Eutrophication: A Global Environmental Problem

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Techno-ecosystems—New Reality and Challenges

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   This chapter presents the role and importance of aquatic ecosystems for the functioning of the biosphere and as a strategic factor of human existence and civilization development. Aquatic ecosystems are presented as techno-ecosystems, the number and scale of which are increasingly expanding and acquiring the features of a global system, which includes various technical objects that interact with both nature, biosphere, and society. Effective management of these systems is the basis for harmonizing human relations with the planet’s biosphere. This chapter presents the major challenges in water resources management: increased water demand, deterioration of underground and surface water quality; disproportionality of water consumption in closely interconnected strategic sectors of the economy—water-food-energy; ineffective management of water and hydraulic infrastructure; water conflicts and climate change impact.

3. Chapter 2. Historical Aspects

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   Records of fossil akinetes of Aphanizomenon and Anabaena (Cyanobacteria) in the laminated sediments of Lake Gosciaz are interpreted. Increasing human impact in the catchment area of the lake (as can be interpreted from the pollen records of human impact indicators) apparently had its effect on the trophic conditions of the lake water: from ca. 1000 AD on fosil akinetes of Aphinizomenon and Anabaena are present in enormous quantitites in the sediment. The increases of the Cyanobacteria are interpreted as the effect of an intensiication of farming and land fertilization in the area around Lake Gosciaz, causing eutrophication of the lake. Phosphorus enrichment form effluent and excreta in the catchment area of the lake at times will have become so high that N-limited growth conditions occurred. In such conditions Cynoobacteria capable of nitrogen fixation (namely Alphanizomenon and Anabaena) could bloom. The deposits of the last ca. two centuries are characterised by the successive appearance of Pediatrum boryanum, Tetraedron minimum, Coelastrum cf. reticulatum, Botryococcus, Scenedesmus, Spirogyra, Gloeotrichia and Staurastrum manfeldtii, whereas Cyanobacteria show a decline. This phytoplankton succession could be interpreted in terms of competition for nutrients and light: higher eutrophication levels and higher turbidity caused a decline of available light, and as a consequence less enegry was avilable for the energyu consuming process o nitrogen fixation by Aphanizomenon and Anabaena.

4. Chapter 3. Negative Consequences

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   This chapter presents the negative impacts of eutrophication which are considered in ecological, economic and social categories. The negative impact of eutrophication on basic physical, chemical and biological properties of water is also presented. Eutrophication has a huge impact on water quality, that may constitute a health hazard for the main water consumer—humans. The main health risk factors of eutrophicated waters are presented: favourable conditions for the development of pathogenic microorganisms, disease causative agents, algotoxins and the type of their impact on the humans. Drinking water supply from the sources with a high trophic status poses a high health risk, and not only due to the presence of toxic algae. Technical and technological problems arising in the event of the need to supply the population from water sources with a high trophic level are also discussed. Particular attention was also paid to various problems of removing nutrients from wastewater before its discharge into receiving water bodies. Economic aspects related to losses and costs incurred due to eutrophication are described, as well as the impact of climate change on the development of eutrophication and feedback relationships.

5. Chapter 4. The Complexity of the Problem

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   This chapter presents problematic aspects of managing the eutrophication process, starting from the lack of a uniform definition of this process and discrepancies in the understanding of its essence, to various approaches to its research, mitigation and managing. Variety of widely adopted definitions of the eutrophication phenomenon were analysed and presented in the chapter. Different methodological approaches to understanding the eutrophication process were also presented: the metabolic approach and the balance approach. In this chapter the authors formulated their holistic approach and their own definition of eutrophication.

6. Chapter 5. Eutrophication Assessment Methods

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   Eutrophication is one of the most common causes of water quality impairment of inland and marine waters. Its best-known manifestations are toxic cyanobacteria blooms in lakes and waterways and proliferations of green macro algae in coastal areas. The term eutrophication is used by both the scientific community and public policymakers, and therefore has a myriad of definitions. The introduction by the public authorities of regulations to limit eutrophication is a source of tension and debate on the activities identified as contributing or having contributed decisively to these phenomena. Debates on the identification of the driving factors and risk levels of eutrophication, seeking to guide public policies, have led the ministries in charge of the environment and agriculture to ask for a joint scientific appraisal to be conducted on the subject. Four French research institutes were mandated to produce a critical scientific analysis on the latest knowledge of the causes, mechanisms, consequences and predictability of eutrophication phenomena. This paper provides the methodology and the main findings of this two years exercise involving 40 scientific experts.

7. Chapter 6. Analysis of Existing Approaches in Eutrophication Management

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   This chapter presents an in-depth critical analysis of current approaches and strategies for managing eutrophication worldwide. The authors try to analyse the reasons for the failure to combat the globally intensifying phenomenon of eutrophication, despite the actions and efforts undertaken to mitigate this process and its negative effects. The result of the undertaken analysis are selected aspects of this phenomenon which, according to the authors, constitute a “weak link” in the strategy for process managing and considerations about them.

8. Chapter 7. Original Concept of Eutrophication Management

   Elena Neverova-Dziopak, Zbigniew Kowalewski

   Abstract

   This chapter presents the author's original, multi-aspect concept of managing the eutrophication process, taking into account those aspects and problems, that were identified and analysed in the monograph and which must be taken into account when developing a strategy for managing this process at various levels. Starting from the basic assumptions of the functional direction of the system approach, the authors developed the holistic multilevel concept of eutrophication process managing, which takes into account the aspects currently ignored in routine practices of this process managing. The concept covers coordinated activities’ totality at various hierarchical levels of process management.

9. Backmatter