Effects of elevated water temperature on fish and macroinvertebrate communities below small dams

Many studies have investigated the ecological changes that occur below dams that release cold, hypolimnetic water, but very few studies have looked at the effects of the release of warm, surface waters. The effect of small, surface release dams on downstream thermal regimes is a major habitat concern for many cold‐water systems, however. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of summer temperature increases due to impoundment on downstream fish and macroinvertebrate communities in cold‐water streams. We sampled fish, macroinvertebrates and habitat upstream and downstream of dams on ten rivers during the summers of 1998 and 1999. Changes in mean summer temperature downstream varied from a cooling of 1 °C to an increase of more than 5 °C. Increasing temperatures downstream coincided with lower densities of several cold‐water fish species, specifically brown trout (Salmo trutta), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) while overall fish species richness increased downstream. Density of mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), another cold‐water species, was not related to temperature changes below the dams. Macroinvertebrates showed shifts in community composition below dams that increased temperature. This study provides information useful for determining the extent of impact of these small, surface release dams, which are abundant across the country. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discharge pulses of hydroelectric dams and their effects in the downstream limnological conditions: a case study in a large tropical river (SE Brazil)

To address daily fluctuations in electricity demands, the quantities of water passing through the turbines of hydropower plants can vary significantly (up to fourfold) during a 24‐h cycle. This study evaluates the effects of hourly variations in water discharges on the limnological conditions observed in two below‐dam river stretches. The study reservoirs, Capivara and Taquaruçu, are the 9th and 10th reservoirs in a cascade of dams in the Paranapanema River in south‐east Brazil. The reservoirs exhibit different trophic conditions, water retention times, thermal regimes and spillway positions. Capivara Reservoir is deeper, meso‐eutrophic, with a high water retention time and hypolimnetic discharges (32 m) varying between 500 and 1400 m³ s^?1. In contrast, Taquaruçu Reservoir is relatively shallow, oligo‐mesotrophic, and has a low retention time, with water discharges varying between 500 and 2000 m³ s^?1. Its turbine water intake zone also is more superficial (7 m). For two periods of the year, winter and summer, profiles of limnological measurements were developed in the lacustrine (above‐dam site) zones of the reservoirs, as well as in the downstream river stretches (below‐dam site). In both cases, the sampling was carried out at 4‐h intervals over a complete nictemeral cycle. The results demonstrated that the reservoir operating regime (water discharge variations) promoted significant differences in the conditions of the river below the dams, especially for water velocity, turbidity, and nutrient and suspended solids concentrations. The reservoir physical characteristics, including depth, thermal stratification and outlet structure, are also key factors influencing the limnology and water quality at the below‐dam sampling sites. In the case of Capivara Reservoir, for example, the low dissolved oxygen concentration (<5.0 mg L^?1) in its bottom water layer was transferred to the downstream river stretches during the summer. These study results demonstrated that it is important to continue such investigations as a means of verifying whether or not these high‐amplitude/low‐frequency variations could negatively affect the downstream river biota.     

Modification of temperature behaviour through regulation of a British river system

The effects of flow regulation on temperature behaviour in the River Exe, Devon, U.K. have been studied, and attention is given to the local impact of impoundment and its downstream persistence. Temperature levels and seasonal thermal regime are considered as well as diel temperature fluctuations and temperatures during extreme weather conditions. Variations in temperature during individual reservoir releases have also been monitored. The impact of impoundment has been to make the stream environment immediately below the dam more homothermous so that temperatures rearely rise above 17·5°C or fall below 2·0°C, and monthyl average diel ranges are < 3 and < 1°C in summer and winter months respectively. In contrast to other reservoirs in Britain and abroad, this effect has been largely caused by increased groundwater flow downstream from the reservoir following impoundment. Regulation has also affected downstream temperature behaviour and has moderated the thermal regime of the Exe mainstream. This influence is generally restricted to a distance of up to 20 km from the dam, but in conditions of hot weather and low flows it may extend to almost 40 km from the impoundment.     

