Changes in river water quality by impoundment as the cause of discontinuity in the river continuum. Ecol. Civil Eng. 2(2), 141-151, 1999

Abstract

The author firstly introduces three fundamental concepts regarding river ecosystems, i.e. River continuum, serial discontinuity and nutrient spiralling. Secondly, the author reviews the states of discontinuity caused by impoundment of rivers in five categories of water quality, i.e. Water temperature, particulate matter, chlorophyll-a, nutrients and anaerobic water environment, taking into consideration with the effects of water quality changes on the downstream ecosystems. Finally, the author discusses measures to mitigate discontinuities using natural water movements and natural substances, and recommends the throughflow regulation method and the application of barley straw, especially against eutrophication. © 1999, Ecology and Civil Engineering Society. All rights reserved.