Abiotic Stream Classification as a Basis for a Surveillance Monitoring Network in Austria in Accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive

This study presents the 26 major surface water types established in Austria in accordance with the draft of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). These types are made up of so‐called aquatic landscape units and large rivers. The 17 aquatic landscape units were defined using a database in which all Austrian running waters with a catchment area greater than 10 km^[2] were described according to the following typological features: size of catchment area, altitude of catchment area and confluences, stream order, geology, zoogeographical regions (ecoregions), and subregions. At running waters with gauges, a classification according to flow regimes was carried out. Large rivers were defined as running waters with a stream order ⩾7 and/or a catchment area > 2500 km² and/or with an average flow >50 m³/s. These major types represent, inter alia, the basis for the establishment of a surveillance monitoring network as required by the WFD.     

Physico‐chemical Assessment of the Reference Status in German Surface Waters: A Contribution to the Establishment of the EC Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EG in Germany

For the establishment of the EC Water Framework Directive in Germany the physico‐chemical reference conditions of surface waters in Germany had to be determined. The results of the statistical analysis of 3500 data sets of 31 surface water catchment types show that water body types can be aggregated to bogs and bog riverside meadows, saliniferous type, carbonatic‐dolomitic type, sandy‐clayey type, silicatic type, and metallogenic type. The data base allows an assessment of the plausibility of the surface water quality classification and quality targets of the LAWA (Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Wasser). The investigated reference status of the natural surface waters for the considered elements in the suspended particulate matter, except in metallogenic landscapes, corresponds to the water quality class I of the LAWA. The reference conditions of cadmium and mercury in the total water phase are significantly higher than the quality targets of the LAWA. The evaluated reference data of the other physico‐chemical parameters in the total water phase show, that assessable physico‐chemical parameters refer to a quality class of I, mainly and quality class II, locally. Mainly, the data reached the quality targets of the LAWA. In spite of the hard evaluation criteria to separate reference sites a special enrichment of nitrate and cadmium was found in many German surface water reference catchment types.     

Temporal and spatial changes in marine benthic habitats in relation to the EU Water Framework Directive: The use of sediment profile imagery

In 2002 to 2006, sediment profile imagery (SPI) was used to study the environmental impact of eutrophication-induced irregular and seasonal hypoxia on marine benthic habitats in six regions in the Skagerrak and Kattegat (West Sweden). The benthic habitat quality (BHQ) was assessed by parameterisation of biogenic structures observed by the SPI technique, and benthic quality status was related to the EU Water Framework Directive (EU-WFD). The temporal changes were analysed by a 5-factor nested ANOVA and significant temporal differences were recorded within three of the regions. Two of these were affected by hypoxia in the deeper parts and one was probably affected by hypoxia below the halocline. The environmental quality status according to the EU-WFD was bad to high in two regions, moderate to good in three regions, and good to high, i.e., acceptable according to the EU-WFD, in only one region. As BHQ is highly correlated to benthic faunal data, measures have to be taken to improve the coastal water quality in five of the six studied areas.     

Palaeoecology, reference conditions and classification of ecological status: the EU Water Framework Directive in practice

The European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires that all Member States within the European Union determine reference conditions for aquatic ecosystems to provide a baseline against which to measure the effects of past and present activities. Reference conditions are subsequently used to classify the ecological status of European waters. The decisions regarding environmental status will be important future elements in the management of European coastal waters. We have developed a number of classification scenarios for total nitrogen (TN) in the overlying waters of the southern part of Roskilde Fjord, Denmark, taking as our basis a palaeoecological reconstruction of fluctuations in TN between 1850 and 1995. We present a provisional classification scheme for the ecological status of Roskilde Fjord, sensu the WFD. Decision(s) regarding the deviation from reference conditions will give a wide range of apparent ecological status from good, through moderate and poor, to bad depending upon the definition of an acceptable deviation from reference conditions. The determination of an acceptable deviation will ultimately be a political decision, and will result in a wide range in the protection of coastal waters in Europe. There is still, however, an urgent need for a sound scientific documentation of the various scenarios for the implementation of the WFD.     

