https://doi.org/10.4081/jlimnol.2024.2173
Polarised light pollution on river water surfaces caused by artificial light at night from illuminated bridges and surroundings
Submitted: 29 November 2023
Accepted: 8 April 2024
Published: 22 May 2024
Accepted: 8 April 2024
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Bridge illumination gave rise to night-time illuminated paths across aquatic systems. However, if bridge artificial light at night (ALAN) reach waterbodies, it can result in polarised light pollution (PLP), which might alter the optical conditions of a river by night and potentially interfere with moonlight polarisation signals reflected off the water’s surface. It is a night-time phenomenon that can detrimentally change the behaviour of organisms sensitive to horizontally reflected polarised moonlight, a navigational cue and signal known to be used by flying water-seeking insects to detect suitable aquatic habitats to reproduce and lay eggs. In this study, we quantify the reflection of ALAN-induced polarisation patterns at the water’s surface near seven illuminated bridges crossing the river Spree in Berlin. The photometric data shows that bridge illumination induces PLP, which reflects from the water’s surface when measured at specific locations in space considered as potential flying paths for polarotactic aquatic insects. ALAN-induced polarisation findings at illuminated bridges suggest that PLP is a pollutant that illuminates aquatic areas. It requires better research as it can potentially affect polarimetric navigation in flying aquatic insects. As the extent of light pollution reaches riverine systems and aquatic habitats, the potential effects of PLP on freshwaters need the proper development of sustainable lighting solutions that can aid in preserving riverine nightscapes.
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Edited by
Diego Fontaneto, National Research Council, Water Research Institute (CNR-IRSA), Verbania Pallanza, ItalySupporting Agencies
Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences: Technology, Business and Design , European Erasmus Sector Skill Alliance Program , Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Gdansk University of TechnologyHow to Cite
Pérez Vega, Catherine, Franz Hölker, Karolina M. Zielinska-Dabkowska, and Andreas Jechow. 2024. “Polarised Light Pollution on River Water Surfaces Caused by Artificial Light at Night from Illuminated Bridges and Surroundings”. Journal of Limnology 83 (1). https://doi.org/10.4081/jlimnol.2024.2173.
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