Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Tools for assessing European streams with macroinvertebrates: major results and conclusions from the STAR project

  • Chapter
Book cover The Ecological Status of European Rivers: Evaluation and Intercalibration of Assessment Methods

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 188))

  • 1125 Accesses

Abstract

This short paper summarises the information developed in the EU funded research project STAR on autecology databases, metrics, multimetrics and community approaches. For Europe the WFD implementation gave an important stimulus for the development of ecology based assessment techniques. Along with the development of metrics and multimetrics indices taxalists and autecological information were strongly improved. Recommendations are given to further develop ecological assessment in European streams and rivers.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Andersen, M. M., F. F. Riget & H. Sparholt, 1994. A modification of the Trent index for use in Denmark. Water Research 18: 145–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • AQEM consortium, 2002. Manual for the application of the AQEM method. A comprehensive method to assess European streams using benthic macroinvertebrates, developed for the purpose of the Water Framework Directive. Version 1.0, February 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Armitage, P. D., D. Moss, J. F. Wright & M. T. Furse, 1983. The performance of a new biological water quality score system based on macroinvertebrates over a wide range of unpolluted running water sites. Water Research 17(3): 333–347.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barbour, M. T., J. Gerritsen, G. E. Griffith, R. Frydenborg, E. McCarron, J. S. White & M. L. Bastian, 1996. A framework for biological criteria for Florida streams using benthic macroinvertebrates. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 15: 185–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbour, M. T., J. L. Plafkin, B. P. Bradley, C. G. Graves & R. W. Wisseman, 1992. Evaluation of EPA’s rapid bioassessment benthic metrics: metric redundancy and variability among reference stream sites. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 11: 437–449.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbour, M. T., J. B. Stribling & J. R. Karr, 1995. Multimetric approach for establishing biocriteria and measuring biological condition, chap. 6. In Davis, W. S. & T. P. Simon (eds), Biological Assessment and Criteria — Tools for Water Resources Planning and Decision Making. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, Florida, 6377.

    Google Scholar 

  • BMWP, 1979. Biological Monitoring Working Party. The 1978 National Testing Exercise. Technical Memorandum 19. Water Data Unit, Reading, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyle, T. P., G. M. Smillie, J. C. Anderson & D. R. Beeson, 1990. A sensitivity analysis of nine diversity and seven similarity indices. Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation 62: 749–762.

