Heterogeneity of aquatic ecosystems in a developing city for construction of civilized freshwater ecology, China.

Abstract: Rapid degradation of global ecosystems seriously impacted the sustainable development of human society and economy. Understanding the heterogeneity of aquatic ecosystems is significantly helpful for ecological remediation. The success of restoration in Jinan City, the first pilot city for the construction of civilized freshwater ecology, will determine the fundamental improvement of the living environment of human beings in China. This paper studied the tempo‐spatial heterogeneity of aquatic ecosystems in Jinan using canonical correspondence analysis and random forest methods, based on data regarding aquatic ecology collected during field investigations from 2014 to 2015. Results showed that water depth and flow velocity in hydrological factors had the greatest impact on the distribution of fish and zoobenthos, and conductivity and total hardness in water quality factors had the greatest effect on both 2 communities; the biodiversity of fish and zoobenthos were better in the eastern than in the western region, and better in the mountain areas than in the plains; the quality of aquatic ecosystems in most regions of Jinan was in general good except for that in the 2 regions close to urban area that were severely affected by human activities. These results could provide a scientific basis for policymaking for ecological restoration and construction of civilized freshwater ecology, which will ensure successful maintenance and remediation of river ecosystems in the important city. This methodological framework could provide a reference for aquatic ecological rehabilitation both in China and worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]