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Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

DOI 10.1007/s10661-008-0631-9

Linking biological and physicochemical


water quality
Waldemar Bernatowicz · Annett Weiß ·
Jörg Matschullat

Received: 28 May 2008 / Accepted: 5 November 2008 / Published online: 6 December 2008
© Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2008

Abstract To define water quality, the European standards, and novel German methods for the bi-
Water Framework Directive (WFD) demands ological status assessment. Selected chemical pa-
complex assessments through physicochemical, rameters were compared with different versions
biological, and hydromorphological controls of wa- of the German Saprobic Index, based on macroin-
ter bodies. Since the biological assessment became vertebrate indicator taxa. Relevant dependencies
the central focus with hydrochemistry playing a applicable for integrated stream assessment were
supporting role, an evaluation of the interrelation- statistically tested. Correlation analysis showed
ships within this approach deems necessary. This significant relationships. The highest scores were
work identified and tested these relationships to found for nutrients (NO2 − , Ninorg , and total N),
help improve the quality and efficiency of related salinity (Cl− , SO4 2− , conductivity), and microele-
efforts. Data from the 384 km2 Weisseritz catch- ments (K+ , Na+ , Ca2+ , Mg2+ ). The Saprobic
ment (eastern Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany and Index used in the Integrated Assessment Sys-
northern Bohemia, Czech Republic) were used tem for the Ecological Quality of Streams and
as a representative example for central European Rivers throughout Europe using Benthic Macro-
streams in mountainous areas. The data cover the invertebrates program seems to be the most
time frame 1992 to 2003. To implement WFD sensitive indicator to correlate with chemical
demands, the analysis was based on accepted parameters.
German methods and classifications, WFD quality
Keywords Lotic waters · Chemical and
ecological status · Benthic macroinvertebrates ·
Weisseritz river basin · WFD · Rivers

W. Bernatowicz · A. Weiß · J. Matschullat (B)


Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Centre Introduction
(IÖZ, IERC), TU Bergakademie Freiberg,
Brennhausgasse 14, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
e-mail: joerg.matschullat@ioez.tu-freiberg.de Surface water degradation is one of the most
pressing issues in water management. The Eu-
W. Bernatowicz ropean Water Framework Directive (WFD) de-
Institute of Geography and Regional Development,
fines the status of waters by ecological, chemical,
University of Wroclaw, Uniwersytecki sq. 1,
50-137 Wroclaw, Poland and hydromorphological conditions (European
e-mail: bernatowicz@geogr.uni.wroc.pl Commission 2000). Compared with previous
312 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

methods, an ecological status appraisal becomes indicative properties of saprobic organisms have
the most important component of this new assess- been in use since 1975 to assess water pollu-
ment. The approach is based on the aquatic com- tion by easily biodegradable organic substances.
munity (macroinvertebrates, fish, aquatic flora), Since 1991, the Saprobic Index (SI) was applied
uses multiparameter indices, is stream-type spe- as a German national standard for traditional
cific, and relates to reference conditions. Hydro- biological–ecological water quality classification
morphological and physicochemical components of lotic waters (DEV 1992; Hering et al. 2004;
support the hydrobiological assessment. Rolauffs et al. 2003, 2004). Adjustments were
Benthic macroinvertebrates are a commonly necessary to incorporate the Saprobic Index in
used group for biological–ecological water quality the WFD integrative methodology (Rolauffs et al.
monitoring of lotic waters (De Pauw and Hawkes 2004). In October 2004, the DIN standard was
1993; Hellawell 1986; Rosenberg and Resh 1993). revised accordingly (DEV 2004). Both versions
These biota show changes in structure or function of the German Saprobic Indices became metrics,
as a reaction to perturbations and can therefore calculated by the AQEM program (Hering et al.
be used to detect, e.g., acid stress, habitat loss, 2004). These metrics meet the WFD criteria ratio
overall stream degradation, and organic pollution (sensitive to insensitive taxa). Saprobic Index tests
(Hering et al. 2004). Several indices based on (new version) with faunal datasets for the stream
benthic macroinvertebrate analysis have been de- types within German lowlands and lower moun-
veloped. For organic pollution assessment, indices tainous areas of central Europe, predicted in-
like the Belgian Biotic Index (BBI; De Pauw and creasing response to increasing perturbation. This
Vanhooren 1983) or the Biological Monitoring new version is now the standard metric to assess
Working Party (BMWP) score system of the UK organic pollution. Integration was possible be-
(Armitage et al. 1983) have been adapted and cause stream type-specific saprobic reference con-
applied in other countries (Czerniawska-Kusza ditions for all German stream types were included
2005). and five saprobic quality classes were defined for
Macroinvertebrates are likely to play a major the WFD ecological status classification (Rolauffs
role in stream assessment for the implementa- et al. 2003, 2004).
tion of the WFD (Hering et al. 2004). Available While saprobic system and AQEM assess-
methods were partly fulfilling the new require- ment software are based on benthic macroinver-
ments in some European countries, including the tebrates, predominantly identified on the species
UK (Wright et al. 2000) and France (Agences de level, a standardized benthic invertebrate taxa
l’Éau 2000). In Austria (Austrian Standards M list was developed to implement the WFD in
6232 1997; Chovanec et al. 2000), Italy (Ghetti Germany—the Operational Taxa List (OT; Haase
1997), The Netherlands (Peeters et al. 1994), and et al. 2004). This list determines the minimum
Germany (DEV 1992), existing methods required taxonomic level to be achieved. The indicator taxa
adaptation. The European Union-funded project list of the revised DIN had been matched with
Integrated Assessment System for the Ecolog- OT, which was adapted to the AQEM software to
ical Quality of Streams and Rivers through- assess German stream types, using an electronic
out Europe using Benthic Macro-invertebrates filter option (Haase et al. 2004).
(AQEM) developed a framework for European Czerniawska-Kusza (2005) tested Saprobic
stream assessment (AQEM Consortium 2002; Index correlations in Friedrich’s modification
Hering et al. 2003). (Friedrich 1990) for the Nysa-Kłodzka catchment,
The methods used for water quality monitoring Poland, with the most relevant chemical water
in Germany are based on the analysis of the chem- quality variables: DO, NO2 − , NH4 + , PO4 3− , and
ical and biological–ecological status. This status total P. The BMWP(PL)–SI (modified BMWP
is classified by quality standards of the Federal score system for Poland) showed slightly lower
Working Group on Water Problems. Seven qual- but significant positive correlations ( p < 0,01) for
ity classes have been introduced; assessment re- NO2 − , NH4 + , and PO4 3− , compared to the best
sults are regularly published (LAWA 1998). The correlated biotic index. It was better for total
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 313

