The Effects of Hydrological Conditions on Eco-Exergy of Food Webs in Momoge National Nature Reserve, China

Abstract

Hydrological conditions is a driving factor in wetland ecosystems, and excessive changes in hydrological conditions will lead to severe degradation of wetlands. Assessment of ecosystem status is essential for wetland protection and restoration. We analyze the effect of hydrological conditions on food webs from the perspective of eco-exergy. The results showed that the wet environment with low water depth (0~50 cm) is conducive to the growth of aquatic plants. The suitable water depth for benthic and phytoplankton was 40~100 cm, for periphyton, zooplankton and fish was 40~120 cm, 80~120 cm, and 80~100 cm, respectively. With the increase of water depth, the trend of the eco-exergy and specific eco-exergy of plankton was basically the same, while the eco-exergy and specific eco-exergy of other aquatic organisms change in the opposite direction. The results demonstrated that water depth have a significant impact on the structure and function of the food web, the contributors of eco-exergy were producers and consumers within the water depth of 20~60 cm. and the contributors of eco-exergy was the consumers within the water depth of 80~120 cm. The results showed that this approach can serve as a useful tool for assessing ecosystem status by determining ecological water levels.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader https://ift.tt/2SFmciH