Anna Lavelle
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PhD Title
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Examining ecosystem function across urban London rivers to determine the success of restoration |
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Research Theme
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Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Processes |
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Primary Supervisor
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Primary Institution
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Secondary Supervisor
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Secondary Institution
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Abstract
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The “urban stream syndrome” asserts that the synergistic effects of physical habitat modification, hydrological change and poor water quality can lead to stream degradation. Of particular concern in urban environments are impervious surfaces coupled with misconnections which can trigger the expulsion of high nutrient loads into rivers. In-stream activity can further homogenize flow dynamics altering habitats for fish and invertebrate species. In recent decades, restoration projects aimed at improving the physical structure, flow dynamics and ecological condition of rivers have been implemented across London. Despite widespread aesthetic improvements, the biological and chemical merits of restoration measures are less well understood. The aim of this project is to examine ecosystem function across five urban London rivers to determine the success of restoration. Nitrate and ammonium flux dynamics will primarily be examined across restored and unrestored reaches to understand the effect of restoration on sediment-water interface flux activity. The second approach will use electrofishing and invertebrate surveys as tools to measure ecological responses to restoration. Subsequent in-stream decomposition experiments will deliver a better understanding of microbial responses to restoration. The results from this project will provide scope to understand the potential of restoration for improving the chemical and biological function of urban rivers. |
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Policy Impact
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Background Reading
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Publications
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None |
