Ecological Status Of Water Bodies Research Articles

Ecoregion approach in the assessment of aquatic ecosystems in the west of Gaziantep (Turkey): Application of diatom metrics

Abstract The biological assessment of surface water quality is becoming more important to evaluate the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and to accomplish environmental sustainability since the implementation of EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). This study as the first attempt was organized to evaluate the ecological status of 17 freshwater bodies in the West of Gaziantep catchment by using diatom metrics. A total of 70 diatom assemblages were identified during the present study. The first two axes of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) explained 0.962 and 0.945 of diatom assemblages–environment correlations for streams and reservoirs, respectively. According to the CCA, nutrients (e.g., P-PO4 and N-NO3) and metal ions (e.g. Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cu) strongly affected the distribution of diatom assemblages among the water bodies. Among the studied surface waters, Karanlik stream had the highest scores of 3.30, 3.39, and 2.39 due to the TIT–Trophic Index Turkey, TI–Trophic Index, and EPI-D–Eutrophication and/or Pollution Index-Diatom, respectively. The results indicated that this stream had a bad ecological condition when the EPI-D showed a poor condition. The occurrence of pollution-tolerant taxa, associated with high nutrients and electrical conductivity (EC), confirmed the ecological conditions of this stream. On the other hand, Cinarli (TIT = 2.23) and Yamacoba (TIT = 1.96) streams were of good ecological condition and had relatively low EC and nutrients. The presence of pollution-sensitive species in Cinarli and Yamacoba streams (Meridion circulare, Cymbella affinis, Halamphora veneta, and Cymbella excisa) endorsed the ecological status of it. The loading of organic and inorganic nutrients from livestock farming, agricultural land-use, and settlements could impact the water quality of the sampling stations in this catchment. The present study emphasized the importance of the evaluation of ecological integrity based on the biological and chemical characteristics of ecosystems. Diatom indices were used herein reflected efficient results for the separation of the ecological conditions of the sampled stations. Ecological preferences and occurrences of diatom assemblages and the significant positive correlation criterion with P-PO4 confirmed the suitability of TIT for assessing the ecological status of the sampling stations. All of these results suggest that the ecological status of water bodies should be evaluated due to the indices developed in their ecoregions.

Population Dynamics, Diversity and Distribution of Freshwater Snails in Zobe Dam, Dutsin-Ma, North-Western Nigeria

Freshwater snails are crucial in assessing the ecological status of water bodies beside their economic, public and veterinary health importance. Hence, ecological studies pertaining to their abundance, diversity and distribution become paramount. A total of 1664 freshwater snails were sampled in Zobe Dam and the physicochemical parameters of the water body were analyzed on a monthly basis from April to September 2017 following standard protocols. Among the 1664 snails collected, 788 (47.94%) were Lymnaea natalensis, 492 (29.93%) were Bulinus trophicus and 364 (26.14%) were Bulinus forskalii. The study revealed monthly and spatial variation in the population of snails. Diversity and distribution of snails in Zobe Dam was influenced by pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and turbidity. Coefficient of correlation (r) between snail species and the physicochemical parameters of water such as dissolved oxygen, turbidity and conductivity had a strong positive correlation with all the three species while pH was found to have a weak positive correlation with only Lymnaea natalensis. In conclusion, Lymnaea natalensis was the most abundant in population of snails inhabiting Zobe Dam and the population of snail varied with the physicochemical parameters of the water body.

