Papers by Rob S.e.w. Leuven
Waar roepen Kwartelkoningen in het rivierengebied?
Habitat selection of the Corncrake (Crex crex) in floodplains along the Dutch Rhine River branches
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2009
The biogeomorphological functioning of lowland floodplains will be altered strongly due to future... more The biogeomorphological functioning of lowland floodplains will be altered strongly due to future landscaping measures that are necessitated by climate change. For many industrialized and urbanized river basins, the layout of the fluvial area depends on the human choices for landscaping measures, which reflect the dominant value system of the actors. We aimed at (1) designing scenarios for the future layout of the floodplains of the River Waal in the Netherlands for 2050 using a new value-based methodology, and (2) assessing the floodplain biogeomorphology under these scenarios and climate change. The scenarios are driven by transitions in human value systems and they are color-coded: green (personalistic-consensual), orange (scientific-rational), and yellow (integrated-systemic). Per scenario, the landscaping measures were translated into a future topography and ecotope distribution. Using various spatially explicit simulation models, we evaluated the scenarios regarding the biogeomorphology in 2050: (1) flood peak reduction (green 0.11, orange 0.65, and yellow 0.37 m), (2) year-average floodplain suspended sediment deposition (+114, +148, +143%), (3) food web exposure to heavy metals (4-5 out of 10 species for all scenarios) and (4) biodiversity value (+23, −4, +39%). We conclude that (1) analysis of value systems provides a broad interpretive framework for scenario development, which guides the choices for transitions and (2) the biogeomorphology is affected by climate change (+58% deposition), but the effects of the local landscaping measures are even stronger. None of the scenarios shows the ideal combination of high flood peak reduction, low sedimentation, and high biodiversity. Ecotoxicological risks seem less discriminative. (M. Straatsma), [email protected] (A. Schipper), [email protected] (M. van der Perk), [email protected] (C. van den Brink), [email protected] (R. Leuven), [email protected] (H. Middelkoop).
Current Zoology, 2011
We were delighted when Zhi-Yun Jia, Executive Editor of Current Zoology, approached us with a pro... more We were delighted when Zhi-Yun Jia, Executive Editor of Current Zoology, approached us with a proposal to engage in a special column on invasive species science. Six papers have been written for this special column, all containing new information and approaches in the field of aquatic invasive species science. Each paper has gone through the rigorous peer review process used at Current Zoology, and Zhi-Yun Jia was very helpful by contacting reviewers and improving the manuscripts.
Gevoeligheid van aquatische soorten voor veranderingen in klimaatgerelateerde waterkwaliteitsparameters
Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 2008
The Netherlands Centre of River studies (NCR) successfully organised the NCR days for the 7th con... more The Netherlands Centre of River studies (NCR) successfully organised the NCR days for the 7th consecutive year in a row. During the NCR-days mainly young scientists presented their ongoing research. This led to lively discussions amongst the researchers themselves and persons responsible in river management in The Netherlands. This year the conference was located at the ARA Hotel in Zwijndrecht on the bank of one of the Rhine branches, the "Oude Maas".
Prof. Dr. Pieter Hendrik (Piet) Nienhuis worked for almost 40 years in all aspects of aquatic eco... more Prof. Dr. Pieter Hendrik (Piet) Nienhuis worked for almost 40 years in all aspects of aquatic ecology and environmental science and retired on 31 October 2003. He can be characterised as a distinguished scientist, shaped in an applied estuarine and aquatic research ambience of the former Delta Institute for Hydrobiological Research (DIHO) in Yerseke in the Netherlands. His appointment as a full professor at the Radboud University Nijmegen offered him a challenging step from monodisciplinarity in ecology, via multidisciplinarity in the application of ecological knowledge in river science to interdisciplinarity in environmental science and management. This paper describes his education, teaching activities, research, scientific publications, science management, and significance for various scientific disciplines. He made important contributions to biosystematics of angiosperms and algae, the ecology of seagrasses, nutrient cycling and eutrophication in estuarine ecosystems, and the integrated modelling of the ecological functioning of estuaries. Subsequently, he paid much attention to environmental problems in river basins, ecological rehabilitation and sustainable development. His work influenced the view of ecologists, aquatic scientists and water managers in the Netherlands as well as abroad, in particular regarding the drawbacks of compartmentalization of the estuaries and the importance of connectivity and morphodynamics in river systems. In hindsight, it appears as a logical line that he gradually moved from estuarine ecological research that became increasingly driven by societal and environmental problems to the field of environmental science and management.
