of large and small watercourses when compared with the communities of the Russian forest zone, have been recorded. Widespread Eurosiberian species are the most abundant in the rheophilic fauna of the examined region, Arctic species account for ∼20% of all species, and six East Siberian species have been found. No endemic species have been discovered.     

Macrozoobenthic Communities of the Piedmont and Lowland Watercourses of the Lower Amur Region

On the basis of 120 original stations, macrozoobenthic communities of rivers from two adjacent areas of the Lower Amur Region (Khabarovsk krai) have been described. Rivers basins are characterized by contrasting landscape conditions: the Anyuy River basin in the piedmonts of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range and the Simmi River basin on the Amur Lowland. About 250 taxa of macroinvertebrates have been found; 16 types of communities have been described. The principal differences in both benthic fauna and macrozoobenthic communities in the basins of the Anyuy River (cold-water rheophilic fauna as well as ritral and crenal communities predominate) and the Simmi River (warm-water limnophilic fauna and phytal communities predominate) are shown. We discuss the reasons for these differences, specific features of the fauna and communities of the whole region, and the biogeographical position of the region.     

Multifractal analysis of the species structure of freshwater hydrobiocenoses

The principles and methods of fractal analysis of the species structure of freshwater phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macrozoobenthos communities of plain water reservoirs and urban waterbodies are discussed. The theoretical foundation and experimental verification are provided for the authors?? concept of self-similar (quasi-fractal) nature of the species structure of communities. According to this concept, the adequate mathematical image of species richness accumulation with growing sampling effort is quasi-monofractals, while the generalized geometric image of the species structure of the community is a multifractal spectrum.     

Macrozoobenthos in the middle course of the Vyatka River in the area of a Chemical-Weapons Destruction Facility

The results of 5-year studies on macrozoobenthos in the Vyatka River in the area of the Chemical-Weapons Destruction Facility (CWDF) (settlement of Mirny, Kirov oblast) at the stage of neutralization of organophosphorous agents are presented. The taxonomic composition, dynamics of quantitative parameters, and structure of communities of bottom invertebrates are considered. A bioindicational assessment of water quality is made. The conservation of the total taxonomic richness and increase in the total biomass of zoobenthos are established. Processes of organic pollution and eutrophication in the Vyatka River are determined.     

The bottom invertebrates of small rivers in an area where pesticides were buried

The effect of Kilmezskii pesticide burial on the condition of zoobenthos of Osinovka and Loban’ rivers (the Vyatka River basin, Kirovskaya oblast) is reviewed. A faunistic list of water invertebrates in these rivers is published for the first time, qualitative and quantitative indices of zoobenthos development are given, and the condition of watercourses is assessed using bioindicative methods. The peculiarities of benthic communities of the Osinovka River and its tribute, i.e., a significant impoverishment of species composition, the simplification of structural organization, and low bioindicative indices, allow us to assume that the burial has a negative effect on zoobenthos condition.     

The taxonomic composition of macrozoobenthos in central Russian small karst lakes

The macrozoobenthos taxonomic composition in small karst lakes of Vladimir oblast is studied for the first time. In the structure of bottom communities, 149 taxa one rank below the genus have been found. Chironomid larvae and other amphibiotic animals, as well as oligochaetes, prevail. Most of them are species widely distributed in the surface waters of European Russia. The highest macrozoobenthos species diversity was recorded in neutral lakes, and the lowest diversity was in lakes with weakly acidic waters.     

Distribution of amphibiotic insects of different trophic groups in mountainous and steppe rivers of Western Tuva

The distribution of preimaginal stages of amphibiotic insects (mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and black flies) in the running waters of the mountain-steppe landscapes of western Tuva has been investigated. The basin of the Hemchik River is 500–2200 meters above sea level. The taxonomic composition and spatial distribution are determined; higlnnountain, middle- mountain and low-nountain plain types of communities are detailed. The trophic structure of amphibiotic communities is analyzed along the ecological profiles from the upper to the lower reaches of the rivers.     

