Comparative Investigation of Aquatic Invertebrates in Springs in Münsterland Area (Western Germany)

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the abundance of invertebrates in groundwater in relation to groundwater conditions (groundwater table, discharge, rainfall, and physio-chemical parameters), and to examine the suitable time for invertebrate sampling in springs. Thus, eight springs in two separate study areas, “Baumberge” and “Schöppinger Berg” (Münsterland area, North-Rhine Westphalia in Germany), were sampled five times (24 h for 2–5 consecutive sampling days) between November 2018 and October 2019. The results showed high spatial and temporal variance. In general, the existence of invertebrates and stygobites increased, whereas invertebrate types decreased with increasing hydraulic head and spring discharge. Therefore, investigating the abundance of invertebrates and invertebrate species is recommended to be done separately. Abundance of invertebrates was affected by different factors in both areas. Spearman correlation test (two-tailed) and factor analyses (n = 80, p ≤ 0.01) highlighted the importance of detritus as the main controlling factor for invertebrate existence and stygobite individuals in Baumberge, whereas dissolved oxygen is essential for their existence in Schöppinger Berg.