The storage and provenance of fine sediment on the channel bed of two contrasting lowland permeable catchments,UK

Fine sediment (<63 µm) storage in river channels frequently represents a significant term in catchment sediment budgets and plays an important role in diffuse pollution problems. A combination of a sediment remobilization technique and the fingerprinting approach was used to examine the storage and provenance of fine sediment on the channel bed of two contrasting lowland permeable catchments in the UK. In the upper Tern (∼231 km²) study catchment, estimates of mean fine sediment storage on the channel bed ranged between 860–5500 g m⁻², with an overall average of 2391 g m⁻², compared to 470–2290 g m⁻² and 1065 g m⁻² in the Pang (∼166 km²) and 770–1760 g m⁻² and 1255 g m⁻² in the Lambourn (∼234 km²) sub‐catchments. Mean total fine sediment storage on the bed of the main channel was equivalent to 37% (upper Tern), 38% (Pang) and 21% (Lambourn) of the mean annual suspended sediment loads measured at the catchment outlets. Over the study period, the total gain (1427 t) and loss (1877 t) to fine sediment storage on the channel bed in the upper Tern catchment were equivalent to 82% and 108% of the mean annual suspended sediment load, respectively, compared to 149% (740 t) and 136% (678 t) in the Pang sub‐catchment, and 39% (422 t) and 49% (528 t) in the Lambourn sub‐catchment. The source of the fine sediment stored on the channel bed within each study area varied. In the upper Tern catchment, the weighted mean relative contributions from individual source types were estimated to be 35 ± 5% (pasture), 51 ± 5% (cultivated) and 14 ± 3% (channel banks and subsurface sources). The corresponding estimates were 49 ± 8%, 33 ± 5% and 18 ± 5% for the Pang sub‐catchment, compared to 19 ± 6%, 64 ± 5% and 17 ± 5% for the Lambourn sub‐catchment. These sediment source estimates have important implications for the design and implementation of targeted sediment control policies within the study areas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Importance and seasonal availability of terrestrial invertebrates as prey for juvenile salmonids in floodplain spring brooks of the Kol River (Kamchatka,Russian Federation)

Energy and resource fluxes between terrestrial and aquatic habitats of river flood plains can have reciprocal influences on food webs. Floodplain spring brooks may contain high densities (>1 m⁻²) of juvenile fish even when aquatic food resources appear to be low. A likely explanation is the allochthonous energy subsidy from riparian vegetation (e.g. leaves, invertebrates). To quantify this relationship in a rich salmon river ecosystem, we measured the temporal and spatial flux of terrestrial invertebrate and aquatic food resources in relation to diets of the two most abundant salmonid species in two spring brooks within early (<20 years) and late (>50 years) successional riparia on an expansive coastal flood plain of the Kol River, Kamchatka. Standing crops of benthic invertebrates and density of drifting invertebrates (dry mass) were fairly low (<4 g m⁻² and <1 mg m⁻³, respectively) at both sites, but annual average terrestrial invertebrate input among sites was 22.2 ± 0.1 mg m⁻² day⁻¹. On average 68% of the coho salmon diet was of terrestrial origin, contrasting with 13% for Dolly Varden char at both sites, thus showing resource partitioning. Diet varied temporally and spatially with prey availability. Specifically, larvae of a weevil (Curculionidae) feeding on willow catkins were a dominant diet item for coho in the spring but only at the early successional site; Dolly Varden also ate these weevils but aquatic invertebrates continued to dominate their diets, further demonstrating behavioural segregation. The results show the importance of channel‐floodplain connectivity to management and conservation of salmon rivers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of side slope of main channels on formation and penetration of scour hole in confluences

