Diatom indicators of fluctuating/intermittent discharge from springs in two Bavarian nature conservation areas
Cantonati, M.; Casoria, C.; Gerecke, R.; Bilous, O.P.; Maisto, G.; Segadelli, S.; Spitale, D.; Steinbauer, A.; Vogel, S.; Saber, A.A. (2023). Diatom indicators of fluctuating/intermittent discharge from springs in two Bavarian nature conservation areas. Diversity 15(8): 915. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d15080915
In: Diversity. MDPI: Basel. ISSN 1424-2818; e-ISSN 1424-2818, more
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| Keywords |
Bacillariophyceae [WoRMS]
Fresh water |
| Author keywords |
diatoms; springs; ecological characteristics; climate change effects; discharge variability; Rhön Biosphere Reserve; Steigerwald Nature Park |
| Authors | | Top |
- Cantonati, M.
- Casoria, C.
- Gerecke, R.
- Bilous, O.P.
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- Maisto, G.
- Segadelli, S.
- Spitale, D.
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- Steinbauer, A.
- Vogel, S.
- Saber, A.A.
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| Abstract |
As a follow-up to the project “Springs in the Bavarian National Parks as Indicators of Climate Change (SpringNPB)”, a standard methodology for using springs as sentinel environments of climate change was transferred to the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve and other Bavarian middle-elevation mountain ranges. We studied diatoms from fifteen springs selected in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (9) and Steigerwald Nature Park (6). A total of 127 species belonging to 40 genera were found sampling 3 microhabitat types (lithic materials, hygrophilous or aquatic vegetation, and surface sediments). The cumulative percentage of endangered species according to the Red List was 41.5%. These very shaded, low–medium conductivity, low-discharge forest springs are fed by small surficial aquifers. As a consequence, the discharge fluctuates widely, and some springs even occasionally fall dry. Our results could contribute to the use of diatoms as indicators of discharge variability/desiccation in springs: springs affected by discharge variability have lower diatom species richness and distinct diatom communities; diatom indicators and metrics can be validated using invertebrates; larger databases will be necessary to identify the most suitable diatom indicators. |
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