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Fieldwork Manual
Measuring environmental parameters
Monitoring environmental parameters in streams is critical for assessing ecosystem health and detecting anthropogenic impacts. Key indicators such as salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity provide insights into water quality dynamics, habitat suitability for aquatic life, and pollution sources. Long-term tracking reveals trends in stream degradation, climate change effects, and effectiveness of conservation measures. This data supports evidence-based management decisions, early warning systems for contamination events, and compliance with environmental regulations – ultimately safeguarding biodiversity and water security for communities downstream.
Measuring River Cross-Sectional Area and Flow Rate
Channel geometry and discharge govern aquatic habitat volume and connectivity. These factors directly influence organismal energetics, refuge availability, and community structure. Quantifying cross-sectional area and flow rate provides the physical basis for interpreting biological patterns and for calculating nutrient loads.
Measuring Nitrate, Phosphate, Salinity, and Dissolved Oxygen
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Nitrate (NO₃⁻) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) regulate basal productivity; enrichment signals anthropogenic inputs and can trigger eutrophication with cascading biotic effects.
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Salinity (via specific conductance/salinity) integrates dissolved ions from geology and land use; elevated levels affect osmoregulation and community composition.
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Dissolved oxygen (DO) reflects the balance of photosynthesis, respiration, reaeration, and temperature; low DO stresses or kills sensitive taxa. Diel DO reveals ecosystem metabolism.
Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR, China
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