    Google Scholar 

  • Braukmann, U. & R. Biss, 2004. Conceptual study — An improved method to assess acidification in German streams using benthic macroinvertebrates. Limnologica 34: 433–450.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cairns, J. Jr., 1975. Quantification of biological integrity. In Kusler, J. A., M. L. Quammen & G. Brooks (eds), Mitigation of Impacts and Losses. Proceedings of the National Wetland Symposium, Berne, 276–282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chandler, R. J., 1970. A biological approach to water quality management. Journal of Water Pollution Control Federation 69: 415–422.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Pauw, N. & G. Vanhoren, 1983. Method for biological quality assessment of watercourses in Belgium. Hydrobiologia 100: 153–168.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Pauw, N., P. F. Ghetti & D. P. Manzini, 1992. Biological assessment methods for running waters. In Newman et al. (eds), River Water Quality: Ecological Assessment and Control. C.C.E., Bruxelles, pp. 217–248.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, M. M., 1937. Detection and measurement of stream pollution. Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Fisheries 48: 365–437.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fausch, K. D., J. Lyons, J. R. Karr & P. L. Angermeier, 1990. Fish communities as indicators of environmental degradation. American Society Symposium 8: 123–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forbes, S. A. & R. E. Richardson, 1913. Studies on the biology of the upper Illinois river. Bulletin of the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History 9: 481–574.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fore, L. S., J. R. Karr & R. W. Wisseman, 1996. Assessing invertebrate responses to human activities: evaluating alternative approaches. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 15(2): 212–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frey, D., 1975. Biological integrity of water: an historical perspective. In Ballantine, R. K. & L. G. Guarraia (eds), The Integrity of Water. EPA, Washington, 127–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, C. P., R. H. Norris, J. N. Hogue & J. Feminella, 2000. Development and evaluation of predictive models for measuring the biological integrity of streams. Ecological Applications 10: 1456–1477.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hellawell, J. M., 1978. Biological Surveillance of Rivers. A biological monitoring handbook. NERC, Stevenage 333 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hering, D., C. K. Feld, O. Moog & T. Ofenböck, 2006. Cook book for the development of a Multimetric Index for biological condition of aquatic ecosystems: experiences from the European AQEM and STAR projects and related initiatives. Hydrobiologia 566: 311–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hering, D., O. Moog, L Sandin & P. F. M. Verdonschot, 2004. Overview and application of the AQEM assessment system. Hydrobiologia 516: 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hynes, H. B. N., 1960. Biology of Polluted Waters. Liverpool Univ. Press, Liverpool, 202 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, R. K., 1998. Spatio-temporal variability of temperate lake macroinvertebrate communities: detection of impact. Ecological Applications 8: 61–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R. & B. L. Kerans, 1992, Components of biological integrity — Their definition and use in development of an invertebrate IBI, in Midwest Pollution Control Biologists Meeting, Chicago, Ill., 1991, Proceedings: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region V, EPA-905/R-92-003: 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R. & D. R. Dudley, 1981. Ecological perspective on water quality goals. Environmental Management 5: 55–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R., 1981. Assessment of biotic integrity using fish communities. Fisheries 6: 21–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R., 1991. Biological integrity. A long-neglected aspect of water resource management. Ecological Applications 1: 66–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R. & E. W. Chu, 1999. Restoring Life in Running Waters: Better Biological Monitoring. Island Press, Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karr, J. R., K. D. Fausch, P. L. Angermeier, P. R. Yant & I. J. Schlosser, 1986. Assessing Biological Integrity in Running Waters — A method and its Rationale. Illinois Natural History Survey Special Publication 5, 28 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kerans, B. L. & J. R. Karr, 1994. A benthic index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) for rivers of the Tennessee Valley. Ecological applications 4: 768–785.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kokeš, J., S. Zahrádková, D. Němejcová1, J. Hodovský, J. Jarkovský & T. Soldán, 2006. The PERLA System in the Czech Republic: a multivariate approach for assessing the ecological status of running waters. Hydrobiologia 566: 343–354.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kolkwitz, R. & M. Marsson, 1902. Grundsätze für die biologische Beurteilung des Wassers nach seiner Flora und Fauna. Mitt. Aus d. Kgl. Prüfungsanstalt für Wasserversorgung und Abwässerbeseitigung 1: 33–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolkwitz, R. & M. Marsson, 1908. Ökologie der planzlichen Saprobien. Berichten der deutshen botanische Gesellschaft 26: 505–519.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kolkwitz, R. & M. Marsson, 1909. Ökologie der tierischen Saprobien. Internationale Revue der Hydrobiologie 2: 126–519.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liebmann, H., 1962. Handbuch der Frischwasser und Abwasserbiologie. Band I, R. Oldenburg, Munich, pp. 588.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, R. A., A. L. Buikema, J. Cairns & J. H. Rodgers, 1982. Biological monitoring: Part IIa: receiving system functional methods, relationships and indices. Water Research 16: 129–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe, J. L., 1989. Biological water quality assessment of running water based on macro-invertebrate communities: history and present status in Europe. Environmental Pollution 60: 101–139.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moog, O. (ed.), 1995. Fauna Aquatica Austriaca — a comprehensive species inventory of Austrian aquatic organisms with ecological data. First edition, Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bundesministerium für Land-und Forstwirtschaft, Wien.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moog, O., A. Schmidt-Kloiber, R. Vogl & V. Koller-Kreimel, 2001. ECOPROF-Software. Wasserwirtschaftskataster, Bun desministeriums für Land-& Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt & Wasserwirtschaft, Wien.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moog, O., A. Chovanec, J. Hinteregger & A. Römer, 1999. Richtlinie für die saprobiologische Gewässergütebeurteilung von Fließgewässern.-Wasserwirtschaftskataster. Bundesministerium für Land-und Forstwirtschaft, Wien, 144 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, W. G., 1990. Prospects for development of an index of biotic integrity for evaluating habitat degradation in coastal systems. Chemistry and Ecology 4: 197–210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Odum, E. P., 1971. Fundamentals of Ecology. Saunders Company, Philladelphia, 574 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ofenböck, T., O. Moog, J. Gerritsen & M. T. Barbour, 2004. The development of a macro-invertebrate based multimetric index for monitoring the ecological status of running waters in Austria. Hydrobiologia 516: 251–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohio EPA, 1987/1989. Biological criteria for the protection of aquatic life. Vol. I, II, III. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Columbus, OH.

