Assessment of hyporheic invertebrate assemblages through a dual sampling approach in a semi-arid catchment
Ammar, Thoraya; Taleb, Amina; Belaidi, Nouria
Fundamental and Applied Limnology Volume 198 Nr. 1 (2026), p. 15 - 29
55 Literaturangaben
veröffentlicht: May 26, 2026
Online veröffentlicht: Dec 5, 2025
Manuskript akzeptiert: Nov 26, 2025
finale Ms. Revision erhalten: Nov 23, 2025
Manuskript-Revision angefordert: Sep 10, 2025
Manuskript erhalten: May 7, 2025
DOI: 10.1127/fal/1589
ArtNo. ESP141019801002, Preis: 29.00 €
Abstract
The hyporheic zone represents an important habitat for aquatic invertebrates. However, the study of this biological component remains methodologically complex, particularly due to the difficulties associated with sampling interstitial fauna. This study aimed to examine the composition of the invertebrate communities in the hyporheic zone on a local scale of a semi-arid river and to assess the efficiency of two sampling techniques: Bou-Rouch technique, which removed organisms from sediment, and Artificial Substrates, which create new biotopes. Hyporheic fauna were sampled using the Bou-Rouch pump and artificial substrates in both pool and riffle habitats, at sediment depths of 30 and 50 cm, during the high water period (May to October) and the low water period (November to April). Analysis of the hyporheic fauna composition revealed a total of 31 invertebrate taxa and 2600 specimens collected across both sampling techniques. The majority of taxa (30 taxa) were recovered using the Bou-Rouch technique, while the Artificial Substrate method yielded 19 taxa. Only 55 % of the recorded taxa were common to both methods, with Cyclopidae being the dominant invertebrate taxon. PERMANOVA analysis revealed a significant difference between the two techniques in assemblage composition with a significant interaction between techniques and depths. Our results suggested that the Bou-Rouch technique provide a more effective and representative means of assessing hyporheic invertebrate communities, particularly in terms of taxonomic richness and abundance. In contrast, the Artificial Substrate method appears to offer a more limited and less accurate depiction of the community structure, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sampling methods for ecological studies in hyporheic environments.
Schlagworte
aquatic fauna • Bou-Rouch pump • artificial substrate • geomorphology • North African river