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\begin{document}

\title{Effects of river regulation on aquatic invertebrate community
composition: a comparative analysis}



\author[1]{Lizaan de Necker}%
\author[1]{Divan van Rooyen}%
\author[1]{Ruan Jan-Izak Lodewyk Gerber}%
\author[1]{Luc Brendonck}%
\author[1]{Victor Wepener}%
\author[1]{Nico J Smit}%
\affil[1]{North-West University Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management}%


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  \date{May 25, 2024}


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\begin{abstract}
Although natural flooding plays a crucial role in shaping the
composition of aquatic communities, most rivers around the world have
been regulated or dammed for anthropogenic purposes. This affects the
biological and chemical composition of these ecosystems. Although
studies have demonstrated the negative effects of river regulation on
aquatic invertebrate communities globally, there is a scarcity of
research in Africa, despite its vulnerability to anthropogenic use. This
study aimed to compare aquatic invertebrate communities between the
regulated Phongolo River and the unregulated Usuthu River, South Africa
and to determine whether the largest lake in the region (Lake Nyamithi),
which receives water from both rivers, would show a stronger resemblance
to either of the two rivers. Aquatic invertebrate and water samples were
collected from 2012 to 2018 over several seasons. The Usuthu River
demonstrated a diverse and sensitive aquatic invertebrate community,
emphasising its high conservation value. Despite maintaining relatively
high aquatic invertebrate diversity, the Phongolo River demonstrated
effects of anthropogenic impact, with more resilient taxa to changes in
water quality and flow compared to the Usuthu River. Mismanagement and
excessive water use may lead to the loss of any remaining sensitive
aquatic invertebrate communities in this river. The presence of invasive
molluscan species such as Physella acuta and Tarebia granifera in the
Phongolo River and Lake Nyamithi also poses a threat to the aquatic
invertebrate community in the system. These invasive species are
currently absent from the Usuthu River although other invasive species,
such as the Australian redclaw crayfish, are found in both river
systems. Lake Nyamithi displayed a unique aquatic invertebrate
community, distinct from both rivers and their floodplains. This study
provides important baseline information on the Usuthu River's aquatic
invertebrates and emphasises the need to maintain adequate water flow in
rivers and floodplains to protect biodiversity and sensitive species.%
\end{abstract}%



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