Course objective: In the bioassessment procedures within the EU there are different national protocols and systems of evaluation. Based on the in situ sampling and subsequent BQE measures, there is a vast array of metrics that can and may be used in achieving a final score/grade for the ecological state of a particular water body. Further, the metrics alone in some instances are not enough so multimetric (several biological metrics) indices should be applied. The objective of the course is to acquaint the students with the aforementioned protocols.
Course outcome: students will be able to select and apply the required protocols in ecomonitoring depending on the available BQE data and vice versa.
Literature:
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the Community action in the field of water policy;
Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Guidance document N° 10 – Rivers and Lakes – Typology, Reference Conditions and Classification Systems;
Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) Guidance document N° 13 – Overall Approach to the Classification of Ecological Status and Ecological Potential