Differential response of multiple stream ecosystem processes to basin- and reach-scale drivers.

Stream ecosystems are inherently dependent on their surroundings and, thus, highly vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, which alter both their structure and functioning. Anchored in biologically-mediated processes, the response of stream ecosystem functioning to environmental conditions exhibits intricate patterns, reflecting both natural dynamics and human-induced changes. Our study aimed at determining the natural and anthropogenic drivers influencing multiple stream ecosystems processes (nutrient uptake, biomass accrual, decomposition, and ecosystem metabolism) at a regional scale.

The recovery of European freshwater biodiversity has come to a halt.

Owing to a long history of anthropogenic pressures, freshwater ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to biodiversity loss. Mitigation measures, including wastewater treatment and hydromorphological restoration, have aimed to improve environmental quality and foster the recovery of freshwater biodiversity. Here, using 1,816 time series of freshwater invertebrate communities collected across 22 European countries between 1968 and 2020, we quantified temporal trends in taxonomic and functional diversity and their responses to environmental pressures and gradients.