Organic matter loading by hippopotami causes subsidy overload resulting in downstream hypoxia and fish kills

Nature Communications
Christopher L DuttonDavid M Post

Abstract

Organic matter and nutrient loading into aquatic ecosystems affects ecosystem structure and function and can result in eutrophication and hypoxia. Hypoxia is often attributed to anthropogenic pollution and is not common in unpolluted rivers. Here we show that organic matter loading from hippopotami causes the repeated occurrence of hypoxia in the Mara River, East Africa. We documented 49 high flow events over 3 years that caused dissolved oxygen decreases, including 13 events resulting in hypoxia, and 9 fish kills over 5 years. Evidence from experiments and modeling demonstrates a strong mechanistic link between the flushing of hippo pools and decreased dissolved oxygen in the river. This phenomenon may have been more widespread throughout Africa before hippopotamus populations were severely reduced. Frequent hypoxia may be a natural part of tropical river ecosystem function, particularly in rivers impacted by large wildlife.

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Citations

Sep 25, 2018·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Amanda L Subalusky, David M Post
May 28, 2019·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Alexandra G McInturfOrr Spiegel
Apr 30, 2020·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Frank O MaseseGabriel A Singer
Jan 30, 2020·Ecology·Jonathan B ShurinAdriana Pedroza Ramos
Apr 15, 2020·Nature Communications·Lluís Gómez-GenerRyan A Sponseller

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