Field data of benthic invertebrate and pesticide effects in 159 samples from 138 small water bodies the northeast German lowlands

The presented dataset was obtained in a comprehensive field study of small standing water bodies located in an agricultural landscape in the northeastern German lowlands. We collected biological data (benthic invertebrate taxa abundances) and chemical data (pesticide residues and nutrient concentrations) as well as data on environmental parameters (e.g., conductivity, pH and habitat type) for 154 samples within the time period of 2015-2021. Benthic invertebrates were sampled with a hand net (mesh size 500 μm) using a habitat-specific, area standardized method. Sampled habitats were: fine particulate organic matter (FPOM), coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), submersed macrophytes, reed, flooded terrestrial vegetation, overhanging terrestrial vegetation, stones, and dead wood. Mixed water samples (5 L) for chemical analysis of nutrients and pesticides were taken by grab sampling from four to six points around the shoreline. The dataset was analysed in order to evaluate effects of agricultural and environmental stressors like habitat diversity, pesticide and nutrient contamination on diversity and structure of benthic invertebrate communities. This table contains the index of all tables forming this data collection.

Related datasets are listed in the metadata element 'Related Identifier'.
Dataset version 1.0