P than for the BMWP(PL). Compared with the In Saxony, biological water quality was used as
BMWP(PL), the SI seemed to be more restricted a single component to evaluate the current sta-
in water quality classification. tus of lotic waters in the first “River Basin Dis-
Dahl et al. (2004) showed a strong correla- trict Analysis 2004” (German: Bestandsaufnahme
tion of the metric SI (DIN 38410) with others 2004). In total, 58% of the water bodies failed
(Saprobic Index after Zelinka and Marvan 1961; a good status (SMUL 2005). According to the
Danish Stream Fauna Index; average score per WFD, risk analysis and the establishment of mon-
taxon (ASPT); BBI, type pelal (%); hypopotamal, itoring programs to define and review possible
brackish water (%)) versus variables indicating actions for each river basin had to be implemented
organic pollution (total P, conductivity, and per- until late 2006.
centage cropland) in autumn and spring. Total This study (1) presents an overview of the
P was shown to be a strong predictor of stream macroinvertebrate community in the Weisseritz
community composition. river system, (2) compares the results of chemi-
Brabec et al. (2004) revealed significant re- cal and biological water quality assessment based
lationships between abiotic (biochemical oxygen on long-term monitoring data, (3) discusses the
demand (BOD), total organic carbon (TOC), nu- results of correlation analysis of selected chem-
trients) and biotic indicators (Czech SI, ASPT) ical and biological parameters, and finally, (4)
for eutrophication. Correspondence analysis was suggests key parameters for the best assessment
used to detect a response of macroinvertebrates to method. The overall application potential is being
the gradient of organic degradation. Seasonal val- discussed.
ues (spring, summer) were compared and corre-
lations with other parameters (Cl− , conductivity)
tested. Materials and methods
Weiß (2004, 2005) showed that a degradation in
stream morphology by impassable barriers (trans- Study area
verse bars, weirs, ramps, backwater, bridges), un-
typical or intensive land use (no riparian belts, The Weisseritz river basin extends from the East-
spruce forests and agriculture without buffer ern Erzgebirge in the south to the Elbe river
zones), human impairments in the floodplain (ur- valley within the city of Dresden in the north.
banization), discharge control (minimum water The basin is subdivided into Rote (Red), Wilde
supply downstream from dams), water transfer (Wild), and Vereinigte (United) Weisseritz (Fig. 1;
(drinking water galleries), and river training and Table 1). It is part of the European ecoregion
maintenance are major impacts on the Weisseritz 9 “Central Highlands”, and the waters belong to
rivers. Such morphological limitations may exceed the German’s biocoenotically relevant siliceous
hydrochemical effects on benthic invertebrates. highland streams and rivers (Pottgiesser and
Different from organic pollution or acidification, Sommerhäuser 2004). The lithology is dominated
hydromorphological degradation affects the ben- by Palaeozoic gneisses, granites, and younger
thic community through a multitude of individual volcanic rocks. The drainage area covers about
parameters (Lorenz et al. 2004). 384 km2 with an elevation difference of 798 m
Organic pollution, acidification, and degrada- and a total river length 102 km. Average flow
tion of stream morphology are the most important velocities were between 0.4 and 0.6 m s−1 . Runoff
stressors on the European scale (Hering et al. characteristics were strongly influenced by precip-
2003). From 33,000 km of running waters, 35% itation storage as snow and by snow melt. The re-
showed a degradation of stream biology from or- lated discharge regime was characterized by flood
ganic pollution and were classified as “critically events in winter and spring, with peaks between
polluted” to “excessively contaminated” (classes February and April. A secondary peak was ob-
II–III to IV; LAWA 2000). Average conditions served in July or August and corresponded to
were slightly better in Saxony with “only” 26% extreme precipitation events and thunder storms,
of all streams in this quality regime (LfUG 2004). e.g., the major flood event in August 2002.
314 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

Fig. 1 LfUG-monitoring
network in the Weisseritz
river basin with stations

The source of the Rote Weisseritz lies close The Wilde Weisseritz develops in the Czech
to the towns of Altenberg and Zinnwald- Republic near Nové Mešto. It is dammed further
Georgenfeld (Cinovec) at the Czech–German downstream by the two reservoirs Lehnmühle
border. The river is dammed by the Malter (built 1927–1931) and Klingenberg (built 1908–
reservoir (built 1908–1913), serving flood pro- 1914). Both supply drinking water for Dresden,
tection, industrial water supply, energy produc- Freital, and Freiberg and deliver flood protection
tion, and local recreation. Fifty-five percent of and hydro-energy services. Compared to the Rote
the river course is strongly influenced by settle- Weisseritz, the immediate vicinity of the river is al-
ments within the floodplain, river straightening, most uninhabited, except in the towns of Tharandt
and maintenance for flood protection. Only the and Freital. Smaller settlements are located in
upper reaches downstream from the Altenberg side valleys or on the valley slopes and affect the
reservoir, and the lower reaches between the river only locally. Both Weisseritz rivers converge
Malter dam and the city of Freital remain largely in Freital to form the Vereinigte Weisseritz. The
unaffected by human activities (nature conserva- remaining stretch downstream to the Elbe River
tion areas). is significantly influenced by urban settlement.

Table 1 Environmental characteristics of the Weisseritz river basin


Wilde Weisseritz Rote Weisseritz Vereinigte Weisseritz
Drainage area (km2 ) 162 156 66
Length of river course (km) 52.9 35.4 14.2
Altitude source to mouth (m a.s.l.) 860–183 905–183 183–107
Slope (%) 1.0–3.1 1.1–3.0 0.58
Discharge mean (m3 s−1 ) 1.2 (gauge Hainsberg 3) 1.7 (gauge Hainsberg 1) 2.2 (gauge Cotta)
Highest discharge (m3 s−1 ) 220 260 Approximately 450a
in August 2002
Reservoirs Lehnmühle (21.86), Malter (8.78)
(storage capacity, Mio m3 ) Klingenberg (16.38)
a The peak flow of 450 m3 s−1 consisted of discharge registered at the gauging station Cotta (approximately 300 m3 s−1 ) and

the amount that flowed through the city center of Dresden (approximately 150 m3 s−1 )
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 315

Table 2 Hydrobiological sampling frequency (1992 to 2001: number of samples)


Year 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Sample # 12 21 5 22 9 4 20 4 8 32 10 8
Wilde 6 9 4 10 5 4 10 4 4 16 6 7
Rote 6 12 1 12 4 0 10 0 4 14 2 1
Vereinigte 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0

Land use in the subcatchments of Rote and enhanced by severe air pollution in the 1970s
Wilde Weisseritz is dominated by forests (about and 1980s and based upon low primary buffering
45%). Compared to the Wilde Weisseritz, the capacity of soil and bedrock material, as well as
Rote Weisseritz subcatchment is characterized by spruce forest monocultures, have decreased over
a higher amount of arable land (28% vs. 23%), the last years (Matschullat et al. 2000; Ulrich et al.
settlements, and traffic infrastructure (11% vs. 2006; Zimmermann et al. 2006).
6%). In contrast, the share of grass and pasture-
land is higher in the Wilde Weisseritz basin (22%
vs. 13%). Nearly half of the Vereinigte Weisseritz Monitoring network and sampling program
subcatchment is covered by settlements and in-
frastructure, while forestry and agriculture share The Saxon State Authority of Environment and
the rest (ATKIS DLM 25 data; LVA 2005). Poten- Geology (LfUG) maintains a monitoring network
tially adverse anthropogenic influences on good in the Weisseritz catchment with 20 key sampling
water quality and quantity are land use (agricul- points (F points) plus six sites for occasional waste
ture, forestry, urbanization, and industry), drink- water input control (SA points; Fig. 1). The sam-
ing water supply (reservoirs Klingenberg and pling scheme is based on surveys for the basic
Lehnmühle), and hydropower (Malter reservoir), parameters, with higher frequency at the river
river training, and maintenance. The geological mouths (4–13 measurements per year and site)
setting and the related mining history of the re- and lower frequency for the other parameters (1–4
gion explain higher background levels for many measurements per year). Sampling frequencies
trace metals, such as Ag, As, Cd, Pb, U, and Zn varied between years and sites. Sampling density
(Matschullat et al. 1994; Pälchen and Greif 1998). increased over the investigation period (Tables 2
Acidification effects in the upper reaches, strongly and 3).

