Course objective: The aim of this course is to provide an extensive knowledge about the bioassessment methods in aquatic ecosystems including different aquatic biota at their different levels of organization (from sub-organism to ecosystem). The chronological development of bioindication and biomonitoring methods will be presented with a special focus on the present routine monitoring programs, used for the assessment of aquatic ecosystems across the Europe.
Course outcome: Students should acquire broad understanding about the principles, structure and functioning of contemporary monitoring programs based on main aquatic biota groups.
Literature:
Markert BA, Breure AM, Zechmeister HG (2002) Bioindicators and Biomonitors: Principles, Concepts and Applications. Oxford: Elsevier. pp. 997.
Ziglio, G., Siligardi, M. & Flaim, G. (2006) Biological Monitoring of Rivers: Applications and Perspectives. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Oxford, UK.