Multispecies assemblages and multiple stressors: Synthesizing the state of experimental research in freshwaters

Recent decades have witnessed a sharp biodiversity decline in freshwaters due to multiple stressors. The presence of stressors is expected affect community structure and interactions freshwater ecosystems, with subsequent functional consequences. We synthesized the state experimental, manipulative multiple-stressor studies that focused on multispecies assemblages freshwaters. Compared rivers lakes, wetland groundwater ecosystems received much less attention identified research. Most investigated combinations abiotic (e.g., nutrients, pesticides, heavy metals, warming, altered flow sedimentation) microbes invertebrates while biotic vertebrates been largely overlooked. responses alpha diversity, biomass, abundance), some community/ecosystem functions photosynthesis autotrophic activity, leaf litter degradation), morphological traits like body size growth forms were frequently investigated. observed clear gap under conditions, which, although difficult study, could impede deeper mechanistic understanding how associated ecological processes. Although information ecosystem recovery pathways following restoration critical for management, few designed provide such information, signifying disconnections between research environmental practice. To bridge these gaps, researchers practitioners need work together identify key at different spatial temporal scales prioritize stressor management. Such collaborations will enhance translation into efficient management strategies protect restore ecosystems. This article categorized under: Water Life > Stresses Pressures Ecosystems Conservation, Management, Awareness