Table 3 Physicochemical sampling frequency (1992 to 2001)


Parameter Rote Wilde Vereinigte
1992 1995 1998 2001 1992 1995 1998 2001 1992 1995 1998 2001
λ (μScm−1 ) 24 49 77 104 35 52 77 104 8 18 24 25
pH 35 49 77 104 42 53 77 104 11 18 24 25
DO 39 47 77 104 36 46 77 104 11 16 24 25
SO4 2− , Cl− 41 44 77 102 42 53 77 97 11 18 24 25
NO3 − –N 35 42 77 102 42 52 77 97 11 18 24 25
NO2 − –N 21 43 77 104 20 53 77 104 8 18 24 25
NH4 + –N 34 43 77 104 41 53 77 104 11 18 24 25
TN 0 30 41 91 0 45 42 91 0 12 18 25
Ninorg 35 48 41 91 42 53 47 85 11 18 18 25
PO4 3− –P 34 37 77 104 42 53 77 104 11 18 24 25
TP 0 31 41 90 0 47 42 90 0 12 18 25
BOD7 0 49 70 104 0 47 65 91 0 18 24 25
TOC 0 0 41 102 0 0 47 104 0 0 18 25
SAC (254 nm) 28 49 77 104 30 53 77 104 9 18 24 2
Ca2+ Na+ K+ Mg2+ 0 16 23 28 0 17 28 46 0 6 8 17
316 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

The LfUG data were evaluated for biological was applied to assess the organic pollution stres-
water quality, acidification impact, and to describe sors, acidification, and general degradation. To
the benthic community by taxonomic composi- test the correlation with chemical parameters,
tion, number of taxa, and abundance. The data set AQEM results for the organic pollution stressor
consisted of 155 so-called “Sapro-biological pro- were used. The organic pollution status assess-
tocols”. Sampling frequency varied between 1 to 5 ment is based on the new German Saprobic In-
per year (mostly spring and summer, sometimes dex (DEV 2004; Rolauffs et al. 2003) within the
autumn, rarely winter). The best documented AQEM framework. SI results from the old version
points were located near the river sources (F 0980, DIN (DEV 1992) were included for comparison—
F 1050). The main emphasis was put on years with since that was the recommended standard prior
the best database (1992, 1995, 1998, and 2001). to the DIN revision. All Saxonian water quality
The complete river basin was investigated in 2001 reports (e.g., LfUG 2001, 2004) were based on this
only (except for F 1120). The year 1992 was methodology.
selected over 1993 to generate 3-year intervals. The evaluation of hydrochemical data included
The official sampling time was standardized to a intense quality control, organization in a new
minimum of 15 min of field sampling and on-site database, and an assessment of quality devel-
sorting to fulfil the requirements of DIN 38410. In opment and the current state—using the new
reality, field sampling time per site varied between German methods for WFD implementation
17 and 30 min, including transfer between sites (CHEM and ECO lists; SMUL 2004). In addition,
(Tables 2 and 3). an assessment after LAWA standards was per-
Hydrochemical sampling (Table 3) was con- formed (LAWA 1998, Table 4). Boundary values
ducted after German standards (DEV 1993) for for chemicals are given as 90th percentiles from
physical and basic inorganic parameters, ma- annual measurements, except for dissolved oxy-
jor, minor, and trace elements, chlorinated or- gen (tenth percentile). Trace metal concentrations
ganic pesticides, aniline derivatives, halogenated, in sediments are given in mg kg−1 and annual me-
aromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dian values (50th percentiles) serve as reference
phenols, PCBs, nitroaromatic compounds, and values.
bacteriological parameters. We focused on the The WFD standards for chemical conditions
basic parameters considering sampling frequency contain only two classes, characterized as either
and statistical significance in correlation with the good or bad status. The CHEM list includes
biological parameters. Chosen parameters cover priority substances, considered as particularly
detailed specification of oxygen conditions, or- dangerous for the aquatic environment. The
ganic pollution, salinity, and content of nutrients physicochemical data did not allow a full assess-
and trace metals. ment after WFD standards because of missing
parameters.
Data preparation and assessment
Statistical methods
After removing some taxonomic mistakes in the
original taxa lists, data were standardized to The biological data were linked through the
the level of the Operational Taxa List (Haase nonparametric Kendall’s correlation test with
et al. 2004) and tested with the AQEM soft- the physicochemical data (STATISTICA 6.0 and
ware (Version 2.5; AQEM Consortium 2005). Microsoft Excel 2002). This method provides
Since samples were taken after DIN 38410 (DEV a distribution-free test of independence and a
1992, 2004), abundance classes (after Alf et al. measure of the strength of dependence between
1992) were available instead of data on individ- two variables (McBride 2005). A statistical signifi-
uals per m−2 . The abundance classes were trans- cance level (<alpha>) at 0.01 and a correlation
formed into “number of individuals”, using class strength >0.6 for positive, and less than −0.6
mean values (Meier et al. 2004). The “official for negative correlations were considered signifi-
German system” method of the AQEM program cant. The test is particularly powerful with limited
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 317

Table 4 LAWA water quality standards for chemical parameters, and the SI (DEV 1992, 2004; LAWA 1998)
Parameter Unit I I–II II II–III III III–IV IV
DO mg L−1 >8 >8 >6 >5 >4 >2 ≤2
Cl− mg L−1 ≤ 25 ≤ 50 ≤ 100 ≤ 200 ≤ 400 ≤ 800 > 800
SO4 2− mg L−1 ≤ 25 ≤ 50 ≤ 100 ≤ 200 ≤ 400 ≤ 800 > 800
NO3 − –N mg L−1 ≤1 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 2.5 ≤5 ≤ 10 ≤ 20 > 20
NO2 − –N mg L−1 ≤ 0.01 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.1 ≤ 0.2 ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.8 > 0.8
NH4 + –N mg L−1 ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.1 ≤ 0.3 ≤ 0.6 ≤ 1.2 ≤ 2.4 > 2.4
TN mg L−1 ≤1 ≤ 1.5 ≤3 ≤6 ≤ 12 ≤ 24 > 24
PO4 3− –P mg L−1 ≤ 0.02 ≤ 0.04 ≤ 0.1 ≤ 0.2 ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.8 > 0.8
TP mg L−1 ≤ 0.05 ≤ 0.08 ≤ 0.15 ≤ 0.3 ≤ 0.6 ≤ 1.2 > 1.2
TOC mg L−1 ≤2 ≤3 ≤5 ≤ 10 ≤ 20 ≤ 40 > 40
AOX mg L−1 “0” ≤ 10 ≤ 25 ≤ 50 ≤ 100 ≤ 200 > 200
Pb2+ mg L−1 ≤ 25 ≤ 50 ≤ 100 ≤ 200 ≤ 400 ≤ 800 > 800
Cd2+ mg L−1 ≤ 0.3 ≤ 0.6 ≤ 1.2 ≤ 2.4 ≤ 4.8 ≤ 9.6 > 9.6
Cr2+ mg L−1 ≤ 80 ≤ 90 ≤ 100 ≤ 200 ≤ 400 ≤ 800 > 800
Cu2+ mg L−1 ≤ 20 ≤ 40 ≤ 60 ≤ 120 ≤ 240 ≤ 480 > 480
Ni2+ mg L−1 ≤ 30 ≤ 40 ≤ 50 ≤ 100 ≤ 200 ≤ 400 > 400
Hg2+ mg L−1 ≤ 0.2 ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.8 ≤ 1.6 ≤ 3.2 ≤ 6.4 > 6.4
Zn2+ mg L−1 ≤ 100 ≤ 150 ≤ 200 ≤ 400 ≤ 800 ≤ 1,600 > 1,600
SI – 1.0–<1.5 1.5–<1.8 1.8–<2.3 2.3–<2.7 2.7–<3.2 3.2–<3.5 3.5–4.0

