Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.065
Title (Primary) Assessing the impact of chemical pollution on benthic invertebrates from three different European rivers using a weight-of-evidence approach
Author Wolfram, G.; Höss, S.; Orendt, C.; Schmitt, C.; Adámek, Z.; Bandow, N.; Großschartner, M.; Kukkonen, J.V.K.; Leloup, V.; López-Doval, J.C.; Muñoz, I.; Traunspurger, W.; Tuikka, A.; Van Liefferinge, C.; von der Ohe, P.C.; de Deckere, E.
Source Titel Science of the Total Environment
Year 2012
Department WANA
Volume 438
Issue 1
Page From 498
Page To 509
Language englisch
Keywords Benthic macroinvertebrates; Nematodes; Chemical pollution; Bioassays; Sediment-quality triad (SQT); Weight of evidence (WoE)
Abstract The aim of this study was to combine different lines of evidence on the impact of chemical pollution on benthic invertebrate communities in three European river basins (Elbe, Scheldt, and Llobregat). The study integrates chemical analyses, a battery of different sediment toxicity tests, and field data from soft-sediment meio- and macrobenthic fauna within a sediment-quality triad in which chironomids, oligochaetes, and nematodes are identified on the species level. The use of TU (toxic units) and msPAF (multi-substance potentially affected fraction) in an approach assessing the chemical impact as well as the integration of sediment toxicity tests with bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), benthic invertebrates (Caenorhabditis elegans, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, Lumbriculus variegatus, Chironomus riparius), and fish embryos (Danio rerio), together with univariate and non-parametric multivariate statistical analyses of the biological data revealed significant differences between unpolluted and polluted sites in all three river basins. To combine the different results obtained in the sediment-quality triad, a scoring system was successfully developed based on a simple algorithm. This system provides an easily understandable scheme for non-experts among decision makers and water managers.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=12865
Wolfram, G., Höss, S., Orendt, C., Schmitt, C., Adámek, Z., Bandow, N., Großschartner, M., Kukkonen, J.V.K., Leloup, V., López-Doval, J.C., Muñoz, I., Traunspurger, W., Tuikka, A., Van Liefferinge, C., von der Ohe, P.C., de Deckere, E. (2012):
Assessing the impact of chemical pollution on benthic invertebrates from three different European rivers using a weight-of-evidence approach
Sci. Total Environ. 438 (1), 498 - 509 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.065