Freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem function in changing moorland landscapes

沼地的水文、土壤和生态容易受到局部环境变化的影响，在许多地区，由于缺乏知情的管理，水土流失和洪水加剧，河流水质和生物多样性退化。虽然许多研究都是针对沼泽地的陆地组成部分，但它们所支持的水生栖息地却很少被调查。特别是，我们对流经沼地（特别是管理严格的沼地）的河流和溪流的生态群落结构知之甚少。许多流经英格兰沼地的河流，包括伊甸河、沃夫河、坎布里亚德温特河、约克郡德温特河、骆驼河和怀河，都被指定为具有特殊科学价值的地点（SSSI），其中一些还被指定为欧盟栖息地和物种指令下的特殊保护区（SAC）。因此，如果自然英格兰（NE）等机构要保护这些地点和更广泛的高地溪流网络，并指导可持续的恢复和管理计划，那么更全面地了解栖息在沼地溪流中的群落，以及它们对栖息地变化和管理压力的反应，是至关重要的。该项目的主要目的是了解英国沼地的当代变化如何影响河流生态系统的结构（藻类和大型无脊椎动物的生物多样性）和功能（生产，营养相互作用），并通过与自然英格兰合作考虑这些发现的保护意义。具体而言，该项目将研究“完整”沼地中沼地溪流物理化学时空差异的影响。随后的分析将把这些完整的“控制”地点与受控燃烧的溪流排水地点（利用成对的集水区方法）进行比较。这个项目的主要目标是：1。在管理最少的情况下，对北奔宁荒原进行详细的实地调查，以更好地了解河流物理化学的时空差异如何影响藻类和无脊椎动物的生物多样性，以及生态系统功能（即次生生产）的各个方面。2. 在密集燃烧的北Pennine沼地进行详细的实地调查，并将这些调查结果与Obj. 1的结果进行比较，以了解营养物质和有机颗粒的增加如何影响藻类和无脊椎动物的生物多样性以及二次生产。3. 利用东北大学资助的位于上提斯代尔摩尔屋的溪流生态环境设施，实验研究营养物质浓度升高（在固定时间段内不断注射）、颗粒浓度增加（通过添加已知重量的干泥炭颗粒）和灰烬沉积物（来自燃烧的石南和泥炭）对溪流生态系统结构（初级生产商和无脊椎动物）的影响。将完全重复实验，以检查增加的营养负荷、有机微粒和灰对藻类和无脊椎动物群落结构的个别和相互作用影响。4. 考虑自然英格兰等机构在指定高地溪流和河流的保育目标中所采用的环境指标的更广泛影响。实地考察将于2009-2011年春季在整个北奔宁山脉进行。学生将接受一系列方法的培训，包括：(i)水文分析，（ii）水质监测，（iii）溪流生态学。该学生将在利兹大学地理学院学习，并将通过与自然英格兰和伯明翰大学的合作提供额外的培训。学生将在第二学年进入东北大学实习，与当地和国家官员一起工作一个月，并了解他们研究的实际意义。特别是，该安排将提供培训，将研究成果转化为指定为特别安全区域和特别安全区域的河流保护目标。

The hydrology, soils and ecology of moorland are vulnerable to local environmental change, and in many areas uninformed management has increased erosion and flooding, and degraded the water quality and biodiversity of streams. Whilst much research has been directed at the terrestrial component of moorland, the aquatic habitats they support are rarely investigated. In particular, we know little about the structure of ecological communities in rivers and streams draining moorland (particularly heavily managed moors). A number of rivers that drain moorland in England, including the Eden, Wharfe, Cumbrian Derwent, Yorkshire Derwent, Camel and Wye, are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with some of these additionally designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats and Species Directive. Thus a more complete understanding of the communities inhabiting moorland streams, and their response to habitat variability and management pressures, is vital if agencies such as Natural England (NE) are to protect these sites and the wider network of upland streams, and guide sustainable restoration and management schemes. The main aim of this project is to understand how contemporary changes in UK moorlands influence the structure (algal and macroinvertebrate biodiversity) and function (production, trophic interactions) of stream ecosystems,and consider the conservation implications of these findings through collaboration with Natural England. Specifically, the project will examine the influence of spatiotemporal differences of moorland stream physicochemistry across 'intact' moorlands. Subsequent analyses will compare these intact 'control' sites with streams draining sites subject to controlled burning (utilising paired catchment approaches). Key objectives of this project will be: 1. To undertake detailed field investigations across North Pennine moorlands with minimal management, to gain a better understanding of how spatiotemporal differences in stream physicochemistry influence algal and invertebrate biodiversity, and aspects of ecosystem function (i.e. secondary production). 2. To undertake detailed field investigations across North Pennine moorlands with intensive burning, and compare these with results from Obj. 1, to gain an understanding of how elevated nutrients and organic particulates influence algal and invertebrate biodiversity, and secondary production. 3. To utilise a NE funded stream mesocosm facility at Moor House, Upper Teesdale, to experimentally examine the effects of elevated nutrient concentrations (using constant injections over fixed time periods), increased particulate concentrations (by adding a known weight of dried peat particles) and ash deposits (from combusted heather and peat) on stream ecosystem structure (primary producers and invertebrates). Experiments will be fully replicated to examine the individual and interactive effects of increased nutrient loads, organic particulates and ash on algae and invertebrate community structure. 4. To consider wider implications for environmental targets used in conservation objectives for designated upland streams and rivers by agencies such as Natural England. Fieldwork will be undertaken from Spring 2009-2011 across the North Pennines. The student will be trained in a range of methods including: (i) hydrological analysis, (ii) water quality monitoring, and (iii) stream ecology. The student will be based at the 5 RAE rated School of Geography, University of Leeds, and additional training will be provided through collaboration with Natural England and the University of Birmingham. The student will undertake a placement with NE in year 2, working for 1 month with local and national officers and gaining an appreciation of the practical implications of their research. In particular, the placement will provide training in translating research into conservation targets for rivers in areas designated as SSSI and SAC.