Detection of chemically induced ecotoxicological effects in rivers of the Nidda catchment (Hessen, Germany) and development of an ecotoxicological, Water Framework Directive\u2013compliant assessment system

BackgroundApproximately 90% of German surface waters do not meet the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive (EU-WFD). This is primarily due to deficits in water body structure and biological quality components, which in turn are negatively affected by chemical pollution. In this context, hydromorphological restoration measures have often been conducted to improve habitat and species diversity and, therefore, the ecological status of water bodies. However, habitat improvement is not necessarily accompanied by biota enhancement and thus by the improvement of the ecological status of rivers. To prioritize water management measures, decision criteria for the water management practice are necessary, which enable the prognosis, whether chemical pollution and its resulting effects or other factors, such as structural deficits of the water bodies, are the main cause for the failure to meet the objective of a good ecological status.ResultsTo address this need, we applied the freshwater mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum and the amphipod Gammarus fossarum in active monitoring campaigns and in laboratory experiments with combined water/sediment samples and analyzed water and sediment samples with in vitro assays quarterly over the course of 1 year to provide evidence and guideline to assess if chemical contamination is a relevant stress factor for the aquatic biodiversity in rivers of the Nidda catchment (Hessen, Germany). On the basis of these results, an ecotoxicological, WFD–compliant assessment system was developed which, in comparison with the ecological status classes of the EU-WFD, permits the identification of the probable causes for the failure to meet the objectives of the EU-WFD. From these findings, recommendations for action were derived for the implementation of priority measures in water management practice. For the rivers Nidda, Usa, and Horloff, we identified a need for action to improve water and sediment quality at all investigated sampling sites except for the reference sites in the headwaters. The ecotoxicological assessment system also highlighted that hydromorphological restoration measures on their own will not lead to a good ecological status of rivers, as long as water and sediment quality are deficient.ConclusionHydromorphological restoration measures should be performed in conjunction with measures to reduce chemical contamination to achieve a good ecological status of the rivers Nidda, Usa, and Horloff.

Geospatial assessment of the Mokra Sura river ecological condition using remote sensing and in situ monitoring data

The use of remote sensing methods for environmental monitoring of the surface water quality is proved. Regression relationships are consistent with ground-based measurements at sampling sites in water bodies and are an effective tool for assessing the ecological status of water bodies. The state of the water bodies of the Mokra Sura river basin varies considerably. The best is the water quality in the upper part of the Mokra Sura river, the worst – in the middle and lower parts. The factors of water pollution are discharges of not enough treated wastewater of industrial enterprises of the Kamyans’koy and Dniprovs’koy industrial agglomeration. The purpose of our search included the following tasks: (a) calculation of integrated environmental water quality indices; b) obtaining satellite information, processing of multispectral satellite images of water bodies using appropriate applied software techniques; c) establishment of statistical dependencies between water quality indexes obtained for biotopically space images and data of actual in situ measurements. The results of systematic hydrochemical control of the Mokra Sura river basin from 2007 to 2011 years were initial data in 4 control areas located in the Dnipropetrovsk region: 1 – the Sursko-Litovske village; 2 – the Bratske village; 3 – the Novomykolayvka village; 4 – the Novooleksandryvka village. Environmental assessment of the water quality of the Mokra Sura river within the Dnipropetrovsk region was based on the calculation the integrated environmental index ( IEI ). Priority pollutants in this case are oil products and ions 2−SO 4, 2 + Mg , 2 + Zn , 6 + Cr . Two images with a difference in three years in April 2015 and May 2017 were used to determine the current changes in the land cover of the study area. Geomorphological assessment of the water network of the Morka Sura river was performed using satellite radar interferometry. Multispectral images of Landsat 5/TM (2007-2011) and Sentinel 2B/MSI (2017) satellite systems were used forremote assessment of water bodies in the study area of the Mokra Sura river basin. The multispectral index TCW (Tasseled Cap Wetness) was used to measure the spectral reflection of the aquatic environment along of the Mokra Sura river flow. The main advantage of the studies is a demonstration of remote sensing capabilities to estimate Mokra Sura river ecological status not only in individual sites, but also throughout the flow – from source to mouth. Follow the necessity to use water from the Mokra Sura river for irrigation, the level of soil water erosion can only increase and enhance the negative processes of eutrophication of reservoirs. Long term technogenic pollution requires information about the state of surface water of fishery, drinking and municipal water use facilities as an integral part of the aquatic ecosystem, the habitat of aquatic organisms and as a resource of drinking water supply. Over 80% of the Mokra Sura river basin surface (IEI 4-12) belong to the classes with the assessment of dirty, very and extremely dirty. The results of studies using remote sensing indicate the need to reduce the streams of not enough treated wastewater to the the Mokra Sura river. The obtained data can be used for ecological assessment of the current and retrospective state of water bodies, development of forecasts of rivers pollution.

