Integration of the saprobic system into the European Union Water Framework Directive, Case studies in Austria, Germany and Czech Republic. In: Hering D, Verdonschot P.F.M., Moog O. & Sandin L. (eds), Integrated Assessment of Running Waters in Europe
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2004 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Hydrobiologia |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Water pollution and control |
| Keywords | Water Framework Directive; saprobic system; benthic invertebrates; reference conditions; bioassessment |
| Description | The use of saprobic systems has long traditions in the water management in Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. Within the context of water quality assessment they are applied to indicate the effects of anthropogenic caused organic impact leading to a decrease in the dissolved oxygen content of running waters. In December 2000 the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) came into force. It demands homogeneous procedures and methods for assessing inland surface waters as well as groundwater, coastal and transitional waters. To incorporate the saprobic approach into the new integrative methodology of the European assessment of the ecological status of water bodies, the national saprobic systems need to be adjusted. This paper describes the according methodological developments and adaptations of Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany required to harmonise the traditional procedure with the guidelines of the WFD. |
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