Evaluation of instream ecological flows based on hydrological alteration in the Upper Huai River, China

• 出版年: Water Supply
• 主要な著者: Simin Liu, Dengming Yan, Hong Lv, Jin Lin, Zhilei Yu, Lucong Cao
• フォーマット: 論文
• 言語: 英語
• 出版事項: IWA Publishing 2024-03-01
• 主題: ecological deficit; ecological surplus; human activities; hydrological alteration; instream ecological flow; upper huai river
• オンライン･アクセス: http://ws.iwaponline.com/content/24/3/946
• ISSN: 1606-9749; 1607-0798

Natural flow regime (instream ecological flow) is a vital element of ecological hydrology, serving a crucial role in the fundamental functions of river ecosystems. Intense human activities, especially reservoir operation, have unavoidably altered the flow regime of the Upper Huai River, leading to further impacts on river ecosystems. It is essential to quantify hydrological alterations in flow regimes and their associated impacts on river ecosystems for effective river water management. Ecological flow indicators, namely ecological deficit and surplus, were analyzed to assess instream ecological flow. The overall degree of alteration (Do) and the Dundee Hydrological Regime Alteration Method (DHRAM) were utilized to evaluate the degree of hydrological alteration. Additionally, the Shannon Index (SI) was employed to estimate the impact of hydrological alterations on ecological diversity in this study. The results reveal that the streamflow series underwent mutation in 1987, leading to a decrease in ecological surplus and an increase in ecological deficit. The overall alteration degree is 32%, with a DHRAM level of 3, signifying low hydrological alteration and moderate ecological risk in the region. Furthermore, the biodiversity of the river has markedly declined due to human activities following the alteration. HIGHLIGHTS Ecological deficit and surplus indicators were studied.; Degree of hydrological alteration was measured.; The impact of hydrological alterations on ecological diversity was studied.; Conservation of riverine ecological systems was studied.;