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This study investigated the effects of urbanization on zooplankton communities in the Nanming River, a typical karst urban river in Southwest China. Thirty-three sampling sites were set along an urbanization gradient: urban, suburban, and exurban areas. We identified 33 zooplankton species, with rotifers dominating (84.62%). Zooplankton abundance and diversity were significantly higher in the exurban area, showing a negative correlation with urbanization intensity. Lepadella ovalis and Monostyla angulata were dominant, while Lecane cornuta was exclusive to the exurban zone. Gradient Boosting Models (GBMs) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that Cu, Zn, TN, and NH3-N were key drivers, and urbanization acted via heavy metal pollution and nutrient regulation. Rotifers showed strong urbanization adaptability, while copepods were most sensitive. Controlling nitrogen and heavy metals is critical for protecting karst urban river ecosystems.
Du et al. (Sun,) studied this question.