In an open‐channel confluence, deep scour holes and depositional point bars are usually formed due to high bed‐shear stresses and secondary circulations. In the present study, presuming the effectiveness of channel geometry on the flow dynamics at the confluence, some variables including different side slope angles of the main channel (θ = 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°), lateral to downstream discharge ratio (Q_r), and downstream densimetric Froude number (Fr_g3) were experimentally studied under clear‐water condition for the confluence angle α = 90°. According to the results, the increase of θ led to a greater penetration of scour hole across the main and tributary channels, whereas a little scour development was observed along those channels. Meanwhile, an increase in Q_r and Fr_g3 caused further scouring, but their effects on the dimensions of scour hole diminished with increase of θ. Thus, with increase of Q_r from 0.194 to 0.552, the mean penetration rate of scour hole to all directions for θ = 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° was obtained 42.8%, 32.4%, 25%, and 20.5%, respectively. In addition, considering the effect of θ, Q_r, and Fr_g3, some empirical relationships were obtained for estimating the penetration length of scour hole. The derived relationships show that Fr_g3 plays more important role on the dimensions of scour hole than θ.     

River bed evolution due to channel expansion: general behaviour and application to a case study (Kugart River,Kyrgyz Republic)

We study the effect of spatial variations of river width on bed aggradation and degradation processes, making use of a one‐dimensional numerical model of channel morphodynamics. We refer to a peculiar case, the downstream reach of the Kugart River (Kyrgyzstan). The river has been partly channelized in the recent past with the aim of reducing the flooding risk for the surrounding villages; the consequent reduction of channel width in some reaches was also expected to improve channel conveyance with respect to the high sediment load produced in the upper river basin. The resulting longitudinal sequence of relatively sharp channel expansions and contractions has, however, triggered rapid siltation rates, especially in the narrowest reaches. This motivated the application of a 1‐D numerical model of river morphodynamics. Abrupt channel expansions are found to be the main driving forces for aggrading processes, which may extend for long distances from where they are generated. In order to obtain a thorough understanding of the morphodynamics of channel expansions, we first apply the model to simple test cases. This allows us to characterize the basic features of the problem and the dependence of bed evolution on the upstream Froude number Fr and on the expansion ratio r_b, which are the most relevant controlling parameters. We invariably find that deposition occurs in expansion regions with bed aggradation observed both upstream and downstream. The deposition prism progressively increases its height and lengthens both in the upstream and downstream directions. The deposition process is particularly intense, in terms of deposition prism height, in super‐critical conditions. Moreover, it is found that higher values of Fr strongly reduce the time scale of morphological processes and faster deposition rates are further facilitated by abrupt expansions. The present outcomes are relevant for assessing the expected altimetric response of river bed to the implementation of localized channelization works and to local river widening, a practise which is increasingly being employed within river restoration projects, with the aim of enhancing habitat diversity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Post‐flooding distribution and characteristics of large woody debris piles along the semi‐arid Sabie River,South Africa

The formation of large woody debris (LWD) piles has a profound impact on channel patterns and riparian succession in temperate rivers. The opportunity to study LWD along the Sabie River, a river in the semi‐arid region of Kruger National Park, South Africa, arose in February 2000 after a significant flood (c. 100‐year return interval) removed a large proportion of the fully mature riparian forest and other plant communities. Much of the uprooted vegetation was deposited as LWD piles (woody vegetation accumulations deposited on the ground > 0.1 m³) throughout the riparian and upland zones. In this article we describe the spatial distribution patterns of LWD as related to geomorphic channel type and flood frequency zone, and assess pile composition characteristics six months after the flood. Within the areas surveyed there were 68 LWD piles per hectare, the median size of LWD piles was 4.6 m³ but pile sizes (by volume) varied widely. Pool/rapid geomorphic channel types had the highest density of LWD piles (79 ha^?1) and the largest piles (by volume) were in the bedrock anastomosing channels (mean = 124 m³). Piles were larger in the seasonal and ephemeral flood frequency zones (mean = 54 m³ and 55 m³) than piles in the active zone (c. 2 m³). The patterns of distribution and volume of LWD will affect the subsequent development of vegetation communities as debris piles form a mosaic of patches of surviving organisms and propagules that can strongly influence the initial trajectory of succession. The amount, distribution, and subsequent decomposition of LWD are different from that reported for temperate rivers, suggesting that the role of LWD may be different on non‐floodplain rivers such as the Sabie in semi‐arid South Africa. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Production and Respiration in Lake Erie Plankton Communities