Application of the new multimetric MMI_PL index for biological water quality assessment in reference and human-impacted streams (Poland,the Slovak Republic)

A new multimetric MMI_PL index, which is based on the macroinvertebrate composition and combines six single key metrics, has already been implemented in Poland according to the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. The objectives of our survey were to assess the biological water quality using the new multimetric MMI_PL index in both reference and human-impacted streams, to analyze whether the values of the new multimetric index properly reflect the ecological status of the water in upland and mountain streams as well as to determine which environmental factors influence the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates and the values of the metrics. The study was carried out from 2007 to 2010 in three Ecoregions that were established by the EU WFD. A total of 60 sampling sites: 36 reference sites that were situated in the headwaters of mountain streams at mid- and high-altitudes and 24, human-impacted sampling sites were selected. The benthic macroinvertebrate surveys were supported by both a hydromorphological and macrophyte assessment according to the River Habitat Survey (RHS) and to the Macrophyte Methods for Rivers. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that the values of the Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA) index, conductivity, pH and altitude were the parameters most associated (statistically significant) with the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and the values of the metrics in both the reference and human-impacted (impaired) sections of the streams in Ecoregions 9, 10 and 14. The new MMI_PL index was useful for biological water quality assessment and was also important for separating both the reference and impaired sections of streams. The MMI_PL index and some key metrics performed contrary to what was expected in relation to the reference high-altitude siliceous streams (the High Tatra Mts., Ecoregion 10). Low values of multimetric index and key metrics did not properly reflect their high ecological status and pristine character as reflected by the hydromorphological (RHS) and macrophyte surveys or the physical and chemical parameters of the water.     

On the history of chloride concentrations in the River Lippe (Germany) and the impact on the macroinvertebrates

The River Lippe is situated at the northern part of the rhenish-westphalian coal mining area, Germany and has a long history of being affected by mining water discharge. There has, however, been a massive decrease in the discharge of mining water over the past few decades. While early in the last century concentrations of up to 3500 mg l⁻¹ of chloride were observed, the mean concentration is now below 400 mg l⁻¹. At the same time the water quality has improved greatly so factors other than chloride concentration may be influencing the macroinvertebrate community.Macroinvertebrate data collected from three sites along the River Lippe was analyzed for a change in the occurrence of salt tolerant species in an area where mining water discharge ended in 2000. It was found that also during the period of discharges the macroinvertebrate community was dominated by freshwater species and therefore the impact of mining water discharges in the upper River Lippe is considered to be minor.It was also found that for some species (Nais elinguis, Bithynia tentaculata and Gammarus tigrinus) their proposed salinity preference did not correlate with their occurrence in the field. This may be an area that requires further research.     

The European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC in the evaluation of the ecological status of watercourses. Case study: the river Chienti (central Apennines,Italy)

The quality of the river Chienti (eastern‐central Apennines, Italy) has been evaluated according to the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, taking into consideration both biotic (animal and vegetable) and chemical parameters. In studying the biotic component, two indices were used: the E.B.I, Extended Biotic Index (version adapted to the Italian rivers), based on macroinvertebrates, and the EPI‐D, the Eutrophication and/or Pollution Index, based on diatoms. For both macroinvertebrates and diatoms, two samplings were conducted, one in June and the other in October 2003. Instead, according to the Italian Law 152/99 the chemical and bacteriological analyses were conducted monthly for the entire year. The results of biomonitoring and chemical‐bacteriological analyses unanimously demonstrated a good ecological situation for the upper section of the Chienti, though the situation tends to worsen as the river continues its descent and undergoes increased anthropogenic pressure. Data obtained were correlated with Spearman's coefficients and principal component analysis. Both statistical calculations showed clear, direct correlation between the two biotic indices and an inverse correlation between these and the chemical and bacteriological parameters. However, a few differences of judgement that emerged among the various indices highlight the importance of using them simultaneously in order to obtain a more accurate diagnosis of the ecological status of the watercourses.     

Assessment of Water Quality in the Elbe River at Low Water Conditions Based on Factor Analysis

An assessment of water quality measurements during a long‐lasting low water period in the Elbe River is presented. Weekly samples were taken from May to December 2003 at a sampling site in the middle part of the Elbe River. For multivariate data analysis, 34 parameters of 46 samplings were considered. As a result of this analysis, 78% of the variance of the data set is explained by five factors. They can be assigned to the following latent variables: season (37.5%) > tributaries (12.7%) > re‐suspension (10.4%) > discharge (9.4%) > complexation (8.5%). For the investigated sampling site, two key processes were identified as dominating factors on the water quality during low water conditions. First, seasonal phytoplankton development caused changes in redox conditions with consequences for re‐solution of pollutants from sediments. Second, tributaries have a higher impact on the main stream, due to changes in mixing processes. Therefore, in addition to flood investigations, monitoring strategies, and management plans should be developed in order to survey changes in water quality during low water conditions.     