sample numbers. Forty chemical parameters (an- Amphipoda, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Acari, Mega-
nual median values, 90th percentiles, and maxi- loptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera,
mum values of the physicochemical parameters) Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (original data in
were calculated against annual median values of “Appendix”). The identification was performed to
three versions of the German Saprobic Indexes: the best attainable level:
1. SI old DIN and corrected monitoring data (a) Species level for Gastropoda, Bivalvia,
with maximum determination level Hirudinea, Ephemeroptera, Megaloptera
2. SI old DIN (AQEM) and taxa list, adjusted to (b) Species or genus level for Crustacea, Acari,
OT Plecoptera, Coleoptera (except for Scirtidae
3. SI new DIN (AQEM) and taxa list, adjusted Gen. sp., Dytiscidae Gen. sp.), and Tri-
to OT choptera (except for, e.g., Limnephilidae,
The hypothesis that extreme values of chemi- Beraeidae Gen. sp., Glossossomatidae Gen.
cal variables should have the highest impact on sp., Sericostomatidae Gen. sp.)
organisms could be confirmed. Since annual max- (c) Higher level for groups such as Diptera (Chi-
imum values gave the best response, this case was ronomidae Gen. sp., Limoniidae Gen. sp.,
further investigated. Median values for biological Empididae Gen. sp., Psychodidae Gen. sp.,
data were relevant for samples from point F 0980 Ptychopteridae Gen. sp., Simuliidae Gen.
only, since it had been investigated three to five sp.) and Oligochaeta
times a year. All other points delivered one to two
samples only. From 174 taxa or taxa groups, 123 taxa were
identified to species level, 49 to genus level or
higher (“Appendix”). The Wilde Weisseritz con-
Results and discussion tained the largest proportion of the macroinver-
tebrate community (152 taxa; Table 5). The Rote
Benthic community Weisseritz yielded 112 taxa and the Vereinigte
Weisseritz 25 taxa in only four samples within
Fifty families were detected in the area, represent- the time frame. The benthic community was
ing the orders Oligochaeta, Hirudinea, Isopoda, dominated by Insecta (approximately 90%), with
318 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

Table 5 Total number of taxa and distribution to the taxonomic resolution of orders—comparison of original taxa list and
taxa list after taxonomic adjustment (1992–2003)
Subcatchment Wilde Weisseritz Rote Weisseritz Vereinigte Weisseritz
Taxa list Original Adjusted Original Adjusted Original Adjusted
Total number of taxa 152 109 112 81 25 23
Mollusca 2 2 4 3 1 1
Gastropoda 2 2 2 2 1 1
Bivalvia 0 0 2 1 0 0
Oligochaeta 3 2 3 3 0 0
Hirudinea 2 2 1 1 1 1
Crustacea 4 4 3 2 1 1
Isopoda 0 0 1 1 0 0
Amphipoda 4 4 2 1 1 1
Insecta 141 99 101 72 22 20
Arachnida 1 0 1 0 0 0
Megaloptera 2 2 1 1 0 0
Coleoptera 16 14 8 8 2 2
Diptera 19 11 19 10 4 3
Ephemeroptera 18 18 14 14 6 6
Plecoptera 33 14 26 13 1 1
Trichoptera 52 40 32 26 9 8

Mollusca, Hirudinea, Oligochaeta, and Crustacea sampling point only. Most taxa showed small dis-
representing 10% (Table 5). tribution ranges, limited to headwaters and rarely
Following a taxonomic adjustment to the OT found in Saxony (Christian et al. 1995; Küttner
level, 124 taxa or taxa groups or 72% remained et al. 1995), e.g., Isoperla sudetica and Isoperla
109 in Wilde, 81 in Rote, and 23 in Vereinigte oxylepis, Crunoecia irrorata, Brachycentrus mon-
Weisseritz (Table 5). Compared to the European tanus, Philopotamus montanus, and Philopotamus
average of 15% and values, e.g., from Austria ludificatus, Drusus monticola, Chaetopterygopsis
(19%), Germany (29%), and Sweden (55%) maclachlani, Ecclisopteryx dalecarlica, Pseudop-
(Verdonschot and Nijboer 2004), the decrease in silopteryx zimmeri. I. sudetica, I. oxylepis, and
taxa numbers is low. This new approach with D. monticola are endangered species in Germany
a lower resolution is compatible with the “old” and Saxony (Klima 1998; LfUG 1999). Due to
determinations. No relevant information loss their particular autecological features and strong
occurred between both methods. indicative power, these should be identified to
At the subcatchment scale, differences between species level (Schmidt-Kloiber and Nijboer 2004)
the original taxa list (maximum achieved deter- and included in an assessment (Nijboer and
mination level) and the adjusted list were almost Schmidt-Kloiber 2004). Any omission results in
negligible: (a) Wilde Weisseritz (three to 25 taxa information losses and affects the final results
vs. three to 23), (b) Rote Weisseritz (two to 22 (Nijboer and Schmidt-Kloiber 2004). Baetis rho-
taxa vs. one to 19), and (c) Vereinigte Weisseritz dani, Baetis vernus, Amphinemura sulcicollis,
(two to 16 taxa in both cases). Species abundance Rhithrogena semicolorata, Epeorus assimilis, Hy-
depends on the distinct taxon and varies over all dropsyche saxonica, Isoperla sp., Leuctra sp., Di-
abundance classes from one (one individual) to cranota sp., Chironomidae Gen. sp., Rhyacophila
seven (320 individuals and more). Abundances (Rhyacophila) sp. were ubiquists with average to
were low (classes 1 and 2 for 76% of taxa), despite higher abundances (classes 3 to 7 for 24% of taxa).
the large species diversity. An almost linear increase was observed in the
A large amount of rare taxa occurred with number of taxa and the sum of abundance classes
very low abundances (one individual) at one for all sampling points in the subcatchments
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 319

18
16
to moderately polluted (LAWA 1998), and 96%
14 achieved the German target—class II (Table 6).
number of taxa

