European Ecoregions Research Articles

The impact of the geographical environment on the hydromorphological conditions of watercourses in southern Poland

Hydromorphological assessment of watercourses provides much valuable information about the riverbed and its immediate surroundings, including the influence of geographical environmental factors along with anthropogenic pressures in the catchment area. This paper presents diversity of hydromorphological conditions of 77 sections located on 39 watercourses in southern Poland in three European ecoregions: Eastern Plains, Central Plains and the Carpathians. The study was based on the Hydromorphological Index for Rivers (HIR) method and two sub-indices: Hydromorphological Diversity Score (HDS) and Hydromorphological Modification Score (HMS). Basic and multi-dimensional statistical analyses were performed to identify the main gradients of the geographical environment and the variables that contribute most to the total variability of HIR. The highest mean HIR values were recorded in the Carpathians ecoregion, then in the Central Plains and the lowest in the Eastern Plains, 0.70, 0.67 and 0.58, respectively. Significant differences were found between the Carpathians and Eastern Plains ecoregions in HIR values obtained. Hydromorphological differentiation is most influenced by altitude and geological type. The cluster analysis enabled two main groups of watercourses to be distinguished – the first one was dominated by variables showing HMS > HDS relationship, while the second one was dominated by HDS > HMS relationship. Multi-dimensional analysis provided additional information on the relationships between the variables and the sections studied. The greatest positive impact on the formation of the final HIR value had the variation of the riverbed slope and natural morphological elements of the bed bottom, while the greatest negative impact on HIR had the transformations observed in spot-check.

Spring and autumn rotifer community structure differentiates shallow water bodies in two European ecoregions: Poland and Croatia

Rotifer structure may serve as predictor of environmental features, including temperate subclimates between water bodies. The difference in latitude between two temperate regions (Poland vs. Croatia) affects the identification of particular environmental factors that subsequently influence the taxon-related indices of rotifers. A study on 10 water bodies found that taxon-trait indices were sensitive in identifying latitude differences, even though extreme weather conditions were not considered, and only two seasons (spring and autumn) were examined. A variable rotifer community, with a high share of rare species, was obtained. We found a distinctiveness of abiotic factors between both countries, indicating a higher trophic state in Poland. Although habitat conditions were more similar in spring compared to the autumn, the percentage of rotifer common taxa was alike in both seasons but variation in distinct species community was clear. Trophic state increase in Poland was reflected in the structure of dominant and distinct species, with a wide range of eutrophy indicators. Comparing how rotifer species respond to environmental conditions is important for developing methods to assess trophic state changes due to climate change. Single species, distinct or rare species, are often the first sign of changes.

Intercomparison of recent microwave satellite soil moisture products on European ecoregions

Several satellite microwave-based soil moisture (SM) products have become available in recent years, making possible to produce different datasets at continental and/or a global scale. Numerous variables, including geographic heterogeneity, weather and climate, and land cover, have an impact on these products' accuracy. In this study, we account for all these variables by using the ecoregions as the scale of analysis and conducting a thorough comparison of satellite products with ground-based SM measurements. The whole Europe has been selected as study area, considering it as the aggregation of several ecoregions, each of them classified as an homogeneous zones, in terms of climate, vegetation and potentially investigable soil cover. Selected SM satellite data includes: i) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) SMAP L4 V5; ii) the European Space Agency (ESA) SMOS-IC V2.0; iii) the H115 and H116 SM products in time-series format generated by analyzing data collected by the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) aboard MetOp satellites; iv) the CGLS SSM 1 km obtained by the radar onboard ESA’s SENTINEL-1 platforms; and v) the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative for Soil Moisture (ESA CCI SM) “COMBINED” ESA CCI SM v06.1 product, created by merging satellite-based passive/active microwave measurements. Such a variety, in terms of technologies and main features, of publicly available online SM products (in their up-to-date version), allowed for a comprehensive intercomparison against in situ measurements of the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN), that spreads across all of Europe within the above-mentioned terrestrial ecoregion, using four different metrics, i.e., r, bias, ubRMSE and r/rANOM.Overall the intercomparison has underlined how SMAP L4 and ESA CCI show the best performance regardless of the considered metric. ASCAT has achieved best performances among non-modeled/blended products, while SMOS-IC has showed slightly better performance than the CGLS SSM 1 km. Using ecoregions allowed to further characterize the differences of each satellite products and identify the areas where all these products are more reliable (e.g., group (1) made by ecoregions as the Cantabrian Mixed forests or the Balkan Mixed forests; or group 2 made by ecoregions which belong to Mediterranean area) or less performing (e.g., the Central European mixed forests and the Pontic steppe). Hence, these classes have been further analyzed exploiting the ERA5-Land data, in terms of the SM, air temperature, precipitation, evaporation and Leaf area index. The research has provided helpful insights into how the performance of particular SM satellite products changes based on both the characteristics of the product under consideration and the area under investigation (i.e., one ecoregion compared to another).

