Application of Ecological Restoration Technologies for the Improvement of Biodiversity and Ecosystem in the River

Abstract

With global warming, urbanization, and the intensification of human activities, great pressures on river ecosystems have caused ecosystem degradation, the decline in habitats and biodiversity, and the loss of function. Ecological restoration technologies (ERTs) in rivers are effective measures for improving habitat and biodiversity, which has the advantage of recovering ecosystems and biodiversity and promoting the formation of healthy rivers. Several applications of ERTs, including ecological water transfer, fish passage construction, dam removal/retrofit, channel reconfiguration, river geomorphological restoration, natural shoreline restoration, floodplain reconnection, revegetation, etc., are summarized. The classifications of ERTs are highlighted, aiming to distinguish the difference and relationship between structure and the processes of hydrology, physics, geography, and biology. The pros and cons of these technologies are discussed to identify the applicability and limitations on the river ecosystem. In the dynamic processes in the river, these interact with each other to keep ecosystem balance. ERTs are more helpful in promoting the restoration of the natural function of the river, which contribute to the management of river ecological health. Some proposals on river management are suggested. Establishing a unified river health evaluation system will help promote positive feedback on rivers and the further development of ERTs.