Project (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Integrative Biology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

The extensive acidification of fresh waters across Europe and North America during the 20th century led to extensive and widespread loss of species, which fundamentally changed the structure of resident communities. While attempts to limit or halt acidifying emissions have been successful in reversing the chemical consequences of acidification, any corresponding biological recovery has been patchy at best. The main aim of this thesis was to investigate potential ecological constraints on this biological recovery, ranging from interactions between individuals to ecosystem-level processes, using a model stream system that has been extensively studied for over 40 years. I used a combination of long-term survey data and experiments, both in the field and the laboratory, to provide evidence that the lag in recovery of acidified aquatic communities is due to intrinsic resistance to re-colonisation by acid-sensitive species, as a result of both direct and indirect interactions between predators and prey. However, there is also evidence of recovery at an ecosystem level, with rates of microbial decomposition increasing – a key link in the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels, which could be facilitating population increases in large-bodied predators. These findings increase our understanding of the drivers which govern the structure and function of ecological networks in response to an important climatic stressor. This is especially relevant given the rapid industrialisation of countries such as India and China, which could well soon experience anthropogenic acidification on a significant scale.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Rund 3.000 Arten zur Beschreibung des ökologischen Zustandes von Gewässern nach den Vorgaben der Europäischen Wasserrahmenrichtlinie wurden bisher in Sachsen erfasst. Die größte Gruppe stellen Wasserpflanzen einschließlich Algen dar. Die reich bebilderte Broschüre stellt eine Auswahl in Sachsen vorkommender Wasserpflanzen und am Gewässerboden lebender Algen vor und gibt Einblick in eine faszinierende Unterwasserwelt. Sie ermöglicht wasserwirtschaftlichen Praktikern und interessierten Naturschützern einen Einstieg in die Interpretation des ökologischen Gewässerzustands.

This chapter describes a science and literacy integrative unit on water ecology and reading about water purification in post-civil war Sudan through the text A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, 2010. The authors describe the process of integration according to the 5E learning cycle: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate. This teaching scenario is also further explicated through connections to The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and overlapping practices between NGSS and The Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts. Aspects of the text are used in conjunction with the hands-on science inquiry to dig deeper into the standards.

No description available.

This project inserviced teachers for grades fourth through sixth on water conservation activities that they could implement with their students. Project Wet (Water Education for Teachers) was used as the basis for the workshops. All selected activities correlated with the California State Content Standards.

Climate change and variability have great impact on the hydrological cycle and consequently on the availability of water resources. Variations in temperature and precipitation trends that are occurring are a consequent of the increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases, which are subsequently affecting the hydrological cycle. This in turn affects water quantity and quality, which is essential for agriculture, domestic and industrial uses. This study, done in Elliot Town and the surrounding areas of Sakhisizwe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, evaluates how climate change and variability is affecting water availability and its quality in the town. The impact climate change and variability on agricultural production is also assessed. Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), databases and some statistical packages have been used to collect, analyse and create spatial maps used to derive concrete conclusions. The methods used aided in spatially analysing the changes in temperature and rainfall along the years and make a comparative analysis. The study has shown that the spatial changes in the amount, intensity and frequency of rainfall affects the magnitude and frequency of stream flows; consequently, increasing the intensity of floods and droughts that have been recurring in the last few decades. The municipality is more affected by climate variability than change, and the resultant extreme climate events are affecting the water resources resulting in domestic water cuts, poor water quality and low agriculture productivity. This study recommends the importance of an awareness campaigns on climate change and variability and their effect directed towards the community, especially on novel water harvesting technologies. The study also highlights the importance of a robust early warning system to prepare the community in case of a climate shock, which is an area that needs further research. / Environmental Sciences