Work

Regime shifts in shallow lakes: Modeling nonlinear feedbacks in submerged macrophyte-epiphyte-snail system

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A three-dimensional dynamical model is formulated to investigate the interactions among submerged macrophytes, epiphytes, and snails in shallow lake ecosystems. The model incorporates key processes such as shading effect, selective grazing behavior, and nonlinear predation pressure from higher trophic levels. The analytical and numerical analyses demonstrate that the system exhibits nonlinear feedback and alternative stable states, epiphytes exert strong bottom-up control through shading, and snail grazing plays a dual role. In particular, snail consumes macrophytes and indirectly facilitates the growth of macrophytes by removing epiphytes, while predation pressure on snails acts as a critical external switch inducing a unimodal response in macrophyte density with an optimal range promoting macrophyte dominance. The main findings highlight the importance of integrated multi-trophic management and provide a theoretical and scientific support for biomanipulation strategies to maintain clear-water states in eutrophic lakes.

Source: Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmaa.2026.131099

Authors: Xiaoran Zhao, Meng Fan

Institutions: Northeast Normal University, Dalian Maritime University

Language: English

Topic: Ecosystem dynamics and resilience

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190