Effects of dams and reservoirs on organic matter decomposition in forested mountain streams in western Japan

Damming of streams and rivers alters downstream ecosystem processes, and understanding its effects is essential in managing forested mountain streams. This study examined the effects of dams with a reservoir on organic matter decomposition and its seasonality in two neighbouring mountain streams over five seasons. The cotton‐strip assay and measurement of tensile strength loss were used to evaluate decomposition rates. In addition, the environmental factors, such as water level, water temperature, inorganic nitrogen concentrations and contribution of macro invertebrates were measured. The dams with a reservoir lowered decomposition rates downstream compared to upstream and unregulated sites, in all seasons. The decomposition rates also varied by season at all sites, with higher rates in summer and lowest in winter, and the seasonal variation was larger than the effects by the reservoirs in both streams. Seasonal variation in decomposition rates coincided with water temperature variation, suggesting strong influence of water temperature. However, the temperature differences did not explain the effects of reservoirs because water temperature was always higher at downstream sites. The downstream sites had lower nitrate concentrations and contribution of macroinvertebrates, and these factors may have greater effects than water temperature. Thus, damming of streams may lower the decomposition rates at downstream sites due to altered nutrient and biological effects. However, seasonal variation in water temperature may have more pronounced effects, resulting in greater seasonal variation than the difference among sites.     

Compensation flows in the UK: A hydrological review

A survey of United Kingdom reservoirs identified the development of compensation flow policy from the early 19th Century to the present day. Details on the level and pattern of releases below 261 impounding reservoirs provided the basis for assessing the spatial and temporal variation in compensation flows and the impact of impoundment on downstream flow regimes. By standardizing compensation releases by the natural pre-impoundment mean discharge, release patterns from reservoirs with a wide range of both catchment area and climate could be compared. Analysis of the change in flood and low flow frequency following impoundment enabled the impact of reservoir regulation to be evaluated at the regional scale. For individual reservoirs the natural downstream increase in river flow provides a basis for determining the length of river reach which is sensitive to regime changes. The majority of present day compensation discharges were set to satisfy river interests which no longer apply or were based on inadequate hydrological or biological information. This has led to a wide range of release patterns and it is therefore recommended that the re-evaluation of existing water resource schemes should include an assessment of the suitability of current release patterns for present day downstream demands and water resource requirements.     

Headwater reservoirs weaken terrestrial‐aquatic linkage by slowing leaf‐litter processing in downstream regulated reaches

Leaf litter breakdown is a key process, providing matter and energy to communities inhabiting many headwater streams that flow through forests. This detrital pathway is affected by many human landscape transformations; but it is little known about the impact of small headwater reservoirs on leaf litter decay in streams. Alder leaf litter breakdown rates and associated fauna were studied upstream and downstream of five small water supply reservoirs (surface‐release in rainy autumn‐winters), in the Nerbioi‐Ibaizabal drainage basin (Basque Country, Spain), to assess the effect of impoundment on headwater streams function. Breakdown rates were significantly lower below the dams, mainly associated with a reduction of the density and the biomass of shredders. Among the shredders, Nemouridae and especially Protonemura were less abundant downstream of the dam. Alterations in the physicochemical characteristics of the water due to the reservoirs were negligible throughout our study, and temperature showed only slight variations that could not explain the reduction of the rates. The effect on shredders is likely to be related to differences in the riparian environment and flow regulation by the dams. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of cascade reservoirs on spatiotemporal variations of hydrogeochemistry in Jinsha River

