Validating the NemaSPEAR[%]-index for assessing sediment quality regarding chemical-induced effects on benthic communities in rivers

Fine, cohesive sediments provide a habitat for a very diverse fauna and considerably contribute to important ecosystem services of aquatic ecosystems. As fine sediments are often hotspots of chemical contamination, the benthic fauna has to be protected in order to maintain its ecological functioning and thereby the proper provision of important ecosystem services. However, in these habitats usually meiofaunal organisms prevail, which are, so...