Bio-assessment of surface waters in the south-east of Gaziantep (Turkey) using diatom metrics

Diatom metrics can be used to identify the ecological status of water bodies due to their good responses to anthropogenic disturbances. Our study is aimed to use diatom metrics developed from different ecoregions for assessing the ecological status of 11 surface waters in the south-east of the Gaziantep catchment (Turkey). Ecological characterizations of the sampling stations were introduced by Trophic Index Turkey (TIT), Trophic Index (TI), and Eutrophication and/or Pollution Index-Diatom (EPI-D). According to TIT and TI, Karkamış Reservoir had a good ecological condition while it had high ecological status based on EPI-D. This good ecological condition was approved by the presence of pollution sensitive species (e.g.,Cymbella affinis,Encyonema minutum,E. silesiacum,Cymbopleura amphicephala, andNavicula radiosa) and relatively low nutrients. Kayacık (TIT ranging 3.15–3.23) and Hancağız (TIT = 3.35) reservoirs had poor and bad ecological conditions, respectively. High nutrient, conductivity, and pollution-tolerant species (e.g.,Nitzschia amphibia,N. palea,N. umbonata,N. linearis,N. phyllepta,Tryblionella calida, andPinnularia brebissonii) supported the ecological statuses of the Hancağız and Kayacık reservoirs. The first two axes of canonical correspondence analysis explained 0.943 of relationships between diatom species and explanatory variables. Explanatory variables,e.g., calcium, conductivity, orthophosphate, nitrate, nitrite, sodium, pH, and sulfur, had strong impacts on the distribution of diatom assemblages among the sampling stations. TIT and TI separated ecological statuses of sampling stations in the south-east of the Gaziantep catchment, which correlated well with the evidence of water chemistry and response of diatom assemblages.

ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКАЯ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЯ БЕСПОЗВОНОЧНЫХ - ИНДИКАТОРОВ ОРГАНИЧЕСКИХ ВЕЩЕСТВ - В ВОДОЕМАХ КАЗАХСТАНА

The article deals with carrying out DNA barcoding of aquatic invertebrates of Kazakhstan to identify their taxonomic status as organic pollution indicators. 33 species of the Balkhash-Alakol basin and the Zhayik river were analyzed. 21 species correlate (95-100%) with previously published sequences of invertebrates with well-known classifications in the GenBank and BOLD databases. The taxonomic discrepancy in morphometric and genetic parameters in certain species has been revealed. The discrepancy may be caused by the morphological identity in chironomids at a larval stage. The phylogenetic trees of the investigated species within the families Chironomidae and Moinidae have been indicated. Chironomids are represented by ten clades of different types of genetic polymorphism of DNA gene. Genetic links of Moinidae are detected in four groups including a cryptic species from Lake Alakol. It has been stated that in distribution of cryptic taxons in Moina family factors of salinity and depth of the lake are important, as well as differences in depth. Molecular DNA-barcoding of invertebrates of Kazakhstan should be continued with covering a greater number of species and several replications, with qualified primary fixation of subjects of research and a sufficient number of samples. Authenticity of composition defining, species abundance, species characteristics of aquatic invertebrates from the water bodies of poorly explored arid regions is necessary for using them as indicators of the ecological status of water bodies.

Geoinformation modelling system of natural technical complexes for simulation modelling and optimization of load distribution

To create a system of environmental management of natural-technical complexes the organization of algorithmic support load quotas for each subject by geoinformation modelling tools is necessary. Proposed structure of geoinformation modelling system allows analysing and processing of data by geoinformation system tools with estimation for each parameter value used in accordance with proposed method. Determined criteria for load distribution between water users include the best available technologies, object social significance, ecological status of water bodies in target water points of territorial natural-engineering complex. Presented results open up new approaches, methods and techniques based on technical and new generation software. Practical relevance: algorithm and method of geoinformation project development on environmental management of territorial natural-engineering complex are able to analyse of characteristics on monitoring results, to distribute load quotes taking into account ecological level of production on the proposed criteria in accordance with developed methodology of enterprise management efficiency increasing.