Exploring the distribution of the non-native Umbra pygmaea across European freshwater ecoregions through climatic suitability and locally consumed diet

The East American mudminnow Umbra pygmaea was introduced to Europe a century ago and is now established in at least six European countries. Although considered harmless and with low spread potential, this fish species shows potential to colonise a broad range of habitats due to its wide environmental tolerance. Stomach content analyses were conducted over 3 years to obtain a first insight into this species' diet, which could indicate the potential to alter the biotic composition of recipient ecosystems. The results showed that this fish can potentially have a high impact on insects, fish, and even amphibians through predation. Species distribution models further indicated that environmental conditions of Central European ecoregions are currently a limiting factor for the spread of this species which seems, at least for now, to be driven by anthropogenically driven introductions. Considering the species’ potential to be invasive and impact native biota, monitoring of potential spread is recommended.

Hyporheic flow in aquatic Ranunculus habitats in temperate lowland rivers in Central Europe

The study attempted to assess the influence of the filtration stream and hydraulic gradient in the hyporheic zone on the distribution of water crowfoot (Ranunculus sect. Batrachium) in common temperate lowland river type in two European ecoregions: (14) Central Plains and (16) Eastern Plains. A novel filtrometer and a gradient meter were employed for water flow measurements in the hyporheic zone at 24 study sites distributed throughout Central Europe between 2017 and 2019. At the majority of the study sites, hyporheic zones covered with Ranunculus vegetation were found to be dominated by groundwater drainage. Moreover, the intensity of groundwater filtration supplied via the hyporheic zone varied, ranging from 0.0017 m3 d−1·m−2 to 0.4118 m3 d−1·m−2. It was also determined that the average stream of filtration in the non-vegetated parts of the riverbed was 0.6065 m3 d-1·m−2, whereas it was five times lower in the zones overgrown with Ranunculus clumps, amounting to 0.1190 m3 d−1 m−2. The study provides quantification of the interactions between water exchange in the hyporheic zone and the growth and distribution of Ranunculus species, indicating that the exchange of surface water and groundwater is an important environmental factor that stimulates the growth of various Ranunculus taxa. The study provides evidence for a new environmental indicator, specifically the importance of surface water and groundwater exchange in the hyporheic zone of rivers for Ranunculus vegetation conservation and for planning and implementing nature-based river management methods.

Fish Diversity and Abundance Patterns in Small Watercourses of the Central European Plain Ecoregion in Relation to Environmental Factors

Because of their size, small depth, periodic drying out, and often lack of buffer zone, small watercourses are especially sensitive to environmental changes, anthropopressure, and biodegradation which makes them extremely prone to decline in biodiversity. Small watercourses can harbor many species of fish, including alien and invasive species. The objectives of this study were the assessment of environmental conditions, the determination of the number of fish species, their density and diversity in 10 small water courses of the European ecoregion ‘Central Plains’, and to estimate the effect of individual habitat parameters on the ichthyofauna. The total number of fish caught during the study was 9339, representing 33 species. Statistical analyses showed that the density of rheophilous fish was under the effect of flow velocity, discharge, width, depth, oxygen content, and pH; for the limnophilous species, the decisive factors were: discharge, depth, width, and P-PO4. The density of the euryoecious species was affected by depth, pH, electric conductivity (EC), oxygen, as well as N-NO3. All the species were significantly influenced by sandy substratum and the development of aquatic vegetation. Each guild, and even individual species, had their preferred habitat conditions, which is important for water management, renaturisation, and restitution.

