Aquatic Landscapes Research Articles

Paysages aquatiques de Vera Feyder

<p>The novels of Vera Feyder are concerned with identity, memory, space and travel. In her writing her characters inhabit past and present, dream and reality. In particular, dreams and aquatic landscapes intersect in various creative ways in her oeuvre. This article analyses the contours of such landscape, understood in terms both internal and external, in two of her novels: Caldeiras (1982) and La Belle voyageuse endormie dans la brousse (2002).</p>

Thresholds of lake and reservoir connectivity in river networks control nitrogen removal

Lakes, reservoirs, and other ponded waters are ubiquitous features of the aquatic landscape, yet their cumulative role in nitrogen removal in large river basins is often unclear. Here we use predictive modeling, together with comprehensive river water quality, land use, and hydrography datasets, to examine and explain the influences of more than 18,000 ponded waters on nitrogen removal through river networks of the Northeastern United States. Thresholds in pond density where ponded waters become important features to regional nitrogen removal are identified and shown to vary according to a ponded waters’ relative size, network position, and degree of connectivity to the river network, which suggests worldwide importance of these new metrics. Consideration of the interacting physical and biological factors, along with thresholds in connectivity, reveal where, why, and how much ponded waters function differently than streams in removing nitrogen, what regional water quality outcomes may result, and in what capacity management strategies could most effectively achieve desired nitrogen loading reduction.

Effects of intensive rice production practices on avian biodiversity in Southeast Asian managed wetlands

Rice fields are common throughout the agricultural landscape of Southeast Asia and sustain various bird species. These birds can provide ecosystem services, such as pest control, that improve agricultural yields whilst minimising the use of agrochemicals. This study quantified avian biodiversity in rice production landscapes during three farming stages in Peninsular Malaysia. In Malaysia, rice fields can be an important habitat for migrating birds due to Malaysia’s position on the East-Asian–Australasian Flyway. We determined bird abundance, species richness, and composition in rice field landscapes and compared these during different stages of rice growing. Wetland and terrestrial birds were counted in rice fields using the point-count method. Sixty sampling points were randomly established in three locations, from which 3447 individual birds of 46 species and 26 families were recorded. There was a significant difference in total bird abundance and species richness between the three different stages of rice growing. The growing stage supported greater bird abundance and species richness compared to the pre-harvest and post-harvest stages. Rice-growing provides temporary habitats to different bird species in this managed aquatic landscape. This implies the presence of abundant food, such as small fish and amphibians. The evidence from this study suggests that biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices should be implemented to improve habitat quality for birds in rice production landscapes.

ГЕОХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ ЛАНДШАФТОВ ЖЕЛЕЗНОГОРСКОГО ПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО АРЕАЛА (КУРСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ), "Известия Российской академии наук. Серия географическая"

The integrated geochemical researches of the natural-technogenic landscapes have conducted in the area of development of iron ore (Kursk oblast). The levels of soil, surface waters and bottom deposits of rivers pollution by heavy metals in the zones of influence of industrial facilities of Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant (MPP), including the territory of the city of Zheleznogorsk, have revealed. Soils of trans-accumulative landscapes, bottom deposits and waters of aquatic landscapes of the Pesochnaya, Chern, Rechitsa rivers have undergone the greatest technogenic changes. The content of Co, Ni, Pb, Zn in the soils is minimal, the content of Cu, Mn and Cr in some cases is equal to weak and medium levels of pollution. Tailings pond, quarry, dumps and municipal waste water lead to higher concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb) in waters and bottom deposits of rivers. In aquatic landscape of rivers, there is a high content of soluble forms of Fe, which exceeds of maximum permissible concentrations for fishery objects in dozens of times, that is partly a geochemical feature of landscape complexes and surface watercourses of Zheleznogorsk industrial area.

Seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution pattern of Parapoynx crisonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on water chestnuts.