12
Wilde Weisseritz Deviations appeared in 1993 in the upper course
10
Rote Weisseritz of the Rote Weisseritz, between Kipsdorf (F 1060,
8
6
Vereinigte Weisseritz class IV) and Schmiedeberg (F 1070, class III) and
4 in 2002 near the mouth of the Vereinigte Weis-
2 seritz (classes II–III). Calculations with AQEM,
0
using the taxa list, adjusted to the level of the
1992 1995 1998 2001
Operational Taxa List and the old DIN, delivered
Fig. 2 Taxa numbers (all sampling points in subcatch- slightly worse results. The SI could be classified as
ments, annual means) class II or better for 88% of all values. Six per-
cent failed the target (classes II–III 1992: F 1070,
F 1080; 1993: F 0980, F 0990, F 1090, F 1100; 1994:
(Figs. 2 and 3), probably due to decreasing acid F 1110; 2002: F 1130; classes III–IV 1992: F 1000)
stress. Related data for the Vereinigte Weisseritz and no index could be calculated for 6%. The wa-
data were available for 2001 only. ter quality status was best when using AQEM with
The number of individuals per m2 was esti- the same taxa list and the new DIN (DEV 2004).
mated using the abundance class scheme by Alf All values indicated water quality class II. Ninety-
et al. (1992) and recommended in Meier et al. seven percent of the values achieved a good status
(2004) for the AQEM application. Any conver- according to the stream-type specific classification
sion into class mean values may overestimate the (Rolauffs et al. 2003). Moderate conditions were
true number of individuals because of a large obtained only in 1992 at sampling points F 1070
number of rare and uncommon species. The trans- and F 1090 (Rote Weisseritz).
formation resulted in ranges of 4 to 1.126 individu- Not every calculated SI was transferable into
als (Wilde Weisseritz), 4 to 438 (Rote Weisseritz), quality classes with the necessary robustness be-
and 12 to 418 (Vereinigte Weisseritz). Seventy- cause validity criteria failed. Failure was highest
five percent of samples contained over 100 for AQEM and the old DIN, resulting in 10% of
individuals. valid SIs. Results improved for data with max-
imum achieved determination level and the old
Biological water quality based on Saprobic Index DIN (24% valid) and were best for AQEM and
the new DIN (39%). The higher number of in-
The benthic macroinvertebrates indicated oligo- dicator taxa included in the new DIN seemed to
saprobic to β-mesosaprobic conditions (based on compensate for the loss of autecological infor-
the SI calculation, using the corrected monitoring mation from other species through adjustment.
data with maximum determination level and the Nevertheless, differences between the three tested
old DIN). The Weisseritz rivers were very lightly versions are the result of differences in taxonomic
resolution. At best, 71 taxa or taxa groups (old
DIN) or 126 (new DIN) could be included as
35 indicator organisms from the original taxa list for
sum of abundance classes

30 SI calculation without adjustment.


25 Two parameters influenced the SI results:
Wilde Weisseritz
20
Rote Weisseritz
15 1. Different taxonomic levels between original
Vereinigte Weisseritz
10 data (71 taxa) and OT level (45 taxa), rep-
5 resented by AQEM autecological informa-
0 tion. For the 45 indicator taxa, both lists
1992 1995 1998 2001
were identical. Ten taxa were correctly trans-
Fig. 3 Sum-of-abundance classes (annual means, all sam- formed from species to genus level during
pling points in subcatchments) adjustment and therefore excluded from SI
320 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

Table 6 Relative German Saprobic Index Water quality class (%)


distribution of water
I I–II II II–III III III–IV IV nc
quality classes (%)
Old DIN 38410 27 40 29 1 1 0 1 1
and original taxa list
Old DIN 38410 (AQEM) 33 22 33 5 0 1 0 6
and adjusted taxa list
New DIN 38410 (AQEM) 34 50 15 0 0 0 0 1
nc not calculated and adjusted taxa list

calculation. Two taxa were included as indi- latipennis, Potamophylax luctuosus; Radix
cators on genus level (Amphinemura stand- ovata; Simulium [Eusimulium] angustipes,
fussi, A. sulcicollis became Amphinemura sp.). Simulium argyreatum, Simulium [Never-
Some mistakes in the AQEM database were mannia] cryophilum, Simulium monticola,
noticed, related to the autecological infor- Simulium ornatum, Simulium reptans).
mation for 16 taxa (Oreodytes sanmarkii,
Schmidt-Kloiber and Nijboer (2004) used
E. assimilis, Chloroperla spp., P. ludificatus,
datasets with three different taxonomic resolu-
Philopotamus variegates, Polycentropus flavo-
tions, (species, genus, and family) to test effects
maculatus, Rhyacophila fasciata, Rhyacophila
on the assessment of ecological water quality
nubila, Rhyacophila obliterata, Rhyacophila
classes. They estimated the performance of met-
tristis, Sericostoma spp., Ecdyonurus veno-
rics on higher taxonomic levels and concluded
sus, R. semicolorata, C. irrorata, P. montanus,
that metrics that rely on autecological information
Rhyacophila dorsalis). These taxa are part
on species level like saprobic preferences are not
of the OT List as well as the old DIN, but
applicable on higher taxonomic levels. They sug-
saprobic values are disregarded in the AQEM
gest using the AQEM assessment software on the
program.
species level for reliable results on the saprobic
2. A higher number of indicator taxa for the
quality class.
new DIN compared to the old one. This
Here, AQEM was tested with the original taxa
affects the AQEM calculations. At least 109
list (lowest taxonomic resolution), too. AQEM
(OT level) from 126 possible taxa or taxa
results of both SI versions (old and new) were sim-
groups (original list) were used in the AQEM
ilar to those with the higher taxonomic resolution
calculation for the new DIN. In addition to
(OT). The number of valid SI was only slightly
taxa from the old DIN (OT level, 45 taxa),
higher for new DIN with original taxa list (43%)
31 new ones had been included in the new
than for OT (39%). It can be concluded that it is
DIN, and 18 species were calculated correctly
sufficient to compare the following three versions
with values for the higher taxonomic level (A.
of the German Saprobic Index:
standfussi, A. sulcicollis; Chloroperla suse-
micheli, Chloroperla tripunctata; Dinocras 1. SI old DIN and corrected monitoring data
cephalotes; Hydraena rugosa; Isoperla with maximum determination level
grammatica, I. oxylepis, Isoperla silesica, 2. SI old DIN (AQEM) and taxa list, adjusted
I. sudetica; Nemoura avicularis, Nemoura to OT
marginata-Gr., Nemoura minima, Nemoura 3. SI new DIN (AQEM) and taxa list, adjusted
mortoni, Nemoura obtuse; Perlodes micro- to OT
cephalus; Protonemura auberti, Protonemura
lateralis, Protonemura meyeri; Sericostoma Physicochemical conditions
personatum). Sixteen species were missing
because of taxonomic adjustment (Elmis Oxygen conditions met class I, with concentra-
maugetii, Elmis rietscheli; Halesus digitatus; tions above 8 mg L−1 at most of the investigated
Hydropsyche pellucidula; Odagmia spino- sites. Lower values occurred in the Malter reser-
sa; Potamophylax cingulatus, Potamophylax voir area only (class II, with concentrations below
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 321

