Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of harbour excavating and dredged sediment disposal on the benthic invertebrate fauna of River Danube (Austria)

  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY OF LARGE RIVERS
  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Dredging Austrian Danube harbours becomes necessary to keep the navigation channel free from bed sediment and to insure safe navigation, especially after major floods. In most cases, the excavated substrate is deposited in the free-flowing river section in the vicinity of the mouth of a harbour. The effects of harbour dredging on the biota need to be studied to minimize possible outcomes that may endanger the ecological status of the river system in order to implement the aims of the European Water Framework Directive. This study presents the first quantitative information on the colonisation of benthic invertebrates with respect to Danube harbours. One sampling at Linz Harbour was conducted before dredging and four samplings were carried out after dredging. Four transects were documented in the affected river section. The study used an air-lift sampler and a grab sampler to investigate if and to what extent the benthic invertebrate community is disturbed. It found that the sediment dredging heavily affected the benthic invertebrates (decline of 82% of biomass), while the dumping of the material had no effects on the benthic Danube biota. As a rough estimate (conferring to a simple trend line analysis) the harbour bottom fauna would recover after 235 days.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bauernfeind, E. & P. Weichselbaumer, 1991. Eintagsfliegen-Nachweise aus Österreich (Insecta: Ephemeroptera). Verhandlungen der Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Österreich 128: 47–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauernfeind, E. & P. Weichselbaumer, 1994. Neue eintagsfliegen—nachweise aus österreich. Linzer Biologische Beitraege 26: 365–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolam, S. G. & H. L. Rees, 2003. Minimizing impacts of maintenance dredged material disposal in the coastal environment: a habitat approach.-. Environmental Management 32: 171–188.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, R. A., C. N. Purdy, S. S. Bell & K. J. Sulak, 2006. The benthic community of the eastern US continental shelf: a literature synopsis of benthic faunal resources. Continental Shelf Research 26: 804–818.

  • Charousek, F. J., 2009. Fangeffizienz von Entnahmegeräten zur Besammlung der aquatischen Bodenfauna von Weichsedimenten. Diplomarbeit/Masterarbeit—Institut für Hydrobiologie, Gewässermanagement (IHG), BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur, BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur, 103.

  • Covich, A. P., M. A. Palmer & T. A. Crowl, 1999. The role of benthic invertebrate species in freshwater ecosystems. Zoobenthic species influences energy flows and nutrient cycling. BioScience 49(2): 119–127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Einsele, W., 1957. Flussbiologie, KRAFTWERKE und Fischerei. Österr Fischerei 10(7/8): 1–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer W., 2013. Beiträge zur Kenntnis der österreichischen Molluskenfauna XXXIII. Dreissena bugensis (ANDRUSOV 1897) im Kuchelauer Hafen, Wien. Nachr.bl. erste Vorarlb. malak. Ges. 19:39, Rankweil.

  • Fredette, T. J. & G. French, 2004. Understanding the physical and environmental consequences of dredged material disposal: history in New England and current perspectives. Marine Pollution Bulletin 49: 93–102.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Graf, W., 1999. Checkliste der Steinfliegen (Plecoptera) Österreichs. Lauterbornia, 37, Dinkelscherben.

  • Habersack, H., J. Bürgel & A. Petraschek, 2004. Analyse der Hochwasserereignisse vom August 2002—FloodRisk. Synthesebericht Bundesministerium für land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Wien, 181.

  • Habersack, H., J. Bürgel & A. Kanonier, 2009a. FloodRiskII Vertiefung und Vernetzung zukunftsweisender Umsetzungsstrategien zum integrierten Hochwassermanagement. Synthesebericht. Bundesministerium für land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Wien, 259.

  • Habersack, H., O. Moog, C. Wiesner, M. Haimann, I. Stubauer, F. Charousek, F. Böck, C. Frangez, P. Gmeiner, W. Graf, W. Hirth, T. Huber, B. Janecek, P. Leitner, M. Liedermann, K. Moog, B. Müller, J. Radinger, B. Schober, F. Sporka & M. Tritthart, 2009b. Untersuchung der Auswirkungen von Baggerungen und Verklappungen hochwasserbedingter Feinsedimentablagerungen in der Donau am Fallbeispiel Winterhafen Linz, Endbericht. Universität für Bodenkultur, Wien.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann, A. & O. Moog, 2012. Entwicklung und Validierung der Screening-Methode zur Abschätzung des ökologischen Zustandes von Fließgewässern in Österreich. Österr. Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, 56.JG, 3-4/2012, pp 300–306; ISSN 1613-7566.

  • Haimann, M., O. Moog, I. Stubauer, M. Tritthart & H. Habersack, 2014. Auswirkungen von Baggerungen und Verklappungen hochwasserbedingter Feinsedimentablagerungen am Fallbeispiel Winterhafen Linz/Donau.- Österr. Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft. Springer, Wien: 66: pp 316–326. doi:10.1007/s00506-014-0174-y.

  • Haimann, M., M. Tritthart, D. Prenner, P. Leitner, O. Moog & H. Habersack (in print): Monitoring and numerical modeling of fine sediment dumping processes. Hydrobiologia (this volume).

  • Heiler, K. C. M., A. Bij de Vaate, K. Ekschmitt, P. V. von Oheimb, C. Albrecht & T. Wilke, 2013. Reconstruction of the early invasion history of the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) in Western Europe. Aquatic Invasions 8: 53–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jungwirth, M., G. Haidvogel, O. Moog, S. Muhar & S. Schmutz, 2003. Angewandte Fischökologie an Fließgewässern. Facultas Verlag: 1–547, Wien.

  • Jungwirth, M., O. Moog & S. Schmutz, 2006. Auswirkung der Stauregelung großer Flüsse auf die aquatische Tierwelt (Fische und Makrozoobenthos).- In Dieter Müller; Andreas Schöl; Tanja Bergfeld; Yvonne Strunck: Staugeregelte Flüsse in Deutschland—Wasserwirtschaftliche und ökologische Zusammenhänge; Limnologie aktuell Band 12; Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung. ISBN 978-3-510-53010-6.

  • Landos, M., 2012. Investigation of the causes of aquatic health problems in the gladstone harbour and nearshore waters. Gladstone: Gladstone Fishing Research Fund.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moog, O., U. Humpesch & M. Konar, 1995. The distribution of benthic invertebrates along the Austrian stretch of the River Danube and its relevance as an indicator of zoogeographic and water quality patterns. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 101(2): 121–213.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moog, O., H. Nesemann, A. Zitek & A. Melcher, 1999. Erstnachweis der Süßwassergarnele Atyaephyra desmaresti (Millet 1831) (Decapoda) in Österreich. Lauterbornia 35: 67–70, Dinkelscherben.

  • Moog, O., S. Brunner, U. Humpesch & A. Schmidt-Kloiber, 2000. The distribution of benthic invertebrates along the Austrian stretch of the River Danube and its relevance as an indicator of zoogeographical and water quality patterns—Part 2. Large Rivers Vol. 11, No. 4, Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 115/4: 473–509.

  • Moog, O., A. Schmidt-Kloiber, A., T. Ofenböck & J. Gerritsen, 2001. Aquatische Ökoregionen und Bioregionen Österreichs—eine Gliederung nach geoökologischen Milieufaktoren und Makrozoobenthos-Zönosen. Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, pp 106, Wien ISBN 3–85 174—0432.

  • Moog O., W. Graf & T. Ofenböck, 2008. Benthic invertebrate Neozoa in Austrian rivers. In Rabitsch, W., F. Essl, F. Klingenstein (eds), Neobiota 7, pp 131-138; ISBN ISSN 1619-00033.

  • Moog O., P. Leitner & T. Huber, 2013. Aquatische Wirbellose Neozoa in Österreich. In Ofenböck, G. (ed.), Aquatische Neobiota in Österreich—Stand 2013. Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, Vienna: pp. 54–91.

  • Nachtnebel, H. P., M. Faber & W. Consult, 2004. Analysis and assessment of flood damages in 2002. “Analyse der Hochwasserereignisse vom August 2002”. [Analyse der Hochwasserereignisse vom August 2002- Flood Risk, BMfLFUW, Wien, 2004] In Habersack, H., J. Bürgel & A. Petraschek (eds.), Analyse der Hochwasserereignisse vom August 2002- Flood Risk, 2004, BMfLFUW, Wien.

  • Nesemann, H., M. Pöckl & K. Wittmann, 1995. Distribution of epigean Malacostraca in the middle and upper Danube (Hungary, Austria, Germany). Miscellanea zoologica hungarica 10: 49–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newell, R. C., L. J. Seiderer & D. R. Hitchcock, 1998. The impact of dredging works in coastal waters: a review of the sensitivity to disturbance and subsequent recovery of biological resources on the sea bed. Oceanography and Marine Biology 36: 127–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ofenböck, T., O., Moog, A. Hartmann & I. Stubauer, 2010. Leitfaden zur Erhebung der biologischen Qualitätselemente—Teil A2—Makrozoobenthos, Version Feb. 2010. Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft, ISBN 978-3-85174-060-8, 226.

  • Pehofer, H. E., 1998. A new quantitative air-lift sampler for collecting invertebrates designed for operation in deep, fast flowing gravelbed rivers. Large River 11 (2), Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 115/2: 213–232.