Parapoynx crisonalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a major pest of aquatic vegetables and aquatic landscape plants. It has been responsible for causing considerable economic damage to water chestnut (Trapa natans) plants. In the Changsha vicinity of China, P. crisonalis has five generations a year. Populations of P. crisonalis were relatively low in April and began to rapidly rise at the beginning of May. At the end of July and early August, the population dropped dramatically. A rebound occurred at the end of August and early September, which was referred to as the second population peak. From then, until early November, the P. crisonalis population steadily diminished in preparation for overwintering. The primary factors influencing the seasonal dynamics of P. crisonalis were the climatic conditions, especially the temperature, and secondarily precipitation. Between May and October, the P. crisonalis adults were evenly distributed in the pond. In May and June, the eggs of P. crisonalis were present in an aggregate distribution, due to the effects of environmental heterogeneity. In July and August, however, they were found to be in a uniform distribution.

Genetic effects of landscape, habitat preference and demography on three co-occurring turtle species.

Expanding the scope of landscape genetics beyond the level of single species can help to reveal how species traits influence responses to environmental change. Multispecies studies are particularly valuable in highly threatened taxa, such as turtles, in which the impacts of anthropogenic change are strongly influenced by interspecific differences in life history strategies, habitat preferences and mobility. We sampled approximately 1500 individuals of three co-occurring turtle species across a gradient of habitat change (including varying loss of wetlands and agricultural conversion of upland habitats) in the Midwestern USA. We used genetic clustering and multiple regression methods to identify associations between genetic structure and permanent landscape features, past landscape composition and landscape change in each species. Two aquatic generalists (the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta, and the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina) both exhibited population genetic structure consistent with isolation by distance, modulated by aquatic landscape features. Genetic divergence for the more terrestrial Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), on the other hand, was not strongly associated with geographic distance or aquatic features, and Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that many Emydoidea populations were genetically isolated. Despite long generation times, all three species exhibited associations between genetic structure and postsettlement habitat change, indicating that long generation times may not be sufficient to delay genetic drift resulting from recent habitat fragmentation. The concordances in genetic structure observed between aquatic species, as well as isolation in the endangered, long-lived Emydoidea, reinforce the need to consider both landscape composition and demographic factors in assessing differential responses to habitat change in co-occurring species.

Using of Structurally-Geographical Methodology for Setting Norms for Anthropogenic Contamination of Aquatic Landscapes

Purpose. Determining the actual toxicity levels and setting standards for maximum acceptable levels of toxicity to over 100 releases wastewater into water bodies. Methods. Biological testing, synthesis. Results. Through the introduction of biological testing method in regulation and control of water pollution by sewage has been a gradual reduction toxigenic strain on the aquatic ecosystem Dnieper River Basin. Conclusions. Supplement the existing system of rationing pollution of surface waters integral toxicological indicator of quality is an effective means of further restricting anthropogenic impact on aquatic landscapes

Ecological consequences of antropogenous pollution of aquatic landscapes

The issue of the ecological consequences of anthropogenic pollution of surface water is effectively addressed in the EU countries within the framework of the implementation of the provisions of Directive 2004/35 / EC. In particular, the following indicators are recommended for the assessment of the ecological consequences of pollution of aquatic landscapes and the degree of disturbance of the properties of the aquatic ecosystem: the presence and condition of the dominant species of aquatic organisms, their biomass, the distribution area, the ability to reproduce, the provision of favorable living conditions, etc. Purpose. Ecotoxicological studies effects of anthropogenic pollution of aquatic landscapes reverse water enterprises in various industries located in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Methods. Bioassay techniques for algae, crustaceans and fishes. Results. Shown that the return water 11 companies out of 14 have done used a toxic effect on the test - organisms. The most toxic water appeared to reverse JSC "Evraz - Dnieper Metallurgical Factory". Based on the assessment of the impact of reverse water discharges on the quality of surface water, it has been established that the damaging factor of the aquatic ecosystem of the rivers Dnipro, Saksagan, Ingulets, Bokovenko and Sukhiy Chortomlyk, in which toxic back water (toxicity classes II and III) is discharged, is from 1.2 and 1,3, respectively. Such a degree of damage is characterized by a violation of the structure of the aquatic ecosystem, the nature of its functioning, a decrease in bio-productivity and self-purifying water capacity.Conclusions. As a result of the discharge of surface water toxic wastewaters disturbed structure and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, and reduced productivity in its self-cleaning ability.

