Rivers Are Warming Up and Losing Oxygen
Researchers used deep learning to fill in the gaps of “patchy” water quality data, revealing decades-long trends toward warmer and less oxygenated rivers that could have worrisome consequences.
A deficiency or absence of oxygen in Earth’s bodies of water could increase greenhouse gas emissions, mobilize metal toxins, and suffocate oxygen-breathing aquatic life. Although deoxygenation is relatively common in bodies like lakes and oceans, new research in Nature Climate Change reports that rivers across the United States and central Europe are warming up and losing oxygen even more rapidly than oceans.
At first glance, the link between temperature and dissolved oxygen in water is straightforward: Oxygen dissolves more easily in cold water than it does in warm water. This relationship is one reason why climate change is expected to drive down dissolved oxygen levels in some waterways.
But rivers are not flasks in a lab. In the real world, things are more complicated.
For example, rivers are aerated by their flow. And biological activity in rivers can either increase oxygen, which happens during photosynthesis, or use it up, which happens when animals and bacteria respire. The landscapes that rivers traverse can substantially affect dissolved oxygen, too.
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46 w
This is sad because aquatic life is in danger
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49 w
This is worrisome.. Immediate action ought to be taken to protect marine lives.
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52 w
This is Alarming ⚠⚠ Rivers warming, oxygen levels dropping. Urgent action needed for aquatic ecosystems..
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49 w
@gorffly_mokua long term solution need to be exercised.
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52 w
Well here is something sad I learnt of today, this puts our water animals in danger so much
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49 w
@munene_mugambi yes it is.
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52 w
This is so concerning as warming rivers and decreasing oxygen levels can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. It can lead to the decline of fish populations and other aquatic organisms that rely on oxygen-rich water. Additionally, the increase in temperature can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and potentially lead to the spread of invasive species. It is important to address these issues and take measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on rivers.
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52 w
Low O2 in the water bodies means that aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, there's need for an alarm.
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@rashid_kamau The water bodies need strict protection to avert the negativity to the marine aquatic lives.
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52 w
Exactly most of our rivers are warming up results to lose of oxygen ,this need urgent response!