Planktonic community metabolism (photosynthesis and respiration) was assessed in the oligotrophic east basin of Lake Erie, from November 2001 to October 2002 using O₂ and ¹⁴C methods. Areal gross production (AGP; mmol O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹) exceeded areal respiration (AR; mmol O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹) in the surface mixed layer for 69% of the observations during the study period. The median AGP:AR for the entire study period was 1.32. A significant positive relationship between AGP and AR existed, but AGP explained only 25% of the variation in AR. AGP:AR varied seasonally, being below 1.0 in the fall/winter of 2001 and in early spring 2002. High (>> 1.0) AGP:AR was observed in late spring (May) and AGP:AR remained > 1.0 for most of the summer stratified period (July–September). AGP:AR was > 1.0 in the fall of 2002, but the magnitude was less than observed during spring. The results supported traditional concepts of the seasonal production and consumption cycles in planktonic communities of large oligotrophic lakes. Parallel incubations of ¹⁴C uptake and gross O₂ production determined with the light and dark bottle method revealed a mean experimental gross photosynthetic quotient (PQ_G) of 1.29 ± 0.48, indicating that the ¹⁴C method used here had a variable but, on average, close relationship to gross production as it is commonly measured.     

Assessment of heavy metals in sediments and aquatic organisms in West Lake (Ho Tay), Hanoi, Vietnam

West Lake (Ho Tay) is the largest freshlake in Hanoi, Vietnam. It has a surface area of ≈ 500 ha and a total volume of >10⁷ m³, and is 1–3.5 m in depth. West Lake has been classified as needing protection because of its valuable freshwater genetic resources. Noting that it has been extensively affected by pollution, the objective of the present study was to examine the extent of heavy metal contamination of the sediments and commercially important biota in the lake. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment from most of 24 samples in West Lake exceeded the Ontario Ministry of Environment Screening Level for chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Aquatic organisms from the lake also were found to be contaminated by heavy metals. The average Zn concentrations in snails and mussels tissues ranged between 174 and 415 µg g⁻¹, and the Pb concentrations between 3.5 and 5.2 µg g⁻¹. The Cu concentration in shrimp (52 µg g⁻¹) and snail (189 µg g⁻¹), and the Pb concentration in all fish species and shrimp from the lake (2.0–5.2 µg g⁻¹) exceeded the Food Standard Australia‐New Zealand (FSANZ) health standards for human consumption. The Cd concentration in Cyprinus carpio also exceeded the FSANZ standard. The implications of these study findings for the effective management of the food and ecological resources of West Lake are discussed.     

Quantity,controls and functions of large woody debris in Midwestern USA streams

Large woody debris (LWD) can increase stream habitat heterogeneity by providing structure, altering flow patterns, enhancing sediment deposition, forming pools and retaining organic matter. In North America, the role of LWD has been studied extensively in streams of mature forests (e.g. Pacific Northwest), but few studies have assessed LWD in streams of younger forests (e.g. Midwestern USA). Our objectives were to: (1) quantify the volume and abundance of LWD in a set of Midwestern streams; (2) evaluate possible factors influencing LWD quantity; (3) identify the functional roles of LWD; and (4) compare LWD levels in the upper Midwest to those elsewhere in North America. In 2002 and 2003, we measured LWD and geomorphological variables in 15 low‐gradient streams draining previously logged watersheds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Mean (±SE) LWD volume (0.77 ± 0.12 m³ 100 m⁻²) and abundance (33 ± 3 pieces 100 m⁻¹) were 71% and 10% lesser, respectively, than in streams of similar gradient elsewhere in North America. Channel shape (width:depth ratio) explained 30% of the variation in LWD volume (multiple stepwise regression, P = 0.015) while LWD length and length:channel width combined, explained 72% of the variation in LWD density (multiple stepwise regression, P < 0.0001). About 50% of the LWD either stored sediment or stabilized banks and 14% of the LWD formed pools, although pool density was not significantly related to LWD volume or density. LWD levels, overall, were low in upper Midwestern streams, but the relative importance of that LWD to ecosystem function may be magnified in these wood‐poor systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental reintroduction of woody debris on the Williams River,NSW: geomorphic and ecological responses