River hydrogeochemistry offers necessary guidance for effective water environmental management.However,the influence of cascade reservoirs on river hydrogeochemistry remains unknown.In this study,the Jinsha River,the headwaters of the Yangtze River of China,was selected to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of hydrogeochemistry after the construction of six cascade reservoirs.Major ions,total dissolved solids,electrical conductivity,and pH values of sampled water in the upper natural reaches and lower reservoir-regulated reaches were analyzed in both flood and dry seasons.The results of Piper diagram and Gibbs plots showed that the hydrogeochemistry of the Jinsha River was naturally controlled by both evaporation-crystallization and carbonate weathering processes,but it was also artificially affected by reservoirs.The impoundment of cascade reservoirs affected the hydrodynamic condition of the river.The river flow in the flood season was reduced by approximately 24.5%,altering the proportions of water sources and leading to notable hydrogeochemical alterations in reservoir-regulated reaches.Conversely,river hydrogeochemistry generally remained unchanged in the dry season,owing to the insignificant effect of cascade reservoirs on river flow.In contrast to what has been observed in previous studies of individual reservoirs,the cumulative influence of cascade reservoirs on the Jinsha River flow regime did not cause abrupt hydrogeochemical changes between the upstream and downstream areas of each reservoir.Moreover,the water quality assessments revealed that the impoundment of cascade reservoirs improved downstream irrigational water quality,with lower Na~+ ratio values in the flood season.This study provides the earliest evaluation of cascade reservoir influence on the hydrogeochemistry of the Jinsha River.The findings of this study can be used as a reference for scientific guidelines for future environmental management of cascade reservoirs in large rivers.     

Statistical assessment of water quality seasonality in large tropical reservoirs

A statistical assessment was used to assess if a tropical reservoir had reached a stable condition, permitting the use of water quality models to predict the water quality dynamics of a water system under different climatic or management scenarios. This approach was applied to Aguamilpa Reservoir in western Mexico, one of the largest tropical reservoirs in the world. Water quality data collected by the National Water Commission, and hydrological and climatic data from the Federal Electricity Commission from the period of January 2000 to December 2007 served as the data base. Time‐series analysis identified three distinct homogeneous seasonal groups: (i) warm dry season, (ii) rainy season and (iii) cold dry season. The seasonal responses of water quality parameters (temperature, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids concentration, biochemical oxygen demand and total coliforms) were demonstrated through analysis of variance of the principal components.     

Complex summer water temperature behaviour below a UK regulating reservoir

Detailed monitoring over a 15-year period has revealed considerable complexity in summer water temperature behaviour below Wimbleball Lake, a large regulating reservoir in south-west England. Continuous records of water temperature in the regulated River Haddeo and the neighbouring unregulated River Pulham, coupled with information on flow in the tailbay of the dam and on the thermal structure of the impounded water body, reveal that the nature and extent of the thermal modification below the reservoir varies from day to day, month to month and year to year. This complexity largely reflects changes in the balance between a springflow and a direct reservoir release component of the compensation runoff, which arise in response to variations within and between summers in hydrometeorological conditions and in the way the reservoir is operated to regulate downstream flows. Temperature behaviour in the regulated river is made more complicated by progressive warming of the springflow during the summer months, the thermal inertia of the stored water, the development of thermal stratification within the reservoir and the alteration of release depth, although the detailed effect of some of these factors depends on weather conditions, the use of destratification equipment and the rapidity of reservoir drawdown. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mitigation of cold‐water thermal pollution downstream of a large dam with the use of a novel thermal curtain

Hypolimnial releases from dams during periods of thermal stratification modify the downstream riverine thermal regime by decreasing water temperature and reducing natural diel thermal variability. This cold‐water thermal pollution in rivers can persist for hundreds of kilometres downstream of dams and impact important ecological processes such as fish spawning. To mitigate this problem, a first‐of‐its‐kind thermal curtain was fitted to the large bottom release Burrendong Dam on the Macquarie River, Australia. The thermal curtain acts by directing warmer, near‐surface epilimnial water to the low‐level hypolimnial offtake. This study aimed to test the efficacy of the thermal curtain by measuring temperatures before and after the curtains installation, quantifying the magnitude and extent of cold‐water thermal pollution along the Macquarie River downstream of Burrendong Dam. Epilimnial releases with use of the curtain increased diel temperature ranges and the mean monthly water temperature below the dam. Epilimnial releases with use of the curtain increased diel temperature ranges from 0.9°C to 2.5°C and reduced the difference between the mean monthly water temperature of an upstream control and a downstream site by up to 3.5°C. A comparison of the monthly temperature means along the river, indicated that thermal recovery, whereby temperatures returned to within the natural range of upstream temperatures occurred 45 km downstream of the dam during summer when the thermal curtain was deployed, compared with approximately 200 km prior to deployment of the curtain. Our study suggests that the use of thermal curtains can reduce cold‐water thermal pollution and improve ecological outcomes for river ecosystems downstream of dams.     

