Trend Analysis in Ecological Status and Macrophytic Characterization of Watercourses: Case of the Semois-Chiers Basin, Belgium Wallonia
Affiliation(s)
Department of Environmental Sciences and Management (DSGE), University of Liege, Arlon, Belgium.
Department of Environmental Sciences and Management (DSGE), University of Liege, Arlon, Belgium.
ABSTRACT
In order to analyze the distribution and evolution of the aquatic vegetation and ecological status of the Semois-Chiers basin (Semois sub-basin and Chiers sub-basin), macrophyte surveys were conducted at 48 sites in 2007 and 2013. Environmental parameters were also measured in order to characterize the waterbodies in terms of physico-chemical properties and anthropogenic pressure. The two-way clustering and indicator value (INDVAL) methods were used to assess groups of sites according to their macrophytic composition and species communities. The results showed a clear difference between streams in the Lorraine area (calcareous watercourses) and in the Ardennes (siliceous). Within each natural region, those with natural vegetation of high ecological status were separated from those dominated by resistant species. The Macrophytical Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) was calculated for the sites visited in 2010 and 2013 and the results show a trend towards an increase of IBMR values of polluted sites. For the latter, the Wilcoxon test was performed to assess the significance of the difference in quality between 2010 and 2013. This showed a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.035). Our results showed similarities with previous data, as well as some differences. The differences observed might indicate a gradual change in the composition of the vegetation in the study area, which was caused by changes in environmental conditions. They could also reflect a lack of information about the ecology of certain groups of plants, mainly bryophytes and macroalgae that were not considered in previous studies. Despite the measures implemented under the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), the current vegetation of the Semois river differs little from that observed in 1996. The headwaters of a Semois river, described in previous studies as polytrophic and devoid of vegetation, show a slight improvement, with the appearance of macrophytic species. In some parts of the Chiers sub-basin, however, resistant species observed in 1999 persist.
In order to analyze the distribution and evolution of the aquatic vegetation and ecological status of the Semois-Chiers basin (Semois sub-basin and Chiers sub-basin), macrophyte surveys were conducted at 48 sites in 2007 and 2013. Environmental parameters were also measured in order to characterize the waterbodies in terms of physico-chemical properties and anthropogenic pressure. The two-way clustering and indicator value (INDVAL) methods were used to assess groups of sites according to their macrophytic composition and species communities. The results showed a clear difference between streams in the Lorraine area (calcareous watercourses) and in the Ardennes (siliceous). Within each natural region, those with natural vegetation of high ecological status were separated from those dominated by resistant species. The Macrophytical Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) was calculated for the sites visited in 2010 and 2013 and the results show a trend towards an increase of IBMR values of polluted sites. For the latter, the Wilcoxon test was performed to assess the significance of the difference in quality between 2010 and 2013. This showed a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.035). Our results showed similarities with previous data, as well as some differences. The differences observed might indicate a gradual change in the composition of the vegetation in the study area, which was caused by changes in environmental conditions. They could also reflect a lack of information about the ecology of certain groups of plants, mainly bryophytes and macroalgae that were not considered in previous studies. Despite the measures implemented under the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), the current vegetation of the Semois river differs little from that observed in 1996. The headwaters of a Semois river, described in previous studies as polytrophic and devoid of vegetation, show a slight improvement, with the appearance of macrophytic species. In some parts of the Chiers sub-basin, however, resistant species observed in 1999 persist.
Cite this paper
Khadija, S. , Francis, R. and Bernard, T. (2015) Trend Analysis in Ecological Status and Macrophytic Characterization of Watercourses: Case of the Semois-Chiers Basin, Belgium Wallonia. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 7, 988-1000. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2015.713080.
Khadija, S. , Francis, R. and Bernard, T. (2015) Trend Analysis in Ecological Status and Macrophytic Characterization of Watercourses: Case of the Semois-Chiers Basin, Belgium Wallonia. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 7, 988-1000. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2015.713080.