Scientific Reports, Jul 20, 2016
The collapse of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocks throughout North-Western Europe is generally... more The collapse of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocks throughout North-Western Europe is generally ascribed to large-scale river regulation, water pollution and over-fishing in the 19th and 20th century. However, other causes have rarely been quantified, especially those acting before the 19th century. By analysing historical fishery, market and tax statistics, independently confirmed by archaeozoological records, we demonstrate that populations declined by up to 90% during the transitional period between the Early Middle Ages (c. 450-900 AD) and Early Modern Times (c. 1600 AD). These dramatic declines coincided with improvements in watermill technology and their geographical expansion across Europe. Our extrapolations suggest that historical Atlantic salmon runs must have once been very abundant indeed. The historical perspective presented here contributes to a better understanding of the primary factors that led to major declines in salmon populations. Such understanding provides an essential basis for the effective ecological rehabilitation of freshwater ecosystems.
- 2016c : H.J.R. Lenders, T.P.M. Chamuleau, A.J. Hendriks, R.C.G.M. Lauwerier, R.S.E.W. Leuven & W.C.E.P. Verberk : Historical rise of waterpower initiated the collapse of salmon stocks, Scientific Reports 6, 29269.
Landscape and Urban Planning, 2009
This paper deals with the relation between legally protected biodiversity and riverine ecotopes a... more This paper deals with the relation between legally protected biodiversity and riverine ecotopes and with the assessment of biodiversity values of the Middle Vistula river valley (Poland). Furthermore, it describes the effects of landscape change on spatial distribution of ecotope patches and biodiversity values in Kazimierski Landscape Park. Biodiversity values were calculated using BIO-SAFE, a model meant to quantify biodiversity and to value ecotopes based on legally protected species. Dissimilarity indices depict high uniqueness of ecotope types regarding their species assemblages (e.g., river dunes, banks and bars). The actual biodiversity values of the river valley in Kazimierski Landscape Park are high in comparison with floodplains of lowland rivers in Western Europe. GIS analyses of remotely sensed ecotope maps show remarkable differences in number, acreage and patchiness of ecotopes for the years 1953 and 2003. The total number of patches increased by almost 44%. Side channels and floodplain lakes became fragmented. The average and total surface area of bush, forest and arable land increased, but decreased for bare soil, pioneer vegetation and grassland. These landscape changes indicate natural vegetation succession, intensification of agriculture and progressive impacts of river regulation. The Vistula river valley still represents high biodiversity values for higher plants, birds, herpetofauna and fish. However, current landscape changes negatively affect potential values for protected and endangered species. Assessments with BIO-SAFE can help to balance biodiversity conservation, river management and landscape planning.
