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A study of the species composition of mayfly communities in connection with environmental parameters was made in headwater streams of the Pieniny Mts. The rhithral zone is inhabited maximally by 19 mayfly species. In most of the streams studied the mayfly communities were found to be similar, however the vertical zonation which reflected human impact was visible (NMDS analysis). The main factors responsible for mayfly communities at all the sites studied were stream regulation and organic pollution, followed by type of bottom substrate (pebble and gravel), riparian vegetation (shrubs), pH and water temperature. At undisturbed sites the most important factors were pH, substrate type, distance from the source, current velocity and riparian vegetation (CCA analysis). Analysis of mayfly communities and environmental characteristics in different seasons showed that occurrence of mayfly species varied substantially depending on the season. Only in early spring and autumn do mayfly communities occur which are dependent on many environmental factors, the most significant of which are substrate type, phosphate, distance from source and altitude (CCA analysis).

Introduction. Freshwater sponges are common animals of most aquatic ecosystems. They feed by filtering small particles from the water, and so are thought to be sensitive indicators of pollution. Sponges are strongly associated with the abiotic environment and are therefore used as bioindicators for monitoring of water quality in water habitats. Among the freshwater sponges, Spongilla lacustris is one of the classic models used to study evolution, gene regulation, development, physiology and structural biology in animal water systems. It is also important in diagnostic of aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to characterize and visualize three-dimensional architecture of sponge body and measure skeleton elements of S. lacustris from Goczalkowice reservoir for identification purposes. Material and methods. The scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM--EDS) and X-ray micro computed tomography (micro-CT) were used to provide non-invasive visualization of the three-dimensional architecture of Spongilla lacustris body. Results. We showed that sponge skeleton was not homogeneous in composition and comprised several forms of skeleton organization. Ectosomal skeleton occurred as spicular brushes at apices of primary fibres with cementing spongin material. Choanosomal skeletal architecture was alveolate with pauci-to multispicular primary fibres connected by paucispicular transverse fibres, made by megascleres embedded in a scanty spongin matrix both in the choanosome and at the sponge surface. In contrast, microscleres were irregularly scattered in choanosome and skeletal surface. Furthermore, SEM-EDS studies showed that the distribution of silica in megascleres and microscleres was observed along the spicules and sponge surface areas. Conclusions. In conclusion, we showed that the combination of SEM-EDS and micro-CT microscopy techniques allowed obtaining a complete picture of the sponge spatial architecture. SEM-EDS and X-ray micro-CT studies of freshwater sponge

The larvae and adults of Ecdyonurus solus sp. nov., are described and illustrated. This species is found in the mountainous region of the Crimean Peninsula, and belongs to the Ecdyonurus venosus species-group. SEM photographs of the eggs of new species are presented. The distinguishing characteristics separating this E. solus sp. nov. from closely related species of the E. venosus species-group are discussed. Detailed data on the biology and distribution of the new species are presented.

Abstract. Flow variability determines the conditions of river ecosystems and river ecological functioning. The variability of ecological processes in river ecosystems gradually decreases due to river channelization and incision. Prediction of the environmental flow allows us to keep biological diversity and river health developed as a response to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems overexploited by humans. The goal of the study was to test the influence of river incision on environmental flow estimation based on the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP) macroinvertebrate index. A total of 240 macroinvertebrate assemblages of 12 waterbodies differing in bed substrate and amplitude of discharge were surveyed in southern Poland. Variations in the distribution of 151 466 macroinvertebrates belonging to 92 families were analysed. The similarity of benthic macroinvertebrates reflects the typological division of the rivers into three classes: Tatra mountain streams, mountain flysch rivers, and upland carbonate and silicate rivers. As a response variable reflecting the macroinvertebrate distribution in the river, the BMWP_PL index was chosen. The river incision significantly increased the values of e-flow calculations in relation to redeposited channels. The area of optimal habitat for macroinvertebrates decreased with the bed incision intensity. In highly incised rivers, the environmental flow values are close to the mean annual flow, suggesting that a high volume of water is needed to obtain good macroinvertebrate conditions. As a consequence, river downcutting processes and impoverishment of optimal habitats will proceed.