5 mg L−1 in 1998 and 2001). Salinity, represented highest values occurred during summer months
by conductivity, and anions like sulfate and chlo- (oxygen deficit). Changes in ammonium concen-
ride, classify the Weisseritz in classes I to I–II tration were similar to those of nitrite. All ni-
for chloride and I–II to II–III for sulfate. The trogen forms presented as total nitrogen show
general time trend showed a significant salinity significant decrease over time in each subcatch-
reduction over the last decade. Recovery reached ment (Fig. 5). Total phosphorus highly fluctuated
50% of the initial concentration at many sites in time. Concentrations slowly increased down-
(Fig. 4). This reversal is attributed to the intense stream and showed the worst quality at the rivers
reduction of industrial SO2 and NOx emissions, mouths. Both Rote and Vereinigte Weisseritz
which declined by 99% and 82% in the German– show higher fluctuations and P load.
Czech border region between 1993 and 1999 Organic pollution indicators (TOC) showed
(Ulrich et al. 2006; Zimmermann et al. 2006). The moderate contaminant concentrations with max-
Rote, Wilde, and Vereinigte Weisseritz subcatch- imum values in class III. This increased TOC
ments show differentiated results with highest level results from high levels of humic acids. Ad-
salinity in the Vereinigte Weisseritz and lowest in sorbed organic halogen compounds (AOX) gen-
the Wilde Weisseritz. In general, salinity increases erally pertain mainly to industrial chemicals but
along the rivers, caused by dissolving minerals and may represent natural sources (Grimvall et al.
pollutant supply (winter road salting). 1994). Concentrations were stable (classes II and
Nitrates dominated the nutrients. Starting from III), representing background conditions for this
rather very low concentrations in the upper area.
reaches (classes I to II), impacts of agriculture Trace element background concentrations
became more prominent in the middle and lower were elevated because of former mining activities
reaches (classes III and III–IV). In general, nitrate in the catchment. Data were processed for the
concentrations were higher in the Wilde Weis- year 2001 and the Rote Weisseritz only (highest
seritz than in the Rote Weisseritz. All sites met load) and compared with LAWA standards.
a good status according to the WFD standard Here, concentrations increased along the river.
(91/676/EEC with 50 mg L−1 ). Distinct seasonal Cadmium showed the highest concentrations
fluctuations were observed with significantly de- (classes III and III–IV). Other enriched elements
creasing concentrations during summer. Nitrites were Pb, Cu, and Zn (classes III and IV).
were not particularly high and rarely reached Chromium and nickel met class I in the source
classes II–III downstream, mainly showing the area and classes II and II–III downstream (e.g.,
classes’ I–II and II. Inversely to nitrate, the Klemm et al. 2005; Matschullat et al. 1994).

10
450
9
400

8
Conuctivity µS/cm

350
mgN/dm 3

Vereinigte Weisseritz
Vereinigte Weisseritz
7 Wilde Weisseritz
300 Wilde Weisseritz
Rote Weisseritz
Rote Weisseritz
6
250

5
200

4
150
1992 1995 1998 2001 1992 1995 1998 2001

Fig. 4 Changes in electrical conductivity (annual medians, Fig. 5 Changes in total nitrogen concentrations (annual
all sampling points in subcatchments) medians, all sampling points in subcatchments)
322 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

pH values increased significantly over the ob- 0.78; Ninorg 0.51–0.83; TN 0.51–0.83)—strongest
servation period. In general, pH variability was in 1998. This results from anthropogenic sources
much higher upstream, most likely caused by low (domestic effluents and agriculture). Especially
buffering capacities. Minimum values usually ap- the chemical nitrogen compounds (with plant nu-
peared in March and April with snow melt. A trients NH4 + , NO2 − , NO3 2− ) and phosphorus
particularly significant pH trend became visible at (o–PO4 3− ) can be used as chemical indicators for
the source of the Rote Weisseritz (F 1050). Here, pollution with biodegradable waste water. Further
values increased from about 4.5 in 1992 to 6.5 in suitable features to assess the content of organic
recent years. substances and biochemical oxygen demand and
In general, the Wilde Weisseritz showed a to evaluate easily degradable substances are total
considerably better water quality than Rote and organic carbon, TOC, and dissolved organic car-
Vereinigte Weisseritz. Most parameters showed a bon (LfUG 2001). No significant relationship with
constant improvement of chemical water quality SI was observed. Calcium, K+ , Mg2+ , and Na+
since the 1990s. No indication for point source were particularly well correlated (0.61 to 0.71 in
discharge was detected. High nutrient concentra- 2001) with SI new DIN (AQEM). Similar rela-
tions, mostly from agriculture and waste water tionships have been discovered with chloride and
treatment, show that better control is still needed sulfate.
(especially for nitrate and phosphate). In addition to the organic pollution assessment,
we analyzed AQEM results for “acidification”
Correlation results and “general degradation” (“official German sys-
tem”) and “degradation in stream morphology”
Twenty-two of the 40 chemical parameters (“Germany, original AQEM”) to quantify the
showed significant relationships with the saprobic impact of all relevant stressors on macroinver-
indices (Table 7). An increase in amount, sig- tebrates. It became apparent that acidification
nificance, and correlation strength for the years had the most important negative impact on
1998 and 2001 is explained with increasing data macroinvertebrates; 67% of all samples failed the
quantity and quality. Most correlations were pos- WFD target “good status”. The stressors “gen-
itive, suggesting higher concentrations of a given eral degradation” and “degradation” in stream
parameter with a higher saprobic index value morphology showed slighter but significant im-
(=lower water quality). Negative correlations oc- pact (55–67% failure). Organic pollution had the
curred with organic compounds (spectral ab- lowest impact on macroinvertebrates (only 6–8%
sorption coefficient at 254 nm, DOC). Sandin failure). River habitat quality, which was detected
and Hering (2004) define the term organic pol- by the Saxonian overview mapping program be-
lution as an increase in organic components (in- tween 1992 and 2001, match very well with the
creased BOD; organic pollution sensu strictu) and results for the stressor specific assessment. Hydro-
in nutrient content (eutrophication). Due to their morphological conditions were assessed to have
increase, DO content decreases. BOD, TOC, and moderate, poor, and bad ecological status in 66%
nutrients are known to be the environmental indi- of all mapped river sections.
cators of organic enrichment (Brabec et al. 2004). The following temporal changes were
DO content was not significant, due to the shallow observed:
and fast flowing Weisseritz, and was no limiting
factor for organisms. The worst SI average from 1. Decreasing impact of organic pollution from
the four selected years was 2.3 (classes II—III), 1992 to 2001
not delivering a significant difference between rel- 2. Significant improvement of acidification im-
atively unpolluted and polluted sites. Chemical pacts as of 1998
parameters of organic pollution (TOC, BOD 7) 3. Significant improvement of the effects caused
yielded similar results. Very strong and significant by general degradation from 1992 to 1998, but
correlations within all investigated years appear deterioration to 2001 (stronger with adjusted
between N species (nitrate 0.51–0.78; nitrite 0.51– taxa list than with original list)
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 323