Triggers for the Impoverishment of the Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Human-Impacted Rivers of Two Central European Ecoregions

Human activity triggers negative alternations in river habitats, including changes to the physical and chemical parameters of the water, its hydromorphological features and the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. These modifications are expected to be intensified by climate change. Eight rivers in one of the most urbanised and industrialised regions in Europe, i.e. the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, were surveyed in order to explain the impact of anthropopressure on the distribution of macroinvertebrates. Conductivity, altitude, hydromorphological transformations, hardness, the organic matter content and certain fractions of benthic sediments significantly affect (p < 0.01) the occurrence of macroinvertebrates in Central European rivers. Our results proved that the hydromorphological transformation of watercourses, which is expressed by the relevant indices, is one of the most predictive factors that contribute to the distribution of macroinvertebrates. Anthropogenic inland waters that have been salinised by the discharge of hard coal mine waters create new habitats for brackish and marine species that replace native freshwater species. An increase in salinity causes an impoverishment of macroinvertebrate biodiversity therefore all possible actions should be taken to reduce the anthropogenic salinity of inland waters. Secondary saline rivers may prove to be prescient for climate-induced changes to river macroinvertebrates.

Marine Biofouling: A European Database for the Marine Renewable Energy Sector

Biofouling is a major problem shared among all maritime sectors employing submerged structures where it leads to substantially increased costs and lowered operational lifespans if poorly addressed. Insight into the ongoing processes at the relevant marine locations is key to effective management of biofouling. Of specific concern for the marine renewable energy (MRE) sector is the fact that information on biofouling composition and magnitude across geographies is dispersed throughout published papers and consulting reports. To enable rapid access to relevant key biofouling events the present work describes a European biofouling database to support the MRE sector and other maritime industries. The database compiles in one document qualitative and quantitative data for challenging biofouling groups, including non-native species associated with MRE and related marine equipment, in different European Ecoregions. It provides information on the occurrence of fouling species and data on key biofouling parameters, such as biofouling thickness and weight. The database aims to aid the MRE sector and offshore industries in understanding which biofouling communities their devices are more susceptible to at a given site, to facilitate informed decisions. In addition, the biofouling mapping is useful for the development of biosecurity risk management plans as well as academic research.

A generic framework to assess the representation and protection of benthic ecosystems in European marine protected areas

Abstract There is concern across the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) region that a consideration of vulnerable components and the wider support mechanisms underpinning benthic marine ecosystems may be lacking from the process of marine protected area (MPA) designation, management and monitoring. In this study, MPAs across six European ecoregions were assessed from a benthic ecology perspective. The study included 102 MPAs, designated by 10 countries, and focused on three aspects regarding the role of the benthos in: (i) the designation of MPAs; (ii) the management measures used in MPAs; and (iii) the monitoring and assessment of MPAs. Qualitative entries to a questionnaire based on an existing framework (EU project ‘Monitoring Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas’, (MESMA) were collected by 19 benthic experts of the ICES Benthic Ecology Working Group. A pedigree matrix was used to apply a numerical scale (score) to these entries. The results showed clear differences in scores between ecoregions and between criteria. The designation‐phase criteria generally achieved higher scores than the implementation‐phase criteria. Poor designation‐phase scores were generally reiterated in the implementation‐phase scores, such as scores for assessment and monitoring. Over 70% of the MPA case studies were found to consider the benthos to some extent during selection and designation; however, this was not followed up with appropriate management measures and good practice during the implementation phase. Poor spatial and temporal coverage of monitoring and ineffective indicators is unlikely to pick up changes caused by management measures in the MPA. There is concern that without adequate monitoring and adaptive management frameworks, the MPAs will be compromised. Also, there could be an increased likelihood that, with regard to the benthos, they will fail to meet their conservation objectives. This assessment was successful in highlighting issues related to the representation and protection of the benthos in MPAs and where changes need to be made, such as expanding the characterization and monitoring of benthic species or habitats of interest. These issues could be attributable to an ongoing process and/or an indication that some MPAs only have ‘paper protection’.

