Water pollution: one of the main Limnology challenges in the Anthropocene

Abstract

Humankind is defining a new geological time. The Anthropocene epoch is marked by changes in the geological processes, hydrological regimes, biosphere structure, among other processes, due to human expansion over the landscape worldwide. Biogeochemical cycle’s acceleration, the high load of pollutants in water resources, rampant deforestation, increase in the greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, eutrophication and biodiversity losses are some indications that reflect human’s pressure over several ecosystems, especially aquatic ones. Therefore, here we reviewed some aspects from a huge anthropogenic influence on ecosystems: water pollution. For decades, humankind has increasingly placed demands on aquatic environments without any concern. As an effect, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are being globally degraded. Although the interactive effects of future anthropic processes are complex, much of current knowledge suggests that these pressures are likely to increase in magnitude and frequency over the next years. Hence, scientific results need to be articulated in an integrative perspective to expand our understanding of the aquatic resources management. The ecological knowledge generated by scientists must be applied to solve environmental problems enabling human progress sustainably. It is urgent to improve communication and understanding among different sectors of society in favor of water management. Therefore, it will be possible to ensure the preservation of natural resources for future generations by using transdisciplinary tools to understand, mitigate and recover the water resources from these anthropogenic pressures.

Editorial: Freshwater sustainability and aquatic ecology in a fast-changing world

“…In both special research topics, we received several contributions addressing water pollution and water resources management-one of the greatest sustainability challenges of our time. Quadra et al (2019) presented a broad overview of many human-related pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, including eutrophication-causing nutrients, organic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides, and novel synthetic chemicals. In a related review, Loureiro & Hepp (2020) highlighted that phytoremediation is as an option to reduce trace element contamination in streams.…”

Dinâmica Fluvial e Caracterização Limnológica do Córrego do Cedro, Presidente Prudente -São Paulo/ Brasil

“…Considerando que os maiores problemas referentes a qualidade da água estão atrelados ao despejo de efluentes domésticos e industriais (Santos et al, 2018), condicionando maiores valores do pH, estima-se que a gradual propensão a alcalinidade no córrego do Cedro esteja intrínseca ao uso de corretores agrícolas, visto que as atividades agrárias abarcam grande parte da bacia, assim como a pecuária. O uso indiscriminado de poluentes agrícolas, uma vez em contato com o solo, está suscetível ao trabalho do escoamento superficial que se encarregará de levar o material contaminado ao curso d'água, consequentemente, impactando a qualidade deste curso (Matthews, 2015;Quadra, et al, 2019).…”

Human Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems From the Lens of Ecological Stoichiometry

“…Anthropogenic activities have accelerated biogeochemical cycles and increased aquatic pollution worldwide (Quadra et al 2019). Pollution can be understood as a manifestation of a stoichiometric imbalance.…”