Effects of damming on the biological integrity of fish assemblages in the middle Lancang-Mekong River basin

The Lancang-Mekong River basin contains a diverse assemblage of freshwater fish species; however, their populations are threatened by current and planned dam construction along the river. Fish assemblages are sensitive indicators of environmental degradation and can be used to assess aquatic ecosystem health. This research compared the fish fauna at the Xiaowan hydropower dam located on the middle reaches of the Lancang-Mekong River at three time periods: in 2008 (before impoundment), 2010 (water storage) and 2011 (full operation). A modified fish index of biological integrity (modified F-IBI) was developed and it synthesized information on the taxonomic composition, trophic guilds, and tolerance levels of the fish and habitat diversity to quantitatively assess the condition of fish populations before and after damming. This index also was used to assess the longitudinal diversity of the fish fauna along the river channel and could assess the barrier effect associated with the dam. Jaccard's index of similarity was used as a feasible tool to assess fish diversity loss and biotic homogenization. The analysis clearly showed a homogenization of the fish communities after damming, and the reservoir impoundment region showed much more serious homogenization than the downstream region. The Xiaowan dam had an immediate and profound effect on the fish fauna in this region of the Lancang-Mekong River. A total of eight cascading dams are planned for development in this region, and, unless conservation mitigation efforts are considered, the results could be devastating on the native fish populations of middle reaches of the Lancang-Mekong River basin.     

Ecological description of the sodium chloride mineral springs in the Kirenga River basin and the upper reaches of the Lena River: 1. General characteristics of the springs and their hydrofauna

The aquatic microecosystems and their environment have been studied in 12 mineral springs located in the Cis-Baikal Depression and in the basin of the upper reaches of the Lena River (Eastern Siberia). The hydrochemical characteristics of the springs, originating from the Cambrian salt deposits, are given. Their total mineralization varies from 1.1 to 123.0 g/L and the water is sodium chloride. The soils formed under the influence of the mineral waters (“para-soils”) are described. The data on the composition and quantitative abundance of aquatic fauna are presented. Six types of macroinvertebrate communities are described. The communities where Turbellaria, Gastropoda, and Psychodidae dominate are recorded in weakly mineralized waters (<3 g/L). The communities where Chironomidae dominate are found in waters characterized both by low and high (up to 28 g/L) salinity. In springs with a water salinity of 2.5–11 g/L, communities characterized by the dominance and high biomass of amphipods Gammarus lacustris Sars. are formed. A unique type of community where Ephydridae larvae dominate (>97% of the biomass) is described for the concentrated brines in Ust’-Kutskii spring. Halophilic species of crustaceans are recorded in the meiofauna. The presence of Foraminifera (marine organisms) in the two studied springs attracts specific interest.     

Spring benthic macroinvertebrate communities of selected streams in the High Caucasus (Azerbaijan SSR)

Investigations on invertebrate fauna were carried out at fifteen sites in some chosen streams of the Caucasus (Azerbaijan SSR) in March 1970. Seventy-five taxa of invertebrates were found in the investigated streams. Chironomidae constituted the most numerous group at all sites, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Simuliidae being other important components of the fauna. On the basis of percentage structure of dominance in the examined streams four types of faunistic communities were distinguished. The most common one was the type characteristic of high mountain streams and rivers with Diamesa sp. (gr. latitarsis) predominant. Nevertheless, in springtime this community was characterized by a greater number of taxa and a greater abundance of specimens as compared with the summer period. It may be thus assumed that the spring period in high mountain streams and rivers is more conducive to the development of the invertebrate fauna.     

Seasonal variability of macrozoobenthos in a lagoon having a periodic connection with the sea (Ptich’e Lake,southern Sakhalin)

The seasonal variability of the macrozoobenthos in a saline lagoon characterized by the absence of a permanent connection with the sea is described according to the results of a survey in Ptich’e Lake (southern Sakhalin) in 2012–2013. Changes in the species composition, abundance, and biomass of the macrozoobenthos have been revealed. Features of the formation of species complexes, benthic communities, and trophic groups are shown. Causes of the phenomena described are discussed.     

Classification of Springs in the Lake Baikal Region by Macroinvertebrate Communities

The macrozoobenthos communities in 15 cold fresh, 12 mineral (sodium chloride), and 19 thermal springs of the Baikal Rift Zone and adjacent areas have been investigated. The classification of springs on the basis of quantitative indicators of abundance was proposed. According to the dominant group of fauna, three types of communities were identified for the cold springs; six types, for mineral springs; and four types, for thermal springs. It was established that communities with the dominance of Chironomidae, Turbellaria, and Oligochaeta are formed in cold springs and communities with the predominance of Gastropoda (one or two species) prevail in thermal springs. It was noted that mineral springs of medium mineralization are characterized by communities with a prevalence of Amphipoda (Gammarus lacustris); those with high salinity are dominated by Brachyceran flies (Diptera, Brachycera).     