Table 7 Correlation of SI and chemical parameters


Parameter 1992 1995 1998 2001
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
DOa 0.26 −0.07 0.41 −0.09 −0.11 −0.31 0.27 0.38 0.09 0.01 −0.16 −0.06
Conductivity 0.54 0.2 0.7b 0.24 0.37 0.38 0.26 0.31 0.48 0.52b 0.49 0.7b
pH 0.21 0.47 0.11 0.24 0.3 0.54 0.19 0.43 0.37 0.36 0.49 0.56b
Cl− 0.08 0.2 0.31 0.13 0.34 0.27 0.2 0.2 0.37 0.59b 0.4 0.63b
SO4 2− 0.65 −0.07 0.59 0.24 0.42 0.54 0.43 0.48 0.65 0.54b 0.55b 0.76b
NO3 − 0.4 −0.07 0.46 0.16 0.41 0.53 0.63 0.78b 0.61 0.31 0.51b 0.53b
NO3 − –N 0.55 −0.2 0.62 0.24 0.51 0.64b 0.63 0.78b 0.61 0.31 0.51b 0.53b
NO2 − 0.39 0.09 0.48 0.2 0.32 0.6 0.67 b 0.82b 0.77b 0.66b 0.67b 0.61b
NO2 − –N 0.59 0.12 0.69 0.18 0.26 0.63b 0.67b 0.82b 0.77b 0.68 0.68b 0.62b
NH4 + n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.33 0.33 0 0.51 0.28 0.44 0.52b 0.3 0.53b
NH4 + –N 0.11 −0.2 0.55 −0.29 0 0.02 0.51 0.28 0.44 0.52b 0.3 0.53b
TN n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.31 0.47 0.42 0.69 b 0.83 b 0.67 b 0.27 0.5 0.51b
Ninorg 0.4 −0.07 0.46 0.16 0.41 0.53 0.69b 0.83b 0.67b 0.31 0.51b 0.53b
PO4 3− 0.2 −0.2 0.54 0.33 0.47 0.47 0.43 0.48 0.59 0.5b 0.57b 0.68b
PO4 3− –P 0.04 −0.2 0.47 −0.05 0.29 0.23 0.43 0.48 0.59 0.5b 0.57b 0.68b
TP n.d. n.d. n.d. −0.22 −0.09 −0.11 0.44 0.37 0.55 0.38 0.36 0.5b
BOD 7 n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.22 0.51 0.59 0.33 0.32 0.2 −0.52b −0.38 −0.44
DOC n.d. n.d. n.d. −0.35 −0.34 −0.56 −0.65 −0.57 −0.46 −0.1 −0.37 −0.23
SAC 254 nm −0.19 −0.11 0.19 −0.2 −0.34 −0.42 −0.69b −0.67b −0.61 −0.33 −0.41 −0.47
Ca2+ n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.52 0.78 0.62 0.35 0.48 0.54 0.39 0.56b 0.61b
K+ n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.24 0.49 0.71 0.4 0.61 0.44 0.57b 0.54b 0.71b
Mg2+ n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.33 0.59 0.62 0.78b 0.87b 0.7b 0.4 0.52b 0.62b
Na+ n.d. n.d. n.d. 0.33 0.39 0.43 0.23 0.28 0.33 0.6b 0.41 0.68b
General −0.33 −0.08 −0.07 0.56 0.55 0.76 b 0.25 0.52 0.31 0.65b 0.52b 0.63b
degradation
Acidification −0.55 0.30 −0.62 −0.20 −0.29 −0.15 −0.32 −0.46 −0.15 −0.18 −0.47 −0.18
Organic 0.59 0.26 0.52 0.35 0.51 0.43 0.18 0.36 0.36 0.65b 0.37 0.62b
pollution
Degradation 0.46 0.08 0.67b 0.58 0.64b 0.58 0.40 0.65 0.33 0.54b 0.38 0.51b
in morphology
1 1 0.47 0.69b 1 0.64b 0.42 1 0.74b 0.69b 1 0.67b 0.75b
2 0.47 1 0.07 0.64b 1 0.64b 0.74b 1 0.72b 0.67b 1 0.64b
3 0.69b 0.07 1 0.42 0.64b 1 0.69b 0.72b 1 0.75b 0.64b 1
Bold italic—correlations strength >0.6 and less than −0.6
1 SI old DIN and corrected monitoring data with maximum determination level, 2 SI old DIN (AQEM) and taxa list,
adjusted to OT, 3 SI new DIN (AQEM) and taxa list, adjusted to OT, n.d. not determined
a For calculations annual minimums were used
b Significance level (<alpha>) at 0.01

4. Significant improvement of the impact caused by an increasing number of taxa and species abun-
by degradation in stream morphology from dance (Figs. 2 and 3). The increase of correlation
1992 to 1995 (stronger with original taxa list between hydrochemical parameters and biological
than with adjusted list) but deterioration to metrics is in parallel to the longer species lists,
1998 (slight) and to 2001 (significant) the higher number of indicator taxa, and to the
higher amount of valid and robust assessment
Caused by the improvements in chemical water results. Considering statistical relations between
quality, especially the decreasing impact of acidi- the listed parameters and SI (Table 7), the best
fication, benthic communities show signs of recov- and most significant response represents again the
ery from 1992 to 2001. Recovery can be verified year 2001. The best correlated parameter with
324 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

all SI is “general degradation” (0.52–0.65). Oth- correlations with chemical parameters compared
ers are “organic pollution” and “degradation in to the SI new DIN (AQEM). Organic pollution
stream morphology” (0.51–0.65). Despite very dis- indicators (SAC, DOC, BOD 7, AOX) did not
tinct changes in acidification, there is no detection play an important role as shown by poor corre-
of significant relations with SI. lations. A comparison of the three German SI
versions showed that the modified system (DEV
2004) led to the most robust results. A compari-
Conclusions son of different taxonomic resolution showed that
the adjusted taxa list was similar to the original
Both biological and physicochemical assessments list. It consisted of a very high number of taxa
suggest a slight pollution for the Weisseritz. Still, determined to species level. Loss of autecological
deviations in quality class determination occurred, information was relatively low. The use of taxa
and chemical parameters proposed worse qual- determined to the level of the Operational Taxa
ity classes than the biological ones. Another dif- List was suitable for the approach.
ference relates to various SI versions. Analyses It has been shown that assessments based
reveal significant correlation differences (0.64 to on macroinvertebrates reveal tight relations to
0.75). These result from the lower time resolu- physicochemical quality indicators, especially in
tion for biological sampling and methodological respect to nutrient concentrations and organic
specifics. Comparatively high trace metal concen- stressors. This type of assessment, performed with
trations (Matschullat et al. 1994) seemed to have suitable time resolution and good adjustment, can
had rather little impact on the benthic community. substitute expensive and time-consuming chemi-
From the three versions of the German SI, the cal analyses of many parameters and take over a
new DIN (AQEM) is the most sensitive. It is major role in water quality evaluation.
compatible with the physicochemical parameters,
since it includes a larger number of taxa. The
Acknowledgements The EMTAL project received gen-
years 1992 and 1995 represented the worst data erous funding by the Federal Ministry of Education and
quality. In addition to insufficient data quality in Research (BMBF FKZ 02 WT 0078, 2002–2007) and sup-
earlier years, effects other than the investigated port by Saxon State Authorities. We gratefully thank
parameters must have had a stronger influence LfUG and LTV colleagues for the provision of data.
Finally, we wish to thankfully acknowledge a part-time
on the benthic community. Acidification was a doctoral stipend for W. Bernatowicz by DBU and the
relevant stressor and a serious problem especially Polish Nowicki Foundation that enabled our most fruitful
in the headwaters at that time and resulted in low collaboration in Freiberg.
biodiversity and abundances. The small number
of available indicator taxa used for SI calculation
with the old DIN resulted in slight or nosignificant Appendix

