Performance of two artificial substrate samplers for macroinvertebrates in biological monitoring of large and deep rivers and canals in Belgium and The Netherlands

Harmonization exercises organized by the European Communities in the 1970s on biological water assessment methods for running waters, because the usual methods were difficult or impossible to apply, explicitly stressed the need for development of standardized sampling procedures for monitoring large and deep rivers and canals. To meet this objective, an extensive monitoring campaign was organized in Belgium and The Netherlands to test the efficiency of artificial substrates colonized by macroinvertebrates as an alternative for natural communities sampled with a handnet. Two types of artificial substrates were tested: a Belgian substrate, composed of a plastic netting filled with medium-sized pieces of brick, and a Dutch substrate consisting of a stainless steel box filled with marbles. The collected biocoenoses were compared qualitatively and quantitatively. Water quality was assessed by means of several biotic indexes. The results show that both the Belgian and the Dutch artificial substrate sampler can replace the usual samples obtained by means of a handnet, and provide a correct assessment. A major drawback of the use of artificial substrates in uncontrolled monitoring sites remains the unforeseen losses. For that reason the cost price of the substrates may have to be considered when making a selection.