References
[1] Pire, L. (1864) Third Herborization of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 3, 314-335. [2] Crépin, F. (1881) Account of the XIX General Herborization of Royal Botanical Society of Belgium. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 20, 128-142. [3] Verhulst, A. (1923) Proceedings of the Herborization Carried out in the Valley of the Semois, 19, 20 and 21 June 1921. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 55, 62-68. [4] Lambinon, J. and De Sloover, J.L. (1965) Trip of 21 July 1965 to Rochehaut Poupehan and North of Vresse. Natura Mosana, 18, 93-95. [5] Lambinon, J. (1966) Cotoneasler integerrimus and Saxifraga sponhemica between Chiny and Lacuisine. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 99, 377. [6] D’Ansembourg, V., De Zuttere, P., Louette, A., Matagne, G. and Parent G.H. (1967) Some Interesting Vascular Plants of Southern Ardennes and Jurassic District. Lejeunia N.S., 44,1-47. [7] Delvosalle, L., Demaret, F., Lambinon, J. and Lawalrée, A. (1969) Rare Extinct or Risk of Extinction Plants in Belgium: The Loss of Native Flora. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Administration, Department of Natural Reserves and Conservation of Nature Works, 4, 128 p. [8] Tanghe, M. (1968) Forest Vegetation in the Valley of the Ardennes Semois. Part I: Ecological Groups. Bulletin of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium, 44, 1-55. [9] Tanghe, M. (1970) Forest Vegetation of the Ardennes Semois Valley. Part Two: Forest Associations Stational of the Slope. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 46, 1-60. [10] Dethioux, M. (1969) A Short Note Describing the Tintigny Seat. 218W. Vegetation Map of Belgium, 44 p. [11] De Zuttere, P. (1969) Semois River Valley in Chiny. National Parks, 24, 17-19. [12] Duvigneaud, J. (1972) Flora and Vegetation of an Ardennes Valley. Valley Semoy in Thilay and Hautes-Rivières (Department of Ardennes, France). Natura Mosana, 25, 50-71. [13] De Zuttere, P. and Jaqemart, J. (avec la coll. de De Sloover) (1973) Excursion of 21 July, 1972 in the Natural Reserve of Bohan-Membre. Natura Mosana, 26, 43-45. [14] Parent, G.H. (1973) Chorologic and Ecological Notes on the Flora of the Province of Luxembourg. Lejeunia N.S., 68, 1-88. [15] Rappe, A., Marlier, G., Boosten, G., Devillers, P., Everaerts, G.-H., Parent, G.-H., Symoens, J.-J. and Vanden Berghen, C. (1973) The Site of Conques. Belgium Naturalistes, 54, 396-400. [16] Symoens, J.-J. and Vanden Berghen, C. (1974) The Association with Eleocharis soloniensis (Dubois) Harain Conques (Ste.-Cécile, Belgian Luxembourg). Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 107, 285-290. [17] Noirfalise, A. and Dethioux, M. (1977) Synopsis of Aquatic Vegetation of Fresh Water in Belgium. Communication of Forest Ecology and Rural Centre (Gembloux) N.S., 14-25. [18] Parent, G.H. and Thoen, D. (1982) Chorologic and Ecological Notes on the Flora of the Province of Luxembourg. Lejeunia N.S., 108, 1-41. [19] Thoen, D. (1984) The Flora and Vegetation of the Bouillon Castle and Its Surrounding Area (Province of Luxembourg, Belgium). National Parks, 33, 39-50. [20] Dethoux, M. and Noirfalise, A. (1985) Rheophile Groups with Aquatic Ranunculus in Middle and High Belgium. Tuexenia, 5, 31-39. [21] Dethioux, M. (1989) Noteon Semois Vegetation. Tribune de l’eau, 42, 12-14. [22] Saintenoy-Simon, J. (1994) Over the Ardennes Semois Some Recent Botanical Observation. Adoxa, 2, 7-12. [23] Thoen, D., Roussel, L. and Nicolas, J. (1996) Studies of Vascular Aquatic Macrophytes Groups of Semois Related to the Overall Water and Environment Quality. Ecologie, 27, 223-232. [24] Symoens, J.P. (1957) Running Waters of the Ardenne and Neighboring Areas: Environments and Their Algal Vegetation. Bulletin de la Société Royale de Botanique de Belgique, 89, 1-111. [25] Dethioux, M. (1991) Watercourses of Wallonia: Physical and Floristic Characteristics—Principles and Verduration Techniques. 141. [26] Sossey-Alaoui, K. (1999) Contribution to the Assessment of Aquatic and Riparian Vegetation of the Ton Watershed in Relation to the Aquatic Environment Quality. Post-Graduate Diploma (DEA) in Environmental Sciences, Department of Science and Environmental Management, University of Liege (ex. FUL), 227 p. [27] Sossey-Alaoui, K. and Rosillon, F. (2013) Macrophytic Distribution and Trophic State of Some Natural and Impacted Watercourses—Belgium Wallonia. International Journal of Water Sciences, 2, 1-11.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/56609 [28] Galoux, D., Cherot, F., Rosillon, F. and Sossey-Alaoui, K. (2015). Contribution to the Macrophytic Typology of Belgian Reference Watercourses. Advances in Botany, 2015, Article ID: 651369. [29] Afnor (2003) Qualité de l’eau Détermination de l’indice biologique macrophytique en rivière (IBMR). Association Française de Normalisation T90-395, 28. [30] McCune, B. and Grace, J.B. (2002) PCORD Analysis of Ecological Communities. MJM Software Design, Gleneden Beach. [31] Dufrene, M. and Legendre, P. (1997) Species Assemblages and Indicator Species: The Need for a Flexible Asymmetrical Approach. Ecological Monographs, 67, 345-366.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2963459 [32] Haury, J., Peltre, M.C., Tremolières, M., Barbe, J., Thiebaut, G., Berne, L., Daniel, H., Chatenet, P., Muller, S., Dutartre, A., Laplace Treyture, C., Cazaubon, A. and Lambert Servien, E. (2002) A Method Involving Macrophytes to Assess Water Trophy and Organic Pollution: The Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR)—Application to Different Types of Rivers and Pollutions. In: Montel, D.M.H., Eds., Proceedings of the 11th EWRS International Symposium on Aquatic Weeds, Moliets Et Maa, 2-6 September 2002, 247-250. [33] Vanden Bossche, J.P. and Usseglio-Polatera, P. (2005) Characterization Ecological Status and Type-Specific Reference Conditions of Surface Water Bodies in Wallonia (Belgium) Using Biocenotic Metrics Based on Benthic Invertebrate Communities. Hydrobiologia, 551, 253-271.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-4465-y [34] Vander Borght, P. (1982) Physico-Chemical Study of Semois for a Quality Management. PhD Thesis, Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise, Arlon, 264 p. [35] Bostrom, B. (1988) Relations between Chemistry, Microbial Biomass and Activity in Sediments of a Sewage-Polluted vs. a Nonpolluted Eutrophic Lake. Verhandlungen des Internationalen Verein Limnologie, 23, 451-459. [36] Enell, M. and Löfgren, S. (1988) Phosphorus in Interstitial Water: Methods and Dynamics. Hydrobiologia, 170, 103-132.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00024901 [37] Dethioux, M. (1980) Riparianglyceraies of Belgium. Natura Mosana, 33, 128-136. [38] Wiegleb, G. (1983) Methodological Research on Plant Communities of Running Waters. In: Géhu, J.M., Ed., Aquatic Plants and Amphibians, Colloques Phytosociologiques, 10 Cramer, Vaduz, 68-83. [39] Carbiener, R., Trémolières, M., Mercier, J.L. and Ortschieit, A. (1990) Aquatic Macrophytes Communities as Bioindicators of Eutrophication in Calcareous Oligosaprobe Stream Waters (Upper Rhine Plain, Alsace). Vegetatio, 86, 71-88.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00045135 [40] Haury, J. and Peltre, M.C. (1993) Advantages and Limitations of “Macrophytic Indexes” to Describe Mesology and Physico-Chemistry of Streams: Armoricains, Picardy and Lorraine Examples. Annales de Limnologie, 29, 239-253.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/limn/1993020 [41] Grasmuck, N., Haury, J., Leglize, L. and Muller, S. (1995) Assessment of the Bio-Indicator Capacity of Aquatic Macrophytes Using Multivariate Analysis. Hydrobiologia, 300-301, 115-122.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00024453