The Flood in the Odra River 1997 – Impact of Suspended Solids on Water Quality

The flood in the Odra river in 1997 has led to considerable additional pollution of the Stettin Lagoon and the Baltic Sea with contaminated suspended solids. For some priority substances, the pollutant entries via suspended solids during the flood period are estimated to be approximately 1/3 of the usual annual load. Among these priority pollutants there are total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen, and the heavy metals Cu, Pb and Zn. For the concentrations of the priority pollutants in suspended solids accumulation factors from 2 to 4 in the comparison with normal conditions were observed. On the basis of the analysis of sediments sampled after the flood, main sources of the pollutants should be evaluated. As reference area with an industrial background as well as a typical pollutant pattern the region around Glogow/Legnica is proposed.     

Assessment of Metal Pollution in Water and Surface Sediments of the Seyhan River,Turkey, Using Different Indexes

The aim of this study was to assess the level of heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) contamination and enrichment in the surface sediments of the Seyhan River, which is the receiving water body of both treated and untreated municipal and industrial effluents as well as agricultural drainage waters generated within Adana, Turkey. Sediment and water samples were taken from six previously determined stations covering the downstream of the Seyhan dam during both wet and dry seasons and the samples were then analyzed for the heavy metals of concern. When both dry and wet seasons were considered, metal concentrations varied significantly within a broad range with Al, 7210–33 967 mg kg^?1 dw; Cr, 46–122 mg kg^?1 dw; Cu, 6–57 mg kg^?1 dw; Fe, 10 294–26 556 mg kg^?1 dw; Mn, 144–638 mg kg^?1 dw; Ni, 82–215 mg kg^?1 dw; Pb, 11–75 mg kg^?1 dw; Zn, 34–146 mg kg^?1 dw in the sediments while Cd was at non‐detectable levels for all stations. For both seasons combined, the enrichment factor (EF) and the geo‐accumulation index (I_geo) for the sediments in terms of the specified metals ranged from 0.56 to 10.36 and ?2.92 to 1.56, respectively, throughout the lower Seyhan River. The sediment quality guidelines (SQG) of US‐EPA suggested the sediments of the Seyhan River demonstrated “unpolluted to moderate pollution” of Cu, Pb, and Zn, “moderate to very strong pollution” of Cr and Ni. The water quality data, on the other hand, indicated very low levels of these metals suggesting that the metal content in the surface sediments were most probably originating from fine sediments transported along the river route instead of water/wastewater discharges with high metal content.     

Assessment of heavy metals/metalloid (As,Pb, Cd,Ni, Zn,Cr, Cu,Mn) concentrations in edible fish species tissue in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China

The major aim of this study was to investigate heavy metal content of edible fish in the PRD. Eleven species of fish (consisting of 711 individuals) [catfish (Clarias fuscus), tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), mandarin fish (Siniperca kneri), snakehead (Channa asiatiea), black bass (Micropterus salmoides), mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus), star snapper (Lutjanu stellatus), snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)] were collected for the analyses of heavy metals. Overall concentrations (mg/kg, ww) in the fish muscles were: As (0.03–1.53), Pb (0.03–8.62), Cd (0.02–0.06), Ni (0.44–9.75), Zn (15.7–29.5), Cr (0.22–0.65), Cu (0.79–2.26), Mn (0.82–6.91). Significant level of Pb were found in tilapia at all locations. It is recommended that heavy metal concentrations in different fish species must be determined on a regular basis in the future so as to reduce human health risks from acute and chronic food intoxication.     

Water Quality of the River Yamuna in the Delhi Stretch: Key Determinants and Management Issues

The assessment of water quality of the River Yamuna in the Delhi stretch was carried out by determining changes in the concentration levels of 19 physico‐chemical parameters. It was observed that vegetation plays an important role in acting as a biological sink for mineral nutrients, thereby restoring the water quality. It is proposed that restoration of the inundation pattern of floodplains would greatly help in re‐aeration of the overlying water and re‐absorption of pollutants through mud/water exchanges.     