A total of 436 logs were used to create 20 engineered log jams (ELJs) in a 1.1 km reach of the Williams River, NSW, Australia, a gravel‐bed river that has been desnagged and had most of its riparian vegetation removed over the last 200 years. The experiment was designed to test the effectiveness of reintroducing woody debris (WD) as a means of improving channel stability and recreating habitat diversity. The study assessed geomorphic and ecological responses to introducing woody habitat by comparing paired test and control reaches. Channel characteristics (e.g. bedforms, bars, texture) within test and control reaches were assessed before and after wood placement to quantify the morphological variability induced by the ELJs in the test reach. Since construction in September 2000, the ELJs have been subjected to five overtopping flows, three of which were larger than the mean annual flood. A high‐resolution three‐dimensional survey of both reaches was completed after major bed‐mobilizing flows. Cumulative changes induced by consecutive floods were also assessed. After 12 months, the major geomorphologic changes in the test reach included an increase in pool and riffle area and pool depth; the addition of a pool–riffle sequence; an increase by 0.5–1 m in pool–riffle amplitude; a net gain of 40 m³ of sediment storage per 1000 m² of channel area (while the control reach experienced a net loss of 15 m³/1000 m² over the same period); and a substantial increase in the spatial complexity of bed‐material distribution. Fish assemblages in the test reach showed an increase in species richness and abundance, and reduced temporal variability compared to the reference reach, suggesting that the changes in physical habitat were beneficial to fish at the reach scale. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of land‐cover transitions on emerging aquatic insects and environmental characteristics of headwater streams in an agricultural catchment

Streams and their adjacent riparian zones are increasingly viewed as interdependent systems linked by reciprocal exchanges of energy, organisms, and materials. We assessed potential associations between the emerging aquatic insect flux and transitions between agricultural land and forest fragments to better understand these stream‐riparian linkages in managed landscapes. We sampled stream environmental conditions and emerging insects at 28 sites distributed along three streams flowing through agriculture‐forest‐agriculture transitions in central Ohio, USA, in the summer of 2012. Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera (ET) taxa had higher flux densities in forests (mean and 95% CI: 0.3 insects m^?2 d^?1 [0.1, 0.8]) compared to agriculture (mean and 95% CI: 0 insect m^?2 d^?1 [0, 0.1]; p = .004), and ET taxa were found in 67% of forested sites compared to only 15% of agricultural sites. In contrast, Dolichopodidae were more strongly associated with agricultural land (mean and 95% CI: 0.6 insect m^?2 d^?1 [0.3 to 1.2]) than forests (mean and 95% CI: 0.1 insects m^?2 d^?1 [0.1, 0.2]; p = .002). Although Chironomidae were the most numerically abundant, ET taxa were among the larger bodied insects and comprised >30% of the total biomass flux, illustrating the importance of taxonomic traits in mediating flux dynamics. Mechanisms driving emerging insect flux were related to substrate grain‐size distribution, channel width, and nutrient concentrations. Overall, our results demonstrate that small forest fragments are strongly related to the aquatic‐to‐terrestrial insect flux and thus have important implications for terrestrial biodiversity and food webs in agricultural landscapes.     

人工渠道糙率系数影响因素的试验研究

通过物理模型试验资料分析,探讨了矩形渠道的糙率与渠道水深、弗汝德数的变化规律。分析得出:当底坡不变时,随着弗汝德数Fr的增大,糙率n值逐渐减小。在缓流渠道中,渠道糙率n随弗汝德数Fr变化的速率很快;在急流渠道中,渠道糙率n值随弗汝德数Fr的速率较慢。糙率系数n随水深h的变化关系与流态有关。缓流中,随着水深h的增大,糙率n值减小;急流中,当弗汝德数11.51时,糙率系数n随水深h的增大而增大。     

Instream flows for recreation are closely correlated with mean discharge for rivers of western North America