Table 8 Aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Weisseritz river basin (1992–2003)


Class Order Family Species
Mollusca Gastropoda Lymnaeidae Radix ovata, Syn. Radix balthica
Planorbidae Ancylus fluviatilis
Gyraulus albus
Bivalvia Sphaeriidae Pisidium casertanum
Pisidium subtruncatum
Oligochaeta Oligochaeta Oligochaeta Gen. sp.
Tubificidae Limnodrilus sp.
Lumbricidae Eiseniella tetraedra
Hirudinea Hirudinea Erpobdellidae Erpobdella octoculata
Glossiphoniidae Helobdella stagnalis
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 325

Table 8 (continued)
Class Order Family Species
Crustacea Isopoda Asellidae Asellus aquaticus
Amphipoda Gammaridae Gammarus fossarum
Gammarus spp.
Gammarus pulex
Niphargus spp.
Niphargus puteanus
Insecta Acari Hydracarina Hydracarina spp., Syn. Hydrachnidia
Megaloptera Sialidae Sialis fuliginosa
Sialis lutaria
Coleoptera Dytiscidae Dytiscidae Gen. sp.
Agabus spp.
Agabus biguttatus
Hygrotus spp.
Oreodytes sanmarkii
Platambus maculatus
Scarodytes halensis
Elmidae Elmis spp.
Elmis maugetii
Elmis rietscheli
Limnius spp.
Limnius perrisi
Limnius volckmari
Oulimnius spp.
Oulimnius tuberculatus
Scirtidae Helodes spp., syn. Elodes sp.
Helodidae, Syn. Scirtidae Gen. sp.
Hydraenidae Hydraena spp.
Hydraena rugosa
Diptera Athericidae Atherix ibis
Atherix marginata, Syn. Ibisia marginata
Chaoboridae Chaoborus spp.
Chironomidae Chironomidae Gen. sp.
Ceratopogonidae Bezzia spp.
Limoniidae Limoniidae Gen. sp.
Dicranota spp.
Empididae Empididae Gen. sp.
Psychodidae Psychodidae Gen. sp.
Ptychopteridae Ptychopteridae Gen. sp.
Simuliidae Odagmia ornata, Syn. Simulium ornatum
Odagmia spinosa, Syn. Simulium trifasciatum
Simuliidae Gen. sp.
Simulium spp.
Simulium (Eusimulium) angustipes
Simulium argyreatum
Simulium (Nevermannia) cryophilum
Simulium monticola
Simulium reptans
Simulium (Wilhelmia) equina
Tipulidae Tipula spp.
Ephemeroptera Baetidae Baetis spp.
Baetis alpinus
Baetis fuscatus
Baetis muticus, Syn. Alainites muticus
326 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

Table 8 (continued)
Class Order Family Species
Baetis niger, Syn. Nigrobaetis niger
Baetis rhodani
Baetis vernus
Centroptilum luteolum
Heptageniidae Ecdyonurus venosus
Ecdyonurus torrentis
Epeorus sylvicola, Syn. Epeorus assimilis
Heptagenia sulphurea
Rhithrogena picteti
Rhithrogena semicolorata
Ephemeridae Ephemera danica
Leptophlebiidae Habroleptoides confusa
Habrophlebia fusca
Habrophlebia lauta
Paraleptophlebia submarginata
Ephemerellidae Ephemerella ignita, Syn. Serratella ignita
Plecoptera Nemouridae Amphinemura spp.
Amphinemura standfussi
Amphinemura sulcicollis
Nemoura spp.
Nemoura spp. (excl. cinerea)
Nemoura avicularis
Nemoura marginata-Gr.
Nemoura minima
Nemoura mortoni
Nemoura obtusa
Nemurella pictetii
Protonemura spp.
Protonemura auberti
Protonemura intricata
Protonemura lateralis
Protonemura meyeri
Protonemura nitida
Taeniopterygidae Brachyptera risi
Brachyptera seticornis
Chloroperlidae Chloroperla spp.
Chloroperla susemicheli
Chloroperla tripunctata
Perlidae Dinocras cephalotes
Siphonoperla spp.
Siphonoperla torrentium
Perlodidae Diura bicaudata
Isoperla spp.
Isoperla grammatica
Isoperla oxylepis
Isoperla silesica
Isoperla sudetica
Perlodes microcephalus
Leuctridae Leuctra spp.
Leuctra spp. (excl. fusca et geniculata)
Leuctra nigra
Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330 327

Table 8 (continued)
Class Order Family Species
Trichoptera Limnephilidae Limnephilidae Gen. sp.
Allogamus spp.
Allogamus auricollis
Anabolia nervosa
Anomalopterygella chauviniana
Chaetopterygopsis maclachlani
Chaetopteryx spp.
Chaetopteryx villosa
Consorophylax consors
Drusus discolor
Drusus monticola
Ecclisopteryx dalecarlica
Grammotaulius nigropunctatus
Halesus digitatus
Melampophylax melampus
Micropterna sequax/lateralis
Potamophylax spp.
Potamophylax cingulatus
Potamophylax latipennis
Potamophylax luctuosus
Pseudopsilopteryx zimmeri
Beraeidae Beraeidae Gen. sp.
Brachycentridae Brachycentrus montanus
Micrasema longulum
Lepidostomatidae Crunoecia irrorata
Lepidostoma hirtum
Glossosomatidae Glossosomatidae Gen. sp.
Glossosoma spp.
Glossosoma boltoni
Hydropsychidae Hydropsyche spp.
Hydropsyche angustipennis
Hydropsyche fulvipes
Hydropsyche instabilis
Hydropsyche pellucidula
Hydropsyche saxonica
Hydropsyche siltalai
Odontoceridae Odontocerum albicorne
Philopotamidae Philopotamus ludificatus
Philopotamus montanus
Philopotamus variegatus
Polycentropidae Plectrocnemia spp.
Plectrocnemia conspersa
Polycentropodidae Polycentropus spp.
Polycentropus flavomaculatus
Psychomyiidae Psychomyia pusilla
Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila (Rhyacophila) spp.
Rhyacophila dorsalis
Rhyacophila fasciata
Rhyacophila nubila/vulgaris
Rhyacophila obliterata
Rhyacophila tristis
328 Environ Monit Assess (2009) 159:311–330

Table 8 (continued)
Class Order Family Species
Sericostomatidae Sericostomatidae Gen. sp.
Sericostomatinae, Syn.
Sericostomatidae
Sericostoma spp.
Sericostoma personatum/flavicorne
Sericostoma personatum
Goeridae Silo nigricornis
Silo pallipes
All sampling sites detailed determination level (maximum achieved level by LfUG staff, after taxonomic corrections)

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