Characterization of water quality in a small hydropower plant reservoir in southern Brazil

The construction of large reservoirs can cause profound environmental changes. Reduced water flow, increased water residence time, thermal stratification, increased sedimentation rates and decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations are examples of such changes. These changes can affect water quality and the biota in the environments adapted to the natural conditions of a river. Small reservoirs developed in conjunction with hydropower plants, however, could reduce the degraded water quality. This study focuses on characterizing water quality in a small hydroelectric reservoir. The study reservoir has an area of 1.4 km² and a short water retention time. The Monte Claro Hydroelectric Power Plant is part of a complex consisting of three plants on the Antas River in the north‐west of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The reservoirs associated with these plants are operated as run‐of‐the‐river facilities. Monitoring results obtained by CERAN, the Energetic Company of Antas River (Companhia Energética Rio das Antas), were used to evaluate the reservoir water quality. Three samples were collected seasonally (spring, summer, autumn and winter) in the area of influence of this plant following the filling of the reservoir (2005–2008). The examined water quality parameters were electrical conductivity, colour, turbidity, alkalinity, pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, suspended and dissolved solids, chlorophyll‐a, total and faecal coliforms, water temperature and Secchi depth transparency. The results were interpreted using an index of water quality, Trophic State Index, reservoir water quality and CONAMA Regulation 357/05 (Brazilian legislation). Based on these analyses, no significant changes were exhibited in the water quality of the reservoir from the hydroelectric plant operation.     

溪洛渡、向家坝水库与三峡水库联合蓄水调度研究

由于溪洛渡、向家坝水库与三峡水库蓄水时间上的同步性,使三峡水库蓄水难度进一步加大,进而影响其综合效益的发挥。为满足下游地区在蓄水期对上游梯级水库下泄流量的新要求,研究金沙江溪洛渡、向家坝水库与三峡水库联合蓄水调度方案,优化梯级水库蓄水过程。在综合分析防洪、泥沙、库区、发电及供水等指标基础上,推荐梯级水库蓄水调度方案。防洪、库区淹没及泥沙淤积的影响分析表明,所提方案可进一步缓解下游地区的供水压力,对金沙江梯级水库联合蓄水调度一定实践指导意义。     

三峡初期蓄水对典型鱼类栖息地适宜性的影响

三峡工程是长江中游干流最大的骨干工程，蓄水后下游水文情势发生明显改变。分析水库运行后下游水文情势的改变情况，将为了解大型水利工程对河流健康状况的影响程度和开展生态保护提供有意义的信息和帮助。本文选择宜昌站作为研究对象，并以中华鲟和四大家鱼为典型代表物种，研究三峡工程初期蓄水对下游生态系统的影响。结果表明，三峡工程蓄水运行后，(1) 坝下宜昌站生态水文条件发生明显变化，主要表现为多年平均水温上升，多年平均流量、水位和含沙量下降；(2) 非汛期的水温以及汛期的流量、水位和含沙量月径流过程明显改变；(3) 下游生态水文条件的改变，导致中华鲟鲟卵孵化适宜度和四大家鱼产卵适宜度明显降低；(4) 栖息地内生态水文条件的变化是影响中华鲟鲟卵孵化和四大家鱼产卵行为的关键因素，而不是影响中华鲟产卵和四大家鱼鱼卵孵化的关键因素。     

