![]() ![]() For example, construction activities, resource extraction and changes in land cover can bring bedrock materials to the surface that are subject to much more rapid chemical weathering, consequently increasing the transport of ions to surface waters. However, given the strong influence of humans even on regional and global biogeochemical cycles, which have been captured in calling the current era the Anthropocene, human activities can accelerate these natural processes. #R getdata inland water driverIf these natural processes are the driver of salinization, this phenomenon is called primary salinization. The ion content of inland surface waters is determined by several natural factors, including rainfall, rock weathering, seawater intrusion and aerosol deposits. ![]() The diagnosis of these gaps stimulated the organization and compilation of the present theme issue. Research that answers these questions is pivotal for a rational and efficient ecosystem management. an increase in the concentration of ions) are and how salinity might influence freshwater ecosystems in the future. #R getdata inland water driversDespite the documentation of salinity effects, it is often unknown how important salinity is in comparison to other stressors and how it may interact with these stressors, how important the different drivers of salinization (i.e. For example, although it has been known for a long time that human activities alter the total concentration of major ions (or salinity) and the composition of these ions in freshwater ecosystems, this issue has received relatively little attention. Although the exposure and effects of specific pollutants such as heavy metals or pesticides in freshwaters have received attention, other pollutants have been less studied. This is owing to a multitude of anthropogenic stressors, including excess input of nutrients, hydromorphological alterations and continuous or repeated pollution, which cause ecological degradation. However, the extinction rates of freshwater species are among the highest worldwide. These services crucially depend on the integrity of populations and communities of freshwater organisms. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.ġ. Salinization of freshwater ecosystems: state of the art and prospectsįreshwater ecosystems are essential for human societies, because they provide important services such as drinking and irrigation water, food, climate regulation and recreation. In this paper we introduce the general background of salinization, outline research gaps and report key findings from the contributions to this theme issue. ![]() ![]() The contributions scrutinise the role of additional stressors, biotic interactions, the identify of the ions and their ratios, as well as of the biogeographic and evolutionary context and (v) the public discourse on salinization and recommendations for management and regulation. The issue is structured along five topics: (i) the estimation of future salinity and evaluation of the relative contribution of the different drivers (ii) the physiological responses of organisms to alterations in ion concentrations with a specific focus on the osmophysiology of freshwater insects and the responses of different organisims to seawater intrusion (iii) the impact of salinization on ecosystem functioning, also considering the connections between riparian and stream ecosystems (iv) the role of context in moderating the response to salinization. The present theme issue focuses on priority research questions and delivers results that contribute to shaping the future research agenda on freshwater salinization as well as fostering our capacity to manage salinization. freshwater salinization), leading to significant effects at the population, community and ecosystem level. Humans are globally increasing the salt concentration of freshwaters (i.e. ![]()
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