Zooplankton in the zones of confluence of unregulated rivers

The hydrophysical characteristics and indices of zooplankton are given for the confluence zones of small and medium tributaries and channels of the Don and Khoper rivers within the territory of Voronezh oblast. Three types of confluence areas of tributaries and recipient rivers are described. In these areas the water masses mix and habitats differing in physical parameters of water and structures of aquatic animal communities are formed.     

Comparative study of dark respiration in plants inhabiting arctic (Wrangel Island) and temperate climate zones

Comparative analysis of dark respiration was carried out for 18 plant species inhabiting arctic zone (Wrangel Island, lat. 71° N) and temperate zone (Leningrad oblast, lat. 59° N). For 15 pairs of species examined, the Stocker’s rule was proved valid; i.e., respiration rates of identical species were equal at average temperatures of their natural habitats. The concept of respiratory features in boreal and mountain plants is described in its historic development. The possible causes for controversial data are explained. It is concluded that gas exchange measurements in natural plant habitats are the only valid means for characterizing plant respiration. Only such measurements should provide the basis for the discussion of global climate changes.     

Zoobenthos communities and their seasonal dynamics in nonfreezing springs of Baikal region

The faunal composition, structure of the zoobenthos communities, and seasonal changes in two springs in the south of Irkutsk area are investigated. Both springs have the water temperature 4–5°C all year round. The fauna consists of widely distributed hydrobionts, crenobionts, stygobionts, and near-water organisms. Arctic relicts and elements of the Lake Baikal fauna are found. In macroinvertebrate communities, chironomid larvae dominate (by abundance and biomass), as do oligochaetes (by abundance). The lowest quantitative parameters are recorded in autumn-winter, and the highest parameters, in spring (March–April). Then they abruptly decline owing to emergence of amphibiotic insects. The structure of spring communities has regional specificity. By biomass of macrozoobenthos, the springs are comparable with mesotrophic and even eutrophic lakes.     

Mountain streams in Westland, New Zealand: benthic ecology and management issues

1. The West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand (Westland) is a region of mountains, forests, high rainfall, and a history of exploitation. The Southern Alps rise to over 3000m in the east of the region, and a narrow coastal plain supports some agriculture and the main centres of population. 2. Stream waters in the Southern Alps are characterized by low concentrations of major ions, and most can be described as calcium—sodium—bicarbonate waters. Brown waters with low pH and high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon are common at low and intermediate altitudes. 3. Many mountain streams and rivers provide physically harsh environments for aquatic biota with their rapidly changing flows and frequent spates. Hydrological factors and low nutrient concentrations limit periphyton standing crops, and biomass of coarse detritus is often low. Invertebrate populations are usually dominated by insect larvae that feed primarily on FROM and stone surface biofilms. 4. Features of the macroinvertebrate stream fauna on the West Coast are the wide range of physicochemical conditions tolerated by many common species, and the numerical dominance of the mayfly Deleatidium (Leptophlebiidae) in many streams. The Plecoptera also exhibit high diversity relative to other parts of the country, and an unusual trend towards terrestrialism is shown by larvae of Gripopterygidae. 5. The West Coast has a long history of coal and gold mining, forestry and farming, activities that have had negative impacts on stream communities and water quality. We discuss some ecological and management issues associated with present day mining practices, and a proposal to take large volumes of alpine stream water for export.     

三门湾大型底栖动物群落结构及其与环境因子的关系

为了解三门湾大型底栖动物群落的现状和动态变化,分别于2015年11月、2016年2月、5月和8月在三门湾海域用阿氏拖网对大型底栖动物进行调查。结果表明: 经鉴定,大型底栖动物有119种,主要类群为鱼类、甲壳类和软体动物,占种类总数的79%。大型底栖动物全年优势种为细螯虾、长额超刺糠虾和六丝钝尾虾虎鱼,不同季节优势种的变化明显,种类差异性较大。大型底栖动物的年平均生物量和平均栖息密度分别为0.025 g·m^-2和0.07 ind·m^-2。三门湾大型底栖动物各季节的Shannon多样性指数为2.21～3.18,Margalef物种丰富度指数为3.25～3.78,Pielou均匀度指数为0.53～0.79。ABC曲线分析显示,在春季和冬季,群落受到中等程度干扰;而在夏季和秋季,群落受到轻微扰动。典范对应分析结果显示,水深、温度、盐度和pH值是影响大型底栖动物群落的最主要环境因子。