A candidate sex determination locus in amphibians which evolved by structural variation between X- and Y-chromosomes
The authors have identified a gene locus responsible for sex determination in the European green toad. This reveals only the second known genetic mechanism for sex differentiation in amphibians.
![Nature_Ecology&Evolution Nature_Ecology&Evolution](/system/files/image/Nature_Ecology%26Evolution.jpg)
Inland navigation and land use interact to impact European freshwater biodiversity
Using a comprehensive set of long-term data, the authors show that shipping has contributed to a significant loss of biodiversity of fish and macroinvertebrates in European rivers in recent decades – and that the animal communities are becoming increasingly homogeneous and river-typical species are being lost. Invasive species, on the other hand, are significantly increasing.
Flow Rate and Kinetics of Trace Organic Contaminants Removal in Black Carbon-Amended Engineered Media Filters for Improved Stormwater Runoff Treatment
Urban stormwater runoff is an untapped source of freshwater for many water-scarce regions, but improved stormwater treatment is needed for safe use and to protect human and aquatic health. This work provides insights into the kinetic limitations of contaminant removal within biochar and regenerated activated carbon filters and discusses implications for stormwater filter design and operation.
![People_and_Nature People_and_Nature](/system/files/image/People_and_Nature.jpg)
The potential of citizen science to transform science: Lessons for a sustainable future
The authors analysed 8 citizen science projects within Accelerator Programme of the EU H2020 funded ACTION project that deal with environmental pollution. Citizen science involves the public in the scientific process, making research more relevant and responsive. Our findings show that this can lead to a more sustainable future, where science and society work together to solve pressing problems.
Long-term drought effects on landscape water storage and recovery under contrasting landuses
Process-based, tracer-aided ecohydrological modelling and ML were combined to estimate the effects of long-term drought on water fluxes/storage in the Spree catchment. The recent major droughts resulted in declines in groundwater recharge (>40 %), evapotranspiration (up to 16 %) and soil moisture (up to 6 %). Groundwater levels may not recover in 15 years if precipitation anomalies persist.
Inland recreational fisheries contribute nutritional benefits and economic value but are vulnerable to climate change
The research team estimates that recreational fishing in lakes and rivers accounts for more than 11 per cent of the annually reported catches in inland fisheries worldwide. The analyzed total consumption value of harvested fish is around 10 billion US dollars per year. Due to climate change and direct human impacts on freshwater ecosystems, the productivity of important fish species is declining.
Hydroclimatic non-stationarity drives stream hydrochemistry dynamics through controls on catchment connectivity and water ages
Long-term water chemistry and isotope data were integrated to investigate hydrological function and water ages in the Scottish Girnock Burn catchment with an Atlantic Salmon population. Changing climatic conditions and stream flow responses continue to cause changes in water quality and ecosystem services with an increase in low flows, derived from older groundwater with more alkaline chemistry.
Flagship events and biodiversity conservation
While flagship species are a highly effective approach in conservation, this article proposes the distinct but complementary concept of flagship events: natural or anthropogenic occurrences that attract public attention. Flagship events have high potential value for biodiversity conservation by engaging people with wildlife and helping to garner support for conservation efforts.
A scenario-guided strategy for the future management of biological invasions
The study used a scenario-based approach to explore management options for invasive species in Europe. During two workshops involving a multidisciplinary team of experts, a management strategy arranged into 19 goals relating to policy, research, public awareness, and biosecurity was developed considering different future scenarios of biological invasions.
Interactions between climate change and urbanization will shape the future of biodiversity
The study shows how interactions between climate change and urbanisation affect biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. The authors point out that the interactions between these two drivers of global change can have far-reaching effects, and how this knowledge can inform urban planning.