Salinity impacts on river ecosystem processes: a critical mini-review

In many dry parts of the world, salinization of water resources threatens freshwater biodiversity and the livelihood of people. However, ecological impact studies remain scarce. Here, we review field-observations of salinity impacts on ecosystem processes such as leaf decomposition, metabolism, biomass production and nutrient cycling, with a special emphasis on dryland ecosystems. In addition, we discuss the potential linkages of these processes to ecosystem service delivery—the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems—as additional nature conservation arguments and the challenges associated with this endeavour. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects'.