Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2883
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2883
07 Jul 2025
 | 07 Jul 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Biogeosciences (BG).

Low site diversity but high diversity across sites of depauperate Crustacea and Annelida communities in groundwater of urban wells in Kraków, Poland

Elżbieta Dumnicka, Joanna Galas, Tadeusz Namiotko, and Agnieszka Pociecha

Abstract. Crustaceans and annelids are key components of groundwater communities, influenced by both abiotic conditions and biotic interactions. This study assessed their diversity in urban groundwaters accessed via 91 dug/drilled wells in Kraków, southern Poland, subject to chronic anthropogenic disturbance. Invertebrates were recorded in 47 wells, with 19 species-group taxa identified from 28 wells, including eight annelid and 11 crustacean taxa (Ostracoda: 3; Copepoda: 6; Bathynellacea: 1; Amphipoda: 1). Six stygobiontic taxa were detected in 10 wells: Trichodrilus cernosvitovi, Trichodrilus sp., Typhlocypris cf. eremita, Diacyclops languidoides, Bathynella natans, and Niphargus cf. tatrensis. Due to some taxonomic uncertainties, open nomenclature was used where necessary. Species accumulation did not reach saturation, but extrapolation suggested the sampling was near-complete. Alpha diversity was low (1–3 species per well, mean = 1.4), while beta diversity was high (Whittaker index = 12.3), indicating substantial species turnover, a typical feature of groundwater ecosystems. No clear seasonal trends were observed, consistent with previous studies in Kraków. Four main community types were identified. One, dominated by Enchytraeus gr. buchholzi, may indicate degraded conditions, another, with Bathynella natans and Aeolosoma spp., suggests transitional states; a third, dominated by Trichodrilus spp., likely reflects relatively undisturbed groundwater; and a fourth, more heterogeneous type dominated by surface copepods, was ecologically ambiguous. Despite generally low richness and dominance by surface taxa, the presence of six stygobiontic species suggests that at least 20 % of the surveyed wells retain relatively good ecological conditions.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Elżbieta Dumnicka, Joanna Galas, Tadeusz Namiotko, and Agnieszka Pociecha

Status: open (until 12 Oct 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CC1: 'RC Comment on egusphere-2025-2883', Fabio Stoch, 26 Aug 2025 reply
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2883', Fabio Stoch, 28 Aug 2025 reply
  • CC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2883', Elżbieta Dumnicka, 29 Aug 2025 reply
Elżbieta Dumnicka, Joanna Galas, Tadeusz Namiotko, and Agnieszka Pociecha
Elżbieta Dumnicka, Joanna Galas, Tadeusz Namiotko, and Agnieszka Pociecha

Viewed

Total article views: 262 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total Supplement BibTeX EndNote
220 26 16 262 21 8 18
  • HTML: 220
  • PDF: 26
  • XML: 16
  • Total: 262
  • Supplement: 21
  • BibTeX: 8
  • EndNote: 18
Views and downloads (calculated since 07 Jul 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 07 Jul 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 258 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 258 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 09 Sep 2025
Download
Short summary
The studies of annelids and crustaceans in Krakow's urban wells indicate a heterogeneous and partly natural underground ecosystem. It is worth emphasizing that the occurrence of stygobiontic species in a significant part of the wells suggests that some groundwater habitats in the city maintain ecological integrity. These findings emphasize the importance of including urban groundwater fauna in biodiversity assessments and confirm the need for long-term biomonitoring systems.
Share