Katalog přírodě blízkých opatření pro zadržení vody v krajině a jeho uplatnění ve webové mapové aplikaci pro veřejnost

A catalogue of green water retention measures in landscape represents one of the results of long term project financed by the Ministry of Environment. The main goal of the catalogue was to summarize a set of measures with positive effects on water retention of landscape, with low impact on ecological status of water bodies.

Multiple stressor effects on biological quality elements in the Ebro River: Present diagnosis and predicted responses

Multiple abiotic stressors affect the ecological status of water bodies. The status of waterbodies in the Ebro catchment (NE Spain) is evaluated using the biological quality elements (BQEs) of diatoms, invertebrates and macrophytes. The multi-stressor influence on the three BQEs was evaluated using the monitoring dataset available from the catchment water authority. Nutrient concentrations, especially total phosphorus (TP), affected most of the analyzed BQEs, while changes in mean discharge, water temperature, or river morphology did not show significant influences. Linear statistical models were used to evaluate the change of water bodies' ecological status under different combinations of future socioeconomic and climate scenarios. Changes in land use, rainfall, water temperature, mean discharge, TP and nitrate concentrations were modeled according to the future scenarios. These revealed an evolution of the abiotic stressors that could lead to a general decrease in the ecosystem quality of water bodies within the Ebro catchment. This deterioration was especially evidenced on the diatoms and invertebrate biological indices, mainly because of the foreseen increase in TP concentrations. Water bodies located in the headwaters were seen as the most sensitive to future changes.

The Influence of Tax Rates for the Groundwater Extraction to the Ecological Status of Water Bodies in the EU Countries

Purpose. To analyze the relationship between the ecological status of water bodies and the size of the tax rate for groundwater extraction. Methods. A complex of general scientific methods of research was used. In particular, a comparative analysis of the level of tax rates for the extraction of groundwater in the EU member states. Results. A comparative analysis of the level of tax rates for groundwater extraction in the EU member states has been made.The issue of allocating state income from rent payments for groundwater extraction has been investigated. It has been established that the cost of rent payments from groundwater extraction is usually attributed to: general taxation (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany), water resources management (France), fund for the protection and restoration of groundwater (Belgium, Germany), expenditure on water resources (provinces in the Netherlands, Australia).The modern ecological status of water objects of EU countries has been studied. It has been established that rent payments for groundwater extraction in the EU member states vary considerably. The smallest are observed in the post-Soviet area (Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania). The highest tax, among the countries under study, in Denmark. Denmark is leading the quality indicators of underground and surface waters. 70-90% of water bodies in Denmark have a good ecological status.Conclusions.It has been practically proved that the high tax rate for the extraction of groundwater does not solve environmental problems. The experience of European countries shows that the improvement of the ecological status of water objects is possible by budget allocations from the extraction of groundwater to the management and protection of water resources.

Distribution of epiphytic algae on macrophytes of various ecological groups (the case study of water bodies in the Dnieper River basin)

Abstract The generalization and analysis of original data have shown that the nature of epiphytic algae distribution on higher aquatic plants, representing different ecological groups, is very similar in various types of numerous water bodies in the Dnieper River basin. Their species richness and values of quantitative indices were mostly higher on submerged plants compared to plants of other ecological groups. The number of epiphytic algae species was 1.1-1.7 times higher on submerged plants compared to that on half-submerged plants and 1.6-3.1 times higher compared to plants with floating leaves. The taxonomic structure and species composition of epiphyton were very similar on half-submerged and submerged plants and moderately similar on plants with floating leaves compared to macrophytes of other ecological groups. It is emphasized that the specificity of epiphytic algae distribution on macrophytes of various ecological groups should be taken into account when performing monitoring and assessment of the ecological status of water bodies by the bioindication method.