Aquatic mesocosms exposed to a fungicide in warm and cold temperate European climate zones: Long-term macroinvertebrate response

At present, the European Union legislation facilitates the use of similar pesticides among European Member States, thereby assuming that biodiversity and ecosystems have equal sensitivities to contaminants throughout the whole of Europe. However, with this assumption, fundamental environmental and biological differences between climatic zones are being ignored in Environmental Risk Assessment. Such differences may strongly influence the behaviour of contaminants, their effects on biodiversity and on the natural functioning of ecosystems. Furthermore, toxicity testing in European ecoregions other than cold-temperate has largely depended on standardized tests using cold-temperate species and conditions, which may lead to a false estimation of risks to organisms from other ecoregions. The present study aim was to determine the response of freshwater macroinvertebrate communities to the fungicide pyrimethanil by conducting aquatic mesocosm experiments in two different ecoregions with different climates: cold-temperate (Frankfurt, Germany) and warm-temperate (Coimbra, Portugal). The results indicate that the community in the cold-temperate climate was more sensitive to the fungicide in comparison to the warm-temperate community. This difference was most likely related to a different rate of fungicide disappearance, which was slower in the colder climate. Based upon our results we discuss important implications for improving Environmental Risk Assessment across climate zones and under present-day global climate change scenarios.

Long-term effects of the fungicide pyrimethanil on aquatic primary producers in macrophyte-dominated outdoor mesocosms in two European ecoregions

Even though empirical data supporting sound ecoregion-specific ecotoxicological evaluations are still scarce, the differences of environmental (including climatic) conditions in specific ecoregions are already currently being regulated for environmental risk assessment of pesticides in Europe. To shed new light on the ecotoxicological effects of pesticides on aquatic communities across ecoregions, the model pollutant pyrimethanil (fungicide) was tested in an outdoor mesocosm study with macrophyte-dominated communities in the European “South” (Portugal) and “Centre” (Germany) regulatory zones. Phytoplankton indicators monitored over 12 months indicated a low risk of the fungicide (0.73 or 0.77 mg pyrimethanil L−1, single application) to phytoplankton functioning; as expected since exposure simulated worst-case scenarios. However, the growth of key structural macroalgae and macrophytes was affected by the fungicide and negative effects occurred, especially in the Central zone experiment. Such effects were not detected earlier than approximately nine months post single pyrimethanil application. The presence or absence of such extremely long-lasting/delayed pyrimethanil effects depended on species, competitive situation, and ecoregion-specific physico-chemical environment. The present findings suggest that a better understanding of both direct and indirect effects of fungicide pollution on aquatic flora in two European ecoregions helps to consolidate the environmental risk assessment of pesticides in specific regulatory zones.

Climate change impacts on ecologically relevant hydrological indicators in three catchments in three European ecoregions

Freshwater species are adapted to and depend on various discharge conditions, such as 32 indicators of hydrologic alteration (IHA). Knowing how these indicators will be altered under climate change is essential for predicting species response and to develop mitigation concepts. The simulation of IHA under climate change is subject to considerable uncertainties which should be considered to obtain credible and robust predictions. Therefore, we investigated the major uncertainties inherent in climate change data and processing: general circulation model (GCM) and regional climate model (RCM) choice, representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenario, bias correction (BC) method, all within three mesoscale catchments in the European ecoregions: Central Plains, Central Highlands, and Alpine. Highest uncertainties were caused by the GCM and RCM choice, followed by the type of BC and the RCP. For the prediction, we reduced these uncertainties tailored to the ideal depiction of the IHA in each ecoregion. Together with a significance test, this enabled a robust depiction of the change in IHA for two future time periods. We found diverging changes within the ecoregions, caused by the complex interaction between precipitation, temperature and the governing catchment hydrological processes. The results provide an important basis for further impact research, especially for ecological freshwater studies.