A narrative interpretation of the cultural impressions on water of the communities along the Vaal River, Parys, Free State

This article is about the significance of the Vaal River for the communities inhabiting the area. Using the interpretation of narratives and rituals, the extent of the connection or disconnection between the communities and the aquatic environment is described. Traditional rituals, religious practices and beliefs associated with the river form an important part of the lives of people living in the area. Results show that industrial development and urbanisation have direct implications not only on the environment but also on the cultural lives and practices of the communities in the areas where these occur. Because of its impact on the environment, development has a direct impact on the people who depend on the environment for both their physical and spiritual well-being. Any form of sustainable development needs to put these factors into consideration for development to truly be sustainable. In addition to forming a part of Environmental Impact Assessment prior to any development, the infringement of the cultural significance and the meanings that local communities have attached to aquatic landscapes should come with stringent legal consequences.Significance of work: Over the past years, the cultural connection between communities in Parys and the Vaal River area has been influenced by the effects of industrialisation, urbanisation and other anthropogenic factors that stem from these. This study found that there is a range of cultural rituals and beliefs that form part of the everyday lives of many residents of the communities in Parys. The significance of this study lies in recognising the importance of aquatic environments for the cultural health of communities and that, prior to development, developers who aim for sustainable development need to adhere to the National Heritage Resources Act, Act No. 25 of 1999. The Act includes the protection of sites of cultural significance to a community, and this involves the Vaal River. In addition to forming a part of the Environmental Impact Assessment prior to any development, infringement of the cultural significance and the meanings that local communities attach to aquatic landscapes should come with stringent legal consequences. The study also emphasises that it is important to realise that one cannot continue to isolate natural science from social science in debating what is sustainable.

BOTTOM SEDIMENTS IN DELTAIC SHALLOW-WATER AREAS – ARE THEY SOILS?

This article is based on long-term research of aquatic landscapes in the Volga River delta which was held in 2010–2012 and included investigation and sampling of bottom sediments in deltaic lagoons, fresh-water bays, small channels, oxbow lakes, and part of the deltaic near-shore zone. Contrasting hydrological regime and suspended matter deposition together with huge amount of water plants in the river delta provide for the formation of different types of subaquatic soils. The purpose of this research is to reveal the properties of the subaquatic soils in the Volga River deltaic area and to propose pedogenetic approaches to the diagnostic of aquazems as soil types. It is suggested to name the horizons in aquazems in the same way as in terrestrial soils in the recent Russian soil classification system, and apply symbols starting with the combination of caps – AQ (for “aquatic”). The aquazems’ horizons are identified and their general properties are described. Most typical of aquazems is the aquagley (AQG) horizon; it is dove grey, homogeneous in color and permeated by clay. The upper part is usually enriched in organic matter and may be qualified for aquahumus (AQA) or aquapeat (AQT) horizons. In case of active hydrodynamic regime and/or strong mixing phenomena, the oxidized (AQOX or aqox) horizon, or property could be formed. It is yellowish-grey, thin, and depleted of organic matter. The main types of aquzems specified by forming agents and combinations of horizons are described.

Nitrogen loading leads to increased carbon accretion in both invaded and uninvaded coastal wetlands

AbstractGaining a better understanding of carbon (C) dynamics across the terrestrial and aquatic landscapes has become a major research initiative in ecosystem ecology. Wetlands store a large portion of the global soil C, but are also highly dynamic ecosystems in terms of hydrology and N cycling, and are one of the most invaded habitats worldwide. The interactions between these factors are likely to determine wetland C cycling, and specifically C accretion rates. We investigated these interactions using Mondrian, an individual‐based model simulating plant growth and competition and linking these processes to N and C cycling. We simulated the effects of different levels of (1) N loading, (2) hydroperiod, and (3) plant community (natives only vs. invasion scenarios) and their interactions on C accretion outcomes in freshwater coastal wetlands of the Great Lakes region of North America. Results showed that N loading contributed to substantial rates of C accretion by increasing NPP (net primary productivity). By mediating anaerobic conditions and slowing decomposition, hydroperiod also exerted considerable control on C accretion. Invasion success occurred with higher N loading and contributed to higher NPP, while also interacting with hydroperiod via ecosystem‐internal N cycling. Invasion success by both Typha × glauca and Phragmites australis showed a strong nonlinear relationship with N loading in which an invasion threshold occurred at moderate N inputs. This threshold was in turn influenced by duration of flooding, which reduced invasion success for P. australis but not for T. × glauca. The greatest simulated C accretion rates occurred in wetlands invaded by P. australis at the highest N loading in constant anaerobic conditions. These model results suggest that while plant invasion may increase C storage in freshwater coastal wetlands, increased plant productivity (both native and invasive) due to increased N loading is the main driver of increased C accretion.