Impactos del nitrógeno agrícola en los ecosistemas acuáticos

Eugercios Silva, A.R., Alvarez-Cobelas, M., Montero Gonzalez, E. 2017. Agricultural nitrogen impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Ecosistemas 26(1): 37-44. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2017.26-1.06 Groundwater and surface water bodies have been affected to various stress types since the second half of the twentieth century due to the development of intensive agricultural irrigation activities not only in Spain but also in Europe and globally. Leaching of nitrogen from fertilizers applied to agricultural fields affects the qualitative state of groundwater resources, due to the high nitrate concentrations measured in this water bodies, above the maximum allowable limit. Groundwater acts as a long-term sink for nitrate due to the high transit times and low remediation capacity to mitigate pollution. Nitrogen exportation through the discharge to surface water bodies is the main mechanism of nitrate pollution of rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. High nitrate concentrations cause environmental issues such as the progressive water eutrophication and human health risks (blue baby disease). To achieve good ecological status of water bodies is necessary the comprehensive study of the conceptual model, taking into account the hydric behavior and the source, fate and its transformation processes of the nitrogen cycle.

Spatiotemporal changes in the ecological status of water bodies on the mining territories of the Syunik Province (Republic of Armenia)

We discuss the changes in hydrological characteristics of water bodies caused by freshwater withdrawals to meet the interests of various users on the territory of the Syunik Province of the Republic of Armenia. An analysis is made of the possibilities of combining the water withdrawal for mining enterprises and for agriculture. The problems with water supply of settlements located on this territory are highlighted. The temporal dynamics of water withdrawals is presented for separate rivers as well as its relationship with the minimum and ecological flow. It is found that the anthropogenic load on water bodies is more clearly pronounced in the case of a degradation of the quality of water resources as a result of the industrial waste water diversion, and wash-out of pollutants from the territory of enterprises during floods and in the case of emergency input of wastes from tailings pools, rock spoil heaps and waste storage areas. Results of these authors’ observations, data of routine observations and material from published sources were used in analyzing the water quality in the rivers of the Syunik Province. We calculated the coefficients of ecological quality and determined the river water quality classes according to physicochemical and biological indicators. Assessments of the river water quality class were made in accordance with the methodology of Directive 2000/60/EC. We identified the main pollutants that are responsible for the water quality class, and the factors of impact on natural waters governing the ecological status of water bodies. A comprehensive analysis is made of the intensity of anthropogenic impact on surface waters. The ecological status of water bodies is determined. Spatial changes in the quality indicators of the water of the region’s main rivers are demonstrated. Special emphasis is placed on the need to implement immediate measures to improve technological processes and bring the operation of enterprises into compliance with ecological normative standards.

Assessing candidate metrics for the ecological quality of TFTW (tidal freshwaters in transitional waters) in Ireland using benthic invertebrates

There is an obligation under the Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC) not just to establish the ecological status of water bodies, but to ensure that they achieve ‘good’ quality. However, in some cases, the criteria have been difficult to establish, and one such case is that for Tidal Freshwaters in Transitional Waters (TFTW).In this study, based on 8 systems and 37 TFTW sites around Ireland, there were significant differences in invertebrate benthos, which was largely dominated by freshwater species. The evaluation of ecological status varied significantly across sampling methods which in turn were driven by the character of the substratum.The standard kick-sample method, in riffle conditions, yielded 69 taxa, cores in intertidal soft sediments 21 taxa, and grabs in the subtidal 15 taxa. The salinity (Practical Salinity Scale) at the study sites ranged from 0 to 29.3, although all but 3 were <5, but there was a greater consistency of community composition within a single TFTW across salinities than the converse.Diversity indices followed a similar although not identical pattern, with the Shannon-Weiner index (H′) maxima being 2.24, 1.32 and 1.48 for kick samples, cores and grabs respectively. Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) scores were much closer, ranging from 4.5 to 6.1, 3.5–6.3 and 3.6–5.2 respectively, and in general, indices which included some measure of species' tolerance performed better than those based on diversity alone, but at the cost, in core and grab samples, of a very low information base (very few species contributing to the calculation).Of those metrics assessed, only ASPT could be put forward as a WFD candidate for quality assessment.

Role of environmental factors in affecting macrophyte dominance in transitional environments: The Italian Lagoons as a study case

AbstractOne of the main challenges to facilitate the classification of water bodies is to identify direct relationships between anthropogenic pressures and the behavior of biological organisms such as macrophytes in different environments including transitional areas. The investigation of many lagoons and ponds described here shows that macrophyte variables and the community composition have strong and univocal relationships with ecological parameters that are a measure of anthropogenic pressure on the ecological status of water bodies. The areas surveyed represent about 78% of the Italian transitional waters (169 sites sampled both in spring and fall). Anthropogenic impacts affect the availability of nutrients in the water column and surface sediments, causing changes in water transparency and phytoplankton concentration (as chlorophyll‐a [Chl‐a]) that act as the main drivers of variation for macrophyte assemblages, changing species dominance and the conditions that govern their presence or absence. The response of macrophytes to anthropogenic pressure is quite similar in all the examined transitional environments, even when the basin morphology, species richness and composition are different. Some taxa and species assemblages are so sensitive to environmental changes that monitoring them can be considered the most suitable and rapid method for assessing the quality of the environment they inhabit.

Integrating the Water Framework Directive into the Habitats Directive: Analysis of distribution patterns of lacustrine EU habitats in lakes of Lombardy (northern Italy)

The existence of strong potential synergies between the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Habitats Directive (HD) is widely acknowledged. Indeed, ensuring favourable conservation conditions for aquatic habitats and species of conservation concern is closely related to the achievement of a good ecological status in water bodies. However, since these two sets of European laws are generally applied without any coordination, an inefficient use of resources may adversely affect their goals. The main negative outcome is an increase in the cost of monitoring programs for collecting data in nature (i.e., physical and chemical parameters, species and habitats, plant communities). The use of macrophytes as a bioindicator, as imposed by the WFD, may instead help to integrate data on aquatic EU habitats and enhance knowledge of such habitats outside the Natura 2000 network. The aim of present study was to evaluate the usefulness of data collected in WFD monitoring surveys as a means of inferring the occurrence and the distribution of lacustrine aquatic habitats in countries belonging to the European Union (EU). The main aim of the analysis was to identify the depth gradient distribution of diagnostic macrophyte taxa in two EU habitats (3140, i.e., Chara-dominated benthic communities, and 3150, i.e., natural eutrophic lakes) using data collected in lakes in Lombardy (northern Italy), some of which are included in the Natura 2000 network (10 out 16). While recognizing the limitations of the data collected within the two frameworks, the results confirmed the marked usefulness of WFD data as a means of enhancing the knowledge available on lacustrine aquatic habitats in the EU. WFD data can actively help to improve the basic information on aquatic habitats, thereby more effectively supporting regional strategies for biodiversity conservation as well as recovery programs.

Integrating the Water Framework Directive into the Habitats Directive: analysis of distribution patterns of lacustrine EU habitats in lakes of Lombardy (northern Italy)