The larvae of Rhyacophila tsurakiana Malicky 1984, Rhyacophila gudrunae Malicky 1972, and Rhyacophila biegelmeieri Malicky 1984, including an update for the larval key to the Greek species of genus Rhyacophila Stephens 1836 (Rhyacophilidae, Trichoptera).

Based on adults, mature pupae, and larvae sampled at the same sites on mainland Greece and on the Greek islands of Kerkyra (Corfu) and Crete, the previously unknown larval stages of Rhyacophila tsurakiana Malicky 1984, R. gudrunae Malicky 1972, and R. biegelmeieri Malicky 1984 could be associated and identified. This material enabled us to describe and illustrate the final instar larvae of these three species, and to extract reliable diagnostic characters updating the existing larval key to the Greek species of genus Rhyacophila Stephens 1836 (Karaouzas et.al. 2015). In the context of this key, R. tsurakiana (together with R. tristis Pictet 1834 and R. obtusa Klapálek 1894) lacks abdominal gills; the three species can be separated by the shape of the dorsal sclerite of abdominal segment IX and by anal proleg morphology. Rhyacophila gudrunae is the only Greek species so far where larvae are fitted with one four-filament gill on each body side of the abdomen. Finally, R. biegelmeieri has one tufted multifilament gill on each body side and can be separated from four other species sharing this gill morphology by coloration patterns and head widths; however, separation from R. nubila Zetterstedt 1840 and R. palmeni McLachlan 1879 is not yet possible. Rhyacophila tsurakiana and R. biegelmeieri are large-scale endemic caddisfly species of European Ecoregion 6 (Hellenic Western Balkan), whereas R. gudrunae is a micro-endemic species of this region and restricted to the island of Crete (Malicky 2005b; Graf et al. 2008).

Status and rebuilding of European fisheries

Since January 2014, the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union is legally binding for all Member States. It prescribes the end of overfishing and the rebuilding of all stocks above levels that can produce maximum sustainable yields (MSY). This study examines the current status, exploitation pattern, required time for rebuilding, future catch, and future profitability for 397 European stocks. Fishing pressure and biomass were estimated from 2000 to the last year with available data in 10 European ecoregions and 2 wide ranging regions. In the last year with available data, 69% of the 397 stocks were subject to ongoing overfishing and 51% of the stocks were outside of safe biological limits. Only 12% of the stocks fulfilled the prescriptions of the CFP. Fishing pressure has decreased since 2000 in some ecoregions but not in others. Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea have the highest percentage (>60%) of sustainably exploited stocks that are capable of producing MSY. In contrast, in the Mediterranean Sea, fewer than 20% of the stocks are exploited sustainably. Overfishing is still widespread in European waters and current management, which aims at maximum sustainable exploitation, is unable to rebuild the depleted stocks and results in poor profitability. This study examines four future exploitation scenarios that are compatible with the CFP. It finds that exploitation levels of 50–80% of the maximum will rebuild stocks and lead to higher catches than currently obtained, with substantially higher profits for the fishers.