Novorossiysk agglomeration landscapes and cement production: geochemical impact assessment

The article deals with assessing the environmental impact of marl mining and cement production in Novorossiysk city (Krasnodar krai, Russia). The existing methods of studying the environmental effects caused by the cement industry have been reviewed. Soil and aquatic vegetation sampling has been carried out and the gross concentration of metals in the samples has been defined. The research has been conducted in the certified and accredited laboratory using emission spectral analysis. The external control has been carried out via X-ray fluorescence analysis. Based on the collected data, main chemical pollutants in soil cover and water area near the cement plant have been identified. The contaminants released by urban enterprises and motor vehicle emissions, as well as fugitive dust from dumps and the cement factory, lead to multi-element lithogeochemical anomaly at geochemical barriers in soils. Accumulation of pollutants in soil depends on the type of land use and the area relief. The most contaminated aquatic landscapes have been identified in the inner bay. According to this information, the technical proposals can be prepared for environmental safety management in strongly polluted city areas, as well as for the reclamation design in the areas currently experiencing the negative impact of cement production.

A moving target--incorporating knowledge of the spatial ecology of fish into the assessment and management of freshwater fish populations.

Freshwater fish move vertically and horizontally through the aquatic landscape for a variety of reasons, such as to find and exploit patchy resources or to locate essential habitats (e.g., for spawning). Inherent challenges exist with the assessment of fish populations because they are moving targets. We submit that quantifying and describing the spatial ecology of fish and their habitat is an important component of freshwater fishery assessment and management. With a growing number of tools available for studying the spatial ecology of fishes (e.g., telemetry, population genetics, hydroacoustics, otolith microchemistry, stable isotope analysis), new knowledge can now be generated and incorporated into biological assessment and fishery management. For example, knowing when, where, and how to deploy assessment gears is essential to inform, refine, or calibrate assessment protocols. Such information is also useful for quantifying or avoiding bycatch of imperiled species. Knowledge of habitat connectivity and usage can identify critically important migration corridors and habitats and can be used to improve our understanding of variables that influence spatial structuring of fish populations. Similarly, demographic processes are partly driven by the behavior of fish and mediated by environmental drivers. Information on these processes is critical to the development and application of realistic population dynamics models. Collectively, biological assessment, when informed by knowledge of spatial ecology, can provide managers with the ability to understand how and when fish and their habitats may be exposed to different threats. Naturally, this knowledge helps to better evaluate or develop strategies to protect the long-term viability of fishery production. Failure to understand the spatial ecology of fishes and to incorporate spatiotemporal data can bias population assessments and forecasts and potentially lead to ineffective or counterproductive management actions.

Environmental Status And Use of Recreational Resources Lakes Velymche and Somyne Volyn Region

Purpose. The environmental state and recreational suitability lakes waters of Velymche and Somyne Turiysk district, Volyn region. Methods. Field, analytical. Results. The modern aspects of the assessment of recreational potential of reservoirs. Analyzed the factors that define the conditions of recreational use of lakes. Environmental assessment of surface water quality conducted as generalized quality assessment on two blocks of indicators: salt content block and block Trophy saprobiolohichnyh (environmental and health) indicators.According to the quality standards of surface waters studied, the ecological condition and water quality of lakes Velymche and Somyne Volyn region. Based on the system of target criteria and indicators for the complex assessment of recreational suitability of the waters of the lakes. Conclusions. On set targets and criteria Velymche water lakes and Somyne has favorable conditions for the majority of contact and contactless types of recreational activity that promotes a safe vacation in these waters. In terms of recreational use, characterized by aesthetic appeal aquatic landscapes combined with forests, easy to reach the presence of lakes and fast in recent years, the development of infrastructure around the lake systems.