    Google Scholar 

  • ÖNORM M6232, 1997. Richtlinie für die ökologische Untersuchung und Bewertung von Fließgewässern.-Österreichisches Normungsinstitut Wien, 38 pp. Austrian Standards M 6232 (1997): Guidelines for the ecological study and assessment of rivers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pantle, E. & H. Buck, 1955. Die biologische Überwachung de Gewässer und die Darstellung der Ergebnisse. Gas und Wasserfach 96(18): 1–604.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plafkin, J. L., M. T. Barbour, K. D. Porter, S. K. Gros & R. M. Hughes, 1989. Rapid bioassessment protocols for use in streams and rivers: benthic macroinvertebrates and fish. EPA 444/4-89-001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resh, V. H. & J. K. Jackson, 1993. Rapid assessment approaches to biomonitoring using benthic macroinvertebrates. In Rosenberg, D. M. & V. H. Resh (eds), Freshwater Biomonitoring and Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Chapman and Hall, New York, 195–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynoldson, T. B., K. E. Day & T. Pascoe, 2000. The development of the BEAST: a predictive approach for assessing sediment quality in the North American Great Lakes. In Wright, J. F., D. W. Sutcliffe & M. T. Furse (eds), Assessing the Biological Quality of Fresh Waters: RIVPACS and Other Techniques. Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. The RIVPACS International Workshop, 16–18 September 1997, Oxford, UK, 165–194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richter, B. D., J. V. Baumgartner, J. Powell & D. P. Braun, 1996. A method for assessing hydrologic alternation within ecosystems. Conservation Biology 10(4): 1163–1174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rolauffs, P., D. Hering, M. Sommerhäuser, S. Jähnig & S. Rödiger, 2003. Entwicklung eines leitbildorientierten Saprobienindexes für die biologische Fließgewässerbewertung. Umweltbundesamt Texte 11/03. Forschungsbericht 200 24 227, 137 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roth, N. E., J. D. Allan & D. L. Erickson, 1996. Landscape influences on stream biotic integrity assessed and multiple spatial scales. Landscape Ecology 11(3): 141–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmedtje, U. & M. Colling, 1996. Ökologische Typisierung der aquatischen Makrofauna. Informationsberichte des Bayerischen Landesamtes für Wasserwirtschaft 4/96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt-Kloiber, A., W. Graf, A. Lorenz & O. Moog, 2006. The AQEM/STAR taxalist — a pan-European macro-invertebrate ecological database and taxa inventory. Hydrobiologie 566: 325–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shannon, C. E. & W. Weaver, 1949. The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press, Urbana.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, J. C. & R. H. Norris, 2000. Biological assessment of river quality: development of AUSRIVAS models and outputs. In Wright, J. F., D. W. Sutcliffe & M. T. Furse (eds), Assessing the Biological Quality of Fresh Waters: RIVPACS and Other Techniques. Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. The RIVPACS International Workshop, 16–18 September 1997, Oxford, UK, pp. 125–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sládecek, V., 1973. System of water quality from the biological point of view. Ergebnisse der Limnologie 7: 1–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Šporka, F., 2003. Vodnébezatavovce (makroenvertebrata) Slovenska, súpis druhov a autekologickécharakteristiky. Slovenskýhydrometeorologický ústav, Bratislava, 590 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stubauer, I. & O. Moog, 2002. Verfahren zur Anpassung des Saprobiensystems an die Vorgaben der EU-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in Österreich. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Limnologie — Tagungsbericht der Jahrestagung 2001 (Kiel).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorne, R. S. T. J. & W. P. Williams, 1997. The response of benthic macroinvertebrates to pollution in developing countries: a multimetric system of bioassessment. Freshwater Biology 37: 671–686.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tolkamp, H. H., 1985. Using several indices for biological assessment of water quality in running water. Verhandlungen der Internationale Vereinigung der Limnologie 22: 2281–2286.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tuffery, G. & J. Verneaux, 1968. Methode de determination de la qualite biologique des eaux courantes. CERAFER, Paris, 21 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Hoek, W. F. & P. F. M. Verdonschot, 1994. Functionele karakterisering van aquatische ecotooptypen. IBN rapport (in Dutch) 072: 1–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdonschot, P. F. M., 1990. Ecological Characterization of Surface Waters in the Province of Overijssel (The Netherlands). Thesis, Wageningen, 1–255 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdonschot, P. F. M., 1991. The web-approach: a tool in water management. In Ecological Water Managemenet in Practice (Proceedings of the technical meeting held in Ede, The Netherlands, 3 October 1990). Proceedings and Information of the CHO-TNO 45: 59–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdonschot, P. F. M., 2000. Integrated ecological assessment methods as a basis for sustainable catchment management. In Jungwirth, M., S. Muhar & S. Schmutz (eds), Assessing the Ecological Integrity of Running Waters. Proc. Int. Conf., Vienna, Austria. Developments in Hydrobiology 149. Hydrobiologia 422/423: 389–412.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verdonschot, P. F. M. & R. C. Nijboer, 2000. Typology of macrofaunal assemblages applied to water and nature management: a Dutch approach. In Wright J. F., D. W. Sutcliffe & M. T. Furse (eds), Assessing the Biological Quality of Fresh Waters: RIVPACS and Other Techniques. Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. The RIVPACS International Workshop, 16–18 September 1997, Oxford, UK. Chapter 17: 241–262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Washington, H. G., 1984. Diversity, biotic and similarity indices. A review with special relevance to aquatic ecosystems. Water Research 18(6): 653–694.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woodiwiss, F. S., 1964. The biological system of stream classification used by the Trent River Board. Chemistry and Industry 11: 443–447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woodiwiss, F. S., 1980. Biological Monitoring of Surface Water Quality. Summary Report, Commission of the European Communities. Severn Trent Water Authority, UK, 45 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, J. F., P. D. Armitage & M. T. Furse, 1989. Prediction of invertebrate communities using stream measurements. Regulated Rivers; Research & Management 4: 147–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright, J. F., D. Moss, P. D. Armitage & M. T. Furse, 1984. A preliminary classification of running-water sites in Great Britain based on macroinvertebrate species and the prediction of community type using environmental data. Freshwater Biology 14: 221–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, J. F., D. W. Sutcliffe & M. T. Furse (eds), 2000. Assessing the biological quality of fresh waters: RIVPACS and other techniques. Freshwater Biological Association, Ambleside, Cumbria, UK. The RIVPACS International Workshop, 16–18 September 1997, Oxford, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zelinka, M. & P. Marvan, 1961. Zur Präzisierung der biologischen Klassification er Reinheit fliessender Gewässer. Archiv für Hydrobiologie 57: 389–407.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alterra-Green World Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Piet F. M. Verdonschot

