Modeling water quality in the Anthropocene: Directions for the next-generation aquatic ecosystem models

W.M. Mooij (Corresponding author), D. van Wijk, Arthur HW Beusen, R.J. Brederveld, M. Chang, M.M.P. Cobben, D.L. DeAngelis, A.S. Downing, Pamela Green, A.S. Gsell, Inese Huttunen, J.H. Janse, A.B.G. Janssen, G.M. Hengeveld, X. Kong, Lilith Kramer, J.J. Kuiper, Simon J. Langan, B.A. Nolet, R.J.M. NuijtenMaryna Strokal, Tineke A. Troost, A.M. van Dam, S. Teurlincx

Research output: Contribution to journal/periodicalArticleScientificpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)
216 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

“Everything changes and nothing stands still” (Heraclitus). Here we review three major improvements to freshwater aquatic ecosystem models — and ecological models in general — as water quality scenario analysis tools towards a sustainable future. To tackle the rapid and deeply connected dynamics characteristic of the Anthropocene, we argue for the inclusion of eco-evolutionary, novel ecosystem and social-ecological dynamics. These dynamics arise from adaptive responses in organisms and ecosystems to global environmental change and act at different integration levels and different time scales. We provide reasons and means to incorporate each improvement into aquatic ecosystem models. Throughout this study we refer to Lake Victoria as a microcosm of the evolving novel social-ecological systems of the Anthropocene. The Lake Victoria case clearly shows how interlinked eco-evolutionary, novel ecosystem and social-ecological dynamics are, and demonstrates the need for transdisciplinary research approaches towards global sustainability.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-95
Number of pages11
JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability
Volume36
Issue numberFebruary
Early online date2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • international

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Modeling water quality in the Anthropocene: Directions for the next-generation aquatic ecosystem models'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this