Assessment of Water Quality in the Elbe River at Flood Water Conditions Based on Cluster Analysis,Principle Components Analysis,and Source Apportionment

An assessment of water quality measurements during a spring flood in the Elbe River is presented. Daily samples were taken at a site in the middle Elbe, which is part of the network of the International Commission for the Protection of the Elbe River (IKSE/MKOL). Cluster analysis (CA), principal components analysis (PCA), and source apportionment (APCS apportioning) were used to assess the flood‐dependent matter transport. As a result, three main components could be extracted as important to the matter transport in the Elbe River basin during flood events: (i) re‐suspended contaminated sediments, which led to temporarily increased concentrations of suspended matter and of most of the investigated heavy metals; (ii) water discharge related concentrations of pedogenic dissolved organic matter (DOM) as well as preliminary diluted concentrations of uranium and chloride, parameters with stable pollution background in the river basin; and (iii) abandoned mines, i.e., their dewatering systems, with particular influence on nickel, manganese, and zinc concentrations.     

Synthesis of Sulfonated Naphthalene-Formaldehyde Condensates and their Trace-analytical Determination in Wastewater and River Water

Naphthalenesulfonates and their condensates with formaldehyde (SNFC) are widely used in industrial processes, e.g. as plasticizers for concrete or as tanning agents. Based on their high aqueous solubility these compounds are expected to be eliminated incompletely in mechanical-biological treatment plants and to end up in the aquatic environment. Due to the lack of reference compounds the identification and quantification of these condensates in the aquatic environment was impossible in the past. This paper describes the synthesis of several condensates of 2-naphthalenesulfonate with formaldehyde. With the synthesized products as reference compounds it was possible for the first time to detect and quantify some sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde condensates in the aquatic environment. For this purpose characteristic peaks in the HPLC screening of wastewater and river water samples were compared with the corresponding peaks of a technical SNFC product. Three out of several paths on which these compounds enter the aquatic environment were identified. The identified compounds in the analyzed wastewater samples have concentrations between 0.14 and 110 μg/L.     

Factors Controlling Total Concentration and Aqueous Speciation of Aluminium in an Acidic Headwater Stream of the Bavarian Forest National Park: a Modelling Approach

The purpose of the present paper is to analyse factors controlling total concentration and aqueous speciation of aluminium in the Große Ohe River, using a thermodynamic equilibrium model and a mixing approach. A model compound for humic substances is derived on the basis of the relation between anion deficit and the organic carbon content in the river as well as literature data. An equilibrium speciation model for aluminium is set up, considering this model compound and relevant inorganic solutes. Although the model cannot be verified directly, its results may be viewed as qualitatively correct. Applying the model to measured stream water samples highlights that aqueous speciation of aluminium is mainly controlled by the pH value and discharge and that free aluminium concentrations reach clearly toxic levels during acidic episodes. Comparing measured concentrations of sulfate and H⁺ and calculated concentrations of Al³⁺ with solubility curves of gibbsite like minerals and jurbanite clearly shows that total aluminium concentrations are not controlled by equilibria with these mineral phases alone. The observed relationship can be better explained from a mixture of two distinct waters, representing lowflow and highflow chemistry, and the resulting equilibrium concentrations. This indicates that total aluminium concentration, in particular during high discharge events, is mainly controlled by the mixture of waters with differing chemistry and flowpaths.     

The Analysis of the Seasonal,Spatial, and Compositional Distribution of Humic Substances in a Subtropical Shallow Lake

The spatial and temporal distribution of humic substances in aquatic ecosystems can have important effects on ecosystem productivity, negatively impacting primary productivity while positively impacting secondary productivity. In the present investigation, a large shallow lake ecosystem was studied to determine the spatial and seasonal variation of the composition and concentration of humic substances. Concentrations of total dissolved organic matter, humic acid, and fulvic acid were found to display significant spatial distributions (1.3…13.5 mg/L, DOM; 0.1…5.4 mg/L, HA). The distribution is described by using mapping techniques and the analysis of the spatial distribution of the lake. An analysis of the seasonal variations also indicated the dependence of the occurrence of these compounds on meteorological and hydrological conditions. To identify the potential sources of these organic materials, an analysis was made of the ratio of humic and fulvic acid fractions and total DOM. It was found that areas of high DOM concentration coincided with the areas of highest HA percentage of total DOM. Furthermore using the ratio of the normalised concentrations of HA, FA, and residual DOM (< 5000 g/mol) it was found that areas dominated by each are spatially distinct. This confirms the hypothesis that in these shallow lakes, photodegradation and bacterioplankton activity will create a residence time dependent zonation of each component of the total DOM.     