  2. Department Water, Atmosphere, Environment, Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, BOKU — University of Natural Resources & Applied Life Sciences, Max Emanuel Straße 17, A-1180, Vienna, Austria

    Otto Moog

Authors
  1. Piet F. M. Verdonschot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Otto Moog
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Winfrith Technology Centre, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, CEH Dorset, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8ZD, UK

    Mike T. Furse

  2. Institute of Hydrobiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, 45117, Essen, Germany

    Daniel Hering

  3. Department of Zoology and Ecology, Masaryk University, Kotlárská, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic

    Karel Brabec

  4. CNR-Water Research Institute, Via della Mornera, 25, I-20047, Brugherio (Milano), Italy

    Andrea Buffagni

  5. Department of Environmental Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7050, S-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden

    Leonard Sandin

  6. Alterra, Department of Ecology and Environment, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands

    Piet F. M. Verdonschot

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2006 Springer

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Verdonschot, P.F.M., Moog, O. (2006). Tools for assessing European streams with macroinvertebrates: major results and conclusions from the STAR project. In: Furse, M.T., Hering, D., Brabec, K., Buffagni, A., Sandin, L., Verdonschot, P.F.M. (eds) The Ecological Status of European Rivers: Evaluation and Intercalibration of Assessment Methods. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 188. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5493-8_21

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation