Macroinvertebrates as ecological indicators of freshwaters functioning and its drivers through Europe Urban Ecology

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Since macroinvertebrates contribute to many processes in freshwater ecosystems and show a high variability in environmental tolerance, they represent a useful tool for assessing the ecological status and functioning of ecosystems. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding their environmental drivers in aquatic habitats built as aquatic nature-based solutions (aquaNbS), especially when working at a continental scale. In the project BiNatUr, we studied the influence of climate, vegetation, water and NbS characteristics in macroinvertebrates across European cities. Similarly, project RECHARGE is studying if aquaNbS can improve water recharge, and support to macroinvertebrate communities. Furthermore, project AquaPlan will quantify the impacts of light and noise pollution on aquatic biodiversity in European waters. Understanding the macroinvertebrate communities is being essential to design appropriate actions in management and conservation of freshwaters in order to improve aquaNbS value for biodiversity support and provision of ecosystem services.