Salinity as a barrier for ship hull-related dispersal and invasiveness of dreissenid and mytilid bivalves
Marine Biology, 2016
The benthic stages of Dreissenidae and Mytilidae may be dispersed over long distances while attac... more The benthic stages of Dreissenidae and Mytilidae may be dispersed over long distances while attached to ship hulls. Alternatively, larvae may be transported by water currents and in the ballast and bilge water of ships and vessels. To gain insight into dispersal potential and habitat suitability, survival of the benthic stages of two invasive dreissenid species (Dreissena polymorpha and Mytilopsis leucophaeata) and one mytilid species (Mytilus edulis) chosen based on their occurrence in fresh, brackish and sea water, respectively, were tested in relation to salinity. They were exposed to various salinities in mesocosms during three long-term experiments at outdoor temperatures. Mussel survival was studied without prior acclimation, reflecting conditions experienced when attached to ship hulls while travelling along a salinity gradient from fresh or brackish water to sea water, or vice versa. Initially, mussels react to salinity shock by temporarily closing their valves, suspending ventilation and feeding. However, this cannot be maintained for long periods and adaptation to higher salinity must eventually occur. Bivalve survival was monitored till the last specimen of a test cohort died. The results of the experiments allowed us to distinguish favorable (f.: high tolerance) and unfavorable (u.: no or low tolerance) salinity ranges in practical salinity units (PSU) for each species, viz. for D. polymorpha 0.2-6.0 PSU (f.), 7.0-30.0 PSU (u.), for M. leucophaeata 0.2-17.5 PSU (f.), 20.0-30.0 PSU (u.) and for M. edulis 10.5-36.0 PSU (f.), 0.2-9.0 and 40 PSU (u.). At the unfavorable salinities, all mussels died within 14 days of initial exposure with the exception of M. edulis (23-30 days). The maximum duration of survival of single specimens of D. polymorpha was 318 days at a salinity of 3.2 PSU, of M. leucophaeata 781 days at 15.0 PSU and of M. edulis 1052 days at 15.0 PSU. The number of days survived was compared with the duration of actual ship voyages to estimate the real world survival potentials of species dependent of salinity changes, travel distances and durations. The conclusion is that salinity shocks during the trip were survived within the favorable salinity range but that the species tolerate only for a few weeks the unfavorable salinity range. This functions as a barrier for dispersal. However, at faster and more frequent shipping in the future salinity can become no longer very important as a dispersal barrier.
Resour Conserv Recycl, 2011
Polluted river systems: monitoring and assessment of ecotoxicological risks
Acta Hydrochimica et Hydrobiologica, Nov 1, 1999
In the past chemical, ecological, and toxicological research was carried out in a separate way. N... more In the past chemical, ecological, and toxicological research was carried out in a separate way. Nowadays, more and more studies are undertaken considering these three approaches in an integrated way (triad studies). A sophisticated combination of chemical and biological monitoring and bioassays can improve water quality management of polluted rivers. Application of quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs), algorithms for mixture toxicity of known substances, chemical group parameters, and response-oriented ...
A comparison of methods to relate grass reflectance to soil metal contamination
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 0143116031000080769, Jul 30, 2010
ABSTRACT
Development and application of the SSD approach in scientific case studies for Ecological Risk Assessment
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2016
Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) are used in Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for extrapo... more Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) are used in Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for extrapolation of the results of toxicity tests with single-species to a toxicity threshold considered protective of ecosystem structure and functioning. The attention to and importance of the SSD approach has increased in scientific and regulatory communities since the 1990s. It triggered discussions and critics on the concept of the approach as well as its technical aspects (e.g., distribution type, number of toxicity endpoints). However, various questions remain unanswered, especially with regard to, e.g., different endpoints, statistical methods and protectiveness of threshold levels. In the present literature review (covering the period 2002-2013), we therefore explore case studies, where the SSD approach was applied and investigate how endpoint types, species choice and data availability affect SSDs. We also investigate which statistical methods may be used to construct reliable SSDs and whether or not HC5s from a generic SSD can be protective for a specific local community. It was shown that estimated protective concentrations were determined by taxonomic groups rather than the statistical method used to construct the distribution. Based on comparisons between semi-field and lab-based SSDs, the output from lab-SSD was protective of semi-field communities in majority of studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Biological invasions via European inland waterways : towards development of the risk assessment tool
Freshwater Biol, Sep 1, 2007
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Papers by Rob S.e.w. Leuven
- 2016c : H.J.R. Lenders, T.P.M. Chamuleau, A.J. Hendriks, R.C.G.M. Lauwerier, R.S.E.W. Leuven & W.C.E.P. Verberk : Historical rise of waterpower initiated the collapse of salmon stocks, Scientific Reports 6, 29269.