The larvae of Sericostoma sasbaddes Malicky 2010, S. maclachlanianum Costa 1884, S. clypeatum Hagen 1864, and S. siculum McLachlan 1876 (Trichoptera: Sericostomatidae), including a preliminary key to the Sericostomatidae larvae of European Ecoregion 3 (Italy, Corsica, and Malta)

Caddisfly samples collected from Corsica, Sardinia, and the Italian mainland included the adults of Sericostoma sasbaddes Malicky 2010, S. maclachlanianum Costa 1884, S. clypeatum Hagen 1864, and S. siculum McLachlan 1876. This material, combined with the unique distribution patterns of the four species, enabled the association of the final instar Sericostoma larvae collected at the same locations. Larvae of the two species from Sardinia (S. sasbaddes, S. maclachlanianum) can be separated by the number of bifurcate setae on each pleuron VIII. The two other species are geographically well separated: S. clypeatum is the only Sericostoma species present in Corsica, whereas S. siculum is confined to the Southern Italian Provinces including Sicily. Morphological characters from the larval descriptions have been used for constructing a preliminary larval key to the hitherto known Sericostomatidae species from European Ecoregion 3 (Italy, Corsica, and Malta).

Description of the larva of Adicella cremisa Malicky 1972 and a larval key to Central European species of Adicella McLachlan 1877 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae)

This contribution describes the previously unknown larva of Adicella cremisa Malicky 1972. Information on the morphology of the 5th larval instar is given and the important diagnostic features are highlighted on micrographs. Within the genus Adicella the hitherto known larvae differ in color patterns of the head capsule, the morphology of the posterior process of abdominal segment I, and in setation patterns on the metanotum, metasternum, abdominal segment IX, and anal prolegs. With respect to zoogeography, A. filicornis and A. reducta are widespread throughout Europe whereas A. cremisa is restricted to European Ecoregions 3 (Italian Mainland), 5 (Dinaric Western Balkan: Slovenia, Croatia), 9 (Central Highlands: Austria) and 11 (Hungarian Plains; Vienna). Based on mandible morphology, A. cremisa is likely a collector-gatherer and shredder.

ОСЕЛИЩНА КОНЦЕПЦІЯ У ВИРІШЕННІ ПРОБЛЕМИ ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ BISON BONASUS В ЄВРОПІ ТА УКРАЇНІ

The principles of the habitat concept of biodiversity protection and features of the organization of the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) are outlined. EUNIS covers a wide range of habitats from natural to artificial, from terrestrial to freshwater and marine. It forms a single classification scheme for the entire European space. The factors that influence on bison (Bison bonasus) existence are determined. According to the classification of the WWF, an overview of such ecoregions as Central European mixed forests, East European forest steppe, Pontic steppe, Carpathian montane forests, Crimean Submediterranean forest complex, Pannonian mixed forests. It was investigated that according to the conditions of the Bison bonasus existence among the listed ecoregions, the most favored on the territory of Ukraine are Central Europeanmixedforests. Habitats of Bison bonasus in Europe, which are included in the ecological network Natura 2000, namely Bieszczady, Puszcza Białowieska, Bukovské vrchy, Laborecká vrchovina, Mirosławiec, Jezioro Lubie i Dolina Drawy, Beskyd, Jezioro Wielki Bytyń, Wolin i Uznam, Ostoja Knyszyńska, Ostoja Borecka, Bukovské vrchy, Puszcza nad Gwdą, Jelonka, are established. Of these, 4 are fully and 3 partially located within the ecoregion Central European mixed forests (in full – Puszcza Białowieska, Ostoja Knyszyńska, Ostoja Borecka, Jelonka; partly - Mirosławiec, Jezioro Lubiei Dolina Drawy, Puszcza nad Gwda).It is substantiated that the conservation of bison as a species depends on the possibility of creating large herds existing in the natural environment, which are characterized by maximum genetic diversity. The minimum number of individuals in the bison stage for residence is set. Geosystems which are actual and potential habitats of Bison bonasus within the Ukrainian part of the Central European mixed forestsecoregion and can be added to the European system of protection of Bison bonasus are identified. A map of potential bison habitats within the Ukrainian part of the Central European mixed forests ecoregion is presented.

Chronic toxicity of aluminum, at a pH of 6, to freshwater organisms: Empirical data for the development of international regulatory standards/criteria.