  • Reinhold, M. & T. Tittizer, 1997. Zur Rolle von Schiffen als Vektoren beim Faunenaustausch Rhein/Main/Main-Donau-Kanal/Donau [Ships as vectors in the faunal exchange Rhine/Main/Main-Danube-Canal/Danube]. Deutsche Gewässerkundliche Mitteilungen 41(5): 199–205.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reischütz, A., P. L. Reischütz & W. Fischer, 2012. Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Molluskenfauna Niederösterreichs, XXVI. Jetzt ist die letzte Lücke geschlossen: Die Quagga-Muschel Dreissena bugensis (ANDRUSOV 1897) (Dreissenidae: Bivalvia) in Niederösterreich und Wien. Nachr.bl. erste Vorarlb. malak. Ges. 19:3–6, Rankweil.

  • Reisinger, W., 1994. Massenschwärme einer seltenen Eintagsfliege an der Linzer Donau. – OÖ. Museumsjournal 4(11): 43–44.

  • Rollaufs, P., I. Stubauer, S. Zahrádková, K. Brabec & O. Moog, 2004. Integration of the saprobic system into the European Union Water Framework Directive Case studies in Austria. Germany and Czech Republic. Hydrobiologia 516(285–298): 2004.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt J., A. Reischütz & P. L. Reischütz, 2013. Beiträge zur Molluskenfauna von Wien und Niederösterreich XXIX. Die Molluskenfauna des südlichen Teiles der Donauinsel. Nachr.bl. erste Vorarlb. malak. Ges. 20:47–49, Rankweil.

  • Šporka, F. & Š. Nagy, 1998. The macrozoobenthos of parapotamon-type side arms of the Danube river in Slovakia and its response to flowing conditions. Biologia 53: 633–643.

    Google Scholar 

  • Šporka, F., Z. Pastuchová, L. Hamerlík, M. Dobiašová & P. Beracko, 2009. Assessment of running waters (Slovakia) using benthic macroinvertebrates derivation of ecological quality classes with respect to altitudinal gradients. Biologia 64: 1196–1205.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Velde, G., S. Rajagopal & A. Bij de Vaate, 2010. From zebra mussels to quagga mussels: an introduction to the Dreissenidae. In Van der Velde, G., S. Rajagopal & A. Bij de Vaate (eds.), The Zebra Mussel in Europe. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden and Margraf Publishers, Weikersheim: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Dolah, R. F., D. R. Calder & D. M. Knott, 1984. Effects of dredging and open-water disposal on benthic macroinvertebrates in a South Caroline estuary. Estuaries 7: 28–37. Wilson, S.J.K.,

  • Weinzierl, A. & G. Seitz, 1994. Dendrocoelum romanodanubiale (Codreanu 1949) in der oberen Donau (Turbellaria, Tricladida). Lauterbornia 15: 23–25, Dinkelscherben.

  • Wilber, D. H. & D. G. Clarke, 2007. Defining and assessing benthic recovery following dredging and dredged material disposal. In Proceedings XXVII World Dredging Congress 2007, Orlando.

  • Zelinka, M. & P. Marvan, 1961. Zur Präzisierung der biologischen Klassifikation der Reinheit fließender Gewässer. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 57: 389–407.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhulidov, A. V., A. V. Kozhara, G. H. Scherbina, T. F. Nalepa, A. Protasov, S. A. Afanasiev & E. G. Pryanichnikova, 2010. Invasion history, distribution, and relative abundances of Dreissena bugensis in the old world: a synthesis of data. Biological Invasions 12: 1923–1940. doi:10.1007/s10530-009-9641-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the following institutions: VIADONAU, the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology, the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water, Verbund Hydropower, the Federal State Government of Upper Austria, the Federal State Government of Lower Austria, and Ennshafen GmbH. Furthermore, we would like to thank the following members of the Institutes for Hydrobiology and Water Management who contributed for this study: Franz Charousek, Christian Frangez, Wolfram Graf, Wolfram Hirth, Thomas Huber, Berthold Janecek, Kevin Moog, Bernhard Müller, Johannes Radinger, Ferdinand Sporka and Christian Wiesner. Finally, we would like to express our thanks to Alexander Whitcomb for polishing the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Max-Emanuel-Strasse 17, 1180, Vienna, Austria

    Otto Moog, Ilse Stubauer & Patrick Leitner

  2. Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, Institute for Water Management, Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, 1190, Vienna, Austria

    Marlene Haimann & Helmut Habersack

Authors
  1. Otto Moog
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ilse Stubauer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Marlene Haimann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Helmut Habersack
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Patrick Leitner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Patrick Leitner.

Additional information

Guest editors: Helmut Habersack & Roswitha Samek / Multifunctionality of large rivers

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary material 1 (DOCX 57 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Moog, O., Stubauer, I., Haimann, M. et al. Effects of harbour excavating and dredged sediment disposal on the benthic invertebrate fauna of River Danube (Austria). Hydrobiologia 814, 109–120 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2476-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2476-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation