Received 11 June 2015; accepted 30 August 2015; published 4 September 2015

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.

Keywords:

Macrophytes, Semois-Chiers Basin, WFD, IBMR, Ecological Quality

1. Introduction

Under the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (WFD), the ecological status of a water body is evaluated on the basis of three main factors: biology, physical chemistry and hydromorphology. Macrophytes are an essential element in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and are widely used in WFD work to assess ecological quality. In the Semois-Chiers basin, however, information on aquatic macrophytes is limited, apart from that in the work reported by [1] - [22] . Results from earlier studies on watercourses in this area were revised and updated by Thoen et al. [23] in a study conducted between 1993 and 1994.

Initiated in 1993 and focusing partly on a diachronic study of aquatic macrophytes as bio-indicators of water quality evolution in the Semois-Chiers basin, Thoen et al. [23] conducted an environmental study of the Semois river from its source to its confluence with the Meuse. The study brought together a great amount of new data on aquatic pond plants. Many species have since been reported for the first (or second) time in the Semois-Chiers basin. Thoen et al. [23] showed that there was a longitudinal succession of species along the Semois river and that this succession was determined by eco-chemical factors. They described macrophytic groups over a distance of 200 km based on an analysis of 218 botanical records. Although this study was important, it focused only on the main course of the Semois, not its tributaries, and only on the phanerogam group of plants.

In work carried out by Symoens [24] , Dethioux [25] and Sossey-Alaoui [26] , stream vegetation was defined in relation to physical descriptors and limited information was provided on the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Studies were also conducted on vascular plants and some information was provided on bryophytes and macroalgae. In these studies, the reference conditions were not specified and the communities studied included both sensitive and resistant species.

Despite these studies, the Semois-Chiers area remains under-surveyed. In terms of the regional distribution of many plant species, significant gaps remain and there is a need to update information in the light of recent changes in aquatic and semi-aquatic flora and of the results of WFD surveys. The gaps have arisen mainly because the aquatic vegetation of the area is difficult to study and often requires specialized equipment rarely used by botanists (high boots, canoes, rope with a grappling hook, and a curved-tooth trident with a telescopic arm).

Within the context of the WFD’s River Basin Management Plan, a measurement programme and monitoring network have been set up for each watershed. The Semois-Chiers waterbodies are covered by the Walloon network for monitoring surface water status. Between 2007 and 2013, this network undertook several macrophytic surveys of waterbodies [27] . The reference macrophytic communities were waterbodies classified by the Walloon Government as being areas showing little or no human impact [28] .

In order to improve water quality, and to work within the framework of the River Basin Management Plan, the Walloon Government has supported the construction and expansion of wastewater treatment plants. Between 2000 and 2013, 29 such plants, with a capacity of 117,025PE, were built in the Semois-Chiers basin.

In our study, we sought to analyze trends in the Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) values and macrophytic community characteristics by comparing previous results with those produced in 2013 within the context of the WFD. The specific objectives of the study were to: i) analyze the aquatic vegetation at 48 sites on various waterbodies in the Semois-Chiers basin; ii) define the characteristics of the macrophytic communities at these sites and identify their eco-chemical indicators; and iii) analyze trends in the IBMR values and macrophytic community in order to identify any changes in the status of these sites resulting from measures implemented under the WFD.

2. Materials and Methods

Study Area Sites

Our study focuses on 48 sites along various waterbodies in the Semois-Chiers basin, which is part of the Meuse river basin and covers an area of 1759.34 km², with the major rivers being the Chiers, Rulles, Semois and Vierre. The area comprises two distinct geological units: the Ardennes in the northern part of the basin and Lorraine in the southern part (Figure 1). The Ardennes area consists of schists, sandstone and quartzophyllade and is characterized by forests composed of deciduous and coniferous trees [27] . The Lorraine area consists of alternating impermeable (marl and clay) and permeable (conglomerates, sandstones, limestone and calcareous sandstones) ground. The alternating hard and soft layers of these deposits were originally eroded in formations called “cuestas”. The Lorraine area is suitable for agriculture, but the tops and slopes of the cuestas are covered by forest.

The sites surveyed were mostly part of the monitoring network of Walloon surface waters. They represent various geological situations and physicochemical and anthropogenic pressures of the area. Some sites analyzed in 1999 [26] were revisited in 2013. Figure 1 shows the distribution of the 48 sites analyzed in the Semois- Chiers basin. The sampling methodology was carried out using the IBMR protocol [29] . The length of the studied water sections was 100 m. The estimation of coverage is carried out and sub-divided into five classes of abundance (class 1: <0.1%, class 2: from 0.1% - 1%, class 3: from 1% - 10%, class 4: from 10% - 50%, class 5: from 50% - 100%). The estimation of plant cover was made for riverbed and margins as a whole.

The submerged macrophytes were surveyed twice during the main growing periods in 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2012?2013.

The physico-chemical parameters measured at 25 out of the 48 sites were: complete alcalimetric title (CTA) (˚F); conductivity (µS/cm) (microSiemens/cm); calcium (mg/l); orthophosphate (mgP/l); nitrite (mgN/l); ammonium (mgN/l); and pH. The measurements were made six times a year. The environmental parameters used (artificial environments, agricultural land, forests and semi-natural habitats) are related to the percentage in the basin.

For the vegetative data analysis, we used two-way clustering [30] to investigate stream groups in terms of their vegetation and indicator value (INDVAL) [31] in order to identify taxa characteristics of the floristic types that were present.

The two-way clustering method simultaneously assigns sites and species groups by performing two separate classification analyses, one on a matrix looking at groups within rows (sites) and the second on the transposed matrix looking at groups within columns (taxa) (Figure 2). The figure shows the two dendrograms resulting from the first group of lines (sites) and the second group of columns (species) of the matrix and the taxa abundance [27] . The INDVAL technique allows taxa characteristic of groups defined by the two-way clustering method to be identified by calculating the abundance, relative frequency and INDVAL of each taxon in each group [31] . In order to be considered as a characteristic or indicator group, a taxon must have an indicator species value greater than 25%.

Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to characterize the groups in terms of the physico-chemi- cal parameters of their environment.

The IBMR [32] was calculated for each site and a box-whisker plot test was used to characterize the groups in terms of their trophic state.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Analysis of the Vegetation Distribution in the Semois-Chiers Basin

The two-way clustering method was used to investigate groups of sites determined by their emerging macrophytic composition and species communities (Figure 2). Within the five groups defined, the results showed a

clear difference between the Lorraine (calcareous watercourses) groups (2 and 3) and the Ardennes ones (siliceous) (4 and 5). Within each geological context, those with natural vegetation of high ecological quality were separated from those dominated by resistant species. Rivers, however, in both the Lorraine and the Ardennes, fell into Group 1.

PCA was performed to characterize the groups in terms of their physico-chemical and environmental parameters (Figure 3).

Lowland rivers (calcareous and siliceous watercourses) (Group 1)

Group 1 was characterized by sites on medium-sized streams and rivers in the Lorraine and by sites on large rivers in the Ardennes. The watercourse size was determined according to the typology used in Wallonia [33] .

Figure 3 shows that these sites were characterized by high alkalinity and conductivity and a high concentration of nitrates. They also had a eutrophic character and eutrophication indicator species, including Ranunculus fluitans, Myriophyllum spicatum and Lemna minor (Figure 2), as well as low IBMR scores (Figure 4).

Calcareous streams (Lorraine area) (Groups 2 and 3)

Group 2 stream sites, dominated by species indicative of eutrophication, predominated in agricultural areas and in the few forests in the watershed areas (Figure 3). These sites had high values in the various physico- chemical parameters considered in our study (orthophosphate [mgP/l]; nitrite [mgN/l] and ammonium [mgN/l] (Figure 3). They were along the upper Semois and Vire (the main tributary of the Ton in the Chiers sub-basin) located on plains, drained farmland and urban or industrial areas. Species characteristic of this group were Leptodictyum riparium and Potamogeton crispus (Figure 2).

In contrast, Group 3 was characterized by low agricultural pressure and a strong dominance of forests in the watershed areas (Figure 3). It was also characterized by a macrophytic community dominated by species with a natural calcareous character of high biological value, including Hygroamblystegium tenax, Berula erecta, Cratoneuron filicinum and Pellia endiviifolia (Figure 2), as well as high IBMR scores (Figure 4).

Siliceous streams (Ardennes area) (Groups 4 and 5)

The Group 4 sites were characterized by low agricultural pressure and a strong dominance of forests. Some sites were on tributaries on the right bank of the Semois river in the Ardennes, where the lithological deposits are quartzophyllades, phyllites, sandstones and psammites and the predominant land use is forestry (Figure 3). In terms of abundance and frequency, the main indicator species were Hygroamblystegium fluviatile, Chiloscyphus polyanthus, Brachythecium rivulare, Dermatocarpon weberi, Thamnobryum alopecurum and Scapania undulata. These species have a very high indicator value and are therefore indicator species of high ecological status.

In contrast, the Group 5 sites were in areas with more agriculture and fewer forests (Figure 3) and were characterized by taxa that tended to be less sensitive. This could be explained by these sites being on the Ardennes plateau, which was dominated by grasslands. This situation was also reflected in the IBMR results (Figure 4), where the trophic levels were average for most of these Group 5 sites.

In these disturbed sites small amounts of some species characteristic of the reference streams persisted, especially Chiloscyphus polyanthus, Hygroamblystegium fluvialile Platyhypnidium riparioides and Brachythecium

rivulare. Others had disappeared and had been replaced by less sensitive species (e.g., higher plants, such as Callitriche hamulata, Ranunculus penicillatus and, to a lesser extent, Elodea nuttallii, Lemna minor, Callitriche platycarpa and Callitriche obtusangula, as well as macroalgae including Microspora sp. and Oedogonium sp. The quality difference between the sites of the two groups was also reflected in the difference of nitrate concentration (Figure 3).

3.2. Comparison with Previous Data

3.2.1. Analysis of Trends from 2010 to 2013

Eleven sites in Groups 1, 2 and 5 characterized by resistant species were subjected to analyses, the first conducted in 2010 and the second in 2013. The IBMR results from these two analyses are given in Table 1, which shows a trend towards improved ecological quality. The Wilcoxon test was performed to assess the significance of the difference in quality between the two years. This produced a statistically significant difference (p-value of <0.05).

This trend could be related to an improvement in water quality, but also to the difference in climatic conditions (hydrology, temperature) not considered in this study between the two years.

3.2.2. Comparison of Results with Previous Data

In the Semois sub-basin, our comparative work focused mainly on phanerogams and on the main Semois river. Thoen et al. [23] , who identified a set of macrophytic groups related to physico-chemical quality, focused only on the main Semois river. There are no results, therefore, for the Semois tributaries. Also, by focusing only on phanerogams, this meant excluding bryophytes and macroalgae, which had not been considered in previous studies.

The IBMR results from these two analyses are given in Table 2, which shows a trend of increasing IBMR values.

The first kilometer after the source (St 46), a little downstream from the largest town (Arlon) in the basin, was described in 1982 by the authors and others [34] as polytrophic and lacking vegetation as a result of pollution.

The presence of species in this section today, although they are indicators of pollution (Leptodictyum riparium and Cladophora glomerata), shows a tendency towards improvement in water quality. This could be the result of pollution control measures implemented by the Walloon Government under the WFD.

In an effort to improve sewage management in the Semois-Chiers basin, the Walloon Government is supporting the construction and expansion of wastewater treatment plants. Between 2000 and 2013, 29 such plants with a capacity of 117,025 PE were built in the basin. This has led to an improvement in physico-chemical quality,

NB. IBMR 1996 and 2013 were calculated without Macroalgae and bryophytes taxas.

mainly in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus. In the Semois river at Arlon (St46), concentrations of and fell from 0.80 and 0.75 in 1996 to 0.22 and 0.14 mg/l in 2013, respectively.

From St8 to the confluence with the Rulle (the first major tributary of the Semois, before St2), most species reported in 1996 are still there, including Potamogeton natans, Sparganium emersum and Elodea nuttallii.

The sandy-marly substrate in this part of the river is the main site of phosphorus trapping, especially under toxic conditions, but it can also be a source of phosphorus salt in the overlying water under certain conditions of pH and redox potential that affect phosphorus mobility [35] [36] . The release of phosphorus therefore plays a significant role in the development of macrophytes and might increase the trophic levels of the river in spite of pollution control efforts.

In their study, Thoen et al. [23] explained the presence of these resistant species by reshaping the longitudinal (and transverse) section of the upper Semois river, changing the natural environmental conditions. These conditions have favored a few opportunist and pollution-tolerant species, particularly Sparganium emersum.

In this first transect of the Semois river, the mineral richness of the waters combined with morphological pressures and alterations have radically changed the composition of the plant communities there. Glycerio- Sparganion species (especially Glyceria plicata in eutrophic waters rich in calcium) were present in the river headwater area before the environmental disturbances, but this is no longer the case. These species are still present, however, in the Lorraine area in smaller Semois watercourses with a loose alluvial substrate [37] .

Among the species that have regressed or are missing in the upper Semois is Potamogeton pectinatus. The decline of this species, considered to be an indicator species of unusually rich waters (polytrophic waters, indicating eutrophication of the river; e.g., [38] - [41] ) can be taken as a sign of slight improvement in the water quality here.

In mid- and lower Semois river, most species mentioned in 1996 are still there. In these stretches the tributaries vary in importance, flow level and water quality. Most tributaries reach the Semois from the northern side of the catchment area, on the right bank, and their water quality is good.

In this part, and despite crossing much poorer primary geological substrates, the river retains its original limestone-rich water. Its vegetation, dominated by Ranunculus fluitans, only partially reflects annual changes in habitat.

Our comparative analysis of the tributaries of the Semois was conducted with reference to the work done by Dethioux [37] . He described the ground waters from Early Devonian slaty sandstone, slaty quartz or phillite slate formations, with N levels of 1 - 2 mg/l and a P content equal to or lower than 0.01 mg/l, similar to the Ardennes mesotrophic waters. The macrophytic community he reported as characteristic of these environments was dominated by bryophytes fixed to boulders (Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Pellia epiphylla and Amblystegium fluviatile), as well as rheophilic species such as Fontinalis antipyretica, Fontinalis squamosa and Rhynchostegium riparioides and higher plants such as Ranunculus penicillatus and Callitriche hamulata.

All the species Dethioux [37] mentioned were observed in our surveys, reflecting the persistence of the natural state in these environments. According to Dethioux [37] , Lorraine streams with a water pH close to neutral or slightly alkaline, and with high conductivity and an important load of calcium bicarbonate, are characterized by species restricted to these conditions, such as bryophytic flora, including the moss Cratoneuron commutatum, which is involved in the genesis of travertine and tuff found in stream beds.

In some parts of the Chiers sub-basin, however, resistant species observed in 1999 [26] persist (e.g., Potamogeton crispus, Myriophyllum spicatum and Elodea nuttallii, in St29 and St21). This could be explained technically and is also apparent when looking at changes in physico-chemical parameters over short periods. Identifying trends requires working over longer periods. In addition, the water’s ecological status is a synthetic and aggregated indicator. In order to improve it significantly, it would be necessary to implement a program of measures of the different types of constraints leading to the degradation, and to build in a sufficiently long response time of the ecosystem to these changes.

4. Conclusions

In order to investigate the floristic typology of the watercourses of the Semois-Chiers basin, a two-way clustering method was used. Five groups of watercourses were identified using this method.

The results of the Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (MBIR) calculated for the sites in the different groups corroborated the physico-chemical quality measured for each group. The trophic level was low in most of the Lorraine streams (upper part of the Semois river, the Vire [main tributary of the Ton] and the Messancy [tributary of the Chiers]), indicating a vegetation dominated by disturbance species. It was high in the Semois Ardennes tributaries and those of the right bank of the Ton (tributary of the Chiers sub-basin), which were all water bodies with natural vegetation.

Compared with previous data, our results showed similarities as well as some contradictions. The contradictions might be indicative of a gradual change in the composition of the vegetation in the study area, resulting from changes in environmental conditions. They could also reflect the lack of information on the ecology of certain groups of plants not considered in precious studies, especially bryophytes and macroalgae.

Despite the measures applied as part of the implementation of the WFD, the current vegetation of the Semois differs little from that observed in 1996. There is a slight improvement in some streams, such as the upstream section of the Semois, which was described in previous studies as polytrophic and devoid of vegetation, but now has some macrophytic species.

Acknowledgments

We thank the Walloon Public Service through various conventions by which we collect the data processed. The authors would also like to thank Galoux D. and Cherot F. (Departement de l’Etude du Milieu Naturel et Agricole) for their assistance and “ISSEP” (Scientific Institute of Public Service) for physicochemical analysis.

Cite this paper

Sossey-AlaouiKhadija,RosillonFrancis,TychonBernard, (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,07,988-1000. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2015.713080

References