GEOCHEMICAL BARRIER RECONSTRUCTION DURING THE PERIOD OF SEDIMENTATIONS ALONG LOW AMPLITUDE THRUST FAULT LOCALIZATION OF THE COAL BED <i>l</i><sub>3</sub> (DONBAS)

Reconstruction of local geochemical heterogeneity in low amplitude thrust fault zone formed in sedimentation period is carried out. The interrelation between the conditions of sedimentation and the strength properties of the coal bed line is determined. The analysis of physicochemical mechanisms and the prospective reason of anomaly appearance under aquatic landscapes conditions is given. The quantitative appraisal of oxidizing geochemical barrier gradient is shown. Genetically caused geologic correlation between a tectonic disturbance zone in a coal bed and geochemical barrier location is shown.

Conservation of aquatic landscapes: ponds, lakes, and rivers as integrated systems

Although many wetlands have been lost, the European lowlands still hold a mosaic of aquatic habitats covering rivers, lakes, ponds, ditches, springs, and swamps. To effectively conserve this diverse and important resource, both scientific studies and management and restoration activities need to focus on all of the watery patches in the landscape and in turn on the linkages between them. Over recent years, catchment and landscape‐based approaches to aquatic conservation have been on the rise. However, perhaps driven by a lack of legislative drivers, there remains a tendency to neglect small lakes, ponds, and headwater streams. With consideration of the current conservation scene in the UK, and using a small lowland river catchment (River Glaven, eastern England) as a case study, this paper outlines the strong need for an integrated approach to aquatic conservation that sees rivers, lakes, and ponds as habitat networks. It is proposed that river restoration needs to more fully embrace standing water habitats on floodplains (backwaters and ponds), frequently missing components in regulated rivers. Equally, is it argued that aquatic conservation strategies should focus more strongly on headwater areas where protecting/restoring networks of farmland ponds, ditches, and small streams should increase connectivity for aquatic species, while moderating floods and improving water quality for receiving systems. In this way, aquatic conservation should become a much more effective and sustainable activity with positive ecological consequences that cascade downstream and into the coastal zone. WIREs Water 2014, 1:573–585. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1045This article is categorized under: Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Predator-mediated landscape structure: seasonal patterns of spatial expansion and prey control by Chrysaora quinquecirrha and Mnemiopsis leidyi

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 510:183-200 (2014) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10850 Predator-mediated landscape structure: seasonal patterns of spatial expansion and prey control by Chrysaora quinquecirrha and Mnemiopsis leidyi Denise Breitburg*, Rebecca Burrell Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, PO Box 28, Edgewater, Maryland 21037, USA *Corresponding author: breitburgd@si.edu ABSTRACT: The scyphomedusa Chrysaora quinquecirrha and lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi are dominant consumers in the planktivorous food web in Chesapeake Bay, USA, and are important predators throughout much of their ranges. Our studies in the Patuxent River (a subestuary of Chesapeake Bay) and its tributary creeks suggest successive waves of population spread and trophic influence of these 2 gelatinous species in opposing directions across the aquatic landscape. In years when both species were abundant, Mnemiopsis appeared first in the main channel of the Patuxent River and initially was most abundant in the bottom layer of the water column. Mnemiopsis densities then rapidly increased in shallow tributaries and coves, with distributions likely caused by a combination of transport and temporally and spatially varying patterns of growth and reproduction. In contrast, densities of Chrysaora ephyrae were initially highest in small coves and tributary creeks, with densities of Chrysaora medusae spreading outward from these small systems to the main river as summer progressed. We found no conclusive evidence for tidally-cued vertical migrations of either species or directional swimming by Chrysaora that would create these differing spatio-temporal patterns. As Chrysaora increased and spread, it likely reduced or eliminated Mnemiopsis by direct predation, and possibly through the effect that partial predation could have on Mnemiopsis reproduction. Because of differences in diets and feeding rates, these shifting temporal and spatial patterns of medusa and ctenophore dominance potentially influence spatial distributions and temporal patterns of survival of ichthyoplankton, oyster larvae, and copepods. KEY WORDS: Gelatinous zooplankton · Estuary · Food web · Spatial distributions · Chesapeake Bay Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Breitburg D, Burrell R (2014) Predator-mediated landscape structure: seasonal patterns of spatial expansion and prey control by Chrysaora quinquecirrha and Mnemiopsis leidyi . Mar Ecol Prog Ser 510:183-200. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10850 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 510. Online publication date: September 09, 2014 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2014 Inter-Research.