Effective river regulation requires consideration for environmental and economic aspects and also for social aspects including recreation. Our study investigated relationships between river hydrology and recreational flows (RF) for canoes, kayaks, rafts and other non‐motorized boats, for 27 river reaches in the Red Deer and Bow river basins of southern Alberta, Canada. A subjective RF method involved regression analyses of data from River Trip Report Cards, volunteer postcard‐style surveys rating flow sufficiency. A total of 958 trip reports were submitted for the rivers between 1983 and 1997 and about 30 reports permitted confident regression analysis for a river reach. Values from these analyses were very consistent with values from the ‘depth discharge method’, a hydraulic modelling approach that used stage–discharge ratings to determine flows that would produce typical depths of 60 and 75 cm for minimal and preferred flows, respectively. Values were also consistent with expert opinions from river guidebooks and maps and aggregate values were calculated from the combined RF methods. These were very closely correlated with mean discharge (Q_m) across the rivers (r² = 0.94 for minimal and 0.96 for preferred flows). The relationship best fitted a power function (straight plot on log versus log scales) with a consistent slope but vertical offset for minimal versus preferred flows. Close relationships between guidebook estimates of RF and Q_m were also observed for rivers in the American Rocky Mountain states of Idaho (r² = 0.55 and 0.74), Montana (r² = 0.34 and 0.80) and Colorado (r² = 0.43 and 0.51), but the association was weaker for the Pacific Northwest state of Oregon (r² = 0.35 and 0.26). These analyses indicate that RF can be confidently determined through a combination of subjective and hydraulic methods and reveal that RF values represent a systematic function of discharge for a broad range of alluvial and constrained river reaches. From these analyses we provide the ‘Alberta equation’: minimal recreational flow = 3 × Q_m^0.59 (Q_m in m³/s), and preferred flows would typically be 1.5 times higher. For other river regions the exponent ‘0.59’ may be relatively constant but adjustments to the coefficient ‘3’ could be applicable. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Is sluice gate management beneficial for spawning migrations? The case of the shark catfish (Helicophagus waandersii) in the Mun River below the Pak Mun Dam,Thailand

The reproductive ecology of shark catfish Helicophagus waandersii in the Mun River, the largest Mekong tributary in Thailand, was studied from July 2003 to December 2004. The aim of the study was to determine whether shark catfish, which contribute greatly to fish catches, benefits in terms of spawning, from the management regime of the Pak Mun Dam to open all sluice gates annually for 4 months during the rainy season. In total, 228 females were studied. The highest average gonadosomatic index (4.42% ± 1.90%) was observed in the rainy season in June 2004. Fecundity ranged from 21 550 to 191 540 eggs. Three hormonal profiles viz. testosterone (T), 17 β‐estradiol (E₂), and 17, 20 β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17, 20 βP) were determined by radioimmunoassay. The highest levels of T (0.96 ng ml⁻¹), E₂ (14.37 pg ml⁻¹), and 17, 20 βP (0.81 ng ml⁻¹) were respectively measured in April to May, July, and May. Changes in the maturity stage and the annual sex hormonal profiles revealed that the spawning period of H. waandersii is from May to June. There was no spatial statistical difference (p > 0.05) for each sex steroid profiles. The results indicated that H. waandersii spawn during the rainy season in the rapid areas, both downstream and upstream, and the sluice gates opening management regime for 4 months in the rainy season is of advantage for H. waandersii in terms of feeding and nursery grounds in the upstream area. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Can the Regeneration of Vegetation from Riparian Seed Banks Support Biogeomorphic Succession and the Geomorphic Recovery of Degraded River Channels?