Erprobung des Dreissena-Monitors,eines neuen Biotestsystems mit der Zebramuschel (Dreissena polymorpha), in der Rhein-Gütemeßstation Karlsruhe Evaluation of the Dreissena-monitor at the River Rhine — a New Biological Monitoring System Based on the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha

Object of the present study is a new biomonitor using Dreissena polymorpha PALLAS as testorganism. The status of the shell gape and the valve movements are parameters to indicate toxic discharges. With the aid of some toxicity tests using trichloroethylene, chloroform, ethylparathion, and copper(II)sulfate, the detection efficiency of the “Dreissena-monitor” was described and compared with those of biomonitors in literature. The use of the monitors in the control of sewage, drinking water, and natural waters is discussed. The critical concentrations at which an alarm was set by the “Dreissena-monitor” were 0.03 to 0.1 mg/L with copper(II)sulfate, 7.5 to 8.2 mg/L with trichloroethylene, 33 mg/L with chloroform, and 0.8 to 0.9 mg/L ethyl parathion. Thereby, the alarm was always set within 5 to 35 minutes. Possible fields of application are especially the control of sewage effluents and their immediate environments.     

澜沧江下游补远江大型底栖动物群落结构的时空分布及其影响因素

自然流淌的支流在维持建坝河流水生生物多样性中起着重要作用。补远江是澜沧江下游的重要一级支流,保持了较为天然的河流状态,人类活动干扰相对较少,是流域土著鱼类保护区和水生生物重要栖息地。在澜沧江流域水电开发的背景下,掌握补远江大型底栖动物群落结构的时空分布及其影响因素,对澜沧江乃至西南河流的水生生物多样性保护和恢复具有重要参考意义。于2019年4月(旱季)和2019年10月(雨季)对补远江的大型底栖动物进行了详细调查,共检出大型底栖动物150个分类单元,隶属于5门7纲68科,其中水生昆虫121种,软体动物20种,蛭类3种,寡毛类2种,甲壳类2种,涡虫、线虫各1种。毛翅目和蜉蝣目为全流域优势类群。补远江底栖动物密度和生物量在旱季和雨季均表现为上游大于中下游,物种丰富度和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数在雨季显著高于旱季。功能摄食类群中,滤食者(41.09%)和收集者(31.81%)占绝对优势,其次为刮食者(11.00%)、捕食者(11.21%),撕食者(4.89%)较少。Mantel检验分析表明,河宽(RW)、硝态氮(NO₃^--N)、化学需氧量(COD_Mn)是影响补远江大型底栖动物群落结构的主要环境因子;不同功能摄食类群所受到的环境影响因素不同。生物指数(BI)和生物监测工作组记分(BMWP)系统评价显示,补远江大部分样点处于良好及以上水平,少数样点处于中等及以下水平,总体水生态状况良好。     

Distribution and Fate of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments and Fluffy Layer Material from the Odra River Estuary

The distribution and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in surface sediments (0...2 cm) and fluffy layer material of the internal and external coastal waters of the Odra river estuary (north-eastern Germany). The area includes the Odra Lagoon (Oderhaff), the Greifswalder Bodden, the Pomeranian Bight, and the Arkona Basin. Elevated concentrations were observed in the surface sediments of the internal coastal waters with highest concentrations in the Odra Lagoon. This indicates a significant contribution of river discharge to the contamination of sediments with PAHs. During the exceptional Odra flood in the summer of 1997 significantly higher concentrations of PAHs were found in the fluffy layer material of the Odra Estuary. The distribution of the individual PAH compounds varies widely depending on their structure and molecular weight. A concentration gradient of the lower molecular weight PAHs was found from the Odra Lagoon to the open sea areas. The concentrations decreased rapidly from the Oder Haff to the Arkona Basin. These results were found in both sediments and fluffy layer material. This is attributed to the degradation of the lower molecular weight PAHs during transport from the urban regions to the sedimentation basins. A decrease of this magnitude was not found for the higher molecular weight PAHs (i.e. benzo(a)pyrene) due to their higher persistence. An enrichment of these compounds was measured in the Arkona Basin.