The downstream impacts of the burgomillodo reservoir,Spain

The Burgomillodo Dam, located in the middle Rio Duraton (north Spain, Duero Basin), has created a small eutrophic reservoir with a capacity of 15 × 10⁶ m ³ and a maximum depth of 40m. Burgomillodo Reservoir is solely used for producing hydroelectric power. The regulated flow pattern of hypolimnial waters is characterized by higher daytime flows than those by night, with low flows at weekends all the year round. The environmental impact generated by this hydropower scheme on the river downstream was assessed by comparing physiochemical characteristics and aquatic communities of an upstream site (reference station) with those of three downstream stations, which were located 0–2, 2–5, and 7–6 km below the dam. Water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen were significantly lower downstream from the reservoir. Hardness, alkalinity, suspended inorganic matter, and conductivity had reduced annual variability below the dam. Photosynthetic activity was directly involved in the recovery of dissolved oxygen and pH values. Species richness and abundance of macrophytes increased just below the dam. Macrobenthic and fish communities were composed of higher numbers of potamic species. Number of taxa, density, biomass, and diversity were higher at the reference site, recovering their values as the distance below the reservoir increased. Macrobenthic trophic structure was changed by an increase in predators and filter feeders and a decrease in shredders. Environmental impact values for the macrobenthic community living just below the dam were higher than those for the fish community. It is concluded that the main physiochemical factors involved in environmental impacts were dissolved oxygen deficit and short-term flow fluctuations for the macrobenthic community, and oxygen deficit for the fish fauna. Benthic macroinvertebrates appear to be the best aquatic organisms for detecting changes and for reflecting the spatial recovery of environmental conditions.     

长江上游流域水文条件变化下的三峡水库综合运用

近些年长江上游流域干支流水文条件发生了较大变化,上下游航运、下游供水保障、泥沙减淤、生态调度以及库区地质灾害治理也对三峡水库综合利用提出更高要求。在总结试验蓄水期以来三峡水库综合运用调度实践的基础上,针对新形势下各种调度约束和需求,提出了三峡水库优化水库蓄水和消落进程、加强实施汛期中小洪水优化调度,以及多库联合调度等改进建议,对保障三峡水库综合效益的发挥具有十分重要的意义。     

三峡水库2003年蓄水对长江中下游水情影响分析

三峡工程经过近10 a的建设于2003年6月上旬蓄水至135 m,工程进入围堰发电运行期,10月由于航运等方面的需要,水库第2次蓄水至139 m.水库蓄水减少了上游来水,使中下游的水情发生了相应的变化,其变化也引起了社会各界的关心.根据三峡水库的蓄水情况,对2003年三峡水库蓄水期间长江中下游主要站螺山、汉口、大通站水位、流量进行研究,分析三峡水库蓄水对长江中下游水情的影响.     

The impact of river regulation on invertebrate communities in the U.K.

The impact of river regulation on invertebrates has received comparatively little attention in the U.K., with most studies concentrating on the effects of impoundment. During dam construction invertebrate diversity and abundance decreases. Longer term alterations in community structure (which usually extend for a relatively short distance downstream) reflect changes in flow, substrate, temperature, and water quality. In particular adverse effects on invertebrates have been attributed to a reduction in substrate heterogeneity together with an accumulation of sediment. Responses to impoundment within and between taxonomic groups are highly variable. In general Ephemeroptera and Coleoptera are reduced. Of the Plecoptera the Perlodidae and Chloroperlidae are more likely to be adversely affected than the Nemouridae or Leuctridae. The impact of impoundment on net-spinning Trichoptera varies with reductions in some populations and enhancement in others. Simuliids are usually restricted, probably because of a lack of suitable oviposition or attachment sites. Freshets released from reservoirs increase the level of invertebrate drift. However, the full consequences of impoundment on drift, recolonization, and upstream migration have yet to be assessed. There is some evidence that modified temperature regimes cause extended egg hatching periods and alter larval growth rates but further studies are needed. Little is known of the effects of inter-river transfers on invertebrates, but it has been suggested that changes in flow velocity, water chemistry, suspended solids, and temperature together with translocation of organisms are all likely to be important. The limited information available for groundwater schemes indicates that they are not detrimental to invertebrates. Their impact, however, is dependent upon factors such as the extent and timing of flow augmentation. It is suggested that there is scope for positive management of invertebrate communities through river regulation, although at present attitudes and practices do not encourage this. Many gaps in our knowledge still remain and these are discussed in relation to future research needs.     

