Dam removal effects on carbon processing in a mountainous Mediterranean stream

Abstract

The global prevalence of obsolete or unsafe old dams necessitates the development of effective restoration approaches and expanded knowledge in this field. This study evaluates the effects of dam removal on carbon processing by measuring key ecosystem functions - organic matter decomposition, whole-reach metabolism, and gaseous carbon fluxes - in a mountainous Mediterranean stream. We compared these functions among three reaches: one where a dam was removed (restored), one with an intact dam (impacted), and one in natural conditions (reference). The measurements were conducted throughout the different seasons over the course of one year. Temperature-corrected organic matter decomposition rates and metabolic parameters in the restored reach showed intermediate values between those in the reference and impacted reaches. Additionally, dam removal resulted in carbon dioxide fluxes similar to those in the reference reach, whereas methane fluxes tended to be higher in the restored reach compared to the other reaches. Seasonal variation was high, and the observed effects were inconsistent across seasons for several functions. This inconsistency is likely due to uneven seasonal changes in the hydromorphological and physicochemical characteristics of the studied reaches. Our results indicate that, despite notable improvements, a longer timeframe is necessary for the restored reach to fully emulate the functional characteristics of the reference reach. While restoration by dam removal positively contributes to certain aspects of carbon processing, a more holistic approach, possibly encompassing broader hydromorphological and habitat enhancements, is needed to fully restore ecological processes in stream ecosystems. These insights are critical for informing future dam removal restoration projects, advocating the use of ecosystem function metrics as comprehensive indicators of ecological recovery and restoration success.