Environmental changes, whether at a local scale (e.g. land-cover changes, pollution, hydromorphological modifications and invasive species introduction) or on a global scale (e.g. climate change), have led to the decline of many aquatic species and the weakening of ecosystem function. Additionally, the escalation in human activities, including water extraction, flow regulation, pollution and habitat fragmentation, has exerted significant pressure on both surface and subsurface freshwater resources. Such alterations have profoundly disrupted the delivery of ecosystem services, thereby affecting human wellbeing. Conservation efforts and restoration initiatives are crucial for improving biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ensuring the availability of clean water and other vital ecosystem services. This collection highlights the latest developments in these fields, as discussed at the 6th International Symposium on Water Pollution and Treatment (ISWPT 2023, 14–15 October 2023, Bangkok, Thailand). The articles herein primarily concentrate on the sustainable enhancement of freshwater ecological system monitoring and assessment methods, the identification of indicator species, and the preservation of ecosystem services.
Guest Editor: Yong Xiao
, Hongyi Chen , Li Dai , Jianda Ji , Jing Lin and Tao Yu