三峡库区试验性蓄水期间浮游生物群落特点研究

蓄水改变了三峡水库的水文情势,使得浮游生物密度及群落结构出现明显改变,在不同蓄水阶段呈现不同的特点。根据2009年三峡水库试验性蓄水期间分季节实地监测结果,分析了浮游动植物在不同季节、不同蓄水位以干流与支流河口的分布变化情况。结果表明：就季节变化而言,秋季浮游植物种类最多、夏季次之、冬春较少;浮游生物密度整体不高,且时空分布不均,为春夏秋冬依次递减,支流河口密度高于干流;与蓄水前相比,蓄水后浮游生物密度显著增加,但与135 m及156 m蓄水位相比,试验性蓄水期间有下降趋势。库区营养盐水平较高,对浮游生物的生长不形成限制,浮游生物分布的时空显著差异是由流量、流速及浊度造成的。     

The effect of stream regulation on the physico-chemical properties of the palmiet river,South Africa

The effect of regulation, by multiple impoundment, on ‘discontinuity’ (recovery) ‘distances’ (sensu Ward and Stanford, 1983) for various physico-chemical attributes of the Palmiet River (a short, steep gradient, cool temperate, acid, low-nutrient system) was investigated. Physico-chemical features were measured monthly, from February 1986 to August 1987, at 11 sites along the river, but concentrating on two zones: one below an upper-reach impoundment, Nuweberg Dam, and one below a middle-reach impoundment, Arieskraal Dam. Median total suspended solids, nitrates, nitrites and ammonium all increased below both dams with varying levels of ‘recovery’. Median spot temperatures, pH and alkalinity increased below Nuweberg, but decreased below Arieskraal Dam, whereas the converse was true for soluble reactive phosphate. Nuweberg had no effect on conductivity and total dissolved solids, while Arieskraal caused a slight decrease. The river remained well oxygenated down its length. Distinct seasonal variations were recorded for: flow rate, with flow reversal below Nuweberg and flow constancy below Arieskraal; temperature, with seasonal shifts and dampening of annual temperature range below both dams; alkalinity, with seasonal shifts below Arieskraal, and nitrites and nitrates, but not for any other attributes. At least partial recovery was noted in all cases, but in some instances, recovery was incomplete to the estuary. The implications of such alterations, for invertebrates, in terms of reduction in habitat diversity as well as for food supply must be considerable and studies are currently under way to determine community structure and diversity.     

Influence of extreme drawdown on water quality downstream of a large water storage reservoir

The Serial Discontinuity Concept (SDC) proposes that dams have the potential to affect the downstream ecological condition of rivers. While the SDC was developed principally around changes to physical habitat or temperature, reservoirs also have the potential to impact on downstream water quality, including algal community structure. In the current study we examined the impacts of an extreme drawdown event on nutrient loads and algal community structure downstream of a large water storage reservoir in south‐eastern Australia—Lake Hume. The lake was a net exporter of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and iron during the study period and was a net sink for manganese. Most of the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus exported from the lake was in the form of algal biomass. Processes in the lake also influenced the downstream algal community structure. Upstream of the reservoir green algae were the most dominant species; within and downstream of the reservoir cyanobacteria dominated. Much of the algal biomass found at the downstream sites appeared to originate in Lake Hume and was physically transported downstream. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.