[1] Pire, L. (1864) Third Herborization of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 3, 314-335. [2] Crépin, F. (1881) Account of the XIX General Herborization of Royal Botanical Society of Belgium. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 20, 128-142. [3] Verhulst, A. (1923) Proceedings of the Herborization Carried out in the Valley of the Semois, 19, 20 and 21 June 1921. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 55, 62-68. [4] Lambinon, J. and De Sloover, J.L. (1965) Trip of 21 July 1965 to Rochehaut Poupehan and North of Vresse. Natura Mosana, 18, 93-95. [5] Lambinon, J. (1966) Cotoneasler integerrimus and Saxifraga sponhemica between Chiny and Lacuisine. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 99, 377. [6] D’Ansembourg, V., De Zuttere, P., Louette, A., Matagne, G. and Parent G.H. (1967) Some Interesting Vascular Plants of Southern Ardennes and Jurassic District. Lejeunia N.S., 44,1-47. [7] Delvosalle, L., Demaret, F., Lambinon, J. and Lawalrée, A. (1969) Rare Extinct or Risk of Extinction Plants in Belgium: The Loss of Native Flora. Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Administration, Department of Natural Reserves and Conservation of Nature Works, 4, 128 p. [8] Tanghe, M. (1968) Forest Vegetation in the Valley of the Ardennes Semois. Part I: Ecological Groups. Bulletin of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium, 44, 1-55. [9] Tanghe, M. (1970) Forest Vegetation of the Ardennes Semois Valley. Part Two: Forest Associations Stational of the Slope. Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 46, 1-60. [10] Dethioux, M. (1969) A Short Note Describing the Tintigny Seat. 218W. Vegetation Map of Belgium, 44 p. [11] De Zuttere, P. (1969) Semois River Valley in Chiny. National Parks, 24, 17-19. [12] Duvigneaud, J. (1972) Flora and Vegetation of an Ardennes Valley. Valley Semoy in Thilay and Hautes-Rivières (Department of Ardennes, France). Natura Mosana, 25, 50-71. [13] De Zuttere, P. and Jaqemart, J. (avec la coll. de De Sloover) (1973) Excursion of 21 July, 1972 in the Natural Reserve of Bohan-Membre. Natura Mosana, 26, 43-45. [14] Parent, G.H. (1973) Chorologic and Ecological Notes on the Flora of the Province of Luxembourg. Lejeunia N.S., 68, 1-88. [15] Rappe, A., Marlier, G., Boosten, G., Devillers, P., Everaerts, G.-H., Parent, G.-H., Symoens, J.-J. and Vanden Berghen, C. (1973) The Site of Conques. Belgium Naturalistes, 54, 396-400. [16] Symoens, J.-J. and Vanden Berghen, C. (1974) The Association with Eleocharis soloniensis (Dubois) Harain Conques (Ste.-Cécile, Belgian Luxembourg). Bulletin of the Royal Botanical Society of Belgium, 107, 285-290. [17] Noirfalise, A. and Dethioux, M. (1977) Synopsis of Aquatic Vegetation of Fresh Water in Belgium. Communication of Forest Ecology and Rural Centre (Gembloux) N.S., 14-25. [18] Parent, G.H. and Thoen, D. (1982) Chorologic and Ecological Notes on the Flora of the Province of Luxembourg. Lejeunia N.S., 108, 1-41. [19] Thoen, D. (1984) The Flora and Vegetation of the Bouillon Castle and Its Surrounding Area (Province of Luxembourg, Belgium). National Parks, 33, 39-50. [20] Dethoux, M. and Noirfalise, A. (1985) Rheophile Groups with Aquatic Ranunculus in Middle and High Belgium. Tuexenia, 5, 31-39. [21] Dethioux, M. (1989) Noteon Semois Vegetation. Tribune de l’eau, 42, 12-14. [22] Saintenoy-Simon, J. (1994) Over the Ardennes Semois Some Recent Botanical Observation. Adoxa, 2, 7-12. [23] Thoen, D., Roussel, L. and Nicolas, J. (1996) Studies of Vascular Aquatic Macrophytes Groups of Semois Related to the Overall Water and Environment Quality. Ecologie, 27, 223-232. [24] Symoens, J.P. (1957) Running Waters of the Ardenne and Neighboring Areas: Environments and Their Algal Vegetation. Bulletin de la Société Royale de Botanique de Belgique, 89, 1-111. [25] Dethioux, M. (1991) Watercourses of Wallonia: Physical and Floristic Characteristics—Principles and Verduration Techniques. 141. [26] Sossey-Alaoui, K. (1999) Contribution to the Assessment of Aquatic and Riparian Vegetation of the Ton Watershed in Relation to the Aquatic Environment Quality. Post-Graduate Diploma (DEA) in Environmental Sciences, Department of Science and Environmental Management, University of Liege (ex. FUL), 227 p. [27] Sossey-Alaoui, K. and Rosillon, F. (2013) Macrophytic Distribution and Trophic State of Some Natural and Impacted Watercourses—Belgium Wallonia. International Journal of Water Sciences, 2, 1-11.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/56609 [28] Galoux, D., Cherot, F., Rosillon, F. and Sossey-Alaoui, K. (2015). Contribution to the Macrophytic Typology of Belgian Reference Watercourses. Advances in Botany, 2015, Article ID: 651369. [29] Afnor (2003) Qualité de l’eau Détermination de l’indice biologique macrophytique en rivière (IBMR). Association Française de Normalisation T90-395, 28. [30] McCune, B. and Grace, J.B. (2002) PCORD Analysis of Ecological Communities. MJM Software Design, Gleneden Beach. [31] Dufrene, M. and Legendre, P. (1997) Species Assemblages and Indicator Species: The Need for a Flexible Asymmetrical Approach. Ecological Monographs, 67, 345-366.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2963459 [32] Haury, J., Peltre, M.C., Tremolières, M., Barbe, J., Thiebaut, G., Berne, L., Daniel, H., Chatenet, P., Muller, S., Dutartre, A., Laplace Treyture, C., Cazaubon, A. and Lambert Servien, E. (2002) A Method Involving Macrophytes to Assess Water Trophy and Organic Pollution: The Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR)—Application to Different Types of Rivers and Pollutions. In: Montel, D.M.H., Eds., Proceedings of the 11th EWRS International Symposium on Aquatic Weeds, Moliets Et Maa, 2-6 September 2002, 247-250. [33] Vanden Bossche, J.P. and Usseglio-Polatera, P. (2005) Characterization Ecological Status and Type-Specific Reference Conditions of Surface Water Bodies in Wallonia (Belgium) Using Biocenotic Metrics Based on Benthic Invertebrate Communities. Hydrobiologia, 551, 253-271.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-4465-y [34] Vander Borght, P. (1982) Physico-Chemical Study of Semois for a Quality Management. PhD Thesis, Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise, Arlon, 264 p. [35] Bostrom, B. (1988) Relations between Chemistry, Microbial Biomass and Activity in Sediments of a Sewage-Polluted vs. a Nonpolluted Eutrophic Lake. Verhandlungen des Internationalen Verein Limnologie, 23, 451-459. [36] Enell, M. and Löfgren, S. (1988) Phosphorus in Interstitial Water: Methods and Dynamics. Hydrobiologia, 170, 103-132.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00024901 [37] Dethioux, M. (1980) Riparianglyceraies of Belgium. Natura Mosana, 33, 128-136. [38] Wiegleb, G. (1983) Methodological Research on Plant Communities of Running Waters. In: Géhu, J.M., Ed., Aquatic Plants and Amphibians, Colloques Phytosociologiques, 10 Cramer, Vaduz, 68-83. [39] Carbiener, R., Trémolières, M., Mercier, J.L. and Ortschieit, A. (1990) Aquatic Macrophytes Communities as Bioindicators of Eutrophication in Calcareous Oligosaprobe Stream Waters (Upper Rhine Plain, Alsace). Vegetatio, 86, 71-88.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00045135 [40] Haury, J. and Peltre, M.C. (1993) Advantages and Limitations of “Macrophytic Indexes” to Describe Mesology and Physico-Chemistry of Streams: Armoricains, Picardy and Lorraine Examples. Annales de Limnologie, 29, 239-253.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/limn/1993020 [41] Grasmuck, N., Haury, J., Leglize, L. and Muller, S. (1995) Assessment of the Bio-Indicator Capacity of Aquatic Macrophytes Using Multivariate Analysis. Hydrobiologia, 300-301, 115-122.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00024453