Indicators for Climate Change Impacts - Rivers in temperate ecoregions, Large rivers
Oxygen depletion
| Stressor type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Responding parameter group | Physico-chemical parameters |
| Responding parameter | Oxygen depletion |
Response description
Higher water temperatures lead to increased phytobenthos and macrophyte growth and to oxygen depletion at night times.
Secondary effects
Fish kills may occur in oxygen depleted waters.
Specification of relevant ecosystem type
Relevant for all large rivers in temperate ecoregions.
Relevant ecoregion(s) according to Illies
Central Lowlands (14), Western Lowlands (13)
Suggested indicator
Oxygen contents (minimum daily values)
Justification of indicator
Oxygen contents are routinely monitored at a large number of sites. Oxygen contents below 50% are critical for most aquatic species.
