Determination of Ecological Flow for Macroinvertebrate Communities in Streams Affected by Urban Drainage – Case Study of Prague

Abstract

This article is focused on definition and identification of optimal ecological flow for macrozoobenthos commu- nities in small urban creeks affected by urban drainage using the Physical HABitat Simulation (PHABSIM) system. It de- scribes the process of determination of ecological flows, from field measurement to determined values. Results show that combine sewer overflows and storm water drains negatively affect urban creeks and theirs diversity. In the end it com- pares determined ecological flows with measured and given values. Results show that minimum ecological flows are not reached in one third of a year and determined optimal flows are not abided.