Biota communities influence on nutrients circulation in hyporheic zone—a case study in urban spring niches in Bialystok (NE Poland)

Abstract Hyporheic zone (HZ) is an interstitial part of groundwater. Complex physical, chemical and biological processes in HZ impact water quality. We hypothesized that groundwater upwelling improves surface with biogenic compounds lowland spring niches, it depends on among others biota communities. The research was conducted two niches suburbs Białystok. Interstitial samples were collected mini-piezometers. In the field, physical parameters examined, micro macro elements determined laboratory. analysis included: vascular plants bryophytes, diatoms, macroinvertebrates bacteria. springs studied differed their richness organisms, which associated varying degrees abiotic conditions human transformation. niche high degree naturalness twice less nitrate ions than water, indicates assimilation by growing bottom niche. Hydrophilic vegetation performs a stabilizing function assimilating nitrogen contributing to variation nutrients concentration. Groundwater enrich DOC TON. No.1 patches vegetation, largest number macrozoobenthos recorded. While, heterogeneous No.2 affected diversity habitats, greater biodiversity benthic fauna. waters, there about as few bacteria waters. Psychrophilic present waters influence natural hyporheic including circulation organic matter microbiological loop self-purification water.