Land-Use Effects on Aquatic and Wetland Ecosystems: An Overview of Environmental Impacts and Tools for Ecological Assessment

MISERENDINO, M.L.; BRAND, C.; ASSEF, Y.A.; HORAK, C.N.; MANZO, L.M.; EPELE, L.B.; WILLIAMS-SUBIZA, E.A.

Freshwaters and Wetlands of Patagonia

Springer Nature

Año: 2022; p. 295 - 321

Patagonia’s diverse freshwater ecosystems sustain multiple economic activities of varying magnitudes. Despite the region’s low population density (0.8-5 ind/km2), and an economy based on agriculture and cattle production, there is strong evidence that the ecological integrity of Patagonia’s aquatic ecosystems is under threat. The main land-use practices in the region include pasture conversion, livestock farming, forestry, pine plantations, mining and oil extraction, and to a lesser extent, urbanization and industrial development. Dams and artificial reservoirs for irrigation, water supply and power generation, either exist or are currently under construction in many of the main watercourses. Several scientific studies have examined the effect of anthropogenic stressors on the environmental features, biological communities and ecosystem status of aquatic systems. Freshwater environments are highly interactive with catchment land uses, and accordingly the integrity of riparian corridors plays a crucial role in ecological functioning. There are specific tools to evaluate the quality of these riparian ecosystems. The main impacts identified are: organic pollution, eutrophication, sedimentation, invasive species, and trophic alterations. These stressors have had significant effects on periphyton, macrophyte and macroinvertebrate communities. Different biomarkers and bioindicators act as promising tools for bioassessment, and provide early alerts of anthropogenic disturbance.