Influence of catchment land cover on stoichiometry and stable isotope compositions of basal resources and macroinvertebrate consumers in headwater streams

Anthropogenic land use affects aquatic landscapes. For example, landscape-level conversion to urban or agricultural land can heavily influence nutrient cycles in headwater streams via increased nutrient loading and altered hydrologic patterns. Recent studies in headwater streams have found that the stoichiometry and stable isotope compositions of basal resources and consumers can vary as a result of landscape-level change. To this end, we examined the stoichiometry and stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N) of headwater stream flora and fauna in 16 streams located within forested, agricultural, urban, and mixed (urban, forested, and agricultural) catchments. Our results suggest basal resource stoichiometry varied across streams, with leaf litter being the most variable basal resource. Macroinvertebrate consumers maintained stoichiometric homeostasis across stream groups, but consumer stoichiometry differed across families. Values of δ13C did not vary across stream groups for basal resources; however, consumer δ13C did. Although δ15N did not differ among basal resources across stream groups, macroinvertebrate consumer δ15N differed because of the interaction between stream group and family. Our results show catchment land cover did not predictably alter the stoichiometry or stable isotope compositions of basal resources or consumers in headwater streams. The quality of basal resources in headwater streams could differ across catchments with varying land cover, but it is evident that differences in stoichiometry of basal resources did not lead to differences in stoichiometry of consumers in our study. Given the variability of stable isotope compositions, additional effort should be made to improve our understanding of the landscape factors that might influence isotopic data.

Species responses of colonising beetles to variation in patch quality, number, and context in experimental aquatic landscapes

Increased diversity with increasing habitat area is a well-established ecological pattern. However, habitat selection theory suggests that patch quality rivals area in determining rates of colonisation and resulting community structure. Colonisation by natural populations of aquatic beetles was quantified along gradients of increasing patch number and patch quality. Four circular experimental landscapes, each containing six unique locality types (combinations of number and type of patch), were established using 84 cattle tanks (volume 1000 litres) as patches. Patch quality varied in terms of the presence/absence and spatial proximity of predatory fish, and patch number varied from one to eight patches in each locality. Patch quality significantly affected the colonisation rate of most aquatic beetle species in both major families (Dyticidae and Hydrophilidae), as species avoided patches containing fish and also showed spatial contagion of predation risk by avoiding fishless patches in close proximity to these predators. Effects of patch number were passive, resulting in linear increases in abundance, with rates highly dependent on patch quality. Patch quality may equal or exceed landscape characteristics such as patch number in determining colonisation rate and abundance of colonising beetles, and in generating resulting patterns of species diversity.

Heavy Metals in the Water, Plants, and Bottom Sediments of the Volga River Mouth Area

ABSTRACT Lychagin, M.Yu.; Tkachenko, A.N.; Kasimov, N.S., and Kroonenberg, S.B., 2015. Heavy metals in the water, plants, and bottom sediments of the Volga River mouth area. Deltaic landscapes occupy a special place in environmental geochemical studies of water bodies. Their ecotone position at the land–sea boundary determines the biological richness of the deltaic ecosystems and creates a unique variety of landscape–geochemical conditions. The Volga River delta is one of the largest in the world. It serves as a geochemical “focus” that reflects the character of fluxes of substances of natural and anthropogenic origin in the entire system of the Volga basin. This paper presents the results of long-term environmental geochemical research of aquatic landscapes in the mouth area of the Volga River. The study has shown the high spatial and temporal variability of the chemical element migration in the area due to the influence of hydrodynamic conditions, variations in water and sediment discharge, and local fe...