Biological And Physicochemical Elements Of Assessment Of The Ecological Status Of Water Bodies

Timetable

The course is conducted in a modern form combining intro lecture, field work and exercises/laboratories. The final product of the course is a report on the state of the environment of a river valley section, including the river, lakes and artificial reservoirs.

Lectures (3 h)  Field works / Exercises / Laboratories (42 h)

Topics:

Field measurements and sampling

Physical parameters of water

Field methods for monitoring the health and catchment function

Hydromorphological parameters of flowing and standing waters

Biologic parameters: phaeopigments

Biologic parameters: macrophyte in lakes/rivers

Biologic parameters: benthic invertebrates

Biologic parameters: ichtyofauna

Chemical parameters: forms of phosphorus

Chemical parameters: forms of nitrogen

Module aim (aims)

The course includes a comprehensive range of methods for evaluation of natural surface water bodies recommended by environmental protection organizations (e.g. EPA, EU Water Framework Directive, UN Water Convention). The principles of monitoring of water quality. Sampling methods and sample preparation to analysis. Biological, hydromorphological, physicochemical and chemical elements of water quality. Assessment of ecological status of waters with use of macrophytes, benthic invertebrate fauna and fish. Course content will include methodologies, sample and sampling preparation procedures in hydrobiology (tools for the field work); preservation and preparation of samples for laboratory analysis.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Biological or geographical course.

Syllabus

Course duration: 6 weeks (April - May)

Include: a reading assignment, a problem set with solutions, workshops involving problem-based exercises

Course text: Notes and Handouts

Form of assessment: participation, activity and report as required by the teacher

Final grade: the average of all grades

Reading list

Bettler C.M.M., Amsler M.L., et al. 2014. Long term morphologic and hydrologic effects on benthic invertebrates: in a minor channel of the Paraná River floodplain (Argentina). Ecological Engineering, 67: 134-143.

Chapman D. (ed.) 1992. Water quality assessments: a guide to the use of biota, sediments and water in environmental monitoring. Cambridge: UNEP/WHO/UNESCO.

Furse M.T., Hering D., Brabec K., Buffagni A., Sandin L., 2006. The ecological status of European rivers: evaluation and intercalibration of assessment methods. Springer.

Hauer F.R., Labmerti G.A., 2007. Methods in stream ecology. Elsevier.

Wetzel R.G., Likens G.E., 2000. Limnological analyses. Third Edition, Springer.