&lt;p&gt;The existence of strong potential synergies between the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Habitats Directive (HD) is widely acknowledged. Indeed, ensuring favourable conservation conditions for aquatic habitats and species of conservation concern is closely related to the achievement of a good ecological status in water bodies. However, since these two sets of European laws are generally applied without any coordination, an inefficient use of resources may adversely affect their goals. The main negative outcome is an increase in the cost of monitoring programs for collecting data in nature (&lt;em&gt;i.e.&lt;/em&gt;, physical and chemical parameters, species and habitats, plant communities). The use of macrophytes as a bioindicator, as imposed by the WFD, may instead help to integrate data on aquatic EU habitats and enhance knowledge of such habitats outside the Natura 2000 network. The aim of present study was to evaluate the usefulness of data collected in WFD monitoring surveys as a means of inferring the occurrence and the distribution of lacustrine aquatic habitats in countries belonging to the European Union (EU). The main aim of the analysis was to identify the depth gradient distribution of diagnostic macrophyte &lt;em&gt;taxa&lt;/em&gt; in two EU habitats (3140, &lt;em&gt;i.e.&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Chara&lt;/em&gt;-dominated benthic communities, and 3150, &lt;em&gt;i.e.&lt;/em&gt;, natural eutrophic lakes) using data collected in lakes in Lombardy (northern Italy), some of which are included in the Natura 2000 network (10 out 16). While recognizing the limitations of the data collected within the two frameworks, the results confirmed the marked usefulness of WFD data as a means of enhancing the knowledge available on lacustrine aquatic habitats in the EU. WFD data can actively help to improve the basic information on aquatic habitats, thereby more effectively supporting regional strategies for biodiversity conservation as well as recovery programs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Influence of the Amazon Hydrological Regime on Eutrophication Indicators of a Hydroelectric Power Plant Reservoir.

Dam constructions in the Amazon have increased exponentially in the last decades, causing several environmental impacts and serious anthropogenic impacts in certain hydroelectric power plant reservoirs in the region have been identified. The assessment of the trophic status of these reservoirs is of interest to indicate man-made changes in the environment, but must take into account the hydrological cycle of the area. This can be relevant for environmental management actions, aiding in the identification of the ecological status of water bodies. In this context, physico-chemical parameters and eutrophication indicators were determined in a hydroelectric power plant reservoir in the Brazilian Amazon to assess trophic variations during the regional hydrological regime phases on the reservoir, namely dry, filling, full and emptying stages. The local hydrological regimes were shown to significantly influence TSS and turbidity, as well as NH4, NO3, PO4, with higher values consistently observed during the filling stage of the reservoir. In addition, differences among the sampling stations regarding land use, population and anthropogenic activities were reflected in the PO43- values during the different hydrological phases.

Evaluation of status of Kiev water bodies using remote sensing data

The were presented the results of remote sensing data, made by satellite Landsat 8, for estimation of the ecological status of water bodies in Kyiv. The were found that during the year this status changes in large scale. The largest fluctuations and simultaneous deviation from the state of the Dnipro river obtained for lakes. For the determination of water bodies status there were proposed to use indexes NDPI, NDTI and the meaning of B3 channel, which corresponds to the green color.

Robustness of the biotic indicators used for classification of ecological status of lotic water bodies: A testing method when the data series are short

Successful implementation of the Water Framework Directive and achieving its objective of good ecological status of all water bodies depend on the power of the set of monitoring indicators to capture the change in the ecological status of aquatic systems. In this context, testing the robustness and sensitivity of ecological indicators currently used for assessing the status of lotic water bodies is instrumental for the adaptation and further development of assessment methods. This is also a prerequisite for an effective, context-based monitoring system and for improving the quality of the decision making for water bodies. This is particularly challenging in regions where the sets of indicators are under development, the data series are relatively short and data which addresses the individual error sources are lacking. Here we show that hierarchical clusters and ordination analysis provide appropriate tools with which the validity of the ecological status of water bodies set up based on biological multimetric monitoring indices in a small water basin could be tested. We hypothesize that robust and informative monitoring methods classify all water bodies belonging to a single ordination grouping in the same quality class (high, good, moderate, poor or bad). In our case study multimetric biological indicators failed to discriminate between the good and moderate ecological status. Community structure as well as water conductivity and nitrate load were primarily responsible for the observed difference between ordination groupings. Inconsistencies shown in our case study are likely to be induced by insufficient refinement of monitoring schemes and by the constraints existing in the data series and available metadata. We show that multiplication of indicators leads to discrepant interpretation and problematic application. Proposed ordination analysis proves to be a simple and useful tool to detect such discrepancies and support further progress in indicator development. Integrated and longer data and metadata series are needed to refine context-based monitoring methods.