For rivers degraded by erosion and channel widening, the re‐establishment of riparian vegetation is essential. We assess the potential for riparian seed banks to facilitate natural channel contraction through the regeneration of plants involved in the biogeomorphic succession of three discrete geomorphic units of increasing age and height above the channel bed: bars, benches and floodplain. Standing vegetation upon each unit type was surveyed for four river reaches in the Hunter catchment of eastern Australia. Seed bank composition was determined using seedling emergence techniques on sediment sampled from the units. We compared species richness and composition, and longevity, growth form and seed dispersal mechanisms between the standing vegetation and seed bank species. The seed bank was similar across bars, benches and floodplain, containing mostly perennial pioneer herbs, sedges and rushes, dispersed by wind and hydrochory (water transport). While bar vegetation was similar to the seed bank, bench and floodplain vegetation included later successional species such as shrubs and trees, significantly more grasses and vines (benches: χ²_{5, N = 402} = 102.033, p < 0.001; floodplain: χ²_{5, N = 792} = 30.324, p < 0.001) and higher proportions of unassisted and animal‐dispersed seeds (benches: χ²_{5, N = 352} = 89.409, p < 0.001; floodplain: χ²_{5, N = 338} = 56.026, p < 0.001). The results suggest that seed banks may support early stages of biogeomorphic succession, via regeneration of pioneer plants. However, plants, such as shrubs and trees that are observed upon units of increasing age and height above the channel bed (i.e. benches and floodplain), are likely sourced from transient seeds produced by local vegetation, rather than seed banks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of an urban centre on the nitrogen cycle processes of epilithic biofilms during a summer low‐water period *

Nitrogen transformations in epilithic biofilms of a large gravel bed river, the Garonne, France, has been studied upstream (one site) and downstream (four sites) of a large urban centre (Toulouse, 740 000 inhabitants). High biomass, up to 49 g AFDM m^?2 (ashes free dry matter) and 300 mg chlorophyll a m^?2 (Chl. a), were recorded at 6 and 12 km downstream from the main wastewater treatment plant outlet. The lowest records upstream and larger downstream (less than 16 g AFDM m^?2 or 120 mg Chl. a m^?2) could be explained by recent water fall (early summer low‐water period). Measurements of nitrogen exchange at the biofilm–overlying water interface were performed in incubation chambers under light and dark conditions. The addition of acetylene at the mid‐incubation time allowed evaluation of both nitrification (variation in NH₄⁺ flux after the ammonium monooxygenase inhibition) and denitrification (N₂O accumulation related to the inhibition of N₂O reduction). Denitrification (D_w) and nitrification rates were maximum at sites close to the city discharges in dark conditions (up to 9.1 and 5.6 mg N m^?2 h^?1, respectively). Unexpected denitrification activities in light conditions (up to 1.4 mg N m^?2 h^?1) at these sites provided evidence for enhanced nitrogen self‐purification downstream. As confirmed by most probable number (MPN) counts, high nitrification rates in biofilm close downstream were related to enhanced (more than almost 3 log) nitrifying bacteria densities (up to 7.6×10⁹ MPN m^?2). Downstream of an urban centre, nitrogen transformations in the biofilm appeared to be influenced by the occurrence of an adapted microflora which is inoculated or stimulated by anthropic pollution. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design of a bilateral-symmetric multi-slot fishway and its comparison with vertical slot fishway in terms of hydraulic properties

Aiming at improving the hydraulic properties and enhancing the fish passage efficiency, this study proposes a novel bilateral-symmetric multi-slot fishway (BMSF) by combining the structural features of a double-sided vertical-slot fishway, multi-slot fishway and T-shape fishway. Eight BMSF cases are further designed by adjusting the slot width and the distance between the short baffle and the front end of the central wall, in order to achieve the relatively best hydrodynamic characteristics. The flow fields of two vertical-slot fishways and eight BMSF fishways are obtained by numerically solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation, the volume-of-fluid equation and the k-ω-SST turbulence model. Numerical results manifest that the recommended BMSF-8 provides the smallest values in terms of the maximum time-averaged velocity magnitude (1.42 m s⁻¹), the maximum time-averaged turbulent kinetic energy (0.132 m² s⁻²), the maximum time-averaged Reynolds shear stress component (44 Pa), the spatial-mean time-averaged velocity magnitude (0.58 m s⁻¹), and the spatial-mean time-averaged turbulent kinetic energy (0.042 m² s⁻²) in the middle pool at Q = 1000 L/s. Even for the depth-mean time-averaged velocity magnitude at the slot and the volume percentages of some critical physical quantities, BMSF-8 is also superior to the other cases. To sum up, BMSF-8 leads to the relatively lowest flow velocity and turbulence, being more suitable for the passage of the whole fish community (especially for small-sized fishes with weaker swimming ability). In addition, the generalizability of the aforementioned superiority of BMSF-8 is displayed by providing the numerical results of four operating conditions (i.e., Q = 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 L/s).     