The chemistry, bioavailability, and toxicity of aluminum (Al) in the aquatic environment are complex and affected by a wide range of water quality characteristics (including pH, hardness, and dissolved organic carbon). Data gaps in Al ecotoxicology exist for pH ranges representative of natural surface waters (pH 6-8). To address these gaps, a series of chronic toxicity tests were performed at pH 6 with 8 freshwater species, including 2 fish (Pimephales promelas and Danio rerio), an oligochaete (Aeolosoma sp.), a rotifer (Brachionus calyciflorus), a snail (Lymnaea stagnalis), an amphipod (Hyalella azteca), a midge (Chironomus riparius), and an aquatic plant (Lemna minor). The 10% effect concentrations (EC10s) ranged from 98 μg total Al/L for D. rerio to 2175 μg total Al/L for L. minor. From these data and additional published data, species-sensitivity distributions (SSDs) were developed to derive concentrations protective of 95% of tested species (i.e., 50% lower confidence limit of a 5th percentile hazard concentration [HC5-50]). A generic HC5-50 (not adjusted for bioavailability) of 74.4 μg total Al/L was estimated using the SSD. An Al-specific biotic ligand model (BLM) was used to develop SSDs normalized for bioavailability based on site-specific water quality characteristics. Normalized HC5-50s ranged from 93.7 to 534 μg total Al/L for waters representing a range of European ecoregions, whereas a chronic HC5 calculated using US Environmental Protection Agency aquatic life criteria methods (i.e., a continuous criterion concentration [CCC]) was 125 μg total Al/L when normalized to Lake Superior water in the United States. The HC5-50 and CCC values for site-specific waters other than those in the present study can be obtained using the Al BLM. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:36-48. © 2017 SETAC.

Aquatic dance flies (Diptera, Empididae, Clinocerinae and Hemerodromiinae) of Greece: species richness, distribution and description of five new species

All records of aquatic dance flies (37 species in subfamily Clinocerinae and 10 species in subfamily Hemerodromiinae) from the territory of Greece are summarized, including previously unpublished data and data on five newly described species (Chelifera horvati Ivković & Sinclair, sp. n., Wiedemannia iphigeniae Ivković & Sinclair, sp. n., W. ljerkae Ivković & Sinclair, sp. n., W. nebulosa Ivković & Sinclair, sp. n. and W. pseudoberthelemyi Ivković & Sinclair, sp. n.). The new species are described and illustrated, the male terminalia of Clinocera megalatlantica (Vaillant) are illustrated and the distributions of all species within Greece are listed. The aquatic Empididae fauna of Greece consists of 47 species, with the following described species reported for the first time: Chelifera angusta Collin, Hemerodromia melangyna Collin, Clinocera megalatlantica, Kowarzia plectrum (Mik), Phaeobalia dimidiata (Loew), W. (Chamaedipsia) beckeri (Mik), W. (Philolutra) angelieri Vaillant and W. (P.) chvali Joost. A key to species of aquatic Empididae of Greece is provided for the first time. Information related to the European Ecoregions in which species were found is given. Compared to the other studied countries in the Balkans, the Greek species assemblage is most similar to that of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Macrophyte and macroinvertebrate patterns in unimpacted mountain rivers of two European ecoregions

The aim of the study was to compare the patterns of development of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates in different types of reference mountain rivers. The study is based on reference river sites surveyed throughout the mountains in Poland and Slovakia in two European ecoregions (9—Central Highlands, 10—The Carpathians). A wide range of environmental variables were estimated, including water chemistry, hydromorphology, geology, and the spatial factor. Based on the Jaccard index, macrophyte and macroinvertebrate variation was confirmed between four mountain and upland river types. It was found that the biological diversification is mainly influenced by geological and associated chemical factors. In the case of macroinvertebrates, additionally, the importance of the spatial factor was revealed (difference between ecoregions). Finally, the habitat preferences of various taxa were identified. It was found that extreme mountain conditions can sometimes distort bioindicative response, as was detected in the case of macroinvertebrates in the highest mountain sites. We concluded that consideration of two groups of organisms enables more comprehensive and reliable monitoring than assessment based on a single group, especially when standard bioindicative methods can be distorted by extreme local conditions.