Use of a flow deflector to protect rheophilic fish spawning grounds during hydropeaking

Rheophilic fishes are one of the ecological groups of fishes declining most quickly in number due to various habitat modifications and discharge regulations. Artificial rapid increases and decreases in discharge (hydropeaking) can cause severe damage to the eggs of rheophilic fishes. We investigated whether the effects of a water increase in hydropeaking on a spawning ground may be mitigated by a deflector installed at the top of the weir that diverts flow to other sections. At the research site, rheophilic asp (Leuciscus aspius) spawn annually in early spring, and their success might be affected by hydropeaking, with base discharge ranging from 3 to 7 m³ × s⁻¹ and peak discharge ranging from 16 to 25 m³ × s⁻¹ occurring 4 to 7 times during the asp spawning season and egg development period. To protect the adhesive eggs from detachment during peak discharge, a flow deflector (a wooden wall at the selected part of the weir) was installed to regulate discharge on the protected spawning ground. This measure allowed normal discharge under base flow conditions. During peak flow, a significant portion of the additional water was directed to the part of the river channel where egg abundance was lower and to the mill channel, where asp spawning was not present. While the total discharge increased 4.1 times compared to the base flow, the water discharge in the protected spawning ground increased only 2.7 times. This resulted in more than half of the asp eggs being retained in the protected channel. Although the use of such a measure is limited to specific local conditions where eggs are located just downstream of the weir, it can be a valid solution in highly fragmented rivers with hydropeaking and can lead to higher recruitment of rheophilic fishes.     

Rapid CHannel Widening Following Weir Removal due to Bed‐Material Wave Dispersion on the River Monnow,Wales

Kentchurch Weir, a low‐head weir on the river Monnow, Wales, was demolished in August 2011, releasing a sediment wave that had formed behind the structure for at least a century. We surveyed channel topography and bed‐material composition through a 1.5‐km long reach prior to weir removal and then periodically over a 2‐year period. The fill material was finer than the ambient bed material with all particles mobilized by bankfull flows. Rapid degradation of the 1460‐m³ sediment fill in the previously impounded reach occurred as bed material appeared to disperse downstream, consistent with other studies of sediment waves in gravel‐bed rivers. The riverbed profile was gradually smoothed through the study reach by degrading the elevated fill as a migrating knickpoint and aggrading the channel bed and bars immediately downstream of the former weir location. Extensive bank erosion was evident in the previously impounded reach with up to 10 m of widening following a single flow event, increasing channel width by more than 20%. Mitigation measures to enforce the riverbanks have been required as the gradual dispersion of the sediment wave continues to force flow diversion towards the riverbanks. The evolution of sediment stores behind flow obstructions follows that of sediment waves and theory available to describe wave evolution should do much to improve management efforts that seek to minimize channel widening following weir removal. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Applications of extensive survey techniques to describe freshwater pearl mussel distribution and macrohabitat in the River Spey,Scotland

The spatial distribution and associated physical habitat of endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) in a 145 km stretch of the River Spey, northeast Scotland, were investigated. The overall size of the Spey M. margaritifera population was estimated to be in the order of 10 million. Mussel distributions were compared with River Corridor Survey (RCS) macrohabitat data and found to be positively associated with coarse riverbed substrata, ‘fast‐flowing’ waters, riparian woodland, and river bends; and negatively associated with shingle bars, flood barriers, ‘slow‐flowing’ waters, eroding cliffs and aquatic macrophytes. Significant positive relationships between mussel density and channel slope, width and bank height, were also observed. Binary logistic regression models (based on four to six features) were used to predict the presence/absence of mussels or the occurrence of ‘optimal’ mussel habitat (i.e. mussel density >1 m^?2) at any given site. Overall predictive success rates of 79% and 78% were achieved, respectively. Discriminant function models (based on five variables) were also used, with predictive success rates of 78% and 88%, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.